asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Darzi of Denham on 3 July (WA 49), what was the total cost to taxpayers for provision of in vitro fertilisation by primary care trusts following publication of the February 2004 National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines; and what was the total monetary cost of abortions funded by the National Health Service over each successive year from 2004 to 2007, together with the proportion of the latter annual sum that was required to cover the cost of abortions taking place in the independent sector under NHS contract in each year. [HL4925]

Information on the total cost of the provision of in vitro fertilisation treatment by primary care trusts (PCTs) following the publication of the guideline by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence in 2004 is not collected centrally.

Costs to the National Health Service for abortions performed in NHS hospitals are set out in the following table. The department does not hold complete data on the cost to the NHS for abortions performed in the independent sector under NHS contract.

Source: Schedule 4 (NHS trusts and PCTs combined) of the national schedule of reference costs notes:

1. The figures in the table above represent the number of finished consultant episodes multiplied by the national average unit cost.

2. National average unit costs are calculated on a weighted basis.

3. Schedule 4 2006-07 data are not directly comparable to 2005-06 and 2004-05 due to a change in the data collection.

4. Figures have not been adjusted for the market forces factor.

5. The data collection for 2007-08 is due to start in September 2008.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether any British police officers are serving with the European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan; and, if so, how many. [HL4770]

Currently, one serving UK civilian police officer and nine retired officers are seconded to the EU Police Mission in Afghanistan. An additional four officers, three serving and one retired, will take up posts in the mission later this month.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

What is their reaction to the recent closure of the Afghan Jalozai refugee camp in Pakistan’s north-west province, and the return of 53,000 of its residents to Afghanistan. [HL4441]

The policy of refugee camp closure in Pakistan is endorsed by the Government of Pakistan and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Residents of the Jalozai camp who chose to return to Afghanistan will have had the opportunity to do so under the auspices of the UNHCR voluntary repatriation programme. This programme provides an assisted repatriation package of $100 to all returnees. DfID and the British High Commission in Islamabad maintain close contact with UNHCR.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, in the light of the Agricultural Input Subsidy Programme in Malawi, they will consider offering assistance for similar initiatives in other sub-Saharan African states. [HL3092]

The Department for International Development (DfID) supports a programme with the World Bank under the African Union's (AU) Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) that is looking at ways to get both fertilizer and maize markets in Africa working more efficiently. The programme will promote the lessons in one country, such as Malawi's experience with support to its fertilizer markets, more widely in the region. DfID also provides core-funding support to the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). AGRA's programme includes a $160 million soils health initiative.

DfID support to the agricultural sector in Malawi was agreed within the context of the country programme, managed by our office in Lilongwe and agreed with the Government of Malawi. Whether this experience is replicated in other country programmes would depend on the strategic priorities of the Government and the DfID programme in question.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many and what proportion of air passengers travelled to (a) Heathrow Airport, (b) Gatwick Airport, and (c) Luton Airport by public transport in each of the past 10 years. [HL5073]

The tables below show the number and proportion of air passengers who travelled to or from Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport and Luton Airport by public transport in each of the past 10 years. Figures for Luton Airport are for 1996 and 2000 to 2007 as no survey was conducted 1997 to 1999.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many grants they have given to telephone companies and internet service providers to assist them in the voluntary retention of data under Section 106 of the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001; and what has been the total annual value of such grants in each year since 2001. [HL4469]

Payments under Section 106 of the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 (ATCSA) commenced after the code of practice for the retention of communications data was approved by Parliament in 2003, the first payments being in financial year 2004. In October 2007, the Data Retention (EC Directive) Regulations 2007 came into force and many former ATCSA grants payments are now made under those regulations.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many speakers of Arabic are employed in the United Kingdom by the Home Office, and what percentage of total Home Office employees this represents. [HL4776]

The Home Office does not centrally collate information with regard to the number of Arabic-speaking staff it employs.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the estimated annual cost of providing free bus travel to seriously injured military personnel; when these free bus passes will be introduced; whether any restrictions will be placed on the hours during which these passes can be used; and whether any consideration has been given to extending the scheme to all serving military personnel and veterans. [HL5071]

We estimate that 35,000 to 40,000 seriously injured service personnel and veterans under the age of 60 will be eligible for concessionary travel. This figure includes people who already qualify for concessionary travel. Based on generous assumptions, we estimate the additional costs to be in the region of £4 million to £8 million per year. The new concession will be introduced by 1 April 2011.

The statutory bus concession allows concessionaires free bus travel on local buses from 9.30 am to 11 pm Monday to Friday and at all times at weekends and on bank holidays. These times will apply to the new concession for military personnel. At present, we have no plans to extend this scheme to other military personnel and veterans.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What representations the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice, Ms Bridget Prentice, has received from the Confederation of British Ex-service Organisations (COBSEO) on the future of the Pensions Appeal Tribunal; and what response they are sending to COBSEO. [HL4865]

The Confederation of British Ex-service Organisations has welcomed many of the proposals we are making for the future of the Tribunals Service, including better geographical access to the full network of Tribunals Service hearing centres for Pensions Appeal Tribunal appellants.

It has concerns with the proposal that the Pensions Appeal Tribunal will transfer into a Social Entitlement Chamber, within the new structure enabled by the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act. As such, the office for my honourable friend, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, has approached the organisation and offered to meet to discuss in detail the concerns it has.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many commercial passenger flights there were between Stansted Airport and (a) Newcastle, (b) Edinburgh, (c) Glasgow, and (d) other UK mainland destinations in each of the past five years; and how many passengers were carried between Stansted Airport and each of those destinations. [HL5074]

The tables below show the number of commercial passenger flights and passengers carried between Stansted Airport and Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and other UK airports in each of the past five years.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

What assessment they have made of the long-term potential to reduce the number of domestic flights from Heathrow Airport; and [HL4667]

What assessment they have made of the potential to reduce the number of transit passengers using Heathrow Airport; and [HL4668]

What assessment they have made of the potential to reduce the number of flights from Heathrow Airport to European destinations within five hours’ travel time by train. [HL4669]

The Department for Transport’s position on Heathrow is set out in the 2003 Future of Air Transport White Paper and the recent Adding Capacity at Heathrow Airport consultation.

Our support for new capacity at Heathrow, subject to meeting strict local environmental limits, is underpinned by detailed modelling of passenger demand up to 2030. These forecasts indicate that the range of domestic and international flights offered at Heathrow is crucial to the UK and particularly beneficial to the connectivity of passengers located in regions outside the south-east. As such, we have not modelled or assessed scenarios that would reduce the number of domestic flights or European flights from Heathrow. We have also not considered measures to reduce the number of transit passengers using Heathrow.

Ultimately, if policy support for further development at Heathrow is provided, it will be a commercial decision for the airport operator, working with its users, to decide which flights and destinations it wishes to operate in the future.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How much the Bank of England has lent to banks, excluding Northern Rock, in the past five years; and what charges were levied for such loans. [HL5053]

The Bank of England undertakes financial transactions with firms on a daily basis. Details of the Bank’s balance sheet can be found in the Bank’s annual reports and in the “Bank Return”. The interest rates that the Bank charges for loans depend on the type of lending. Transactions with individual firms, and the interest rates on such transactions, are a matter of commercial confidentiality.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will enter into discussions with the joint stock retail banks to ensure that hidden charges and small print devices to conceal charges are abolished. [HL5067]

The OFT launched a market study in April 2007 to consider questions about competition and value for money in the provision of personal current accounts, such as transparency of costs to consumers and ease of switching. The OFT will be engaging with relevant parties over the coming months in order to discuss the findings from the market study published in July 2008 and the most appropriate next steps to tackle the problems identified.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord McKenzie of Luton on 5 June (WA 70-1), how many people with addresses in India and Pakistan were paid social security benefits and pensions in 2006-07; how much was paid in total to such persons; and how many of them are over 90. [HL4559]

The information is in the tables.

Data source: caseload scan 31 December 2006.

Notes:

1. The above is the number of customers living in India and Pakistan and paid state pension or other benefits by International Pension Centre.

2. All figures are rounded to the nearest 20.

Data source: caseload scan 31 December 2006

Notes:

1. The above is the number of customers aged 90 and above living in India and Pakistan and paid state pension by International Pension Centre.

2. All figures are rounded to the nearest 20.

Data source: actual expenditure 2006-07

Notes:

1. The above is the amount of state pension and other benefits paid to customers living in India and Pakistan by International Pension Centre in the year 2006-07.

2. All figures are rounded to the nearest £10.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many staff working for the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform were paid a bonus in each of the past five years; and what was the total amount of bonuses paid by the department. [HL4695]

The Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (previously DTI) awards non-consolidated bonuses in two formats:

1. Special bonuses to recognise performance in particularly demanding tasks or situations. Staff in receipt of a special bonus may also receive an annual performance award.

2. Annual performance awards paid to highly successful performers as part of the annual pay award.

Based on the information available the number of staff receiving these awards, as a proportion of the total workforce they represent, total amount of bonuses and the size of the single largest payment for which this information can be provided is in the table below.

(1) Financial year running from 1 April to 31 March.

(2) In 2007-8 the total value of bonuses paid was approximately 1.5% of the total department's paybill.

(3) The special bonuses and performance awards for non-SCS staff are paid on a non-consolidated, non-pensionable basis and do not increase the department's paybill costs each year. For the SCS the Senior Salaries Review Body determines the level of expenditure to cover bonuses.

(4) Includes staff who were transferred from DTI to DIUS as part of the June 2007 Machinery of Government Changes as these staff received a DTI/BERR pay award in 2007. Does not include those staff transferred into BERR from Cabinet Office and the Department for Communities and Local Government as part of the June 2007 Machinery of Government Changes as these staff received Cabinet Office and DCLG pay awards respectively in 2007.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 14 July (WA 106) concerning the British-Irish Intergovernmental Secretariat, what the grades of the British staff are; and who they are. [HL5009]

The grades of the staff on the British side of the secretariat range from D2 to Senior Civil Service (SCS). The current British joint secretary is Mary Madden (SCS), and the deputy British joint secretary is Tim Logan (Grade A).

They are supported by eight staff members. The names of other staff members are not being disclosed in order to protect the privacy of the individuals concerned.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Davies of Oldham on 10 July (WA 91), whether Freesat will be available from UTV in Northern Ireland; and where in the United Kingdom are the 2 per cent of households for which Freesat is unavailable. [HL4935]

Estimated satellite coverage for Freesat in Northern Ireland is the same as the rest of the UK (98 per cent of households), as the UTV region is representative of the UK in terms of satellite reception conditions.

The 2 per cent of households that cannot receive satellite transmissions are spread across the UK. We do not have exact details of these locations.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Davies of Oldham on 10 July (WA 91–92), whether the timing of digital switchover in the Republic of Ireland will have any influence on the proposed switchover in Northern Ireland in 2012. [HL4936]

The Irish Government have not yet set a date for digital switchover in Ireland; Northern Ireland is scheduled to switch over in 2012. We are currently consulting the relevant authorities and regulators over switchover plans and will work to minimise any disruption.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

What is their response to the formal opening of an excessive deficit procedure against the United Kingdom following agreement by the Economic and Financial Affairs Council of the European Union, and to what timescale they will act to bring the United Kingdom’s budget deficit below 3 per cent of gross domestic product, as required, given the Government’s responsibility to manage the economic and fiscal affairs of the United Kingdom in the interests of the United Kingdom and its people. [HL4898]

The Government have consistently supported a prudent interpretation of the stability and growth pact, which takes into account the economic cycle, the long-term sustainability of public finances and the important role of public investment.

Budget 2008 projects a treaty deficit of 3.2 per cent in 2008-09, falling to 2.8 per cent in 2009-10. This is consistent with the recommendation adopted by the Economic and Financial Affairs Council.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many foreign nationals have been subject to control orders since they were introduced; and of these how many have been successfully deported. [HL4513]

As of 10 June 2008 (the end of the period covered by the last quarterly Written Ministerial Statement on control orders), 26 foreign nationals had been subject to a control order. Of these, six individuals have successfully been deported.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many individuals subject to control orders were subsequently served between February 2007 and February 2008 with notices of intention to deport; on what date each of those notices was served; and how many of those individuals have been successfully deported. [HL4514]

None.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many individuals subject to control orders have absconded abroad, or are thought to have absconded abroad, since control orders were introduced. [HL4515]

I would refer the noble Baroness to Written Ministerial Statements in relation to control orders published on 11 December 2006, 16 January 2007, 22 March 2007, 24 May 2007, 21 June 2007, 17 September 2007, 12 December 2007, 13 March 2008 and 12 June 2008.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many Home Office-sponsored counterterrorism exercises have been conducted in each year since 2001; and which agencies and organisations were involved in those exercises. [HL4586]

The Home Office counterterrorist exercise programme is designed to raise awareness of and test contingency plans in conjunction with the police service and, dependent on the nature of the exercise, involve the participation of other emergency services, government departments and agencies, the military, local authorities, health providers, scientists and technical specialists.

The programme comprises exercises that involve elements of live-play and table-top exercises. Between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2007, the Home Office delivered the following counterterrorist exercises as part of this programme:

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many police have been trained to deal with chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear attacks since July 2006; and how many police officers in total are so trained. [HL4587]

Since July 2006, approximately 1,998 police officers have been trained to deal with chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear attacks.

Due to staff turnover and role changes, the total number of police officers trained over a given period is not representative of the number of officers that could be called on to respond to an incident. The most recent audit carried out by the Police National CBRN Centre (mid-April 2008) recorded 8,124 fully trained, equipped and deployable CBRN police officers in the UK.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What progress has been made on the piloting and implementation of the police “prevent” strategy. [HL4588]

The police “PREVENT” strategy and delivery plan was launched by the Association of Chief Police Officers in April. This was complemented by The Prevent Strategy: A Guide for Local Partners in England, which the Government published in June. At the same time, my right honourable friend the Home Secretary announced the allocation of new police posts for 24 forces in 2008-09. Recruitment for these posts is under way, with a view to them being in place by the autumn.

Progress is being made in forces in the following key areas in particular: developing effective links with institutions to strengthen resilience to violent extremism, for instance through safer schools partnerships and links with other educational establishments; supporting vulnerable individuals through multi-agency interventions, tailored to the individual’s needs—10 channel sites are now up and running, and there are plans to extend the scheme to further areas this year; delivering intelligence and community engagement training in seven different sites in preparation for national rollout to all forces later this year; and ensuring that preventing violent extremism is the core business of police activity at all levels, including neighbourhoods, and that information and intelligence is shared collaboratively with other key partners.

All forces in England and Wales will be inspected by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary later in the year against its implementation of the police “PREVENT” strategy.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What progress they have made on the cross-departmental chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear resilience programme. [HL4590]

Since its establishment in 2001, the chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) resilience programme has made considerable progress in providing:

a range of national guidance publications covering all aspects of the CBRN response;

specialist training for emergency service personnel through the establishment of the Police National CBRN Centre;

detection equipment for first responders;

decontamination equipment through the new dimension programme; and

more effective personal protective equipment (PPE) for first responders, such as the civil responder 1 (CR1) suit.

Further details on the status of the CBRN resilience programme are available online at www.security.home office.gov.uk/cbrn-resilience.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What progress they have made in implementing the recommendations of Lord West of Spithead to reduce vulnerabilities from terrorism in crowded places, the transport sector, critical national infrastructure and hazardous substances, in the short and long term. [HL4591]

Further to the Secretary of State for the Home Department’s Written Ministerial Statement on 14 November 2007, the Government have made good progress in implementing the conclusions of the reviews.

On crowded places, we have introduced a standard way of assessing risk which will for the first time provide baseline data about local areas with crowded places at highest risk. The investment of a further £1.5 million during the financial year 2008-09, for additional counterterrorism security adviser (CTSA) posts, has meant that there are now more than 180 officers to support this work. We have also tripled the capacity of the national barrier asset (which provides temporary protection for the highest risk locations).

In the autumn, we will consult publicly about two key guidance documents: a new strategic framework to encourage greater partnership working at local level to reduce vulnerabilities of crowded places; and a counterterrorism supplement to the existing guidance Safer Places—The Planning System and Crime Prevention, which will act as a practical guide for designers and planners.

The National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) is due to publish shortly two new protective security guidance booklets for cinemas, theatres, restaurants and hotels. Guidance tailored for the requirements of major events, education and health sectors, religious sites and commercial centres is also being prepared to supplement existing protective security guidance.

CTSAs have now delivered more than 460 ARGUS exercises (counterterrorism scenario-based training exercises for primarily retail businesses located in crowded places) since January 2007. A new ARGUS “professional” has been developed aimed at architects, planners, designers and developers following four pilots carried out earlier in 2008 across the UK. NaCTSO has also developed an ARGUS exercise for the “night-time economy”, which will be available from CTSAs from August 2008 onwards. Regional-based counterterrorism awareness briefings are also being provided to police architectural liaison officers in 2008-09.

On critical national infrastructure (CNI), a new infrastructure categorisation scheme has now been implemented. Sector sponsor departments and the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) are reviewing our essential services to produce a new, up-to-date catalogue of national infrastructure. This includes information networks as well as physical sites for a more comprehensive picture of the UK’s critical national infrastructure. The catalogue will be reviewed on a regular basis.

We are developing guidance to explain the Government’s strategic approach to infrastructure protection, outlining the roles and responsibilities of those involved in critical national infrastructure protection, for sharing with key partners. We have also accelerated the research and development work being led by the CPNI.

On transport, the review recognised the scope and nature of our transport security programmes and that there was no requirement for a fundamental change in how we regulate counterterrorism security. The Government had already been working to address the security of public areas at airports and on the railways prior to the incident at Glasgow airport in June 2007, building on existing security procedures which apply to both airports and the railways.

We continue to balance the necessary response to the ongoing level of threat with the need for people to travel. Where necessary, we introduce additional requirements, such as those proposed in the transport security Bill. Where appropriate, we develop capability, such as our three-year operational trial of an extension to the British Transport Police's passenger screening announced on 26 June, and the introduction of vehicle restraint measures at key stations. Where possible we minimise the impact, such as lifting the “one bag” restriction on aircraft cabin baggage at 50 UK airports.

On the review of hazardous substances announced by the Prime Minister in November 2007, I refer the noble Baroness to the Statement I laid before this House today.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What process was used to select the winning bid for the Countering Terrorism and Radicalisation Programme; and [HL4612]

How many official bids there were with reference to the Countering Terrorism and Radicalisation Programme; and [HL4613]

Whether the winning bid for the Countering Terrorism and Radicalisation Programme was selected through a competitive process. [HL4614]

The £12.5 million announced on 3 June is the money that the Home Office has allocated to a number of departments, agencies and organisations to deliver programmes to support vulnerable individuals. This comprises a range of activities rather than a single programme that the Government invited bids for.

The £12.5 million from the Home Office is to help prevent extremism in communities and will be spent on funding projects specifically to support institutions or individuals vulnerable to radicalisation. New schemes will include:

£1 million for the Home Office to extend police-led multi-agency projects to identify and support vulnerable individuals at risk of being targeted by violent extremists;

£3.5 million to youth offending teams and youth secure establishments on new work to prevent violent extremism, focused on supporting young individuals who have had contact with the criminal justice system;

£7.25 million to the National Offender Management Service and partner agencies to do further work in prisons and the community to tackle vulnerability to radicalisation among offenders;

£750,000 for the Home Office to fund further grassroots projects aimed at tackling radicalisation.

All of the £12.5 million will be spent in the 2008-09 financial year.

The Home Office regularly carries out cross-government consultation with all its key stakeholders including the Ministry of Justice, the Department for Communities and Local Government, the Department for Children, Schools and Families and the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills among others. Organisations with experience in dealing with vulnerable individuals were identified and projects created to contribute to the delivery of the PREVENT strategy. All approved projects are scrutinised by governance boards, which feed into the NSID(E) board chaired by the Prime Minister.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What psychiatric and medical advice they sought and received before announcing that perpetrators of knife crime should visit their victims in hospital; what effects they expect such visits to have on victims; what is likely to be the added cost to the National Health Service of facilitating escorted visits; and whether such visits could contribute to hospital infection. [HL4887]

The knife referral project involves ensuring that young people who have been convicted of possession of a knife understand the risks and consquences of their actions. If they do not receive a custodial sentence, they will attend, as part of their community sentence, a weapons awareness programme and this may include discussions with A&E professionals and victims’ families.

There is no proposal that offenders who have committed violence involving knives should visit their victims in hospital.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

For the periods (a) 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2008, and (b) 1 April 2008 to date, how many complaints of online fraud by customers of financial institutions were forwarded by the financial institutions to the police.[HL4799]

In 2007-08, 23,344 cases of fraud by false representation that involved a cheque, plastic card or online bank account were recorded by the police (this includes some instances of the similar offence of cheque and credit card fraud committed under old legislation in place before 15 January 2007).

Those offences could have been referred directly by a financial institution, reported by an account holder or merchant who was not refunded moneys by their financial institution or dealt with as a direct call for service to the police where a suspect was believed to be committing a crime at the time. The offences will in some instances relate to online fraud, but there is no specific category of recorded crime to separately identify them.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many architects, planners, landscape architects and chartered surveyors are currently employed by the Department for Communities and Local Government. [HL4758]

The department currently employs eight planning officers. The department does not have specialist grades for architects, landscape architects and chartered surveyors. The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) is the Government's advisor on architecture, urban design and public space.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How much was spent by the Department for Transport on magazines, newspapers and other publications in each of the last three years. [HL4932]

Total payments coded as expenditure for magazines, newspapers and other publications in the Department for Transport’s accounting systems during the last three complete financial years is recorded as:

2005/06—£553,881

2006/07—£277,389

2007/08—£302,267.

The totals exclude data from the Government Car and Despatch Agency and the Driving Standards Agency, which could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

From 2006-07, the central department introduced a revised coding structure. Prior to this, it was not possible to separate expenditure on books and purchases of other official material. The total for 2005-06 therefore includes this expenditure.

The figure provided by the Highways Agency for 2005-06 also includes publications purchased for specific road projects. The data used to complete the answer rely upon correct coding of expenditure by finance staff.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

How many memorandums of understanding to facilitate the deportation of foreign nationals on grounds of national security and unacceptable behaviour are in place; and with which countries; and [HL4516]

How many memorandums of understanding to facilitate the deportation of foreign nationals on grounds of national security and unacceptable behaviour are currently being negotiated; and with which countries; and [HL4517]

Since July 2006, how many deportation actions on grounds of national security and unacceptable behaviour to countries with which the United Kingdom has a memorandum of understanding have been successful; and how many have been unsuccessful. [HL4518]

Memoranda of understanding on deportation with assurances were signed with Jordan, Libya and Lebanon in 2005. Separate arrangements, set out in an exchange of letters in July 2006, apply in respect of Algeria.

The Government are pursuing agreements regarding deportation with assurances with a number of countries. Identification of the parties would prejudice these negotiations. Copies of any agreements concluded will be placed in the Library in due course, as has been done previously.

Since July 2006, no one has been deported to Jordan, Libya or Lebanon on grounds of either national security or unacceptable behaviour. Six men have been deported to Algeria since that date, all on national security grounds.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether United Kingdom anti-discrimination legislation needs to be amended in light of the decision of the European Court of Justice in Case C–54/07 Centrum voor gelijkheid van kansen en voor racismebestrijding v Firma Feryn NV. [HL5016]

We note the judgment of the European Court of Justice in this case, as such decisions can only help to ensure that member states are fully compliant with the directive. The case broadly concerned the enforcement powers that may be required to deal with situations where unlawful discrimination is apparent, but no individual victim has been identified. The Equality and Human Rights Commission is already empowered to bring enforcement proceedings in situations where no identifiable victim has come forward—for example, where it identifies discriminatory advertisements, discriminatory practices or where it otherwise thinks an unlawful act is likely to be committed. Our initial view, therefore, is that our existing legislative framework is compliant. We are, however, considering the judgment in detail and will be analysing it in terms of our wider proposals for the new Equality Bill.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

Further to the Written Answers by Lord Darzi of Denham on 22 January (WA 28) and 8 July (WA 73) and by Baroness Morgan of Drefelin on 14 May (WA 135), why the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority has been unable to advise the Department of Health on the efficacy of stem cell derivation from whole human embryos cultured beyond 14 days to form outgrowths, from which no stem cell lines have reportedly been deposited in the UK Stem Cell Bank since the issue was raised in 2006. [HL4864]

The department has not asked the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) for advice regarding the efficacy of stem cell derivation from outgrown embryos. It would be for the HFEA to form a view on this technique, if it were appropriate, to assess the validity of a licence application.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Morgan of Drefelin on 14 May (WA 135), what have been the shortest recorded and average time intervals between award of a licence by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority for the purpose of deriving embryonic stem cell lines and deposition of the resulting stem cell lines in the UK Stem Cell Bank. [HL4923]

This information is not collected centrally.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answers by Lord Darzi of Denham on 19 June (WA 177–78), 24 June (WA 227) and 8 July (WA 73), which of the centres licensed by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) are known to have been culturing whole embryos to form outgrowths for more than 14 days; how many embryonic stem cell lines in total have been deposited by each of these centres in the UK Stem Cell Bank; what proportion of the stem cell lines deposited by each of these licensed centres were derived from outgrowing embryos; and which of these licensed centres were simultaneously pursuing projects for which one of the specified purposes considered by the HFEA in corresponding licence applications was “increasing knowledge about the development of embryos”. [HL4924]

No licence from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) permits centres to culture live human embryos beyond 14 days or the appearance of the primitive streak, in accordance with Sections 3(3)(a) and 3(4) of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology (HFE) Act 1990. Entities which form when human embryos are allowed to outgrow their structure are not classed as live human embryos and do not breach Sections 3(3)(a) and 3(4) of the 1990 HFE Act.

This is because the entities do not have the organisation structure of a viable embryo and are not representative of a 3D suspended embryo undergoing gastrulation (the stage of development during which the primitive streak emerges). The HFEA has issued licences to two centres (St Mary's Manchester and Roslin Cells Limited) that allow embryos to outgrow in this way in order to extract the inner cell mass.

One research project (at Guy's Hospital, London) has been licensed by the HFEA under several purposes, including increasing knowledge about the development of embryos.

It is a condition of an HFEA research licence that if a stem cell is derived a sample of the line has to be deposited in the United Kingdom Stem Cell Bank. The HFEA is aware that 35 stem cell lines have been derived under HFEA licences. Information on the lines that have been deposited and the number of lines awaiting to be deposited can be found on the UK Stem Cell Bank website at: www.ukstemcellbank.org.uk.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

What was meant by the conclusion, “the Agreement imposes a binding obligation upon Ireland to ensure that at least an equivalence of rights protection is in place in Ireland as that applying in Northern Ireland” in chapter 12 of the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland’s report, Equivalence in Promoting Equality; whether that represents their policy; and, if so, what representations they have made to the Government of Ireland on this issue. [HL4320]

The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland is an independent body. As Lord Rooker set out in his Answer of 6 March 2008, Official Report, col. WA 192, the sponsorship of the commission is a matter for the devolved Administration.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

On how many occasions Ministers and officials from the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform or the Department of Trade and Industry have visited Essex in each of the past five years. [HL4168]

My noble friend the Minister of State for Trade and Investment is looking forward to visiting Essex in October. The then DTI Ministers responsible for Energy, Science and Innovation, Employment Relations and Consumer Affairs all made visits to Essex as have many officials although as there is no central record of these we are unable to provide further details.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

In light of the transposition of the data retention directive (2006/24/EC), as applied to telephone networks, into United Kingdom law by secondary legislation (SI 2007/2199), what plans they have to make similar provision in respect of the directive’s application to the internet; and, if there are no plans for such implementation, how they intend to give legal force to these elements of the directive. [HL4464]

In October 2007, the Data Retention (EC Directive) Regulations 2007 came into force, completing the initial transposition of the European data retention directive. We plan to consult publicly before transposing the remainder of the directive to come into effect on 1 April 2009.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Darzi of Denham on 3 June (WA 34-35) regarding data held by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority on numbers of eggs collected per in vitro fertilisation treatment cycle since 1991, what was the total number and percentage of cycles over each successive year at which (a) 20 or more eggs, 30 or more eggs, (b) 40 or more eggs, (c) 50 or more eggs, (d) 60 or more eggs and (e) 70 or more eggs were collected per cycle at each of the licensed centres respectively where the percentage of cycles at which collection of between 20 and 85 eggs per cycle exceeded the median percentage. [HL4926]

The information requested has been placed in the Library.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answers by Lord Darzi of Denham on 5 December 2007 (WA 196) and 18 December 2007 (WA 117) regarding reporting of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), what was the total number and percentage of patients known to have been at risk of OHSS at each respective licensed centre according to records held by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority over each successive year since 1991; and what percentage of these cases were reported to the HFEA as adverse incidents. [HL4927]

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has informed the department that it assesses the overall incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in the United Kingdom and has recently commissioned Professor Adam Balen to update his 2005 report into OHSS following fertility treatment. However, the HFEA does not collect detailed clinical information about individual patients going through in vitro fertilisation treatment, such as their treating clinician’s assessment of their propensity to develop OHSS, and so does not hold the information requested.

Copies of Professor Balen's 2005 report have been placed in the Library.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What action the Department for Communities and Local Government is taking to implement the Public Sector Food Procurement Initiative in respect of its purchasing of pork and bacon; what proportion of pork and bacon purchased is British; what attention is given to farm assurance, animal welfare, and health and nutrition; and how often purchasing policy is reviewed. [HL4841]

The policy of Department for Communities and Local Government is to use the procurement best practice guidance that encourages consideration of sustainable procurement activities, including the use of small to medium enterprises and the third sector. All procurement is undertaken in line with the European Commission's procurement rules and to obtain value for money. British products are used where possible.

Figures on the proportion of British pork and bacon purchased by my department are included in the report, Proportion of domestically produced food used by government departments and also supplied to hospitals and prisons under contracts negotiated by NHS Supply Chain and HM Prison Service, which is available on the PSFPI web site at http://www. defra.gov.uk/farm/policy/sustain/procurement/pdf/govtfood-usage.pdf. Up-to-date data will become available towards the end of the year when the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs plans to publish a new report.

Catering services for Communities and Local Government are provided as part of the department's facilities management contract. Our caterer strives to ensure that it is buying and partnering with suppliers who are concerned about both the environment and animal welfare. The following bodies are some of the accreditation they look for: Assured Food Standards (Red Tractor Mark); the Soil Association; the National Association for Catering Butchers; the British Cheese Awards; the Freedom Food welfare scheme; and the Marine Conservation Society.

Our caterer aims to provide menus which are nutritionally balanced, appetising and built around variety, while using ingredients that are lower in saturated fat, salt and added sugar.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What action the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform is taking to implement the Public Sector Food Procurement Initiative in respect of its purchasing of pork and bacon; what proportion of pork and bacon purchased is British; what attention is given to farm assurance, animal welfare, and health and nutrition; and how often purchasing policy is reviewed. [HL4842]

The department's contract with our catering service provider, Baxter Storey, ensures that it complies with the Public Sector Food Procurement Initiative (PSFPI) and that it procures from local sources wherever possible. They states that 100 per cent of its fresh pork purchased is of British origin, as is 75 per cent of bacon. Monthly meetings with the catering contractor are held to monitor general progress in delivering PSFPI objectives, including action to ensure that the bacon and pork served meets UK welfare standards. Purchasing policy is also reviewed at these meetings.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

What action the Department for Transport is taking to implement the public sector food procurement initiative in respect of its purchasing of pork and bacon; what proportion of pork and bacon purchased is British; what attention is given to farm assurance, animal welfare, and health and nutrition; and how often purchasing policy is reviewed. [HL4843]

The Department for Transport does not purchase food centrally. All food procurement at the very few directly managed catering facilities within the department is undertaken in line with the EU’s procurement rules and to obtain value for money.

At departmental level, 33.5 per cent of bacon and 98.5 per cent of pork is domestically sourced, as published by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) at: www.defra.gov.uk/farm/policy/sustain/procurement/pdf/govt-food-usage.pdf.

Updated information will be published by Defra later this year.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

What action HM Treasury is taking to implement the public sector food procurement initiative in respect of its purchasing of pork and bacon; what proportion of pork and bacon purchased is British; what attention is given to farm assurance, animal welfare, and health and nutrition; and how often purchasing policy is reviewed. [HL4845]

Food is supplied to HM Treasury as part of the catering service provided by its PFI provider at 1 Horse Guards Road. The Treasury encourages the PFI provider to adopt the objectives of the PSFPI. One hundred per cent of pork supplied is reared and farmed in the UK. Forty per cent of bacon comes from UK sources, and the PFI provider is working hard with its suppliers to increase this proportion. The PFI provider’s policy is to aim to source meat products of the highest quality and in accordance with UK welfare regulations for animal husbandry and welfare. It keeps its purchasing policy under regular review.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What action the Home Office is taking to implement the Public Sector Food Procurement Initiative in respect of its purchasing of pork and bacon; what proportion of pork and bacon purchased is British; what attention is given to farm assurance, animal welfare, and health and nutrition; and how often purchasing policy is reviewed. [HL4846]

The Home Department inclusive of its agencies does not contract directly for food supplies but procures catering services through wider facilities management (FM) or operational service contractors. To obtain information on what proportion of pork and bacon the department purchased is British would incur disproportionate costs.

When placing a contract with FM or operational services contractors, government guidance on sustainable food and farming is incorporated in appropriate terms and conditions with regards to the procurement of food. Purchasing policy is reviewed frequently to incorporate new policy initiatives.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What action the Ministry of Justice is taking to implement the public sector food procurement initiative in respect of its purchasing of pork and bacon; what proportion of pork and bacon purchased is British; what attention is given to farm assurance, animal welfare, and health and nutrition; and how often purchasing policy is reviewed; and [HL4892]

What action HM Prison Service is taking to implement the public sector food procurement initiative in respect of its purchasing of pork and bacon; what proportion of pork and bacon purchased is British; what attention is given to farm assurance, animal welfare, and health and nutrition; and how often purchasing policy is reviewed. [HL4893]

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is currently working alongside other public sector bodies with the Food Quality Standards Group, a sub-group of the Food Procurement Group (FPG) working towards common agreement on commodity group standards. This work is nearing completion and will lead to a submission to the FPG.

The MoJ makes use of the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs catering toolkit and the model specification clause covering farm assurance standards, animal welfare and other standards of production, plus food safety.

The guide Putting it into Practice on the PSFPI website is also a source of information used by the MoJ: www.defra.gov.uk/farm/policy/sustain/procurement/ resources.htm.

The MoJ also includes a requirement for contractors to evidence how they will implement the public sector food procurement initiative within the evaluation criteria of any competitions for the supply of foodstuff.

The proportion of pork and bacon purchased that is British is answered within the Defra report at www.defra.gov.uk/farm/policy/sustain/procurement/pdf/govt-food-usage.pdf. This report is also referenced in the British Pig Executive report, Is the Government Buying British?. Defra again proposes to publish data by the end of 2008 on the proportion of domestically produced food used by government departments for the period July to June.

Additionally, food commodity standards and specifications are reviewed regularly to accommodate the requirements of a changeable and diverse consumer base. As a minimum they are scrutinised prior to any tendering exercise.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

What is the estimated cost incurred by the Department for International Development in answering freedom of information requests from the TaxPayers’ Alliance pressure group, including civil servants’ time. [HL4073]

The Department for International Development (DfID) does not hold information on estimated costs of responding to individual requests. Complying with the Freedom of Information Act does not require compilation of such estimates.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What consultations they have had with the Gibraltar Services Police Staff Association about the future of the Gibraltar Service Police. [HL4958]

HQ British Forces Gibraltar issued for consultation the terms of reference document for the Gibraltar policing and security review to the Gibraltar Services Police Staff Association (GSPSA) and other interested parties on 4 June 2007. They responded on 19 June 2007 and conduct of the review commenced on 20 June 2007. The GSPSA has been kept informed on the progress of the review. Should the review determine an option that changes the current status or structure of the Gibraltar Services Police, the normal process of consultation will take place in line with standard departmental procedures.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

(a) What consultation has been carried out with the Royal Gibraltar Police and the Gibraltar Services Police regarding the proposed amalgamation; and (b) what response they received from the Royal Gibraltar Police and the Gibraltar Services Police regarding the merits and feasibility of this amalgamation. [HL4959]

We have not reached any decision on the future of the Gibraltar Services Police (GSP). Work is continuing, and part of this process will involve discussions between HQ British Forces Gibraltar and the Government of Gibraltar on future policing options. Once these discussions have concluded, there will be a full appraisal of the options for the future of the GSP before any final decision is taken. Accordingly, there have been no consultations with the GSP on a possible transfer to the Royal Gibraltar Police. Over the past year, the GSP has actively engaged in the security review. While there has been some low-level engagement with the Royal Gibraltar Police, detailed discussions and consultation will be undertaken with the Government of Gibraltar in due course.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many (a) laptops, and (b) mobile phones issued to Home Office and associated agency staff were lost or stolen in each of the past five years. [HL4771]

We only have accurate information for the past three years.

In 2005, there were 26 mobiles recorded as lost, seven as stolen and four as missing. Three laptops were reported as lost, and 11 laptops were reported as stolen.

In 2006, there were seven mobiles recorded as lost and three as missing. Three laptops were reported as lost, one as missing and 10 were reported as stolen.

In 2007, 43 mobile telephones were reported as lost and four were reported as stolen. Three laptops were reported as lost and 12 were reported as stolen.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

What information technology contracts have been entered into by the Department for Transport and its associated agencies in each of the previous three years; and what is the total value of those contracts. [HL4929]

A list has been placed in the Libraries of both Houses showing IT contracts entered into by the Department for Transport and its agencies in the previous three complete financial years. The total value of these contracts was £115,095,680.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What plans they have to improve the accountability of regional Ministers to Parliament. [HL4933]

Regional Ministers do not have executive powers, and it is for departmental Ministers to answer Parliamentary Questions on issues pertaining to their department’s responsibilities. The Government believe, however, that regional Ministers should be accountable to Parliament for their activities and fulfilling the roles set out in The Governance of Britain Green Paper, and have made proposals accordingly in their response to the third report of the House of Commons Select Committee on Modernisation of the House, of the current Session, into regional accountability, published on 21 July (Cm 7376).

We have announced that provision should be made in the Commons for regional Grand Committees in each English region (excluding London, at least initially), at which there would be oral questions to regional Ministers on their activities in their capacity as regional Ministers and other proceedings in which regional Ministers will participate. The Government’s response also proposes the establishment of regional Select Committees, which could seek evidence from regional Ministers, among other witnesses. The Government hope to bring forward motions to implement these proposals in the autumn.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Which of the recommendations from the Chief Medical Officer’s 2007 annual report they intend to implement in the coming year. [HL4969]

The Government are grateful to the Chief Medical Officer for his annual report. It raises important issues, to which the Government will give careful consideration.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

How continuity between the work programmes of the Healthcare Commission and those of the Care Quality Commission will be maintained when it is established, with particular reference to ongoing special review. [HL4972]

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) will be an independent body, with powers to carry out special reviews of the provision of National Health Service care or adult social services. The CQC will consult on and publish its programme of reviews.

The department has been working very closely with the existing commissions and the shadow chair of the CQC to ensure plans are in place to minimise any risks arising from the organisational change involved in the creation of the new regulator and to achieve a smooth transition. It is our expectation that where the existing commissions undertake special reviews during 2008-09, those reviews will be completed and published by the end of that year so that the CQC can properly plan its own programme of future reviews.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

How specific recommendations made by the Healthcare Commission on the performance of healthcare providers will be followed up and monitored by the Care Quality Commission when it is established, with particular reference to patient safety issues and compliance with core standards. [HL4973]

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) will become responsible for the regulation of health and adult social care providers from April 2009. To ensure continuity, the CQC will, in designing the systems and methodologies necessary for carrying out its regulatory functions, build on the work of the bodies that it will replace. This will include taking into account any recommendations made by its predecessor bodies about any particular provider to ensure that patient safety is not compromised and providers continue to meet all necessary regulatory requirements. From April 2010, the new CQC will move to a common system of registration for all providers of regulated health and adult social care.

The department recently carried out a 12-week consultation on what the essential requirements of safety and quality of care should be that providers have to meet in order to maintain their registration. The responses to the consultation are currently being analysed and the Government’s response will be published in due course.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What arrangements will be made to ensure that the Healthcare Commission's investigations of complaints which are ongoing when the commission is dissolved are officially followed through and concluded. [HL4974]

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman has confirmed that she will take responsibility for any complaint that has been received by the Healthcare Commission and has not been concluded prior to its abolition.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

What action is taken by NHS Cord Blood Bank in relation to cord blood units collected which are not suitable for transplant. [HL4934]

The NHS Cord Blood Bank asks prospective mothers, when they register to donate their cord blood, to consent to its use for transplantation and research purposes. If the cord blood donation is not suitable for clinical or research purposes or if consent has not been given to use it for research, then it is disposed of appropriately.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In which areas of the drug tariff the NHS efficiency target is used to determine the annual fee increase formula for remuneration. [HL4995]

The National Health Service efficiency target is one of the factors used in the annual uplift formula for pharmacy remuneration through the fees and allowances set out in the drug tariff.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps they have taken to establish whether chromatographic fingerprinting is an appropriate requirement in the testing of multi-ingredient herbal remedies which are to be registered under the traditional herbal medicinal products directive (2004/24/EC); and what estimate they have made of the cost of commissioning such tests for a single product containing several herbal ingredients; and [HL5032]

When was the last occasion on which (a) Ministers, and (b) officials of the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency met representatives of the European Commission to discuss the impact of the traditional herbal medicinal products directive (2004/24/EC) upon specialist manufacturers, retailers and consumers of herbal remedies; and what the outcomes of any such meetings were. [HL5033]

Chromatographic fingerprinting is an accepted methodology in the analysis of herbal products and has been included in European guidelines and the European Pharmacopoeia since the early 1990s. With regard to multi-ingredient herbal medicinal products, it is recognised that identification and assay of individual herbal ingredients in the herbal product is difficult to perform and sometimes impossible. The European Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products has recently developed a guideline, in consultation with industry, that addresses the issue of multi-ingredient herbal products. The guideline states that if testing for identity or assay or to demonstrate stability cannot be performed in the herbal product, alternative strategies may be considered. The guideline refers to appropriate fingerprint chromatograms, appropriate overall methods of assay and physical or other appropriate tests. The applicant is therefore able to select appropriate methods and justify their use.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) submitted evidence in 2007 to the Commission’s review of directive 2004/24/EC. In addition, the MHRA has had a number of opportunities—for example, through sharing a platform at conferences—to update Commission officials on the agency’s early experience of the expending number of companies submitting applications under the traditional herbal registration scheme.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What plans they have for allowing NHS patients to be responsible for their own medical records when they do not wish them to be on the NHS database. [HL4768]

Patients are able to opt out of having their clinical information uploaded to the “spine”, the national database of key information about patients' health and care within the NHS Care Records Service, by choosing not to have summary care record. Clinicians are none the less required by their professional bodies, and for clinical governance and medico-legal reasons, to keep clear, accurate, legible and contemporaneous patient records, and to keep these secure and confidential.

It is good practice for all those who provide care to patients to discuss and agree with them what they are going to record and, if asked, to show what they have recorded and to provide copies of any letters they write. In this way all patients are able to have responsibility for the content, accuracy and completeness of their own records in whatever form they are kept.

Since December 2003, we have provided the facility for patients to store their personal health information on a secure website, HealthSpace. This effectively provides people with their own on-line personal health organiser. It is a free service available to all National Health Service patients living in England aged 16 and over. HealthSpace offers a set of basic features to support people in managing their health, including a diary feature with a calendar/reminder service and address book; personal health history with the ability to record key metrics for chronic disease management, for example weight, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels; a search system for local NHS services information; and access to the choose and book online booking service.

In 2007, HealthSpace also started providing people in areas covered by the NHS Summary Care Record Early Adopter Programme with the option of on-line access to their summary care records. Eventually, this option will be available to all NHS patients in England.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

Whether they will ensure the adequate funding of home delivery for single line prescription items in relation to urology appliances. [HL4919]

Home delivery is a related service that many patients value. Consequently, views are sought on the fees proposed in the current consultation which are intended to contribute towards the cost of additional dispensing services that it is proposed that every dispensing appliance contractor and pharmacy contractor in England should be required to provide as part of their essential service provision for items that they supply in the normal course of their business. Such services include the home delivery of items if the patient requires it.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the exclusion from the 2 per cent reduction in price reimbursements of manufacturers by the National Health Service for items listed in proposed new Arrangements under Part IX of the Drug Tariff for the Provision of Stoma and Incontinence Appliances—and Related Services—to Primary Care—June 2008 is limited to companies with a turnover of less than £5 million based only on their turnover in the United Kingdom according to the Prescription Pricing Division published figures or less than £5 million based on their turnover including non-United Kingdom activities. [HL4920]

The review of Arrangements under Part IX of the Drug Tariff for the Provision of Stoma and Incontinence Appliances—and Related Services—to Primary Care applies to England only. Copies of this publication have already been placed in the Library. As noted, it has been proposed that manufacturers who have applied directly to the Prescription Pricing Division for a product to be listed on the drug tariff can apply for an exemption from the proposed 2 per cent reduction in reimbursement provided that their net ingredient cost (NIC)* in the 12 months preceding the announcement of any new arrangements for items listed in Part IXA (catheter), Part IXB and Part IXC was less than £5.6 million.

Notes:

*NIC on stoma and incontinence products dispensed in England in the 12 months preceding the announcement of any new arrangements.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

How the Department of Health will ensure that the link between the NHS efficiency target and the annual price increase mechanism for remuneration in the Proposed New Arrangements under Part IX of the Drug Tariff for the Provision of Stoma and Urology Appliances—and Related Services—in Primary Care: A Consultation—June 2008 does not result in future price reductions which lead directly to product withdrawals. [HL4921]

No new arrangements for a price increase mechanism have been agreed, as the consultation is ongoing. Therefore, the department is unable to comment until such time as all responses to the consultation have been received and analysed.

asked the Chairman of Committees:

How many computers provided by PICT to members of the House of Lords are retained (a) outside the parliamentary estate, and (b) inside the parliamentary estate. [HL4962]

Members are entitled to a desktop computer for use in their parliamentary office and to a laptop computer for use at any location. One hundred and ninety eight desktop computers and 328 laptop computers are currently on loan to Members from PICT.

asked the Chairman of Committees:

What is the total cost of computers provided to Members of the House of Lords for use (a) within the parliamentary estate, and (b) outside the parliamentary estate, in each of the past four years. [HL4963]

The cost in each of the past four years of providing Members with desktop computers for use in their parliamentary offices and laptop computers for use at any location is as follows:

asked the Chairman of Committees:

What is the annual cost of PICT or its predecessor in the House of Lords in each of the past four years. [HL4964]

Prior to the creation of PICT on 1 January 2006, the House of Lords paid 15 per cent of the costs of the Parliamentary Communications Directorate. The House now pays 20 per cent of the costs of PICT. The annual expenditure by the House on central ICT services and equipment in each of the past four financial years is as follows:

asked the Chairman of Committees:

What is the cost of providing printers to Members of the House of Lords for use (a) within the Parliamentary Estate, and (b) outside the Parliamentary Estate, in each of the past four years. [HL4965]

The range of printers provided by PICT to Members includes models that can be used both within and outside the Parliamentary Estate. It is not, therefore, possible to break down cost by location. The total cost in each of the past four years of providing Members with printers is as follows:

asked the Chairman of Committees:

What is the cost of providing peripheral equipment for the information technology needs of Members of the House of Lords in each of the past four years. [HL4966]

Keyboards, mice and computer screens are included in the purchase price of the desktop or laptop computer where appropriate. Other peripheral items are obtained in negligible quantities and the cost is not recorded separately.

asked the Chairman of Committees:

What are the terms of the Dell contract for the supply of information technology equipment to the House of Lords. [HL4967]

The contract with Dell for the supply of information technology equipment to the Houses of Parliament is subject to the Houses’ normal procurement terms and conditions. In addition, there are specific terms relating to the service, such as supply of equipment within 28 days of placement of an order and measures to ensure prices remain competitive.

asked the Chairman of Committees:

What was the cost of supplying inkjet cartridges to Members of the House of Lords in each of the past four years; and [HL4989]

What was the cost of supplying laser toner cartridges to Members of the House of Lords in each of the past four years. [HL4990]

The cost of supplying printer cartridges to Members of the House of Lords in each of the past four years is as follows:

A breakdown of costs between inkjet and laser toner cartridges is not recorded.

asked the Chairman of Committees:

What is (a) the cost, (b) the name of the suppliers, and (c) the manufacturer's item number of (1) mobile phones, (2) printers, and (3) computer equipment available to Members of the House of Lords following advice from PICT. [HL4991]

Members of the House of Lords are entitled to the loan of one personal digital assistant or one Smartphone from PICT. These devices can be used as mobile phones. At present, Members can select one of three devices, which range in price from £240.00 to £405.00 excluding VAT.

The information requested regarding printers and computer equipment is as follows:

asked the Chairman of Committees:

What arrangements are in place for reviewing the procurement requirements for information technology equipment available to the House of Lords and its Members. [HL4992]

The procurement of hardware equipment is either subject to competitive tender or covered by an existing government procurement framework. The prime supplier is subject to regular service and product reviews. Where existing products do not meet the needs of Members, additional products will be identified. Additional products can be sourced from alternative suppliers if required.

The supply of equipment to Members will be subject to a new procurement exercise in the next one to two years. Consultation with Members on future requirements will form part of the procurement exercise.

asked the Chairman of Committees:

What consideration has been given to extending the life of all information technology equipment made available to Members of the House of Lords under manufacturers’ or suppliers’ guarantees. [HL5055]

Support agreements of three years were formerly obtained for computer equipment, including printers. New equipment is now acquired with four years’ extended warranty. The current approach will be reviewed within the next one to two years as part of a new tender for the supply of hardware.

asked the Chairman of Committees:

What consideration is being given to the provision of minimal function photocopying in communal areas the House of Lords. [HL4993]

The House authorities endeavour to provide photocopiers in communal areas that fulfil the needs of users while retaining ease of operation and maintenance. The user requirements are for reasonably basic functions that include the ability to make multiple copies, double-sided if required, and for the machine to collate documents. These requirements were taken into consideration during the tender process in 2005 to contract photocopiers for the Palace and the outbuildings and will be taken into account again during the tender exercise this autumn to replace the photocopiers in Fielden House.

asked the Chairman of Committees:

What was the cost for each of the past four years of the provision of photocopiers in communal areas of the House of Lords. [HL4994]

Eight photocopiers are provided in communal areas within the Lords area of the Palace of Westminster and nine photocopiers are provided in the Lords outbuildings. The rental cost of these photocopiers for each of the past four years is as follows:

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Andrews on 1 July (WA 29–30), whether the use of the definition of affordable housing, published in Planning Policy Statement 3—Housing for measuring Housing Affordability Pressure in the consultation paper Eco-towns, Living a greener future is adequate for that purpose; and [HL4886]

Whether the use of the criterion Housing Affordability Pressure in the consultation paper Eco-towns, Living a greener future is comparable across all the bids received. [HL4945]

The definition of housing affordability pressure is “the ratio of lower quartile house price to lower quartile earnings”. This is reported annually by district and can be found on the department's website at:

http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/housing/xls/152924.xls.

This was used to calculate housing affordability in the districts where an eco-town was proposed. The Government's definition of affordable housing appears in Planning Policy Statement 3—Housing and was quoted in the Written Answer of 1 July.

Housing affordability pressure in locations where eco-towns were proposed was one of a number of criteria used to shortlist eco-town proposals. When assessing all bids, the same basket of criteria was used to arrive at an overall grading for each location.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

To what public bodies South Somerset District Council may apply for help in relation to the promotion of good housing design within that area. [HL4982]

There are a range of public bodies that local authorities can apply to for help in relation to the promotion of good housing design within their area. The choice between these bodies would depend on the specific advice and support that the local authority is seeking.

The Commission for Architecture and Built Environment (CABE), which is sponsored by DCMS and supported by my department, can provide expert advice on proposed schemes and practical assistance on visioning, masterplanning and public space projects through their Design Review and Enabling Services. The Advisory Team for Large Applications (ATLAS), which is hosted by English Partnerships, offers guidance on strategic and complex planning applications around the delivery of large housing or regeneration projects, including around design. The Academy for Sustainable Communities (ASC) can advise and assist local authorities in assessing and developing the generic skill base that they need to create and maintain better places and deliver good quality housing.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In the light of current rates of building of new houses, what action they will take to prevent developers whose planning permissions are due to expire from carrying out interim minor building works that leave the site substantially undeveloped with consequent adverse landscape effects. [HL4981]

There is no evidence to support the view that developers deliberately “land bank” by carrying out minimal works to a site so as to meet commencement of development conditions for planning permission. We therefore have no plans to change planning legislation in this respect.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Andrews on 1 July (WA 30), whether the Chatham House rule prohibits reporting the subject-matter of discussions or only the attribution of detail to individuals present. [HL4746]

The stakeholder panel was conducted under the Chatham House rule prohibiting the attribution of comments to individuals present.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will make resources available to enable local authorities to provide mortgages to first-time buyers. [HL5026]

We are currently considering a number of options for helping the state of the housing market and the availability of mortgages, but we have no plans to make resources available to local authorities to provide mortgages to first-time buyers.

Local authorities already have this power and can do so if they wish.

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord West of Spithead on 15 July (WA 140) concerning the cost of immigration applications, why no consideration is given to the length of time an applicant has lived in the United Kingdom as a taxpayer when the cost of an immigration application is calculated. [HL5044]

The costs of processing an application do not vary according to the length of time that a person has spent in the UK as a taxpayer. It is right that all applicants pay towards the costs of processing the application to cover these costs.

For applications that are set above the cost of delivery, it is right that those who use the system most and who benefit most from the services and applications that we offer contribute most to the end costs of the immigration system.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many failed asylum seekers were returned to Sudan in the past three years. [HL4642]