asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Statement by Baroness Taylor of Bolton on 3 July (WS 15) announcing the signature of the contracts and of the alliance agreement to build the two aircraft carriers, what are the principal milestones in the construction process; and when they expect to reach each of those landmarks. [HL4713]

The principal milestones in the construction of the Future Aircraft Carriers (CVF) are:

start of production work at the main shipyards, which is expected to commence in early 2009 for CVF01 and mid 2010 for CVF02;

delivery of the first hull block to the Rosyth integration yard, planned for late 2011 for CVF01 and mid 2013 for CVF02; and

float-up of the completed hulls in early 2013 for CVF01 and mid 2014 for CVF02 to be followed by sea trials and contract acceptance in 2014 and 2016 respectively.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will seek to ensure that, following the recommendations of Amnesty International, member states of the Council of Europe require all aircraft operators seeking permission to fly over or land in their territory to indicate whether they are carrying any passengers who are deprived of their liberty, and give their status and the legal basis for their transfer. [HL4401]

In the context of its work to consider the proposals relating to rendition made by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Extraordinary Rendition, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office will review the recent proposals made by Amnesty International. We will expect that other member states of the Council of Europe will draw their own conclusions on the proposals.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How much money was allocated to research into a tuberculosis vaccine for cattle and badgers in 1997–2007; and[HL4821]

Further to the Statement by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 7 July (Official Report, Commons, cols. 1153–55), whether research into a tuberculosis vaccine for cattle and badgers will be financed from existing animal health budgets; and [HL4822]

Whether research into a bovine tuberculosis vaccine for cattle and badgers is being undertaken only by government research centres, or whether private companies are undertaking such research. [HL4823]

Significant funding for bovine tuberculosis vaccines research commenced in 1998 following the Krebs report. Total investment since 1998 in vaccine development reached more than £17.8 million by the end of March 2008 and over £5.5 million was invested in cattle and badger vaccine research in the last financial year (2007-08).

This breaks down into spending of just under £11 million on cattle vaccine development and just under £7 million on badger vaccine development over the past 10 years.

Of the £20 million identified as funding for vaccine research by the Secretary of State, £10.4 million has already been contracted from the existing tuberculosis programme research budgets. The remaining £9.6 million has not yet been contracted and will be funded from an expanded research budget.

Research into a bovine tuberculosis vaccine for cattle and badgers is carried out on behalf of the department by its laboratory agencies, research council institutes, universities and the private sector.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are the total assets of the Icelandic Deposit Guarantees and Investor-Compensation Scheme which protects the first €20,887 of deposits by United Kingdom residents with United Kingdom branches of Icelandic banks; and what are the circumstances under which the United Kingdom Financial Services Compensation Scheme could be liable for that amount, as well as the excess up to £35,000. [HL4579]

Under the Deposit Guarantee Schemes Directive and the Investor Compensation Directive, all EEA member states are required to set up a scheme to protect depositors and also a scheme to protect investors in the circumstances laid down in the directives. The UK achieves this through the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) which covers all Financial Services Authority (FSA) authorised banks and investment firms.

Firms passporting from an EEA state where the level and/or scope of coverage provided by their home state is lower or narrower than that provided by the FSCS, can opt to top-up into the FSCS to the level and/or scope of coverage provided by the FSCS. This means that the home state scheme is liable to pay the first tranche of compensation to the limits that apply in that state. The FSCS's liability is therefore restricted to the topped-up amount up to the UK limit of £35,000 for deposits.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are increasing their research programme into honeybee diseases in the light of the state of the bee population. [HL4627]

An additional £90,000 has been allocated to the National Bee Unit this financial year to expand investigations started last year under a horizon scanning project into significant colony losses and to meet the demand for increased inspections of bee imports consequential to the colony losses.

Research priorities are addressed in the draft Bee Health Strategy, which has recently been published for public consultation. Commissioned research in later years will be considered in the light of priorities identified in the agreed strategy and the resources available from Defra and elsewhere.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they expect the Bloody Sunday inquiry, chaired by Lord Saville of Newdigate, to report. [HL4470]

Lord Saville has advised that the tribunal hopes to submit its report to my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland by the end of this year or shortly thereafter.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many staff working for the Department for Transport were paid a bonus in each of the past five years; and what was the total amount of bonuses paid by the department. [HL4694]

The Department for Transport comprises a central department plus seven executive agencies, each with its own pay and reward system. Information regarding bonus payments has been collected from the central department and all seven agencies and collated in to one set of figures.

The above figures exclude:

Senior Civil Service (SCS) bonuses for 2003-04 and SCS Fixed-Term Appointments for 2004-05;

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency data for 2003-04, 2004-05 and 2007-08; and

Vehicle and Operator Services Agency data for 2007-08.

The excluded data could only be produced at disproportionate costs.

Bonuses are paid in respect of overall performance or exceptional performance on a specific task or at a specific time.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the role of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference Secretariat, based in Belfast, has changed since its creation; and, if so, what is its current role. [HL4317]

The British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference Secretariat was created under the Good Friday agreement in 1998 to bring together the two Governments to promote bilateral co-operation at all levels on all matters of mutual interest within the competence of both Governments. The British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference Secretariat continues to perform this function.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What was the budget of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference Secretariat in each year since creation. [HL4318]

I refer the noble Lord to the Answer I gave on 17 March (Official Report, cols. WA 2-3), in which I gave the budget for the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference Secretariat since 2001.

Records in relation to 1999-01 are no longer held.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many staff there are in the British section of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference; and what are their ranks. [HL4319]

The British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference secretariat has 21 staff—10 for the British side, 11 for the Irish side, comprising a mix of grades from senior civil servants to admin support grades.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, following the allegations on the BBC News 24 programme “Our World” on 29 June on imports of gems and timber of Burmese origin, they will consult other European Union member states on monitoring imports covered by the sanctions introduced on 10 March; and whether those sanctions cover imports processed in or transferred through third countries. [HL4530]

We have no evidence that EU sanctions on Burma are being circumvented, but will reiterate the need for all member states to carefully monitor their implementation. Article 2 of Regulation 194/08 prohibits the import of goods listed in its Annexe 1 if such goods originated in Burma/Myanmar or have been exported from Burma/Myanmar. This includes goods entering the EU via third countries.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the debate at the Report stage of the European Union (Amendment) Bill on 4 June, whether they are aware of research which estimates the number of (a) children, and (b) adults, in the developing world whose death from malnutrition and related illnesses could be linked to the common agricultural policy. [HL4638]

We are not aware of any research that attempts to estimate the impacts of the common agricultural policy (CAP) on mortality rates in developing countries. Our 2005 CAP vision is clear that securing further trade reform in the WTO, particularly of agriculture, would generate substantial benefits for the global economy and work towards poverty reduction. Current estimates show that a Doha development agenda deal could be worth €120 billion every year to the global economy. According to the World Bank, a global trade deal could be worth up to $16 billion a year to developing countries.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

Further to the debate at the Report stage of the European Union (Amendment) Bill on 4 June, what is their latest estimate of the additional cost per person of food in the United Kingdom caused by the common agricultural policy. [HL4639]

We can estimate the United Kingdom consumer cost of the CAP by comparing the difference between UK and world prices for agricultural products and applying that difference to the volume of UK consumption. Our latest provisional estimate for 2006 is an additional cost per head of £57.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the debate at the Report stage of the European Union (Amendment) Bill on 4 June, how many tonnes of dead fish are thrown into the sea each year under the common fisheries policy; and what research there has been into the damage caused to the sea bed and marine life. [HL4640]

Since 2002, all EU countries have been required to collect data on discarding, under the data collection regulation. Quantities of discards are estimated using data collected by scientific observers aboard commercial fishing vessels. The regulation requires member states to record the quantities of quota-restricted fish stocks landed and discarded, and the species and size composition of the discards each time the fishing gear is hauled. Deploying scientific observers in this manner is expensive and time-consuming, with the result that it is usually only possible to sample a small proportion of the overall fishing trips in a given area. As a result, it is necessary to extrapolate from the limited sampling to provide estimates for the entire fleet. Although the sampling is intended to cover a representative sample of the fleet, this does mean that the estimates of total discards are subject to uncertainty.

Estimates of mean annual averages from CEFAS (Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science) for the North Sea are that 5,427 tonnes of fish were discarded, from a proportion of 16,370 tonnes retained (25 per cent discarded) by English and Welsh vessels over 10 metres between the years 2003-06. CEFAS has concluded recently further research which is currently being peer reviewed.

Estimates of mean annual averages for English and Welsh over 10 metre vessels fishing in the Channel, Western Approaches, Celtic Sea, and Irish Sea are 24,628 tonnes discarded, with 46,572 tonnes retained (35 per cent discarded) between the years 2003-06.

Defra, NERC, the Royal Society and the EC have funded research into the impacts of fishing on the seabed and marine life. These studies have been conducted in UK shelf seas and off the shelf edge and have assessed impacts on marine habitats, vulnerable fish and invertebrate species, seabirds and marine mammals. Research on seabed impacts has shown that the relative impacts of fishing depend on the balance between fishing and natural disturbance. Thus seabed habitats in deep areas with low natural disturbance are much more vulnerable to fishing impacts than shallow areas of mobile substrate where natural disturbance is higher. Research on marine life has shown that the impacts of fishing depend on the abundance, life history and distribution of a species and the type and intensity of fishing activity. The more vulnerable species tend to be slow-growing, have limited distributional ranges and are taken in targeted fisheries or as bycatch. The less vulnerable species tend to be fast-growing and widely distributed.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath on 21 April (WA 23), whether they plan to increase the age of criminal responsibility in Northern Ireland. [HL3928]

There are no current plans to raise the age of criminal responsibility in Northern Ireland.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many foreign nationals (except nationals of the Republic of Ireland) in each of the past five years have been (a) charged with, and (b) convicted of, murder or manslaughter in Northern Ireland; and which countries they are from. [HL4595]

The following table gives the number of foreign nationals charged with murder or manslaughter and their former country of residence for the financial years 2003-04 to 2007-08.

Data relating to the number of foreign nationals convicted are only available for 2006. During this period there were no foreign nationals convicted of murder and one Chinese foreign national who was convicted of manslaughter.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How much additional funding is given by the Department for Transport to local authorities in the Dartford crossing area in recognition of the impact of the crossing on local transport infrastructure. [HL4697]

Since 2003, the Department for Transport has made available about £1.75 million to £2 million per year of additional funding to Thurrock Borough Council and Kent County Council. This is to help deliver local transport projects in recognition of the impact of the Dartford Crossing on local residents.

Ministers recently announced that local residents using the Dartford Crossing would be entitled to a discount. The discount scheme is likely to start in autumn 2008. When it begins, it will replace the additional funding.

The additional funding supplements the local transport block capital allocation for Thurrock Borough Council and Kent County Council, which in 2008-09 totalled £3.030 million and £36.905 million respectively.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How much money was spent on parking fines incurred by vehicles belonging to the Department for Transport and its subsidiary agencies in each of the past three years. [HL4603]

The Department for Transport and its agencies maintain the policy that all road traffic violations such as parking tickets remain the responsibility of the individual, and are not reimbursable from public resources.

The main exception to this is the Government Car and Despatch Agency which pays parking fines incurred operationally in circumstances where the overriding security requirements of high-profile passengers or secure or sensitive documents necessarily dictate the choice of parking location. The agency spent £7,540 on such fines in 2006, £11,928.16 in 2007, and £13,930 in 2008.

In addition, the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency will pay parking fines under exceptional circumstances such as court appearances. The agency spent £122.14 on such fines in 2006, and £75.00 in 2008.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Statement by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath on 24 June (WS 93–5) on weekend voting in elections, what consideration has been given to splitting voting hours across Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. [HL4607]

The Government have not taken a firm view on polling hours in the event that elections are moved to the weekend. The Election Day: Weekend Voting consultation paper invites views on the question as part of the Government's consultation on the issues and the Citizens' Summit will also be considering this. The Government will give consideration to the noble Lord's suggestion as part of this process.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have calculated the relative cost of producing 1 per cent of the energy required by the United Kingdom annually by 2020 in each of the following ways: (a) off-shore wind turbines; (b) on-shore wind turbines; (c) photovoltaic installations on dwelling; and (d) solar panels on dwellings and, if so, what the totals are. [HL4493]

The cost of producing 1 per cent of the UK's energy in 2020 using these different technologies is given in the table below. Costs are resource costs, estimated on the basis of 1740TWh final energy demand in 2020. Resource costs are the levelised costs of individual technologies, net of the cost of a counterfactual technology. Costs do not include costs of additional network investment, or other hidden costs (eg transaction costs). Costs assume that this level of production of each technology is technically feasible, and does not take account of potential barriers to development, nor does it make assumptions as to the cost of any financial incentive that might be required to bring forward development.

Notes:

(1) Costs are at 2008 prices, not discounted.

(2) Onshore and offshore wind are based on assumptions from Redpoint et al (2008). http://renewableconsultation.berr.gov.uk/related_documents. The range for onshore and offshore wind reflects the range of assumptions as to capital costs, discount rates and site characteristics.

(3) Solar Photovoltaic costs are based on independent research from Element Energy (2008) www.berr.gov.uk/energy/sources/sustainable/microgeneration/research/page382 08.html.

The range for photovoltaic installations reflects the difference between retrofit and new-build costs, though note that it is unlikely that there will be sufficient domestic new-build before 2020 to deliver 1 per cent of the UK's energy requirement in 2020 using PV panels on new-build alone. The counterfactual for domestic photovoltaic installations is assumed to be grid electricity and counterfactual costs are based on projected domestic electricity prices.

(4) Solar thermal costs are based on independent research by NERA (forthcoming) and Enviros (2008) http://renewableconsultation.berr.gov.uk/related_documents. The range approximates the difference between new-build and retrofit costs, though note that it is unlikely that there will be sufficient domestic new-build before 2020 to deliver 1 per cent of the UK's energy requirement in 2020 using solar panels on new-build alone. Resource cost depends heavily upon the counterfactual heating technology. Assumed shares of electrical heating and boilers displaced are based on the NERA/ Enviros analysis.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What plans they have to mark or celebrate the 90th anniversary of the end of First World War. [HL4734]

I refer the noble Lord to my Written Statement of 22 May 2008 (Official Report, col. WS 102).

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Food Standards Agency has addressed the issue of supermarkets discarding food because of faulty or damaged packaging. [HL4503]

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) deals only with the labelling, not the packaging of food. The issue of supermarkets discarding food because of faulty or damaged packaging is a commercial issue and not something that falls under the remit of the FSA.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What was the total annual budget of each of the regional government offices for each of the past five years. [HL4497]

Each government office for the regions has specific responsibility for an administration running cost budget and a capital budget.

Programme budgets administered by the government offices are the responsibility of the Secretaries of State for the relevant sponsor departments. The departments delegate authority to the regional directors to spend against their programmes, though all expenditure incurred is recorded in the accounts of the department concerned.

The administrative costs of each government office for the five years in question are as follows:

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why the Haemophilia Society's Section 64 core grant has been reduced from £100,000 to £30,000; whether the reduction took account of deprivation in the community which the society exists to help; and at what ministerial level the decision was made. [HL4657]

The Haemophilia Society has received core funding under the Section 64 general scheme of grants for a number of years. In 2006-07, its grant was £100,000. In 2006, a decision was taken, in line with the established criteria for the Section 64 scheme, to taper the Section 64 grant to £30,000 over two years. The Haemophilia Society was informed of its future funding in 2006 in order to allow it to plan for this change.

The following level of funding was agreed.

2007-08—£60,000;

2008-09—£30,000; and

2009-10—£30,000.

All decisions on Section 64 funding are taken by the Minister responsible for the relevant area of policy.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps they will take to ensure universal vaccination for Hepatitis B. [HL4585]

Hepatitis B vaccine is currently offered to individuals at high risk of exposure to the virus or complications of the disease.

The issue of universal vaccination for Hepatitis B is currently under consideration by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, which provides independent expert advice to the Secretary of State.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What support the Department of Health will give the Department for International Development to ensure the development of new HIV prevention tools such as (a) microbicides; and (b) vaccines; and [HL4437]

What action the Department of Health is taking with the Department for International Development to respond to the prevalence of HIV, as set out in their strategy document, Achieving Universal Access. [HL4438]

The department is working with the Department for International Development to support implementation of Achieving Universal Access, copies of which are available in the Library, through its membership of the Whitehall working group on tackling AIDS in the developing world and the action set out in Achieving Universal Access. This includes implementation of the National Strategy for Sexual Health and HIV (currently being reviewed), the commitments set out in the forthcoming global health strategy and action taken by the department to strengthen the code of practice on recruitment of healthcare workers from overseas.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Answer by Baroness Thornton on 16 June (Official Report, House of Lords, col. 802) which stated that additional funding is provided to primary care trusts in areas where sickle cell disease is prevalent, what funding is provided; and to which primary care trusts; and [HL4415]

Whether additional funding to primary care trusts in areas where sickle cell disease is prevalent is ring-fenced. [HL4416]

Revenue allocations are made to primary care trusts (PCTs) on the basis of the relative needs of their populations. The weighted capitation formula is used to determine PCTs' target shares of available resources, to enable them to commission similar levels of health services for populations in similar need.

The components of the formula are used to weight each PCT's crude population according to their relative need (age, and additional need) for healthcare and the unavoidable geographical differences in the cost of providing healthcare (the market forces factor).

Although there is no specific consideration made for sickle-cell-related disease in determining revenue allocations to PCTs, it will be picked up in the models of utilisation of healthcare in the need element of the formula. The formula used to inform the revenue allocations to PCTs in 2008-09 takes account of “unmet need” to support certain groups within the population, e.g. ethnic minorities groups, which may not receive healthcare services to the same level as others with similar health characteristics.

Once the department has made allocations to PCTs, it is for PCTs to determine how to use the funding allocated to them to commission the services they require to meet the healthcare needs of the local populations they serve. There is no ring-fenced allocation to PCTs to spend on sickle cell disease.

The department deliberately does not break down PCT allocations into funding for individual policy programmes, as this would constrain local innovation and decision taking.

Instead, the approach the department takes is to be clear about the priorities for the NHS through the operating framework. It is then for the National Health Service to decide how best to achieve those outcomes in the light of local needs and circumstances, including the level of resources to invest.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Answer by Baroness Thornton on 16 June (Official Report, House of Lords, col. 801), what are the timescales for implementing the training programme in scanning for stroke risk in young patients with sickle cell disease; and [HL4417]

Further to the Answer by Baroness Thornton on 16 June (Official Report, House of Lords, cols. 801–2), what are the timescales for the implementation of the nine regional managed clinical networks for sickle cell disease and thalassaemia. [HL4418]

Work is under way on these initiatives, but a formal timetable for implementation has not been agreed.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer from Lord Darzi of Denham on 2 June (WA 14) concerning strategic health authorities which underspent on their non-medical education and training budgets for 2007–08, whether the information requested is now available. [HL4554]

Under current arrangements, strategic health authorities (SHAs) receive an indicative allocation of funding for the multi-professional education and training budget (MPET), of which the non-medical education and training (NMET) budget is a component, as part of a bundle of funding. SHAs are free to set budgets and vary expenditure between different priority areas within the bundle, subject to the achievement of necessary performance objectives. In some cases, SHAs may use local flexibility to vary MPET spend between financial years in line with local priorities.

The extent to which the SHAs underspent their budgets for NMET in 2007-08, is set out in the following table.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Tunnicliffe on 30 June (WA 21) concerning late answering of Parliamentary Questions, what are the terms of reference of the internal review on communications into the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission; who is carrying out the review; and when it will be completed. [HL4596]

The internal review on communications encompassed not only the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission but all bodies sponsored by the Northern Ireland Office.

The review was to establish best practice for answering Parliamentary Questions relating to these bodies, and was carried out by Northern Ireland Office officials and endorsed by Ministers and the departmental board. It has now been completed, but procedures are reviewed on an ongoing basis.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What assessment they have made of the extent of any retaliation by Iran to an attack on their nuclear facilities. [HL4504]

The Government of Iran and Iranian authorities have stated publicly on several occasions that they would retaliate to any attack. We regularly consider the implications of such statements, including assessing feasibility and likelihood of a variety of potential Iranian responses to any attack, and the implications for UK interests.

We have, of course, made clear that we are fully committed to finding a diplomatic resolution to the international community's serious concerns about the behaviour of the Government of Iran, including their pursuit of a uranium enrichment programme in defiance of four UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs). The Government will continue to act in the UN, the EU and bilaterally to persuade Iran to comply with the demands of successive UNSCRs, the International Atomic Energy Agency and the international community.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What action they intend to take to follow up their representations and those of the quartet to Israel, such as on 2 May, about the Palestinians. [HL4531]

We maintain a regular dialogue with the Government of Israel and urge them to fulfil their obligations under the quartet road map. My right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary most recently spoke to the Israeli Foreign Minister on 24 June. The UK actively supports the quartet representative and his office, who are working on a number of confidence-building measures. Our posts in the region also feed evidence into the US-led road map monitoring process.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What warships and other vessels will be required to form carrier battle groups led by the new aircraft carriers; and what steps they are taking to provide such warships and other vessels. [HL4714]

Several types of vessels will be available to accompany the new aircraft carriers in carrier strike groups, including frigates, destroyers and submarines. The numbers and types of vessels employed will depend on the operational circumstances. Our present shipbuilding programmes, which are delivering the new Type 45 destroyers, Astute class nuclear submarines and, in the longer term, the Future Surface Combatant, will ensure that strike groups centred on the new aircraft carriers will consist of modern and highly capable warships.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Who owns the building in London occupied by the Northern Ireland Office; and why they do not allow a Northern Ireland flag to be flown. [HL4341]

The Union flag is the official flag of Northern Ireland and is flown over the London offices of the Northern Ireland Office in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport entitled Protocol for Hoisting Flags on Government Buildings. This document can be found at: www.culture.gov.uk/flagflying/protocol.html.

The building is owned by Her Majesty's Security Service (MI5).

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 3 March (WA 156–7), on what occasions the Northern Ireland Office funds organisations which have not submitted a business case; and what cases there have been since 1998. [HL4272]

The Northern Ireland Office ensures that formal mechanisms are in place for all funding. Business cases are one of these formal mechanisms, but there are other agreed processes that may be used such as applications, submission of estimates and management statements. To provide details of all funding to organisations since 1998 which have been provided using a control process other than a business case could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 11 December 2007 (WA 26) concerning the number of employees in the Northern Ireland Office, what is the CSR07 settlement figure; and what are the headcount figures for the three CSR07 years, due to be available at the start of the 2008–09 financial year. [HL4337]

The Northern Ireland Office's CSR settlement figure will reduce the department's administration cost budget by 5 per cent year on year, from 2008-09 through to 2010-11 as stated in the previous Written Answer (WA 26). The headcount figures are still being determined, in line with the 5 per cent year-on-year cuts.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 3 June (WA 42) concerning sick leave among employees of the Northern Ireland Office, how many times the counselling service for sick employees has been used in each month of the past two years. [HL4375]

The information requested is shown in the following table.

Carecall is the provider of an employee assistance programme (EAP) for staff in the Northern Ireland Office. Carecall provides an independent, confidential and professional counselling support service for all staff and their immediate family members. The service is available to all staff, both to help those who are absent because of sickness to return to work, and those who are in work to remain in work. This service is complementary to the welfare service and existing policies and procedures. The EAP contract commenced on 1 September 2006.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 9 June (WA 87) concerning the travel expenses of the chairman of the Northern Ireland Bill of Rights Forum, when they paid those travel expenses; and why they paid them. [HL4185]

As the noble Lord will be aware from my Answer of 9 June 2008 (WA87), according to Cabinet Office guidance, (Making and Managing Public Appointments—A Guide for Departments, Fourth Edition, February 2006), all members of public bodies are eligible to be reimbursed for the costs of travel and subsistence associated with their public duties. The same overriding principle, that no appointee should be out of pocket as a result of his or her appointment, was applied in relation to Mr Sidoti's appointment to the forum.

Mr Sidoti served as chair of the Bill of Rights Forum between 15 March 2007 and 31 March 2008. He was reimbursed on a regular basis for his travel expenses during this period.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 16 June (WA 136), what were the “changing resource requirements for work” which allowed the Northern Ireland Office to sponsor the Bill of Rights Forum. [HL4275]

The reference to “changing resource requirements for work” in my Written Answers of 16 June (Official Report, col. WA 136) and 12 May (Official Report, col. WA 113) is unconnected to the sponsorship of the Bill of Rights Forum. Those Answers relate to a Question from the noble Lord about why the budget of the division of the Northern Ireland Office which recently sponsored the Bill of Rights Forum increased between 2002-03 and 2003-04. The division in question did not sponsor the forum during either of those years; the forum was not established until December 2006.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 2 July (WA 42) concerning the murders of Ulster Defence Regiment and Royal Irish Regiment members, how they can consider that work is complete in 15 cases when there have been no convictions. [HL4683]

The Historical Enquiries Team (HET) has two main objectives: first, to seek any new or remaining evidential opportunities; and, secondly, to answer the personal questions which families bring about the death of their loved one.

The HET has completed its objectives in the 15 cases referred to by the noble Lord on 2 July.

There are no further potential lines of inquiry at this time. However, HET recognises that there is always a possibility of future unexpected investigative avenues opening. These could be in the form of confessions or other new information coming to light.

In anticipation of this potential, all material gathered in this review has been consolidated and filed in purpose-built storage facilities, where it will be kept indefinitely.

No unsolved murder case is ever closed.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How much money they have granted to the project entitled “I am the West” based in Pakistan. [HL4611]

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is currently collaborating on a project with the working title of “I am the West”, for which an initial amount of £61,875 has been spent to date. We are liaising with the project implementer to decide whether and how to take the project forward, depending on the results of this preliminary work.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will place a copy of the Confederation of British Industry Code of Prompt Payers, to which the Northern Ireland Parades Commission is committed, in the Library of the House; when the commitment was made; by whom; and in what form. [HL4239]

The department, including its agencies, seeks to comply with the Better Payment Practice Code for achieving good payment performance in commercial transactions. The department last renewed its commitment, via electronic document, on 28 November 2007. A copy of the certificate has been placed in the Library.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

On what basis the Northern Ireland Parades Commission employs monitors; how they are selected; by whom; after what equality process; and what costs are involved in their employment. [HL4402]

Monitors are recruited through an open competition and adverts are placed in the local press. They are interviewed by a panel comprising two experienced monitors and a member of the commission secretariat. Monitors are selected solely on the evidence of their ability, and as volunteers they receive no pay. They do however receive travel expenses and an emolument to cover meals and expenses.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Tunnicliffe on 24 June (WA 233) concerning costs of the Northern Ireland Parades Commission, on what the £1,200 for hospitality was spent; who authorised each item; how much was spent inside Northern Ireland; and how much outside. [HL4486]

The expenditure on hospitality was in relation to:

a series of business receptions/working lunches including groups such as authorised officers and monitors, church leaders, representatives from business organisations and networking groups;

four one-to-one working meetings involving the chairman;

one individual meeting involving the secretary; and

some incidentals on commission outreach meetings.

All of the expenditure was incurred in NI with the exception of one working meeting involving the chairman in GB. The accounting officer, or a senior official acting on his behalf, approves expenditure on hospitality.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Tunnicliffe on 24 June (WA 234) concerning the Northern Ireland Parades Commission, whether they will publish the information requested in the Official Report; who took the decision to answer the Question in the way it was answered; and in what circumstances they place documents in the Library of the House rather than publish the information in the Official Report. [HL4490]

The information is already available in the public domain. Government Ministers have responsibility for answering Questions. In accordance with Schedule 1 to the Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998, the Secretary of State is required to lay a copy of the report before Parliament.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Tunnicliffe on 25 June (WA 254–5) concerning funding awards made by the Northern Ireland Parades Commission, who selected the groups who were paid; on what bases; and what percentage of applications for funding was accepted. [HL4506]

All funding applications are brought before and decided by the Northern Ireland Parades Commission. All applications are considered against the criteria set out in Application for Funding, which is publicly available on the commission's website together with Guidance Notes for Parades Commission Funding Awards. To date, 18 funding applications have been met, in full or part, representing 78 per cent of the total number received.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the agreed amount payable to the commissioners of the Northern Ireland Parades Commission since 2005; what were their terms and conditions of employment; what was actually paid to each; and what amount of income tax and national insurance payments were deducted as part of their conditions of employment. [HL4681]

Information relating to the parades commissioners' remuneration, terms and conditions and individual salaries can be found in the Northern Ireland Parades Commission’s annual report and financial statements. Copies of these reports are held in the Library.

Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs will not disclose information to a third party concerning an individual's tax position.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 2 July (WA 43) concerning the Northern Ireland Parades Commission, whether the Northern Ireland Office inquired from the parades commissioners whether they had paid income tax and national insurance contributions. [HL4682]

No. This is a matter between the individuals and HMRC.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What they intend to do to improve education about managing personal finance in the United Kingdom for young people and adults. [HL4476]

The Government published an action plan for financial capability on 7 July, which set out measures to equip people in the UK with the knowledge and skills to manage their finances, now and for the future. The action plan gave details of the £11.5 million My Money programme, starting from September this year, which will support personal finance education in the curriculum in England. The Government are contributing £6 million to a Money Guidance pathfinder, which is being delivered in partnership with the Financial Services Authority (FSA), which is contributing an additional £6 million. The pathfinder will launch in the north-west and north-east of England from early 2009. Money Guidance will offer adults of all ages easy-to-access, impartial information and guidance on financial matters. The Government are also working with the FSA on a one-stop-shop based on the FSA's Moneymadeclear website and consumer helpline, which will offer impartial information on money and signposts to sources of specialist advice. This will be established and promoted from late summer.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Jonathan Shaw, on 11 June (Official Report, Commons, 273W) on the risks posed by neo-nicotinamide pesticides to the beekeeping industry, whether the field studies providing data supporting the conclusion that the level of risk is acceptable were conclusive; and, if not, whether they will fund further work on the issue, particularly on the effect of the products on bee health when present in compost and other products which are widely available in garden centres. [HL4637]

Data submitted from the field studies referred to provided sufficient information to enable the Advisory Committee on Pesticides to recommend to Ministers that the risk from these products was acceptable. The incident in southern Germany in which bees were affected by the use of these products arose from a specific set of circumstances. I refer my noble friend to the Written Answer on 3 July (Official Report, Commons, cols. 1075-1076W). There is no evidence of any problems from those neo-nicotinoid products approved for home garden use or from the use of such products approved for horticultural use in garden centres. Defra will, of course, act immediately on any concrete evidence from incidents which occur in the UK.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many police officers were on duty in County Fermanagh during the weekend of 14 and 15 June; where they were located; and what rank they were. [HL4374]

The chief constable has provided the following Answer:

The information cannot be released in the format requested, as this level of detail could be of use to criminals.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many officers of the Police Service of Northern Ireland are currently suspended on full pay; and how many of that number are former Royal Ulster Constabulary officers. [HL4431]

As of 27 June 2008, a total of 33 police officers were suspended on full pay. Of these, 23 are former members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answers by Lord Tunnicliffe on 25 June (WA 259) and 24 June (WA 236–7), whether “a 24-hour, seven days a week response service to every area of Northern Ireland” indicates that there are areas where there are no locally tasked patrols, particularly at night; if not, what the chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland meant by the phrase; and whether they have any further information to add to the Answers. [HL4511]

The chief constable has provided the following Answer:

Every PSNI district provides response police patrols to all areas, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In addition, response patrols are complemented by other district and operational command unit resources such as neighbourhood policing, crime teams and tactical support units.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Tunnicliffe on 25 June (WA 259), where the Police Service of Northern Ireland response service for Clogher Valley between 1.00 am and 8.00 am is based; how many times that response has been necessary during 2008; and what have been the response times. [HL4512]

The information cannot be released in the format requested, as this level of detail could be of use to criminals.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Tunnicliffe on 24 June (WA 225), whether the Police Service of Northern Ireland will in future seek reports from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service of deliberate bin and fuel tank burning incidents in south Belfast; and how they propose to improve the arson clear-up rate in that area. [HL4562]

The Fire and Rescue Service and PSNI are members of the recently established Safer Belfast Group. This group has been set up to deal with various social issues including crime that impacts on the wider Belfast community. This forum will allow greater information-sharing throughout all the statutory agencies.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 6 May (WA 57) concerning levels of policing in Northern Ireland, when the review of police and staff in F district will be completed; and whether the review will be published. [HL4679]

The review in F district is expected to be completed by late summer 2008, and the results of the consultation will be made public.

The review recommendations will be brought to a meeting of the Northern Ireland Policing Board in the autumn.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether (a) Irish citizens and (b) British citizens living in the Republic of Ireland can donate funding to political parties inside the United Kingdom; and, in each case, if not, why not. [HL4338]

Irish citizens who are registered on a United Kingdom electoral register can donate to political parties registered in Northern Ireland and/or Great Britain. In addition, Irish citizens who meet the eligibility requirements set out in Article 3 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (Northern Ireland Political Parties) Order 2007 can donate to political parties registered in Northern Ireland.

British citizens living in Ireland, or anywhere else in the world, can donate to United Kingdom political parties if they are on a United Kingdom electoral register. British citizens living abroad can register on a United Kingdom electoral register as overseas electors if they meet the requirements set out in Section 2 of the Representation of the People Act 1985. Broadly speaking, to register as an overseas elector, a person must have been resident and registered to vote in the United Kingdom some time within the previous 15 years.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Davies of Oldham on 13 May (WA 130) concerning the population of the United Kingdom, why the UK Statistics Authority did not include the figures in the answer, rather than referring to a website. [HL3736]

The information requested is set out in the table below:

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the system for managing women in the prison system; and which official is responsible and accountable for the overall direction of that management; and [HL4615]

What is the system for managing children in the prison system; and which official is responsible and accountable for the overall direction of that management; and [HL4616]

What is the system for managing young offenders in the prison system; and which official is responsible and accountable for the overall direction of that management; and [HL4617]

What is the system for managing life-sentenced prisoners in the prison system; and which official is responsible and accountable for the overall direction of that management; and [HL4618]

What is the system for managing sex offenders in the prison system; and which official is responsible and accountable for the overall direction of that management; and [HL4619]

What is the system for managing foreign nationals in the prison system; and which official is responsible and accountable for the overall direction of that management. [HL4620]

Following the restructuring of the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) from 1 April this year, specifications and standards for managing the different groups of prisoners will be set by the Director of Commissioning and Operational Policy (in consultation with the Youth Justice Board for young people under 18 years of age), and delivery to these specifications will be the responsibility of the NOMS chief operating officer.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will place the Article 2 compliant inquiry into the treatment of SP while in Prison Service custody on a statutory footing, with an independent, legally qualified chair; and [HL4539]

Why Stephen Shaw, the Prison and Probation Ombudsman, has declined to conduct the Article 2 compliant inquiry into the treatment of SP while in Prison Service custody; who will now conduct that inquiry; and what is the expected timetable; and [HL4540]

What facilities, arrangements and payment rates will be permitted so that SP can be fully represented in the Article 2 compliant inquiry into her treatment while in Prison Service custody; and [HL4541]

Whether the Article 2 compliant inquiry into the treatment of SP while in Prison Service custody will include in its terms of reference issues of child welfare as well as child protection; whether the chair of the inquiry will control the choice and interviewing of witnesses and any issues of disclosure; and whether the chair of the inquiry will be able to determine whether expert witnesses should be employed or instructed. [HL4542]

We regret the curtailment of this investigation and will be exploring the reasons and related matters with the Prison and Probation Ombudsman. Meanwhile, we are giving urgent consideration as to who will conduct a renewed investigation, its processes and expected timetable. In doing so, we will be taking into account the views of representatives of SP and the prospective investigator once identified. The investigation commissioned will meet the state's Article 2 investigative obligations, including in respect of independence, family participation and funding for legal representation.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 3 June (WA 47), how many legally qualified staff were employed in the Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland in 2004–05. [HL4661]

The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) employed 101 legally trained staff as at 31 March 2005.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What transport aircraft are currently chartered for troop movements by the Royal Air Force; and from which companies. [HL4686]

The Royal Air Force currently charters B737s, B757s, B767s and DC10s for troop movement. These aircraft are chartered through brokers Chapman Freeborn, Air Partner and XL Aviation.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they last drew to the attention of other Governments Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights concerning the right to religious conversion; and which Governments these were. [HL4471]

The Government condemn all instances of violence and discrimination against individuals and groups because of their faith or belief, wherever they happen or whatever the religion of the individual or group concerned. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) officials regularly discuss human rights issues with other Governments, including on issues of religious freedom and religious conversion, bilaterally and through international organisations. We have raised individual cases bilaterally and with our EU partners recently in Jordan, Egypt, Iran and Indonesia.

FCO officials recently discussed the issue of persecution on the grounds of apostasy with Christian Solidarity Worldwide. Our officials met with Ziya Meral from Christian Solidarity Worldwide, author of the report No Place like Home, on 30 May and 24 June. Christian Solidarity Worldwide has agreed to keep the FCO informed of instances where apostates have suffered human rights abuses.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When HM Revenue and Customs approved mileage allowance payments were last revised; and when they will next be revised. [HL4717]

The approved mileage allowance payments system was introduced in April 2002 and the rate has remained unchanged since that date.

The Chancellor announced in Budget 2008 that the Government would maintain the current tax-free mileage allowance rates and thresholds. However, the Government keep all taxes under review.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What representations they have made to the Government of Russia regarding BP's joint venture with Teekay Tankers Ltd. [HL4604]

While this is primarily a commercial matter, the Government have consistently made clear to the Russian Government our concerns about the dispute involving the joint venture between Russian shareholders and BP in TNK-BP. It sends a worrying signal to investors about doing business in Russia.

My right honourable friend the Prime Minister raised the TNK-BP dispute when he met Russian President Dmitri Medvedev at the Group of Eight leading industrialised nations (G8) summit in Japan on 7 July. We have also raised TNK-BP with Russian Government Ministers and senior officials. EU President Barroso and EU Commissioner Mandelson raised the issue with President Medvedev at the recent EU-Russia summit.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will consider new measures to accelerate the growth of smart metering units in United Kingdom dwellings. [HL4538]

In April, the Government published our response to our earlier consultation on metering and billing and our consultation impact assessment of smart metering. We also laid amendments to the Energy Bill that would provide us with the necessary powers to introduce smart metering. The Government are now completing further work on our impact assessment. We are also investigating the rules and governance arrangements for smart metering, including the issues of data ownership and access.

The Government are aiming to complete work on both the qualitative and quantitative evidence base over the coming months. Before taking decisions we also want to take into account any initial results from the Ofgem trials (the Energy Demand Research Project). Decisions will therefore be made after the second report from the trials, which is due in November 2008.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What assessment they have made of the link between the possible existence of oil in eastern Abyei, Sudan, and the recent conflict in that area; and whether they will support measures to reduce any conflict related to this issue. [HL4674]

Following fighting in Abyei in May, the National Congress Party and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement agreed on 8 June a road map to resolve the Abyei dispute including oil revenue sharing. Oil remains an underlying factor in tensions between the north and the south, especially in the border areas such as Abyei where most of the oilfields are located.

Under the comprehensive peace agreement (CPA), oil revenues are to be shared equally between the national Governments of north and south Sudan. The UK is working with the parties and with international partners to implement both the Abyei road map and the CPA, which are vital to lasting peace in Sudan.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What guidance they are issuing concerning the future roles of the Traffic Commissioners. [HL4704]

Clause 3 of the Local Transport Bill, currently before Parliament, would empower the Secretary of State for Transport to appoint a statutory Senior Traffic Commissioner with, among other things, powers to issue general directions and guidance to the other traffic commissioners.

It would also allow the Secretary of State to issue statutory guidance to the Senior Traffic Commissioner, once appointed. However, the formal appointment and issuing of guidance by the Secretary of State can only take place after the Bill receives Royal Assent and the relevant provisions are brought into force. The draft guidance will also be subject to a public consultation exercise.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation will publish their annual report for 2007. [HL4722]

The most recent report from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation covered the period 2005 and 2006. It is anticipated that the next report, covering 2007 and 2008, will be published in spring 2009.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Which voluntary organisations in Northern Ireland have been recognised for their contribution in recent decades. [HL4509]

This is a devolved matter. The Department of Social Development has responsibility for voluntary and community matters in Northern Ireland.

From time to time, Secretaries of State for Northern Ireland host receptions for voluntary organisations and charities at Hillsborough Castle.