NOTICES AND ORDERS OF THE DAY
Items marked † are new or have been altered.Items marked ‡ are expected to be taken during the dinner adjournment.
THURSDAY 10TH NOVEMBER
At eleven o’clock
*The Lord Greaves—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what progress they are making on the introduction of free bus travel for pensioners.
*The Baroness O’Cathain—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of a full ban on smoking in public places on the United Kingdom economy.
*The Lord Blaker—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their current approach to Zimbabwe in the light of recent events in that country.
*The Lord Maginnis of Drumglass—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what impact the closure of primary schools in Northern Ireland with an enrolment of 40 pupils or fewer is having on small towns and villages in the province.
†Business of the House—The Lord President (Baroness Amos) to move, That the debate on the motion in the name of the Lord May of Oxford set down for today shall be limited to 5 hours.
†Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill—The Lord Bach to move, That the bill be committed to a Committee of the Whole House.
The Lord May of Oxford—To call attention to climate change; and to move for papers.
The Lord Chan—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what progress has been made since the health care of prisons was transferred to the National Health Service.
MONDAY 14TH NOVEMBER
*The Lord Hunt of Chesterton—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, in the course of revising their energy policies, they will take into account the policies of the French Parliament (law 2005-781) which emphasise the need for both renewable and nuclear energy so as to safeguard self-sufficiency, the environment and competition.
*The Earl of Northesk—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether biometric-based security systems have been deployed anywhere within the United Kingdom prison estate; and, if so, with what results.
*The Lord Ackner—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, since 1992, they have sought the approval of Parliament for their decision to recover from litigants in civil cases the full costs of the proceedings, including, inter alia, the provision of judges’ salaries and pensions and court buildings; and, if so, when and how.
*The Lord Ezra—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to encourage home improvements in the private housing sector.
Children and Adoption Bill [HL]—Report [The Lord Adonis]
‡The Viscount Astor—To move, That this House calls upon Her Majesty’s Government to withdraw the Licensing Act 2003 (Second Appointed Day) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/2091) and to replace it with an order specifying the second appointed day as 30th June 2006 in order to allow more time to address public concerns about the effects of the proposed changes and for arrangements for any required changes to be completed in an orderly manner. [8th Report from the Merits Committee]
In the Moses Room
At 3.30 pm
†Commons Bill [HL]—Further consideration in Grand Committee [The Lord Bach] [3rd Report from the Delegated Powers Committee]
TUESDAY 15TH NOVEMBER
*The Baroness Massey of Darwen—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what strategies are in place to encourage the development of cricket in schools.
*The Baroness D’Souza—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what measures they are taking to ensure independent and rigorous monitoring of the treatment of those foreign nationals who have been deported to Jordan and Libya.
*The Lord Phillips of Sudbury—To ask the Chairman of Committees why strangers in the main public gallery and below the bar of the House are prohibited from writing whilst observing proceedings.
†Identity Cards Bill—Committee [The Baroness Scotland of Asthal] [5th Report from the Delegated Powers Committee]
‡The Lord Astor of Hever—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the current situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
WEDNESDAY 16TH NOVEMBER
*The Lord Clinton-Davis—To ask Her Majesty’s Government how they propose to address the issue of the level of income of the junior Bar and of many solicitors in relation to legal aid in criminal cases.
*The Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove Bay—To ask Her Majesty’s Government why Self Invested Pension Plans (SIPPs) will be allowed to invest in assets, including individual houses and fine wines, from 6th April 2006 when SIPPs will not be regulated before 2007.
*The Lord Howell of Guildford—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they plan to make in the immediate future to the government of Iran.
‡The Lord Harrison—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what further action they will take to implement the 2004 music manifesto, aimed at delivering musical opportunities for young people.
[It is expected that the Committee stage of the Identity Cards Bill will continue]
In the Moses Room
At 3.30 pm
Consumer Credit Bill—Further consideration in Grand Committee [The Lord Sainsbury of Turville] [3rd Report from the Delegated Powers Committee]
THURSDAY 17TH NOVEMBER
[At eleven o’clock]
*The Lord Astor of Hever—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what are the in service dates of the two Future Aircraft Carriers (CVF).
*The Lord Campbell-Savours—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the Attorney General will initiate proceedings against the Weir Group in connection with sanctions against Iraq.
*The Lord Fowler—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what progress they are making towards preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS in the United Kingdom.
The Lord Freeman—To call attention to the United Kingdom’s relations with the Commonwealth; and to move for papers.
The Lord Fowler—To call attention to the current issues concerning public sector and private pensions; and to move for papers.
†Healthy Start Scheme and Welfare Food (Amendment) Regulations 2005—The Lord Warner to move, That the draft Regulations laid before the House on 3rd November be approved. [8th Report from the Joint Committee]
The Baroness Byford—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether adequate safeguards are in place to deal with a potential outbreak of avian flu.
FRIDAY 18TH NOVEMBER
[At eleven o’clock]
Interception of Communications (Admissibility of Evidence) Bill [HL]—Second Reading [The Lord Lloyd of Berwick]
†Criminal Defence Service (Funding) (Amendment) Order 2005—The Lord Goodhart to move, That an Humble Address be presented to Her Majesty praying that the Order, laid before the House on 21st September, be annulled (S.I. 2005/2621). [9th Report from the Merits Committee]
Estate Agents (Independent Redress Scheme) Bill [HL]—Second Reading [The Lord Dubs]
Veterinary Surgery (Testing for Tuberculosis in Bovines) Order 2005—The Baroness Byford to move, That an Humble Address be presented to Her Majesty praying that the Order, laid before the House on 25th July, be annulled (S.I. 2005/2015).
Supply of Relevant Veterinary Medicinal Products Order 2005—The Baroness Byford to move, That an Humble Address be presented to Her Majesty praying that the Order, laid before the House on 7th October, be annulled (S.I. 2005/2751).
MONDAY 21ST NOVEMBER
*The Lord Lamont of Lerwick—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they are making to the government of Iraq about the position of women in Iraq since the coalition invasion of 2003.
*The Lord Dearing—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether an increasing number of overseas students coming to the United Kingdom will benefit higher education and the national economy.
*The Baroness Boothroyd—To ask Her Majesty’s Government how widely they consulted on their document Proposals to Exclude Overseas Visitors from Eligibility to Free NHS Primary Medical Services; and when the results of the consultation will be published.
*The Baroness Park of Monmouth—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they and the European Union have to invoke the “international responsibility to protect” principle, agreed at the United Nations in September, to enable the United Nations agencies to distribute food to the people of Zimbabwe.
In the Moses Room
At 3.30 pm
†NHS Redress Bill [HL]—Grand Committee [The Lord Warner] [6th Report from the Delegated Powers Committee]
TUESDAY 22ND NOVEMBER
*The Lord Ashley of Stoke—To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they intend to publish their new proposals on incapacity benefit.
*The Baroness Gardner of Parkes—To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many commonholds have been registered under the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002; and, of these, how many include social housing.
*The Lord Redesdale—To ask Her Majesty’s Government on what basis they believe that nuclear energy is a renewable source of energy.
Road Safety Bill [HL]—Report [The Lord Davies of Oldham]
†‡Financial Assistance Scheme (Modifications and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2005—The Lord Hunt of Kings Heath to move, That the draft Regulations laid before the House on 26th October be approved. [7th Report from the Joint Committee and 13th Report from the Merits Committee]
†‡Financial Assistance Scheme (Appeals) Regulations 2005—The Lord Hunt of Kings Heath to move, That the draft Regulations laid before the House on 26th October be approved. [7th Report from the Joint Committee and 13th Report from the Merits Committee]
†‡Disability Discrimination (Private Clubs etc.) Regulations 2005—The Lord Hunt of Kings Heath to move, That the draft Regulations laid before the House on 19th October be approved. [6th Report from the Joint Committee and 13th Report from the Merits Committee]
†‡Farm Woodland Premium Schemes (Amendment) (England) Scheme 2005—The Lord Bach to move, That the draft Scheme laid before the House on 2nd November be approved. [8th Report from the Joint Committee]
In the Moses Room
At 3.30 pm
†Transport (Wales) Bill—Grand Committee [The Lord Evans of Temple Guiting] [6th Report from the Delegated Powers Committee]
WEDNESDAY 23RD NOVEMBER
*The Lord Hannay of Chiswick—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to encourage the emergence of a regional security organisation in the Gulf area which would include Iran, Iraq and the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
*The Lord Dykes—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to continue dialogue with the other European Union governments on the matters discussed at Hampton Court on 27th October, in advance of the December European Council.
*The Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether progress on addressing the issue of bio-accumulative, toxic and persistent chemicals in the environment will be adequately addressed by the proposed Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals agreement.
‡Employment (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Northern Ireland) Order 2005—The Lord Rooker to move, That the draft Order laid before the House on 24th October be approved.
[It is expected that the Committee stage of the Identity Cards Bill will continue]
[It is expected that the Grand Committee on the NHS Redress Bill will continue at 3.30 pm in the Moses Room]
THURSDAY 24TH NOVEMBER
[At eleven o’clock]
*The Baroness Rawlings—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the BBC regarding the proposed cuts to BBC World Service broadcasts in eastern Europe.
*The Lord Morris of Manchester—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they are taking in regard to the implications for other veterans of the 1990-91 Gulf War of the Pensions Appeal Tribunal decision of 31st October in the case of Guardsman Daniel Martin.
*The Baroness Neuberger—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their view of the recent finding that nearly a third of complaints to the Healthcare Commission are referred back to the National Health Service because the issue has not been dealt with adequately.
The Lord Norton of Louth—To call attention to the impact of bureaucracy on universities; and to move for papers. [Balloted Debate]
The Lord Pendry—To call attention to the role of sport in the community; and to move for papers. [Balloted Debate]
†Asylum (Designated States) (No. 2) Order 2005—The Lord Bassam of Brighton to move, That the draft Order laid before the House on 24th October be approved. [8th Report from the Joint Committee]
†Retention of Communications Data (Further Extension of Initial Period) Order 2005—The Lord Bassam of Brighton to move, That the draft Order laid before the House on 3rd November be approved. [8th Report from the Joint Committee]
[It is expected that the Grand Committee on the Transport (Wales) Bill will continue at 2 pm in the Moses Room]
MONDAY 28TH NOVEMBER
*The Lord Lester of Herne Hill—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will invite Ministers and their advisers and Members of both Houses of Parliament to answer the questions contained in the new citizenship test so as to evaluate whether the questions are well designed for testing the necessary attributes of British citizenship.
*The Baroness Tonge—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what their plans are for a public information campaign aimed at improving sexual health.
*The Lord Lyell—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will reconsider the procedure for investigating the allegations concerning the events at Deepcut army barracks.
*The Lord Berkeley—To ask Her Majesty’s Government why they provided the funds for the new head office of the Commissioners of Irish Lights in Dun Laoghaire in the Republic of Ireland.
Compensation Bill [HL]—Second Reading [The Lord Falconer of Thoroton]
†European Court of Human Rights (Immunities and Privileges) (Amendment) Order 2005—The Lord Triesman to move, That the draft Order laid before the House on 3rd November be approved. [8th Report from the Joint Committee]
†European Forest Institute (Legal Capacities) Order 2005—The Lord Triesman to move, That the draft Order laid before the House on 26th October be approved. [8th Report from the Joint Committee]
TUESDAY 29TH NOVEMBER
*The Lord Faulkner of Worcester—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the banking industry to prevent young people from using credit and debit cards to finance internet activities, especially gambling, from which they should be precluded by reason of their age.
*The Baroness Buscombe—To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light of the White Paper Higher standards, better schools for all, what role the school improvement partners will play in ensuring children in care are integrated into the education system.
*The Lord Bradshaw—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what consultation about the future siting of speed cameras has taken place with the local communities involved.
Criminal Justice Act 2003 (Commencement No. 12 and Transitory Provisions) Order 2005—The Lord Goldsmith to move, That the draft Order laid before the House on 27th October be approved. [7th Report from the Joint Committee]
WEDNESDAY 30TH NOVEMBER
*The Lord Sheldon—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what comparison they have made of the consequences of climate change for the United Kingdom and for other countries.
*The Baroness Pitkeathley—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their response to reports that tests for methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) may be falsely positive as a result of using a single laboratory.
*The Baroness Sharples—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether there has been an increase in the number of quangos since 1997.
‡Civil Partnership (Judicial Pensions and Church Pensions, etc.) Order 2005—The Lord Evans of Temple Guiting to move, That the draft Order laid before the House on 17th October be approved. [6th Report from the Joint Committee]
‡Civil Partnership (Jurisdiction and Recognition of Judgments) Regulations 2005—The Lord Evans of Temple Guiting to move, That the draft Regulations laid before the House on 27th October be approved. [7th Report from the Joint Committee]
‡Civil Partnership (Family Proceedings and Housing Consequential Amendments) Order 2005—The Lord Evans of Temple Guiting to move, That the draft Order laid before the House on 19th October be approved. [6th Report from the Joint Committee]
‡Civil Partnership (House of Commons Members’ Fund) Order 2005—The Lord Evans of Temple Guiting to move, That the draft Order laid before the House on 13th October be approved. [6th Report from the Joint Committee]
THURSDAY 1ST DECEMBER
[At eleven o’clock]
*The Earl of Sandwich—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what trade concessions have been made during the United Kingdom Presidency of the European Union to help eradicate world poverty.
*The Baroness Northover—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their response to the recent UNICEF report, Children—the missing face of AIDS.
*The Lord Anderson of Swansea—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have received in favour of extending Sunday trading hours; and what is their response.
MONDAY 5TH DECEMBER
†*The Lord Avebury—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what subjects the Prime Minister discussed with President Hu.
TUESDAY 6TH DECEMBER
†*The Lord Renton of Mount Harry—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to ensure that local art, culture and heritage development throughout the United Kingdom is not affected as a result of £1.5 billion of National Lottery funds being channelled to the Olympic Games in London.
*The Lord Hoyle—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether British Army uniforms are being manufactured in China.
†*The Lord Roberts of Conwy—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will require retiring or resigning Ministers of the Crown not only to consult the Advisory Committee before taking up employment in the private sector, but also to adhere to the Ministerial Code and follow any advice given by the Committee.
WEDNESDAY 7TH DECEMBER
*The Lord Steinberg—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their response to the Confederation of British Industry estimate that tax rises since 1997 have cost British businesses £50 billion.
†*The Baroness Walmsley—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether their policy of upgrading the educational infrastructure is fulfilling the aims of the Department for Education and Skills’ Sustainable Development Plan.
THURSDAY 8TH DECEMBER
[At eleven o’clock]
*The Lord Palmer—To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they will introduce the renewable transport fuel obligation as provided in the Energy Act 2004.
FRIDAY 9TH DECEMBER
†[At eleven o’clock]
†The Lord Fowler—To move, That this House takes note of the First Report of the Select Committee on the Review of the BBC’s Royal Charter (First Report, HL Paper 50).
NO DAY NAMED
PART I
The Lord Dykes—To call attention to the case for United Kingdom-European Union policy co-ordination to assist in future stabilisation policies in the Balkans, with particular regard to Kosovo, Montenegro and Bosnia; and to move for papers.
The Lord Dykes—To ask Her Majesty’s Government how they intend to develop their relations with Spain.
The Baroness Northover—To call attention to the case for further aid to assist the reconstruction of Afghanistan; and to move for papers.
The Baroness Northover—To call attention to the case for further action by Her Majesty’s Government in advance of the review this autumn of the Millennium Development Goals; and to move for papers.
The Lord Bradshaw—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what proposals they have to stimulate the bus industry outside London.
The Lord Northbourne—To call attention to the causes of family dysfunction and breakdown and to their cost to the nation; and to move for papers.
The Lord Northbourne—To call attention to the role and responsibilities of fathers; and to move for papers.
The Lord Pearson of Rannoch—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they agree with the First Report from the Committee for Privileges, Code of Conduct and Members’ Interests, (Session 2003-04, HL Paper 69) in particular its recommendation that Members of the House in receipt of pensions from the European Union do not normally need to declare such pensions as a financial interest when taking part in debates on European Union matters; and, if so, why.
The Lord Ackner—To move to resolve, That this House regrets the Government’s insistence that civil justice costs be recovered in their entirety from those who become suitors before the courts.
The Baroness Neuberger—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their response to recent reports by the Royal College of Psychiatrists for the Healthcare Commission and the Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health on in-patient care in acute mental health wards.
The Lord Maclennan of Rogart—To call attention to the Report of the Independent Commission on the Voting System (the Jenkins Commission); and to move for papers.
The Lord Rotherwick—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what are their proposals for increasing charges for general aviation.
The Lord Willoughby de Broke—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they consider continuing United Kingdom membership of the European Union to be in the national interest.
The Viscount Falkland—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the changing habits of television viewers could influence Government broadcasting policy on the switchover from analogue to digital and the funding of public service broadcasting.
The Lord Craig of Radley—To call attention to the Independent Public Inquiry on Gulf War Illnesses (The Lloyd Inquiry); and to move for papers.
The Baroness Hooper—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what developments they envisage in policies on education and cultural heritage for the Overseas Territories.
The Lord Norton of Louth—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will reconsider their decision not to amend the law governing the death of a candidate during a general election campaign.
The Baroness Cox—To call attention to the security, humanitarian and human rights situation in North Korea; and to move for papers.
The Lord Norton of Louth—To call attention to the case for establishing a fixed date for Easter; and to move for papers.
The Lord Alton of Liverpool—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will raise in the United Nations Security Council the issues of the alleged genocide committed against the Karen, Karenni and Shan of Burma; and the imposition of an arms and investment embargo on Burma.
The Baroness Rendell of Babergh—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their attitude to the inclusion of female genital mutilation, carried out under duress, as a ground for asylum application.
The Lord Hoyle—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to persuade the owners of sports stadiums to make those stadiums non-smoking areas.
The Lord Campbell-Savours—To call attention to equipment used in the treatment of cancer in National Health Service hospitals; and to move for papers.
The Baroness Noakes—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the administration and management of H M Revenue and Customs are satisfactory.
The Baroness Noakes—To call attention to the use of mixed sex wards in the National Health Service; and to move for papers.
The Lord Dykes—To call attention to the Wim Kok Lisbon Mark 2 economic competitiveness programme and the case for specific policy input from the United Kingdom and other European Union member states; and to move for papers.
The Viscount Montgomery of Alamein—To call attention to the situation in Argentina; and to move for papers.
The Lord Kirkwood of Kirkhope—To call attention to the workings of the Child Support Agency; and to move for papers.
The Baroness Scott of Needham Market—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have for the future of council housing.
The Lord Moynihan—To call attention to the 2012 Olympic Games in London; and to move for papers.
The Lord Faulkner of Worcester—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they are taking steps to encourage the reinstatement of direct east-west rail services between Oxford and Cambridge.
The Baroness Shephard of Northwold—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have for the production of bio-fuels in the United Kingdom.
The Viscount Waverley—To call attention to initiatives for the resolution of global terrorism; and to move for papers.
The Lord Luke—To call attention to the role of speed cameras and the number of traffic police; and to move for papers.
The Lord Dykes—To call attention to present security problems in Afghanistan; and to move for papers.
The Viscount Bridgeman—To call attention to the problem of hospital acquired infection; and to move for papers.
The Lord Turnberg—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps are being taken to reverse the decline in numbers of clinical academic staff.
The Baroness Northover—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what coordination there is through the international community to resolve the conflict in northern Uganda.
The Baroness Falkner of Margravine—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to address the segregation of communities, and to enhance better community relations.
The Earl of Listowel—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their strategy for children’s homes.
The Lord Marlesford—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what progress they are making in setting up a central register of persons who have applied for or have been granted a shotgun or firearm certificate, as required by section 39 of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997.
The Lord Trefgarne—To ask Her Majesty’s Government how they propose to ensure an adequate water supply for the 29,500 additional dwellings a year to be constructed in the South East between now and 2016.
The Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their policy towards developments in the European Union’s relations with Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine.
The Viscount Astor—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they will take to promote the art market in light of the proposed implementation of the European Union Directive on the resale right for the benefit of the author of an original work of art.
The Baroness Cox—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of recent developments in Sudan.
The Baroness Williams of Crosby—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they have taken to counter the dangers of nuclear proliferation.
The Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what progress they have made in implementing the Water Framework Directive.
The Lord Dykes—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what are the current plans to create a viable West Bank and Gaza.
The Viscount Montgomery of Alamein—To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they will consider adopting Central European Time.
The Lord Addington—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what further proposals they have to deal with dyslexia throughout the educational and working lives of the population.
The Viscount Montgomery of Alamein—To call attention to the new European regime for the import of bananas; and to move for papers.
The Baroness Tonge—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the social and economic progress made in Botswana since independence.
The Lord Blaker—To call attention to the situation in Zimbabwe; and to move for papers.
The Lord Lyell of Markyate—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will introduce Charitable Remainder Trusts.
The Baroness Whitaker—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to respond to the condition of children with HIV/AIDS in developing countries.
The Baroness Hooper—To call attention to the situation in Paraguay; and to move for papers.
The Lord Taverne—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have for the extension of faith schools.
The Earl of Dundee—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the contribution Croatia’s accession to the European Union will make towards peace and stability in Europe.
The Lord Tyler—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will review policy in relation to victims of Gulf War illnesses in the light of the ruling of the War Pensions Appeal Tribunal on 31st October 2005.
PART II
MOTIONS FOR BALLOTED DEBATE
[Ballot on 24th November for debate on 15th December]
The Lord Clarke of Hampstead—To call attention to the case for a Government policy towards the Royal Mail which best reflects the national interest in all respects; and to move for papers.
The Lord Russell-Johnston—To call attention to the practice of honour killings and their incidence in the United Kingdom; and to move for papers.
The Baroness Williams of Crosby—To call attention to the reconstruction of Iraq; and to move for papers.
The Lord Rodgers of Quarry Bank—To call attention to the role of the Law Officers; and to move for papers.
The Lord Giddens—To call attention to the future of the European social model; and to move for papers.
The Lord Harrison—To call attention to the development of alternatives to fox hunting in the light of the Hunting Act 2004; and to move for papers.
The Baroness Gibson of Market Rasen—To call attention to the impact of the National Offender Management Service on the Criminal Justice System; and to move for papers.
†The Lord Tombs—To call attention to the problems in the electricity supply industry created by the absence of a strategic decision mechanism; and to move for papers.
QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN ANSWER
[Tabled on 9th November, or unanswered after 14 days]
[The Government department responsible for answering each Question is shown in brackets]
10th October
The Baroness Anelay of St Johns—To ask Her Majesty’s Government which organisations, agencies and consultants they have employed to date in the development of a national police intelligence system. [HO] (HL1575)
The Lord Avebury—To ask Her Majesty’s Government why Home Office officials deleted two sentences in the Home Office position from paragraph 16 of the briefing paper sent to the Minister of State for Immigration, Citizenship and Nationality, dated 19th January, concerning the British citizenship application of a solely British National (Overseas) minor of Indian origin; and whether they will place in the Library of the House the two deleted sentences. [HO] (HL1579)
The Lord Mayhew of Twysden—To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they expect to receive the report of the Bloody Sunday inquiry. [NIO] (HL1591)
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government on what date the Northern Ireland Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure received an application from the Ulster Scots Agency to employ a Youth Development Officer using non-governmental funding; and on what date the creation of the post was agreed. [NIO] (HL1600)
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government, for each year since 1998, how much compensation has been paid to civilians in South Armagh as a result of security forces’ alleged activities in the area. [NIO] (HL1601)
11th October
The Lord Avebury—To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 10th January (WA 6), why they have not yet updated Annex H of Chapter 14 of the Home Office Nationality Instructions to reflect the coming into force of India’s Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2003; and on what basis caseworkers have been determining British nationality claims from persons of Indian origin or descent in view of the absence of up-to-date advice on the provisions of Indian citizenship law. [HO] (HL1628)
12th October
The Lord Maginnis of Drumglass—To ask Her Majesty’s Government who are the Commissioners on the Northern Ireland Equality Commission; what is the religious and gender balance; and what is the nationality and country of permanent residence of the Chief Commissioner. [NIO] (HL1662)
The Lord Maginnis of Drumglass—To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many staff, including seconded personnel, were employed, and at what grade or rank, by the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman’s Office on 1st April 2005; and what was the religious and gender balance of all staff at each grade or rank. [NIO] (HL1664)
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether Mr Phil Flynn has visited Number 10 Downing Street in connection with the Irish Peace Process in the last five years; if so, when these visits occurred; and whom he represented. [NIO] (HL1681)
The Lord Jopling—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what lessons they have learned from the measures taken in the United States by the Agricultural Bioterrorism Act 2002; and whether they are contemplating taking any of the powers and precautions provided by that Act. [HO] (HL1687)
13th October
The Lord Avebury—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what evidence they have for their assertion that longer opening hours for licensed premises in Scotland have led to a reduction in crime and disorder. [DCMS] (HL1700)
The Lord Alton of Liverpool—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what impact the latest upsurge in violence in Darfur is likely to have on humanitarian operations. [DfID] (HL1716)
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether Parliamentary approval was given to the funding for the festivals in West Belfast, New Lodge and Ardoyne in 2003; 2004; and 2005; if so, when and how such approval was given; and why similar funding was not provided for the Ulster Scots Agency in 2004 and 2005. [NIO] (HL1726)
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by the Lord Rooker on 10th October (WA 62) concerning fuel laundering, what steps they have taken in each year since 2000 to stop such activity. [NIO] (HL1727)
14th October
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answers by the Lord President on 2nd February (WA 38) and by the Lord Rooker on 10th October (WA 60), (a) which body consulted the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) at Musgrave Street, about the removal of the security barriers at Lower Chichester Street in Belfast; (b) whether the decision to remove the barriers rests with the PSNI; (c) why these barriers are not identified by the ongoing review of the removal of town centre barriers review in the Northern Ireland Office (NIO); (d) which barriers are under consideration in the NIO review; and (e) why the barriers at Lower Chichester Street are needed, given the verification of the decommissioning of Irish Republican Army weapons. [NIO] (HL1738)
17th October
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the basis of their assessment that all Irish Republican Army guns, explosives and ammunition have been decommissioned. [NIO] (HL1745)
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government who selected the independent witnesses for the Irish Republican Army decommission acts; on what basis; and when. [NIO] (HL1746)
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what funding has been given to victims’ groups in Northern Ireland since 1998; what groups have received such funding; and how much they have received in each case. [NIO] (HL1747)
The Lord Graham of Edmonton—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have for the future of the Extradition Act 2003 since the United States has not so far ratified the 2003 Extradition Treaty; and whether, until ratification, they will decline to extradite British subjects to the United States. [HO] (HL1750)
18th October
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government how much funding has been provided by the European Union Peace II programme to (a) victims’ groups, and (b) ex-prisoners groups; what were the groups; how much each group received; and for what purposes. [NIO] (HL1783)
The Baroness Tonge—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have made any assessment of the nutritional state of Palestinian children. [DfID] (HL1795)
19th October
The Earl Howe—To ask Her Majesty’s Government which organisations they have invited to comment upon the draft Obesity Care Pathway; by when those comments have been invited; whether they intend that this document should reflect a consensus on the most effective treatment options; and when they will consult with the wider scientific community, the commercial weight loss sector, and patient and practitioner organisations about the details of the Pathway. [DoH] (HL1803)
The Earl Howe—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the selective consultation process being followed in relation to the development of the Obesity Care Pathway is consistent with the principles set out in the Cabinet Office Code of Practice on Consultation and with the Code of Good Practice in Consultations and Policy Appraisal. [DoH] (HL1804)
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government how much funding is available for improvements to Artigarvan Primary School in County Tyrone in (a) 2005, and (b) 2006. [NIO] (HL1811)
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government when the Government of Ireland Act 1920 was repealed; and for what reason. [NIO] (HL1812)
The Lord Roberts of Llandudno—To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many under 18 year olds were imprisoned in prisons for adults in the United Kingdom in 1980, 1990, 1995, 2000 and 2004. [HO] (HL1816)
The Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether trade in wild birds presents a risk of avian flu greater than that of poultry and migratory birds. [DEFRA] (HL1822)
The Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether a partial, state-based ban on wild bird imports is sufficient to guard against an avian flu pandemic in the United Kingdom, given the trans-national migratory routes of wild birds. [DEFRA] (HL1823)
The Baroness Whitaker—To ask Her Majesty’s Government which parts of their consultative document, Planning for Housing Provision, refer to the housing needs of Gypsies and Travellers. [ODPM] (HL1829)
The Lord Astor of Hever—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what were the circumstances that led to the referral to the Crown Prosecution Service for consideration of possible charges against Captain Fielder, Corporal Manley, Lance Corporal Rayner, Trooper Armstrong and Trooper Thornton, all of the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment; and who requested and authorised such referral. [LSLO] (HL1833)
The Lord Tyler—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the Home Office, and the executive agencies for which it is responsible, now follow the guidance of the Central Office of Information and OFCOM in relation to the use of 0870 and 0845 telephone numbers for public enquiries. [HO] (HL1837)
The Lord Tyler—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the Foreign and Commonwealth Office now follows the guidance of the Central Office of Information and OFCOM in relation to the use of 0870 and 0845 telephone numbers for public enquiries. [FCO] (HL1838)
20th October
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government why the number of former members of the Northern Ireland civil service now employed by Waterways Ireland is 90 per cent less than when the organisation was created, when the number of former members of the Irish civil service employed is only 20 per cent less. [NIO] (HL1845)
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what were the qualifications required for the appointment of the head of marketing administration in Waterways Ireland; and why was the position not advertised. [NIO] (HL1846)
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government why presents were given to all members of staff from the Chief Executive in Waterways Ireland at Christmas 2002 and 2003; what were these presents; how much they cost; where the funding came from; and whether the use of public money is appropriate for this type of organisation. [NIO] (HL1847)
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government why Waterways Ireland has underspent its budget in every year since its creation; and why the Northern Ireland Office did not use the funding in other areas of cross-border activity. [NIO] (HL1848)
24th October
The Lord Avebury—To ask Her Majesty’s Government for how many days each of the 21 Iraqi asylum seekers who were in detention awaiting removal on 14th October had been detained on that date; how many of them have now been assessed as not posing a threat of absconding, have met the necessary conditions and provided the sureties required for release on Chief Immigration Officer bail; and, if any of them have met the other conditions but have not been able to provide sureties, whether they will put them in touch with Bail for Immigration Detainees. [HO] (HL1857)
The Lord Hylton—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the most recent figure for persons in H M Prisons in England and Wales as a result of recall from licence; whether the total has fluctuated in recent years; if so, by how much; and what are the average and median periods spent on recall before eventual release. [HO] (HL1865)
The Lord Maginnis of Drumglass—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what estimate the Northern Ireland Authority for Energy has made of the extra cost that Northern Ireland’s electricity consumers are likely to have paid compared with United Kingdom consumers by the end of the decade; and how much that estimate is likely to be per household. [NIO] (HL1872)
The Baroness Northover—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they have taken in the training of scientists in or from developing countries, particularly in translational research, to ensure the retention of science graduates in their home countries. [DfID] (HL1873)
The Baroness Northover—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what they are doing to support the work of institutions such as the Drugs for Neglected Disease initiative; and what funds have been committed to support the strengthening of capacities and the development of new tools within disease-endemic countries. [DfID] (HL1874)
The Lord Hanningfield—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the Deputy Prime Minister’s wife has the use of an official Government car or has used an official Government car when not accompanying the Deputy Prime Minister; and, if so, on what occasions. [ODPM] (HL1878)
The Baroness Hanham—To ask Her Majesty’s Government, across all departments, which bodies and statutory responsibilities are currently operating regionally, either as part of, or in association with, Regional Assemblies. [ODPM] (HL1886)
The Baroness Hanham—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what information on the provision of water supplies for new housing in the South East was contained in their concordat with the Environment Agency. [ODPM] (HL1887)
The Viscount Waverley—To ask Her Majesty’s Government which domestic priorities of the government of St Lucia are supported by aid from other governments; and what action they are taking to provide such assistance. [DfID] (HL1891)
The Viscount Waverley—To ask Her Majesty’s Government which domestic priorities of the government of Grenada are supported by aid from other governments; and what action they are taking to provide such assistance. [DfID] (HL1892)
25th October
The Viscount Waverley—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what criteria they use to determine that a state is being governed by an illegal government or regime. [FCO] (HL1893)
The Viscount Waverley—To ask Her Majesty’s Government which states they have determined are currently governed by an illegal government or regime. [FCO] (HL1894)
The Earl of Sandwich—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what are the latest available United Kingdom figures for the number of convictions for careless driving leading to injury or death, by age groups. [HO] (HL1898)
The Lord Maginnis of Drumglass—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the current per capita income in Northern Ireland compared with that in (a) England; (b) Scotland; and (c) Wales. [NIO] (HL1899)
The Lord Maginnis of Drumglass—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, in relation to the proposed smoking ban for Northern Ireland, there have been consultations with the Irish Republic; if so, when; and between whom those consultations took place. [NIO] (HL1900)
The Lord Maginnis of Drumglass—To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by the Lord Rooker on 10th October (WA 62) on organised crime and fuel processing, whether a targeted strategy has been put in place to deal with the problems identified; and when they will have figures for 2004. [NIO] (HL1901)
The Lord Hanningfield—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what was the cost of official entertainment given by the Chancellor of Exchequer in each of the last eight years at (a) H M Treasury; (b) Number 11 Downing Street; and (c) all other venues. [HMT] (HL1919)
The Lord Hanningfield—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what was the cost of official entertainment given by the Deputy Prime Minister in each of the last eight years. [ODPM] (HL1920)
26th October
The Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer—To ask Her Majesty’s Government to what extent the geographical targeting proposals in the new England Rural Development Programme proposed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs are consistent with the non-geographical targeting suggested by the Department of Trade and Industry for the next round of Objective 2 funding. [DEFRA] (HL1928)
The Earl of Sandwich—To ask Her Majesty’s Government through which non-governmental organisations based in (a) the Sudan, and (b) the United Kingdom they are currently assisting the displaced and the returnees in southern Sudan; and what form this assistance takes. [DfID] (HL1933)
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government in how many years since its creation Waterways Ireland has underspent its budget; and, for each year in which Waterways Ireland was underspent, whether they will show how the underspend was broken down into capital, administration and other costs; and give the main reasons for the underspends. [NIO] (HL1945)
The Lord Berkeley—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether it is still the case that they will not provide a funding plan for Crossrail until the publication of the Lyons Report on local government funding is published; and when this is now expected to take place. [DfT] (HL1950)
9th November
The Lord Jones of Cheltenham—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they are making to the government of China regarding allegations of human rights abuses against practitioners of Falun Gong. (HL2206)
The Lord Jones of Cheltenham—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will seek to reach such reciprocal agreements to end the practice of freezing state pensions for retired British citizens living in British Overseas Territories; and, if so, with whom they would need to negotiate such agreements. (HL2207)
The Lord Jones of Cheltenham—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will review the fees payable by students from British Overseas Territories who wish to study at United Kingdom universities and who are currently obliged to pay the overseas student rate. (HL2208)
The Lord Jones of Cheltenham—To ask Her Majesty’s Government when a Government Minister last visited each of the British Overseas Territories and their Dependencies; and what plans they have for future visits. (HL2209)
The Lord Jones of Cheltenham—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the current population of each of the British Overseas Territories and their Dependencies; and what were the respective populations in 1997, 1999, 2001 and 2003. (HL2210)
The Lord Jones of Cheltenham—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what targets have been set to reduce benefit fraud. (HL2211)
The Lord Maginnis of Drumglass—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what investigations have been carried out into allegations that staff in the Department for Health, Social Services and Public Safety have linked the payment of social security benefits to attendance at an Army recruiting event at Kinnegar Barracks; and whether they have evidence of such alleged practices elsewhere in Northern Ireland. (HL2212)
The Lord Maginnis of Drumglass—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have designated tallow as waste rather than a by-product; if so, why; and what effect the banning of this carbon-neutral fuel and its replacement by oil as a fuel in waste plants will have on United Kingdom carbon emissions. (HL2213)
The Lord Maginnis of Drumglass—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what are the financial implications for farmers of their designation of tallow as waste rather than as a by-product. (HL2214)
The Lord Maginnis of Drumglass—To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Ashton of Upholland on 20th December 2004 (WA 113), whether Constable Trevor Johnston Purcell is currently the subject of misconduct proceedings relating to the charge, dismissed in court on 29th November 2004, of driving dangerously during a riot. (HL2215)
The Lord Maginnis of Drumglass—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their response to the Resolution carried unanimously by the Police Federation for Northern Ireland at its 14th September Annual Conference expressing no confidence in the Office of the Police Ombudsman. (HL2216)
The Lord Kilclooney—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the Real Irish Republican Army still exists in County Armagh. (HL2217)
The Lord Kilclooney—To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many parking tickets were placed on motorcars by traffic wardens during the month of October at each of the following locations in the city of Armagh—
(g) Upper English Street;
(h) Lower English Street;
and whether traffic wardens’ duties are carried out evenly throughout the city. (HL2218)
The Lord Avebury—To ask Her Majesty’s Government why the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s helpline is for licensees only, and not for other groups such as residents’ associations, police officers, and local authority officials who may need to ask questions about the Licensing Act 2003. (HL2219)
The Lord Avebury—To ask Her Majesty’s Government who are the members of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s steering group; and what organisations each of them represent. (HL2220)
The Lord Avebury—To ask Her Majesty’s Government on what occasions Ministers from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport have met representatives of the licensed trade or the alcohol industry since 1st January; and in each case who the participants were; which organisations they represented; and what was the purpose of the meeting. (HL2221)
The Lord Jenkin of Roding—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps H M Treasury is taking to review its procedures for publishing consultation papers on its website, and, in particular, as required by Cabinet Office guidelines, for notifying those likely to be interested by issuing press releases to the printed media drawing attention to the consultation papers and giving information on how they can be accessed. (HL2222)
The Lord Jenkin of Roding—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, in light of the fact that H M Treasury’s Consultation Paper, Implementation of the insurers reorganisation and winding-up directive for Lloyd’s, did not reach many of those likely to be affected by the proposed regulations because it was published only on the Treasury’s website, they will review their procedures for consulting on Lloyd’s issues to make it more likely that any proposals come directly to the attention of former Lloyd’s Names. (HL2223)
The Lord Jenkin of Roding—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will publish in the Official Report the two letters sent to the Lord Jenkin of Roding by the Economic Secretary to the Treasury dated 31st October and 9th October 2005 about the application of the provisions of the Insurers (Reorganisation and Winding Up) (Lloyd’s) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/1998) to Names and ex-Lloyd’s Names; and whether they will place copies in the Library of the House. (HL2224)
The Lord Stoddart of Swindon—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the Prime Minister intends to reply to letters sent to him in his capacity as President of the European Council and Prime Minister by the Lord Stoddart of Swindon on 24th June and 1st July 2005. (HL2225)
The Lord Stoddart of Swindon—To ask Her Majesty’s Government when the Home Office intends to reply to questions on the level of enforcement of the law in respect of cycling on pavements raised with them by the Spokesman on transport matters in the House of Lords, the Lord Davies of Oldham, following representations he received from the Lord Stoddart of Swindon on 31st March relating to danger to pedestrians. (HL2226)
The Lord Hylton—To ask Her Majesty’s Government why proposals which fail to obtain the necessary qualified majority in the European Union Council of Ministers, for example those for genetically modified maize, are then passed to the European Commission for approval; how often this procedure has been used in recent years; and what is their policy towards the procedure. (HL2227)
The Lord Dykes—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will introduce new policies to assist war widows of deceased military personnel from the 1939-45 hostilities, who originally enlisted outside the United Kingdom. (HL2228)
The Lord Dykes—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what measures they intend to take with other countries to ensure agreement at the World Trade Organisation’s Hong Kong December summit. (HL2229)
The Lord Dykes—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what proposals the Treasury will make in response to the latest Camelot submissions on fund raising programmes to assist the 2012 Olympic project. (HL2230)
The Lord Dykes—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will abandon the proposed budget ceiling of one per cent for European Union gross domestic product in order to facilitate an agreement within the 2007-13 European Union Financial Perspectives. (HL2231)
The Lord Dykes—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will make representations to the United States government with a view to seeking confirmation of the existence or otherwise of secret prisons for terrorist detainees. (HL2232)
The Lord Dykes—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, following the visit of the Chinese President, they will discuss with China the International Convention on Human Rights and the abolition of the death penalty in China. (HL2233)
The Lord Tebbit—To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by the Lord Triesman on 18th October (WA 115) which stated that “the Constitutional Treaty will be ratified in the United Kingdom only after a referendum”, whether the use of the verb “will” rather than the conditional form “would” is a grammatical error or an indication of the strength of the Government’s view that the treaty should be ratified. (HL2234)
The Baroness Sharp of Guildford—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what guidance will be available to local authorities on how to allocate funds between schools for personalised learning; what criteria will be set for schools to receive this funding; and what benchmark data they will use to inform local authority funding allocations for personalised learning. (HL2235)
The Baroness Sharp of Guildford—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what role they expect the voluntary sector to play in the promotion of personalised learning; what assessment they have made of the contribution which voluntary organisations who carry out one-to-one learning in schools might play in the delivery of personalised learning; and what role, if any, voluntary sector organisations carrying out one-to-one literacy support in schools will play in the delivery of personalised learning. (HL2236)
The Baroness Sharp of Guildford—To ask Her Majesty’s Government how schools will be assessed on the planning and delivery of intensive catch-up support where needed under the personalised learning reforms; whether primary schools will be assessed by OFSTED in the same way as secondary schools; and what proportion of the total funding is likely to go to primary schools. (HL2237)
The Baroness Tonge—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the Israeli government concerning the shooting dead of a 12 year old boy, Ahmed-el-Khalib, in Jenin. (HL2238)
The Baroness Tonge—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they accept the authority of the International Court of Justice. (HL2239)
The Baroness Tonge—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the United Kingdom is still a supporter and signatory to the 1949 Geneva Convention. (HL2240)
The Baroness Tonge—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of Israel regarding their compliance with rulings by the International Court of Justice. (HL2241)
The Baroness Tonge—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of Israel regarding their compliance with the 1949 Geneva Convention. (HL2242)
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have assessed the effectiveness of the comprehensive system of education in England; and, if so, whether this assessment has informed their decision to change the system. (HL2243)
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, under new proposals for education in England, secondary schools will be able to determine their own admissions policy. (HL2244)
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, in implementing the proposals of the Costello Working Group on post-primary education in Northern Ireland, legislative provision will be made to ensure that parents who attempt to choose educational pathways best suited to their children’s abilities will be obliged to seek the benefits of professional advice from post-primary schools as well as from primary teachers. (HL2245)
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether planning for the implementation of the proposals by the Costello Working Group on post-primary education in Northern Ireland is on target to ensure that the present Transfer Test, the 11 plus, will end as scheduled in 2008. (HL2246)
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what proposals they have to bring the funding of the Ulster Scots Agency up to the same level as that of the Irish Language Agency. (HL2247)
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what proposals they have to increase funding available to, and extend the remit of, the Northern Ireland Events Company. (HL2248)
QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN ANSWER AWAITING ANSWER
9th NOVEMBER 2005
[Tabled on the dates shown]
[The Government department responsible for answering each Question is shown in brackets]
10th October
The Baroness Anelay of St Johns—To ask Her Majesty’s Government which organisations, agencies and consultants they have employed to date in the development of a national police intelligence system. [HO] (HL1575)
The Lord Avebury—To ask Her Majesty’s Government why Home Office officials deleted two sentences in the Home Office position from paragraph 16 of the briefing paper sent to the Minister of State for Immigration, Citizenship and Nationality, dated 19th January, concerning the British citizenship application of a solely British National (Overseas) minor of Indian origin; and whether they will place in the Library of the House the two deleted sentences. [HO] (HL1579)
The Lord Mayhew of Twysden—To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they expect to receive the report of the Bloody Sunday inquiry. [NIO] (HL1591)
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government on what date the Northern Ireland Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure received an application from the Ulster Scots Agency to employ a Youth Development Officer using non-governmental funding; and on what date the creation of the post was agreed. [NIO] (HL1600)
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government, for each year since 1998, how much compensation has been paid to civilians in South Armagh as a result of security forces’ alleged activities in the area. [NIO] (HL1601)
11th October
The Lord Avebury—To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 10th January (WA 6), why they have not yet updated Annex H of Chapter 14 of the Home Office Nationality Instructions to reflect the coming into force of India’s Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2003; and on what basis caseworkers have been determining British nationality claims from persons of Indian origin or descent in view of the absence of up-to-date advice on the provisions of Indian citizenship law. [HO] (HL1628)
12th October
The Lord Maginnis of Drumglass—To ask Her Majesty’s Government who are the Commissioners on the Northern Ireland Equality Commission; what is the religious and gender balance; and what is the nationality and country of permanent residence of the Chief Commissioner. [NIO] (HL1662)
The Lord Maginnis of Drumglass—To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many staff, including seconded personnel, were employed, and at what grade or rank, by the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman’s Office on 1st April 2005; and what was the religious and gender balance of all staff at each grade or rank. [NIO] (HL1664)
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether Mr Phil Flynn has visited Number 10 Downing Street in connection with the Irish Peace Process in the last five years; if so, when these visits occurred; and whom he represented. [NIO] (HL1681)
The Lord Jopling—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what lessons they have learned from the measures taken in the United States by the Agricultural Bioterrorism Act 2002; and whether they are contemplating taking any of the powers and precautions provided by that Act. [HO] (HL1687)
13th October
The Lord Avebury—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what evidence they have for their assertion that longer opening hours for licensed premises in Scotland have led to a reduction in crime and disorder. [DCMS] (HL1700)
The Lord Alton of Liverpool—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what impact the latest upsurge in violence in Darfur is likely to have on humanitarian operations. [DfID] (HL1716)
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether Parliamentary approval was given to the funding for the festivals in West Belfast, New Lodge and Ardoyne in 2003; 2004; and 2005; if so, when and how such approval was given; and why similar funding was not provided for the Ulster Scots Agency in 2004 and 2005. [NIO] (HL1726)
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by the Lord Rooker on 10th October (WA 62) concerning fuel laundering, what steps they have taken in each year since 2000 to stop such activity. [NIO] (HL1727)
14th October
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answers by the Lord President on 2nd February (WA 38) and by the Lord Rooker on 10th October (WA 60), (a) which body consulted the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) at Musgrave Street, about the removal of the security barriers at Lower Chichester Street in Belfast; (b) whether the decision to remove the barriers rests with the PSNI; (c) why these barriers are not identified by the ongoing review of the removal of town centre barriers review in the Northern Ireland Office (NIO); (d) which barriers are under consideration in the NIO review; and (e) why the barriers at Lower Chichester Street are needed, given the verification of the decommissioning of Irish Republican Army weapons. [NIO] (HL1738)
17th October
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the basis of their assessment that all Irish Republican Army guns, explosives and ammunition have been decommissioned. [NIO] (HL1745)
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government who selected the independent witnesses for the Irish Republican Army decommission acts; on what basis; and when. [NIO] (HL1746)
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what funding has been given to victims’ groups in Northern Ireland since 1998; what groups have received such funding; and how much they have received in each case. [NIO] (HL1747)
The Lord Graham of Edmonton—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have for the future of the Extradition Act 2003 since the United States has not so far ratified the 2003 Extradition Treaty; and whether, until ratification, they will decline to extradite British subjects to the United States. [HO] (HL1750)
18th October
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government how much funding has been provided by the European Union Peace II programme to (a) victims’ groups, and (b) ex-prisoners groups; what were the groups; how much each group received; and for what purposes. [NIO] (HL1783)
The Baroness Tonge—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have made any assessment of the nutritional state of Palestinian children. [DfID] (HL1795)
19th October
The Earl Howe—To ask Her Majesty’s Government which organisations they have invited to comment upon the draft Obesity Care Pathway; by when those comments have been invited; whether they intend that this document should reflect a consensus on the most effective treatment options; and when they will consult with the wider scientific community, the commercial weight loss sector, and patient and practitioner organisations about the details of the Pathway. [DoH] (HL1803)
The Earl Howe—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the selective consultation process being followed in relation to the development of the Obesity Care Pathway is consistent with the principles set out in the Cabinet Office Code of Practice on Consultation and with the Code of Good Practice in Consultations and Policy Appraisal. [DoH] (HL1804)
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government how much funding is available for improvements to Artigarvan Primary School in County Tyrone in (a) 2005, and (b) 2006. [NIO] (HL1811)
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government when the Government of Ireland Act 1920 was repealed; and for what reason. [NIO] (HL1812)
The Lord Roberts of Llandudno—To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many under 18 year olds were imprisoned in prisons for adults in the United Kingdom in 1980, 1990, 1995, 2000 and 2004. [HO] (HL1816)
The Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether trade in wild birds presents a risk of avian flu greater than that of poultry and migratory birds. [DEFRA] (HL1822)
The Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether a partial, state-based ban on wild bird imports is sufficient to guard against an avian flu pandemic in the United Kingdom, given the trans-national migratory routes of wild birds. [DEFRA] (HL1823)
The Baroness Whitaker—To ask Her Majesty’s Government which parts of their consultative document, Planning for Housing Provision, refer to the housing needs of Gypsies and Travellers. [ODPM] (HL1829)
The Lord Astor of Hever—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what were the circumstances that led to the referral to the Crown Prosecution Service for consideration of possible charges against Captain Fielder, Corporal Manley, Lance Corporal Rayner, Trooper Armstrong and Trooper Thornton, all of the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment; and who requested and authorised such referral. [LSLO] (HL1833)
The Lord Tyler—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the Home Office, and the executive agencies for which it is responsible, now follow the guidance of the Central Office of Information and OFCOM in relation to the use of 0870 and 0845 telephone numbers for public enquiries. [HO] (HL1837)
The Lord Tyler—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the Foreign and Commonwealth Office now follows the guidance of the Central Office of Information and OFCOM in relation to the use of 0870 and 0845 telephone numbers for public enquiries. [FCO] (HL1838)
20th October
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government why the number of former members of the Northern Ireland civil service now employed by Waterways Ireland is 90 per cent less than when the organisation was created, when the number of former members of the Irish civil service employed is only 20 per cent less. [NIO] (HL1845)
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what were the qualifications required for the appointment of the head of marketing administration in Waterways Ireland; and why was the position not advertised. [NIO] (HL1846)
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government why presents were given to all members of staff from the Chief Executive in Waterways Ireland at Christmas 2002 and 2003; what were these presents; how much they cost; where the funding came from; and whether the use of public money is appropriate for this type of organisation. [NIO] (HL1847)
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government why Waterways Ireland has underspent its budget in every year since its creation; and why the Northern Ireland Office did not use the funding in other areas of cross-border activity. [NIO] (HL1848)
24th October
The Lord Avebury—To ask Her Majesty’s Government for how many days each of the 21 Iraqi asylum seekers who were in detention awaiting removal on 14th October had been detained on that date; how many of them have now been assessed as not posing a threat of absconding, have met the necessary conditions and provided the sureties required for release on Chief Immigration Officer bail; and, if any of them have met the other conditions but have not been able to provide sureties, whether they will put them in touch with Bail for Immigration Detainees. [HO] (HL1857)
The Lord Hylton—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the most recent figure for persons in H M Prisons in England and Wales as a result of recall from licence; whether the total has fluctuated in recent years; if so, by how much; and what are the average and median periods spent on recall before eventual release. [HO] (HL1865)
The Lord Maginnis of Drumglass—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what estimate the Northern Ireland Authority for Energy has made of the extra cost that Northern Ireland’s electricity consumers are likely to have paid compared with United Kingdom consumers by the end of the decade; and how much that estimate is likely to be per household. [NIO] (HL1872)
The Baroness Northover—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they have taken in the training of scientists in or from developing countries, particularly in translational research, to ensure the retention of science graduates in their home countries. [DfID] (HL1873)
The Baroness Northover—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what they are doing to support the work of institutions such as the Drugs for Neglected Disease initiative; and what funds have been committed to support the strengthening of capacities and the development of new tools within disease-endemic countries. [DfID] (HL1874)
The Lord Hanningfield—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the Deputy Prime Minister’s wife has the use of an official Government car or has used an official Government car when not accompanying the Deputy Prime Minister; and, if so, on what occasions. [ODPM] (HL1878)
The Baroness Hanham—To ask Her Majesty’s Government, across all departments, which bodies and statutory responsibilities are currently operating regionally, either as part of, or in association with, Regional Assemblies. [ODPM] (HL1886)
The Baroness Hanham—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what information on the provision of water supplies for new housing in the South East was contained in their concordat with the Environment Agency. [ODPM] (HL1887)
The Viscount Waverley—To ask Her Majesty’s Government which domestic priorities of the government of St Lucia are supported by aid from other governments; and what action they are taking to provide such assistance. [DfID] (HL1891)
The Viscount Waverley—To ask Her Majesty’s Government which domestic priorities of the government of Grenada are supported by aid from other governments; and what action they are taking to provide such assistance. [DfID] (HL1892)
25th October
The Viscount Waverley—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what criteria they use to determine that a state is being governed by an illegal government or regime. [FCO] (HL1893)
The Viscount Waverley—To ask Her Majesty’s Government which states they have determined are currently governed by an illegal government or regime. [FCO] (HL1894)
The Earl of Sandwich—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what are the latest available United Kingdom figures for the number of convictions for careless driving leading to injury or death, by age groups. [HO] (HL1898)
The Lord Maginnis of Drumglass—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the current per capita income in Northern Ireland compared with that in (a) England; (b) Scotland; and (c) Wales. [NIO] (HL1899)
The Lord Maginnis of Drumglass—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, in relation to the proposed smoking ban for Northern Ireland, there have been consultations with the Irish Republic; if so, when; and between whom those consultations took place. [NIO] (HL1900)
The Lord Maginnis of Drumglass—To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by the Lord Rooker on 10th October (WA 62) on organised crime and fuel processing, whether a targeted strategy has been put in place to deal with the problems identified; and when they will have figures for 2004. [NIO] (HL1901)
The Lord Hanningfield—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what was the cost of official entertainment given by the Chancellor of Exchequer in each of the last eight years at (a) H M Treasury; (b) Number 11 Downing Street; and (c) all other venues. [HMT] (HL1919)
The Lord Hanningfield—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what was the cost of official entertainment given by the Deputy Prime Minister in each of the last eight years. [ODPM] (HL1920)
26th October
The Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer—To ask Her Majesty’s Government to what extent the geographical targeting proposals in the new England Rural Development Programme proposed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs are consistent with the non-geographical targeting suggested by the Department of Trade and Industry for the next round of Objective 2 funding. [DEFRA] (HL1928)
The Earl of Sandwich—To ask Her Majesty’s Government through which non-governmental organisations based in (a) the Sudan, and (b) the United Kingdom they are currently assisting the displaced and the returnees in southern Sudan; and what form this assistance takes. [DfID] (HL1933)
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government in how many years since its creation Waterways Ireland has underspent its budget; and, for each year in which Waterways Ireland was underspent, whether they will show how the underspend was broken down into capital, administration and other costs; and give the main reasons for the underspends. [NIO] (HL1945)
The Lord Berkeley—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether it is still the case that they will not provide a funding plan for Crossrail until the publication of the Lyons Report on local government funding is published; and when this is now expected to take place. [DfT] (HL1950)
27th October
The Lord Avebury—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, in cases where an appeal against the award of a licence under the Licensing Act 2003 has been granted by the magistrates court, the court has power to award costs against the licensee. [DCMS] (HL1953)
The Lord Avebury—To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 26th October (WA 183-84), whether they will (a) place in the Library of the House the email from the Senior Policy Advisor at the Nationality Policy and Special Cases Unit to the Chief Caseworker for Nationality, sent on 15th December 2004; and (b) explain, with regard to the email, the basis for their assertion that the provisions for acquisition of British National (Overseas) status by registration were fully explained. [HO] (HL1954)
The Lord Maginnis of Drumglass—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the status of Stranmillis Teacher Training College, Belfast; whether there are plans to change this; whether Protestant clergy have been removed from its Board of Governors; if so, why; and who is the current Chairman of its Board of Governors. [NIO] (HL1958)
The Lord Maginnis of Drumglass—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the status of St Mary’s Teacher Training College, Belfast, compared to that of Stranmillis Teacher Training College, Belfast. [NIO] (HL1959)
The Lord Maginnis of Drumglass—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the Northern Ireland Department of Education has appointed a Strategic Advisory Group to provide advice on new arrangements for post-primary education; if so, when the Group was appointed; what are its terms of reference; who are its members; and what are the relevant qualifications of each member. [NIO] (HL1960)
The Lord Maginnis of Drumglass—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the Northern Ireland Department of Education has appointed a Project Management Group to determine curricular arrangements for post-primary education; when the Group was appointed; what are its terms of reference; who are its members; and what are the relevant qualifications of each member. [NIO] (HL1962)
The Lord Maginnis of Drumglass—To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by the Lord Rooker on 30th June (WA 45), how, in respect of major post-primary reform, new arrangements will be determined locally to take account of local needs, wishes and circumstances, and collaboration organised so as to minimise disruption to the school day, given that there is to be no infrastructural audit or determination of costings in relation to transport and supervisory support. [NIO] (HL1963)
The Lord Colwyn—To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the reply by the Baroness Royall of Blaisdon on 13th October (HL Deb, cols. 410-12), what research had been undertaken into the effect of the proposed new dental patient charges; who carried out this research; how much funding was allocated; and when it was undertaken. [DoH] (HL1965)
The Lord Morris of Aberavon—To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many arrests were made at the time of the recent Labour Party conference in Brighton under the Terrorism Act 2000; and whether the Home Secretary is satisfied that the discretion to use the powers under sections 54 and 45 of the Act was properly exercised. [HO] (HL1966)
The Lord Morris of Aberavon—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether powers of arrest under the Terrorism Act 2000 are being properly exercised. [HO] (HL1967)
The Lord Lester of Herne Hill—To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they intend to publish their proposals to give prisoners the right to vote in Parliamentary elections in accordance with their Convention rights as declared by the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights. [DCA] (HL1968)
The Lord Lester of Herne Hill—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what are the objectives they are seeking to achieve during the United Kingdom Presidency of the European Union. [FCO] (HL1969)
The Lord Lester of Herne Hill—To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Ashton of Upholland on 25th October (WA 173), whether they will publish their reasons for not having implemented the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights given against the United Kingdom during the period between 1998 and 2005, identifying each case and the reasons for non-implementation in that case. [DCA] (HL1970)
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have introduced extra security measures for air passengers travelling from Manchester Airport to any part of Ireland; if so, for what reason; at what cost; and whether the Police Service of Northern Ireland special branch are involved in this matter. [HO] (HL1977)
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will place in the Library of the House any business cases received as a result of their funding of Daily Ireland. [NIO] (HL1978)
The Lord Jenkin of Roding—To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the statement by the Lord Sainsbury of Turville on 27th October in the debate on energy supply, when they will arrange for the Renewables Obligations Certificate regime to be applied to nuclear power stations. [DTI] (HL1980)
The Lord Hanningfield—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether a first edition of the Education White Paper was withdrawn after printing; and, if so, what was the cost of the first edition and the subsequent edition published on 25th October. [DfES] (HL1981)
The Lord Lloyd of Berwick—To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 28th February (WA 2), what offences under the Terrorism Act 2000 were the individuals convicted of; and what was the range of sentences imposed. [HO] (HL1982)
31st October
The Lord Avebury—To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many new staff have been recruited for the National Offender Management regional management teams; and how many of these have come from H M Prison Service line management. [HO] (HL1983)
The Lord Avebury—To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many residential places for drug and alcohol treatment and maintenance will be available nationally and by region, for men and women respectively, for persons serving the non-custodial part of a custody plus sentence, when this provision comes into force. [HO] (HL1984)
The Lord Avebury—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the Security Council has received any reports from the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative to Somalia on his attempts to bring the Mogadishu and Jowhar factions of the transitional government together; and what further steps they consider might be taken by the Security Council, in the absence of any prospect of the factions coming together. [FCO] (HL1985)
The Lord Lester of Herne Hill—To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light of the report by Ernst and Young on the Department of Trade and Industry export agency UK Trade and Investment, whether they will ensure that any improper expenditure of public funds by civil servants at the agency is repaid in full by those responsible. [DTI] (HL1989)
The Lord Lester of Herne Hill—To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light of the report by Ernst and Young on the Department of Trade and Industry export agency UK Trade and Investment, what is the total estimated cost to the public purse of the improper expenditure there referred to. [DTI] (HL1990)
The Lord Berkeley—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what road and rail transport projects are planned for the North East region. [DfT] (HL1994)
The Lord Pearson of Rannoch—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether formal qualified majority voting exists in the decision-taking procedures of the World Trade Organisation; if so, what majority is necessary; and what other rules apply to such voting. [FCO] (HL1995)
The Lord Pearson of Rannoch—To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many votes the European Commission has at the World Trade Organisation; what proportion this is of the total number of votes available; and whether they will provide a breakdown of the total number of votes. [FCO] (HL1996)
The Lord Pearson of Rannoch—To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean on 5th July 2004 (WA 64), with which non-European Union countries the European Union has free trade agreements which have entered into force since that date. [FCO] (HL1997)
The Lord Pearson of Rannoch—To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean on 5th July 2004 (WA 65), with which non-European Union countries is the European Union currently negotiating free trade agreements which were not listed in that Answer. [DTI] (HL1998)
The Lord Pearson of Rannoch—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what proportion of new United Kingdom legislation has originated in the European Union since 1998. [FCO] (HL1999)
The Lord Astor of Hever—To ask Her Majesty’s Government which warships and supply vessels of the Royal Navy are stationed, on current planning assumptions, in the area of the Arabian Gulf, the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean; and whether they intend to change those planning assumptions. [MoD] (HL2000)
[As amended on 3rd November]
The Lord Willoughby de Broke—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the outstanding amount still owed to contractors employed by the Government during the 2001 foot-and-mouth disease epidemic; and whether such contractors will be entitled to claim interest under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998. [DEFRA] (HL2007)
The Lord Willoughby de Broke—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the estimated interest accrued to date on unpaid invoices for services provided by contractors during the 2001 foot-and-mouth disease epidemic. [DEFRA] (HL2008)
The Lord Willoughby de Broke—To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many contractors employed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs during the 2001 foot-and-mouth disease epidemic have been taken to court; what were the results of any court proceedings; and what percentage of the total amount of contractors’ invoices is involved in legal dispute proceedings. [DEFRA] (HL2009)
The Lord Willoughby de Broke—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have the power to require live birds imported from European Union member states to be quarantined. [DEFRA] (HL2010)
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what was the total establishment figure for the Northern Ireland Civil Service on 1st September for each year since 2000. [NIO] (HL2018)
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government when the decision to reduce the number employed in the Northern Ireland Civil Service was announced; and what has been the reduction since that date. [NIO] (HL2019)
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what arrangements exist for the transfer of serving police officers to the Police Service of Northern Ireland; and how many officers have been transferred in each of the last four years. [NIO] (HL2020)
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the special arrangements for the recruitment of detectives to the Police Service of Northern Ireland announced by the then Security Minister Jane Kennedy MP are still in place; and how many detectives have been recruited in each of the last four years. [NIO] (HL2021)
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what groups and individuals have been consulted about the proposed relocation of the headquarters of the Irish Language Agency. [NIO] (HL2022)
The Lord Laird—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what properties owned or rented by Waterways Ireland are currently not used; and what is Waterways Ireland’s policy for each of these properties. [NIO] (HL2023)
1st November
The Lord Berkeley—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what were the sources of the £44 million funding of the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) in 2004; what funding is envisaged for the RSSB in future years; and how it is to be allocated within the railway industry. [DfT] (HL2025)
The Lord Avebury—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have considered allowing prison governors to purchase office consumables and furniture from any supplier, rather than only from approved suppliers, on condition that the items in question cost no more than if obtained from the approved supplier. [HO] (HL2026)
The Lord Avebury—To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by the Lord Triesman on 19th October (WA 133), whether in view of reports of the hijacking of an oil tanker and a ship carrying food to Somalia on 22nd to 23rd October, and of a Maltese ship on 20th October, they will reconsider their view that the problem of piracy off the Somali coast can only be brought under control after the return of stability and good governance in Somalia. [FCO] (HL2027)
The Lord Morris of Manchester—To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many veterans of the 1990-91 Gulf war who have claimed a war pension for what they term “Gulf war syndrome” could be affected by the Pensions Appeal Tribunal decision of 31st October in the case of Gulf war veteran Guardsman Daniel Martin. [MoD] (HL2028)
The Lord Morris of Manchester—To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many veterans of the 1990-91 Gulf war in receipt of a war pension for diagnosed illnesses also claimed for still undiagnosed illnesses. [MoD] (HL2029)
The Lord Lester of Herne Hill—To ask Her Majesty’s Government who devised the questions contained in the new citizenship test; and on the basis of what criteria they were devised. [HO] (HL2030)
The Lord Maginnis of Drumglass—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what were the average hours per week on (a) operational duty, and (b) training carried out by full time soldiers from each of the Home Service battalions of the Royal Irish Regiment between 1st July and 30th September in the years 2002 to 2005. [MoD] (HL2032)
The Lord Maginnis of Drumglass—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend to update the Northern Ireland Executive Non-Departmental Public Bodies 1998 report which was published on 19th May 1999 and is currently displayed on the internet. [NIO] (HL2033)
The Lord Maginnis of Drumglass—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what were the school performance comparisons for Northern Ireland, England and Wales for the four years since 2001-02 in respect of school-leavers who achieved (a) two or more A levels; (b) five or more GCSEs A* to C; and (c) no GCSEs. [DfES] (HL2034)
The Lord Maginnis of Drumglass—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what have been the number of seizures in Northern Ireland for 2004-05 in comparison to those in 2000-01 of (a) cocaine powder and wraps; (b) LSD doses and microdots; and (c) amphetamines powder and wraps; and what were the conviction rates for drug offences in each of those years. [NIO] (HL2035)
The Lord Maginnis of Drumglass—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the Northern Ireland Children’s Minister has had recent discussions regarding autism; if so, with whom; and whether they intend to devise and implement a province-wide strategy to deal with early assessment of autism, adequately trained classroom assistants and other special needs. [NIO] (HL2036)
The Baroness Morgan of Drefelin—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what progress has been made in setting up the National Information Forum, as promised in the National Health Service information strategy, Better Information, Better Choices, Better Health. [DoH] (HL2038)
The Baroness Morgan of Drefelin—To ask Her Majesty’s Government which organisations have been invited to take part in the National Information Forum, as promised in the National Health Service information strategy, Better Information, Better Choices, Better Health. [DoH] (HL2039)
The Baroness Morgan of Drefelin—To ask Her Majesty’s Government when the first meeting is to be held of the National Information Forum, as promised in the National Health Service information strategy, Better Information, Better Choices, Better Health. [DoH] (HL2040)
The Lord Harris of Haringey—To ask Her Majesty’s Government which Minister has responsibility for information security in the Department for Constitutional Affairs. [DCA] (HL2042)
The Lord Harris of Haringey—To ask Her Majesty’s Government which Minister has responsibility for information security in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. [DCMS] (HL2043)
The Lord Harris of Haringey—To ask Her Majesty’s Government which Minister has responsibility for information security in the Department for Education and Skills. [DfES] (HL2044)
The Lord Harris of Haringey—To ask Her Majesty’s Government which Minister has responsibility for information security in the Department for International Development. [DfID] (HL2045)
The Lord Harris of Haringey—To ask Her Majesty’s Government which Minister has responsibility for information security in the Department for Transport. [DfT] (HL2046)
The Lord Ouseley—To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the Prison Service expects that local National Health Service Mental Health Trusts will provide the relevant services to meet the mental health needs of those peopl | 
