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We also fund the Carbon Trust, which was established in 2001 to help businesses and public sector organisations to reduce carbon emissions and develop commercial low-carbon technologies. The trust provides a range of tailored support to help businesses improve their energy efficiency and has worked with a number of the UK's largest hotel chains as part of its carbon management programme. Hotels with annual energy bills over £50,000 are eligible for the Carbon Trust's free energy-efficiency site surveys. They can also use the trust's Hospitable Climates Advisory Scheme, a free energy-saving advisory programme dedicated to the hospitality sector, managed by the Hotel and Catering International Management Association. The trust has produced a range of advisory publications, a number of which have been specifically aimed at the hotel industry, and provides further energy efficiency advice via its website (www.carbontrust.co.uk) and telephone helpline (0800 0852005).
Environment Agency: Farm List
Baroness Byford asked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the publication of the report and accounts for 2005-06 of the Environment Agency, whether it is expected that the 2007-08 farm list will be delivered on time; and whether it was delivered on time for 2006-07. [HL3589]
The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Rooker): The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) was the competent control authority (CCA) in England for groundwater (SMR 2), sewage sludge (SMR 3) and nitrate vulnerable zones (SMR 4) for the 2005 and 2006 single payment scheme (SPS) years. However, it delegated checking these SMRs to the Environment Agency (EA).
For the 2006 scheme year, the RPA supplied the EA with inspection data in sufficient time to enable the EA to carry out the 1 per cent statutory inspection programme within the deadline (effectively the 2006 calendar year).
For the 2007 scheme year, the EA was appointed CCA for SMRs 2, 3 and 4. It is therefore now responsible for selecting 1 per cent of all SPS claimants for an on-the-spot check using a risk analysis appropriate to the SMRs which it is responsible for enforcing. The RPA, as the paying agency, is still required to pass SPS claimant data to the EA. This was provided to the EA in December 2006, which should allow it sufficient time to select the inspections for 2007 and complete them by the end of the calendar year.
Environment Agency: Flood Management
Lord Sheikh asked Her Majesty's Government:
What efficiency savings are generated each year within the Environment Agency's flood management programme; whether these are sufficient to cover inflationary pressures so that spending in real terms is maintained; and how these inflationary pressures will be accommodated in the forthcoming Comprehensive Spending Review. [HL3533]
The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Rooker): The Environment Agency (EA) currently delivers £15 million of savings each year against an overall budget of approximately £450 million for flood risk management. This equates to just over 3 per cent and these efficiencies cover only part of the inflationary burden that is currently running at between 4 per cent and 5 per cent. To date, it has been possible to reprioritise activities to allow key outputs to be maintained in keeping with the 2004 spending review target.
The EA is working to ensure that further efficiencies are delivered and has contributed evidence on funding requirements to inform the 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review.
EU: Costs
Lord Stoddart of Swindon asked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their current estimate of the costs to the United Kingdom of European Union directives and regulations. [HL3512]
Lord Davies of Oldham: The Government estimate that the total administrative burden on business, charities and the voluntary sector in England derived from EU legislation is approximately £6.3 billion per annum. This estimate excludes the costs of EU administrative burdens in financial services which are not available in this format. The Government are committed to European regulatory reform and welcome the European Council's endorsement on 9 March 2007 of a 25 per cent target to reduce administrative burdens on business arising from EU law by 2012.
Female Genital Mutilation
Lord Lester of Herne Hill asked Her Majesty's Government:
What civil protection and remedies are available under the current law of England and Wales for the victims of female genital mutilation. [HL3463]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Justice (Baroness Ashton of Upholland): In addition to the criminal protection of the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003, victims of female genital mutilation may make an application for civil protection under Part IV of the Family Law Act 1996 as amended by the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 or the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, depending upon the circumstances of the case.
Fishing: Salmon and Freshwater
Baroness Byford asked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the publication of the report and accounts for 2005-06 of the Environment Agency, when a draft Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Bill, referred to in Target Reference 14, will be published. [HL3588]
The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Rooker): My honourable friend the Minister of State for Local Environment, Marine and Animal Welfare (Ben Bradshaw) announced on 14 December 2006 that the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975 will be modernised along with other legislation affecting migratory and freshwater fisheries. We expect this legislative project to be completed in early 2009.
Gift Aid
Lord MacKenzie of Culkein asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether health authorities will make good the possible negative impact on Gift Aid receipts by hospices following the reduction in the basic rate of income tax from 22p to 20p. [HL3487]
The Minister of State, Department of Health (Lord Hunt of Kings Heath): The level of funding a hospice receives is a matter for local negotiation between the local primary care trust, which is responsible for commissioning and funding palliative care services locally, and the hospice.
As announced by my right honourable friend the Chancellor in his recent Budget speech, the Government will consult with the charitable sector on measures to increase take-up of Gift Aid, in addition to conducting an awareness-raising campaign. The consultation is expected to take place over coming months with a view to reporting on progress in the autumn.
Health: Aortic Aneurysm
Lord MacKenzie of Culkein asked Her Majesty's Government:
What analysis they have made of the availability of screening in men age 65 or over for aortic aneurysm by health authorities in the Gloucester and Chichester areas. [HL3484]
The Minister of State, Department of Health (Lord Hunt of Kings Heath): It is for local primary care trusts in conjunction with other stakeholders to make an assessment of availability and commission services for local people.
NHS South West has advised departmental officials that screening was introduced in Gloucestershire in September 1990 for men reaching the age of 65. Each year just over 3,000 men are invited for screening.
NHS South East Coast has advised that screening was introduced at St Richard's Hospital, part of the Royal West Sussex National Health Service Trust, in 1983 for men aged from 65 to 80. Since 1988, men over the age of 65 have been screened as part of a research programme funded by the NHS Research and Development Forum and the Medical Research Council, and each year just over 2,000 men are invited for screening.
The United Kingdom national screening committee (NSC) has advised that screening for men aged 65 for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) can be recommended in principle subject to further work, particularly on the appropriate configuration of treatment services and the provision for men to make an informed choice about whether to undergo screening. At its meeting in March 2007, the NSC considered further work undertaken by the AAA screening working group. More detailed work will now be undertaken on the practical issues that would be involved in implementation.
Health: Geriatric Patients
Lord Morris of Manchester asked Her Majesty's Government:
How many non-geriatric National Health Service patients are in hospital provision mainly for the care of geriatric patients, broken down by region and age group; and what action they are considering to address any need for more appropriate provision. [HL3380]
The Minister of State, Department of Health (Lord Hunt of Kings Heath): The information requested is not collected centrally. Wherever possible, patients should be treated on wards most appropriate to their needs. Decisions on the most appropriate ward should be based on clinical need.
Medical Training Application Service
Baroness Finlay of Llandaff asked Her Majesty's Government:
How many medical students may have had their confidential information publicly available on the Medical Training Application Service website; and [HL3603]
What support will be given to medical students who may be subject to identity theft or identity fraud as a consequence of their personal information being publicly available on the Medical Training Application Service website; and [HL3604]
How many junior doctors may have had their confidential information publicly available on the Medical Training Application Service website; and [HL3605]
What support will be given to junior doctors who may be subject to identity theft or identity fraud as a consequence of their personal information being held in a non-secure way on the Medical Training Application Service website; and [HL3606]
When there will be a full independent investigation into the causes of the security breach that resulted in confidential information held by the Medical Training Application Service (MTAS) being open to public viewing on the MTAS website. [HL3607]
The Minister of State, Department of Health (Lord Hunt of Kings Heath): The department has commissioned an investigation into the breach of security of the Medical Training Application Service website, the findings of which we will publish. The investigation includes a detailed analysis of all activity on the website to identify all those who accessed the site.
The department will take the appropriate steps to prevent identity theft and fraud and support medical students and junior doctors if this proves necessary.
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has decided to commence an investigation into the circumstances of the security breach. The department is co-operating fully with the ICO.
Health: Obesity
Lord Dykes asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will take additional steps to enhance the anti-obesity campaign in Britain, especially amongst schoolchildren and young mothers. [HL3544]
The Minister of State, Department of Health (Lord Hunt of Kings Heath): There is now a coalition of 150 organisations working together and using social marketing techniques to develop a deep understanding of the drivers of families' food and physical activity habits. This has informed two main areas of work enhancing the programmes to tackle obesity: first, improving the effectiveness of initiatives through understanding and supporting families in overcoming the barriers that prevent them leading healthier lifestyles; secondly, tackling obesity requires a societal response with a broad range of organisations working collaboratively to influence the problem. The Government are providing direction for this work and facilitating these working partnerships.
These two work areas have also helped in the development of a number of new campaigns, rolling out from spring 2007. The first of these campaigns, a 5 A DAY campaign branded as Top Tips for Top Mums is an initiative to tackle the key barriers to children eating fruit and vegetables.
Health: Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease
Earl Howe asked Her Majesty's Government:
What was the cost of treating patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease in each strategic health authority of the National Health Service during the latest year for which figures are available. [HL3633]
The Minister of State, Department of Health (Lord Hunt of Kings Heath): Information on the costs of treating patients with specific conditions, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, is not collected.
Home Office: Response to Select Committee
Lord Jopling asked Her Majesty's Government:
Why Baroness Scotland of Asthal's Written Answer on 23 April (WA 118) did not address the reasons why the Home Office had not replied to Lord Grenfell's letter before the Question was tabled. [HL3593]
The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Scotland of Asthal): My reply to the noble Lord sought to answer the fundamental concern that had been raised regarding the failure to reply to a letter sent by the noble Lord, Lord Grenfell.
The Permanent Secretary and the Minister of State for Police, Security and Community Safety continue to review departmental systems so as to ensure that the 14-day time line is attained.
Hot Weather
Lord Dykes asked Her Majesty's Government:
What environmental policies they have to address the effects on the public of any prolonged period of hot weather in 2007. [HL3543]
The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Rooker): The period from September 2006 to February 2007 was the wettest since 1914 and enabled reservoirs and aquifers to recover to normal spring levels. The outlook for water supply is now healthier than it has been over the past two years. All water companies have statutory drought plans setting out a range of actions to take in the event of a developing drought.
The Department of Health's heatwave plan exists to reduce the health risks of hot weather. It informs the public and health and social care professionals of the dangers, encourages them to plan ahead for care, and sets out practical action in the event of a heatwave.
In order to cope with the impacts of unavoidable climate change such as hotter summers, we need to adapt. This action is complementary to our efforts to reduce emissions to avoid dangerous levels of climate change.
The Government are developing an adaptation strategy containing three key elements: a clear direction at national level, a responsive and evolving framework for action and a new agreement with communities and citizens. The adaptation policy framework around which this strategy is based is being developed to guide decision-making across government. Phase 2 is under way and will see the development of a cross-government framework by the end of this year.
Immigration: Removal
The Earl of Sandwich asked Her Majesty's Government:
How many asylum seekers have come to the United Kingdom from Iraq in the past two years; of these, how many are “failed asylum seekers”; and how many have been returned to Iraq (a) voluntarily, and (b) against their will. [HL3490]
The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Scotland of Asthal): Information on asylum applications, initial decisions, appeal outcomes and removals for Iraqi nationals is published quarterly and annually. Copies are available from the Library of the House and on the Home Office Research, Development and Statistics Directorate website at http://homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigration1.html.
Excluding dependants, the number of Iraqi asylum applications received during 2005 and 2006 was 2,365. Information on how many of the applications lodged in the past two years have been refused and how many have subsequently been removed is not available; this information would be available only by examination of individual case files at disproportionate cost.
The Earl of Sandwich asked Her Majesty's Government:
How many asylum seekers have come to the United Kingdom from Zimbabwe in the past two years; of these, how many are “failed asylum seekers”; and how many have been returned to Zimbabwe (a) voluntarily, and (b) against their will. [HL3491]
Baroness Scotland of Asthal: Information on asylum applications, initial decisions, appeal outcomes and removals for Zimbabwean nationals is published quarterly and annually. Copies are available from the Library of the House and on the Home Office Research, Development and Statistics Directorate website at http://homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigration1.html.
Excluding dependants, the number of Zimbabwean asylum applications received during 2005 and 2006 was 2,705. Information on how many of the applications lodged in the past two years have been refused and how many have subsequently been removed is not available; this information would be available only by examination of individual case files at disproportionate cost.
The Earl of Sandwich asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have reviewed or suspended their policy of forced removals to Iraq and Zimbabwe in view of the conditions in those countries. [HL3492]
Baroness Scotland of Asthal: Developments in Iraq and Zimbabwe are closely monitored against the background of the latest available information on those countries.
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