Thursday 14 December 2006 at 11.00am

*Oral questions, 30 minutes

*Lord Janner of Braunstone to ask Her Majesty’s Government how many cyclists were killed and how many injured in the United Kingdom in hours of darkness during each of the last three years for which records are available.

*Baroness Neuberger to ask Her Majesty’s Government why National Health Service trusts can recover VAT paid to employment agencies for nurses but not for other health professionals.

*Lord Teverson to ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have for the future of regional assemblies in England, outside London.

*Lord Astor of Hever to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their response to the report on the training of the Afghanistan police force prepared by the State Department and the Department of Defense of the government of the United States.

Lord Fowler to call attention to the Government’s policy on HIV/AIDS and sexual health; and to move for papers. (Balloted debate, 2½ hours)

Lord Hylton to call attention to the human consequences of current immigration and asylum law and practice and to possible improvements in the systems of assessment, care and support; and to move for papers. (Balloted debate, 2½ hours)

Petroleum Act 1998 (Third Party Access) Order 2007 Lord Truscott to move that the draft Order laid before the House on 20 November be approved. 2nd Report from the Statutory Instruments Committee

Science and Technology Facilities Council Order 2007 Lord Truscott to move that the draft Order laid before the House on 20 November be approved. 2nd Report from the Statutory Instruments Committee

Technology Strategy Board Order 2007 Lord Truscott to move that the draft Order laid before the House on 23 November be approved. 2nd Report from the Statutory Instruments Committee

Employment Act 2002 (Amendment of Schedules 3, 4 and 5) Order 2006 Lord Truscott to move that the draft Order laid before the House on 23 November be approved. 2nd Report from the Statutory Instruments Committee

Grand Committee in the Moses Room at 2.00pm

†Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Bill [HL] (day 2) [Baroness Ashton of Upholland] 2nd Report from the Delegated Powers Committee

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Future Business

Friday 15 December at 11.00am

Cluster Munitions (Prohibition) Bill [HL] Second Reading [Lord Dubs]

†If the bill is read a second time, Lord Dubs to move that the bill be committed to a Committee of the Whole House.

European Union (Information, etc.) Bill [HL] Second Reading [Lord Dykes]

†If the bill is read a second time, Lord Dykes to move that the bill be committed to a Committee of the Whole House.

Disabled Persons (Independent Living) Bill [HL] Second Reading [Lord Ashley of Stoke]

†If the bill is read a second time, Lord Ashley of Stoke to move that the bill be committed to a Committee of the Whole House.

Monday 18 December at 2.30pm

*Lord Clement-Jones to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the current estimate of the costs of the building programme for the 2012 London Olympic Games.

*Lord Soulsby of Swaffham Prior to ask Her Majesty’s Government how many outstanding single farm payments are still to be made for 2005; and what proportion are for full or part payment.

*Baroness Byford to ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to protect fish stocks around United Kingdom shores.

*Lord Bishop of Liverpool to ask Her Majesty’s Government what are the ecological principles behind the Building Schools for the Future Programme.

†Further Education and Training Bill [HL] Lord Adonis to move that it be an instruction to the Grand Committee to which the Further Education and Training Bill [HL] has been committed that they consider the bill in the following order:

†Consolidated Fund Bill Second Reading (and remaining stages) [Lord McKenzie of Luton] (Money Bill)

Investment Exchanges and Clearing Houses Bill Committee [Lord McKenzie of Luton]

Lord McKenzie of Luton to move that this House takes note with approval of the Government’s assessment as set out in the Pre-Budget Report 2006 for the purposes of section 5 of the European Communities (Amendment) Act 1993.

Grand Committee in the Moses Room at 3.30pm

Consumers, Estate Agents and Redress Bill [HL] [Lord Truscott] 2nd Report from the Delegated Powers Committee

Tuesday 19 December at 11.00am

*Earl of Sandwich to ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the current prospects for peace and multi-party democracy in Nepal.

*Lord Renton of Mount Harry to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will introduce a review of the standards set by the Health and Safety Executive in view of its assessment of the risks posed by trees on National Trust land.

*Baroness Wilkins to ask Her Majesty’s Government when they will publish their response to the report, Reviewing the disabled facilities grant programme, published in October 2005.

Travel Expenses for Lords’ spouses, civil partners and children The Lord President (Baroness Amos) to move to resolve that this House approves the following proposals with respect to travel expenses incurred by spouses, civil partners and children of Members of this House on or after 1 January 2006—

(1)   The Resolution of 27 November 1996 is amended as follows.

(2)   In paragraph (1) after “spouse” insert “or civil partner” and after “18” insert “, or any child in full-time secondary education, during the academic year in which they become aged 18,”.

(3)   In paragraph (3) after “spouse” insert “or civil partner” and after “18” insert “, or any child in full-time secondary education, during the academic year in which they become aged 18,”.

Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Bill Second Reading [Baroness Scotland of Asthal]

If the bill is read a second time, Baroness Scotland of Asthal to move that the bill be committed to a Grand Committee.

Baroness Cox to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their response to efforts to eradicate contemporary slavery.

Monday 8 January at 2.30pm

*Lord Trimble to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they are under an obligation by European law or European directives to grant European Union nationals access to posts in the United Kingdom Civil Service; and whether they have any plans to do so.

*Lord Astor of Hever to ask Her Majesty’s Government what progress has been made in improving the air bridge for transporting troops to Iraq and Afghanistan.

*Baroness Gardner of Parkes to ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that the recovery of scrap aluminium sent from the United Kingdom to areas outside the European Union for recycling is carried out in an environmentally sound manner and to the standard required for recycling industries operating within the United Kingdom under the European Union integrated pollution prevention and control regulations.

*Lord Blaker to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they expect the European Union targeted measures against Zimbabwe to be removed when they expire in February 2007.

Mental Health Bill [HL] Committee [Lord Warner] 2nd Report from the Delegated Powers Committee

Lord Harries of Pentregarth to ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they are making to further the independence of West Papua. (Dinner break business, 1 hour)

Grand Committee in the Moses Room at 3.30pm

†Concessionary Bus Travel Bill [HL] [Lord Davies of Oldham] 3rd Report from the Delegated Powers Committee

Tuesday 9 January at 2.30pm

*Lord Jenkin of Roding to ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have held during 2006 with the International Atomic Energy Authority concerning the proposal for a new international nuclear fuel bank.

*Lord Campbell-Savours to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will name the accuser in the Leslie Warren rape case and false accusers where cases of persons convicted of rape have been referred by the Criminal Cases Review Commission to the Court of Appeal as unsafe due to false allegations.

*Lord Faulkner of Worcester to ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the Gambling Commission about requiring betting organisations to conclude information-sharing agreements with sports governing bodies as a licence condition for accepting bets on those sports.

†Legal Services Bill [HL] Committee [Lord Falconer of Thoroton] 3rd Report from the Delegated Powers Committee

Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 Lord Morrow to move that a Humble Address be presented to Her Majesty praying that the Regulations, laid before the House on 24 November, be annulled. 3rd Report from the Merits Committee (Dinner break business, 1 hour)

It is expected that the Grand Committee on the Consumers, Estate Agents and Redress Bill will continue at 3.30pm in the Moses Room.

Wednesday 10 January at 3.00pm

*Lord De Mauley to ask Her Majesty’s Government how much rubbish collected in the United Kingdom for recycling is recycled.

*Lord Harrison to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether in the light of their work-life balance policies they will support the British Cleaning Council’s campaign to promote a return to daytime office cleaning.

*Lord Barnett to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the impact of current green taxes on climate change.

Baroness Stern to ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they will take in response to the report by the Youth Justice Board, published on 2 November, on research into Anti-social Behaviour Orders given to young people between January 2004 and January 2005. (Dinner break business, 1 hour)

It is expected that the Committee stage of the Mental Health Bill will continue.

Thursday 11 January at 11.00am

*Baroness Turner of Camden to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will review the effectiveness of lay involvement in the governance of trust-based and contract-based workplace pension schemes.

*Lord Dykes to ask Her Majesty’s Government when they will next meet members of the government of Germany to discuss the German European Union Presidency and their principal matters of interest.

*Lord Roberts of Llandudno to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will take steps to ensure that the United Kingdom is the world leader in tackling the problems caused by online and other gambling.

Baroness Whitaker to call attention to the Government’s White Paper, Making governance work for the poor, Cm. 6876; and to move for papers.

Baroness Kingsmill to call attention to the United Kingdom’s competitiveness in a global economy; and to move for papers.

Earl of Sandwich to ask Her Majesty’s Government what assistance they are providing to meet relief and development needs in the Palestinian Occupied Territories.

Thursday 18 January at 11.00am

Earl of Listowel to call attention to issues relating to the social care workforce; and to move for papers. (Balloted debate, 2½ hours)

Lord Chidgey to call attention to the present franchising system for the railway industry; and to move for papers. (Balloted debate, 2½ hours)

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Motions for Balloted Debate

Ballot on 16 January for debate on 8 February. Time limit 2½ hours

Baroness Warwick of Undercliffe to call attention to the economic impact of higher education institutions; and to move for papers.

Lord Tombs to call attention to issues facing the electricity supply industry and to the case for a strategic decision mechanism; and to move for papers.

Lord Dykes to call attention to the present financial situation of the Channel Tunnel; and to move for papers.

Lord Norton of Louth to call attention to the case for changing the form in which legislation is presented to Parliament; and to move for papers.

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Other Motions for Debate

Lord Dykes to call attention to the economic and social conditions in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank; and to move for papers.

Viscount Montgomery of Alamein to call attention to developments in Latin America; and to move for papers.

Lord Northbourne to call attention to the rights of the child and to the role of stability and family life in the well being of children; and to move for papers.

Baroness Stern to move that this House takes note of the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism, Cm. 6907, presented to Parliament on 24 July; and requests that Her Majesty’s Government do not ratify it until the Joint Committee on Human Rights has reported on its implications.

Baroness Masham of Ilton to call attention to the role that specialist nurses play in the treatment and support of patients with long-term conditions; and to move for papers.

Lord Alton of Liverpool to call attention to conflict in Africa; and to move for papers.

Baroness Byford to call attention to services to the public in rural areas; and to move for papers.

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Questions for Short Debate

Time limit 1 hour or 1½ hours

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.

Lord Pearson of Rannoch to ask Her Majesty’s Government how they propose to honour their commitment that family carers of people with lifelong severe intellectual impairment should be at the heart of decision-making about their relatives’ accommodation, health care and support.

Lord Pearson of Rannoch to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will make representations to the government of Botswana about its treatment of the bushmen of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve.

Lord Blaker to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the current state of relations between the government of Israel and the various Palestinian political organisations.

Viscount Montgomery of Alamein to ask Her Majesty’s Government what benefits are expected from the International Polar Year 2007-08 following the British hosting of the Antarctic Treaty consultative meeting in Edinburgh in June.

Baroness Jay of Paddington to ask Her Majesty’s Government how they assess the effectiveness of palliative care services; and on what basis decisions to fund additional services are taken.

Lord Alderdice to ask Her Majesty’s Government what progress they have made in the statutory regulation of the professions of psychology, psychotherapy and counselling in the past six years.

Lord Alderdice to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they would support moves towards developing an inclusive semi-permanent conference table to address the problems of the Middle East.

Lord Holme of Cheltenham to ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the level of Chinese investment in Africa.

Baroness Northover to ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they are taking to combat AIDS across the world and its effect on children.

Lord Carlile of Berriew to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether physical restraints, including seclusion and strip searching, are used on children in custody.

Lord Carlile of Berriew to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the future of British architecture.

Lord Lester of Herne Hill to ask Her Majesty’s Government why civil justice costs must be recovered in their entirety from those who become suitors before the court.

Lord Bradshaw to ask Her Majesty’s Government how they propose to address the present problems facing the bus industry.

Baroness Scott of Needham Market to ask Her Majesty’s Government what progress has been made on their capital building programme.

Baroness Neuberger to ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to prevent malnutrition in hospitals, as highlighted in the Age Concern report, Hungry to be Heard.

Baroness Neuberger to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their response to the British Medical Association’s report, Child and adolescent mental health—a guide for healthcare professionals, published in June 2006.

Baroness Sharp of Guildford to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether current or proposed methods of allocating research funds amongst universities are sufficient to support basic research infrastructures or to promote innovative and applied research.

Lord Hanningfield to ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to alleviate the financial pressures facing local authorities in relation to adult social care and to minimise the impact that this has on the delivery of other services.

Lord Turnberg to ask Her Majesty’s Government what advice they will seek in formulating their response to the Chief Medical Officer’s report, Good Doctors, Safer Patients.

Baroness Tonge to ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to increase provision of contraceptive services, prevent the closure of specialist community clinics and increase the availability of training in contraceptive services and sexual health.

Lord Dubs to ask Her Majesty’s Government what measures they are taking to help provide homes for homeless and overcrowded families.

Baroness Massey of Darwen to ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to develop the education of young people in custody.

Lord Burnett to ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have for the future of inheritance tax.

Lord Jenkin of Roding to ask Her Majesty’s Government when they will announce their decision on the provision of Alternatively Secured Pensions.

Lord Alton of Liverpool to ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking, along with international partners, to secure peace in Darfur.

Lord Taverne to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will withdraw financial support which encourages farmers to convert to organic farming.

Viscount Montgomery of Alamein to ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the development of the Central American Integration System.

Lord Woolmer of Leeds to ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the contribution of the Yorkshire and Humber region to the United Kingdom economy.

Baroness Bonham-Carter of Yarnbury to ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the role and contribution of the creative industries to the economy and well being of the United Kingdom.

Lord Greaves to ask Her Majesty’s Government what provision they will make for the teaching of English for speakers of other languages in England in the next academic year.

Lord Harrison to ask Her Majesty’s Government how they are supporting Liverpool in preparing for its role as European Capital of Culture 2008.

Lord Ashley of Stoke to ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they are taking to promote the United Nations Convention on disability.

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Questions for Written Answer

Tabled on 13 December and due for answer on 27 December.

Lord Pearson of Rannoch to ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the reply by Baroness Royall of Blaisdon on 11 December (HL Deb, col 1362), how they reconcile her remarks with Article 46 of the framework agreement between France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom concerning measures to facilitate the restructuring and operation of the European defence industry which states that, “The Parties recognise the need to co-operate in establishing a long term master-plan that would present a common view of their future operation needs. This would constitute a framework for harmonised equipment acquisition planning and would provide orientation for a harmonised defence related Research and Technology policy”. HL814

Lord Hylton to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the situation in and around the city of Basra, Iraq, for which they have responsibilities, in particular whether—

(a) local and provincial government is functioning effectively;

(b) electricity, water and services have been restored and, where possible, improved;

(c) schools and hospitals are working at full capacity; and

(d) non-governmental organisations are helping to meet the needs of the population. HL837

Lord Lofthouse of Pontefract to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, in the light of reports by the Legal Services Ombudsman, they have proposals to regulate the Law Society so as to prevent the solicitors and managers currently responsible for its operation from serving on the Solicitors’ Regulation Authority. HL838

Lord Lofthouse of Pontefract to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they plan to prohibit the trafficking of personal injury and industrial disease claims between solicitors and third parties. HL839

Lord Carlile of Berriew to ask Her Majesty’s Government on how many occasions physical restraint occurred at Orchard Lodge Local Authority Secure Children’s Home in relation to, respectively, male and female black and ethnic minority clients during each of the 12 months prior to 1 November. HL840

Lord Carlile of Berriew to ask Her Majesty’s Government on how many occasions physical restraint occurred at Kyloe House Local Authority Secure Children’s Home in relation to, respectively, male and female black and ethnic minority clients during each of the 12 months prior to 1 November. HL841

Lord Carlile of Berriew to ask Her Majesty’s Government on how many occasions physical restraint occurred at Kesteven House Local Authority Secure Children’s Home in relation to, respectively, male and female black and ethnic minority clients during each of the 12 months prior to 1 November. HL842

Lord Carlile of Berriew to ask Her Majesty’s Government on how many occasions physical restraint occurred at Hillside Local Authority Secure Children’s Home in relation to, respectively, male and female black and ethnic minority clients during each of the 12 months prior to 1 November. HL843

Lord Carlile of Berriew to ask Her Majesty’s Government on how many occasions physical restraint occurred at Dyson Hall Local Authority Secure Children’s Home in relation to, respectively, male and female black and ethnic minority clients during each of the 12 months prior to 1 November. HL844

Lord Carlile of Berriew to ask Her Majesty’s Government on how many occasions physical restraint occurred at Clayfields Local Authority Secure Children’s Home in relation to, respectively, male and female black and ethnic minority clients during each of the 12 months prior to 1 November. HL845

Lord Morris of Manchester to ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Drayson on 1 December (WA 104), whether, and, if so, at what stages, the Ministry of Defence will consult the Department for Constitutional Affairs Tribunals Policy Division on drafts of any future proposed amending legislation to the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces Pensions and Compensation Scheme directly affecting rights of appeal. HL846

Earl Attlee to ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Drayson on 12 December (WA 179), whether the replacement composite headquarters for International Security Assistance Force has been validated by means of an exercise prior to deployment; and, if so, what was the nature of the exercise. HL847

Lord Avebury to ask Her Majesty’s Government what information they have received about the activities of Taliban sympathisers in Pakistan’s Pashtun-majority federally administered tribal areas; and what representations they are making to the government of Pakistan about this threat to the safety of British troops in Afghanistan. HL848

Lord Vinson to ask Her Majesty’s Government what role and purpose the Food Standards Agency now has in view of the fact that its findings have been overruled by the European Union Food and Veterinary Office. HL849

Baroness Darcy de Knayth to ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by the Prime Minister on 25 March 2002 (HC Deb, col 618-9W) reaffirming the Government’s commitment to Rehabilitation International’s Charter for the Third Millennium, presented to him on 5 July 2000, what developments there have been since then in regard to the Charter’s call for a United Nations Convention on the Rights of Disabled People; and what role the Government has played in giving it effect. HL850

Lord Astor of Hever to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend United Kingdom military forces deployed in the Helmand province of Afghanistan to target drug traffickers, as distinct from drug growers, operating in the province. HL851

Lord Astor of Hever to ask Her Majesty’s Government how many suspected drug traffickers United Kingdom forces deployed in the Helmand province of Afghanistan have detained and handed over to the Afghan authorities. HL852

Lord Astor of Hever to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will place in the Library of the House a copy of the Memorandum of Understanding with the government of the United States relating to further stages of the development and production of the Joint Strike Fighter, signed in Washington on 12 December. HL853

Lord Astor of Hever to ask Her Majesty’s Government in what respects the Memorandum of Understanding with the government of the United States relating to further stages of the development and production of the Joint Strike Fighter as a Tier I partner in the project differs from similar memoranda signed by the government of the United States with other, lower tier, participants. HL854

Lord Astor of Hever to ask Her Majesty’s Government to what extent the United Kingdom, as the only Tier I partner in the Joint Strike Fighter project, is party to arrangements between the government of the United States and other partners in the project. HL855

Lord Astor of Hever to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether principal United Kingdom contractors in the Joint Strike Fighter project have confirmed to them that the arrangements now in place on a government-to-government basis will ensure all necessary access on the part of such contractors to the source codes for the avionics of the aircraft. HL856

Lord Judd to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their response to the recent report by the Council of National Parks on the economic significance of National Parks in the Yorkshire and Humber region; what is their estimate of additional resources for the National Parks identified by this report; and whether they will undertake their own full examination of the economic value of these and other similar sites. HL857

Lord James of Blackheath to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the cash operating deficit currently forecast for the National Health Service in the current fiscal year; and what is—

(a) the level of any provisions or contingencies which may have been released in the calculation of this figure;

(b) the origin, as to purpose and timing, of their creation of any such contingencies and provisions;

whether any new contingencies and provisions have been created during the current fiscal year; whether any remaining contingencies and provisions outstanding from prior years or earlier creations within the present fiscal year have yet to be released into the forecast deficit; what is the cost of any redundancy or rationalisation programme which may have been incurred in the current fiscal year and the value of any revenue released which has been assumed to benefit the current fiscal year as a result; and what is the cost and consequences projected for any further redundancy programme to be implemented in the current fiscal year. HL858

Viscount Waverley to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether any units of the Armed Forces in Afghanistan have run out of ammunition; if so, what the circumstances were; how long was the delay before re-supply; and whether any lives were placed at risk. HL859

Lord Monson to ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the remarks by Lord Triesman on 11 December (HL Deb, col 1437), whether the use of forces by the European Union, the United Nations or NATO to prevent countries or territories from dividing or amalgamating is permitted under international law. HL860

Lord Greaves to ask Her Majesty’s Government by what date Sir Michael Lyons’ inquiry into the financing of local government is now expected to report. HL861

Lord Greaves to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the formal terms of reference of Sir Michael Lyons’ inquiry into the financing of local government have been changed or extended since it was set up; and what are the current full terms of reference. HL862

Lord Greaves to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether Councillors who have expressed clear views for or against the location of new casinos in their area will be regarded as having fettered their discretion over any planning applications for such casinos; and whether they will be able to take part in decisions on such applications. HL863

Lord Greaves to ask Her Majesty’s Government what arrangements have been made for the disposal of the stocks of curd cheese at Bowland Dairy Products Limited. HL864

Lord Greaves to ask Her Majesty’s Government in which local authorities in England there is a moratorium on giving new planning permissions for any additional housing by new building or conversions, other than in exceptional circumstances. HL865

Lord Greaves to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their estimate of the number of journeys by foot and bicycle which are made on average by primary and secondary schoolchildren in England each week; and how this compares with previous generations of children for which they have information. HL866

Viscount Astor to ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they have taken to ensure that the Casino Advisory Panel makes its decision on the location of the first regional casino primarily on the basis of the best test of social impact and that the use of this test will be evident in its final report next year. HL867

Viscount Astor to ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they and the Casino Advisory Panel has undertaken on the impact and introduction of the first regional casino on existing leisure businesses in the local area; and what measures will be put in place to ensure that impact is minimised. HL868

Viscount Astor to ask Her Majesty’s Government how the impact of the regional casino on the local area will be regulated once it is open for business; and when a framework will be published for consultation. HL869

Viscount Astor to ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that the claims of economic benefits from the local authorities bidding for the regional casino licence are properly scrutinised by the Casino Advisory Panel before it issues its report on 30 January 2007. HL870

Viscount Astor to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the Casino Advisory Panel should be responsible for scrutinising the economic claims made by local authorities bidding for a regional casino; and whether the full details of its assessment of the evidence submitted should be published when its report is released on 30 January 2007. HL871

Lord Laird to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the cost to the Northern Ireland departments and the Northern Ireland Office of the translation of documents from English into Irish. HL872

Lord Laird to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether any oil outlets are still burning as a result of the first Gulf War which they have been unable to extinguish; and, if so, how many and where. HL873

Lord Laird to ask Her Majesty’s Government what are the arrangements for a consultation process for the proposed Irish Language Bill. HL874

Lord Laird to ask Her Majesty’s Government what consideration they have given to the possible introduction of an Ulster Scots Language Bill. HL875

Lord Laird to ask Her Majesty’s Government how many consultants the Northern Ireland Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure has employed since 1 January; what they were employed to do; and at what cost. HL876

Lord Laird to ask Her Majesty’s Government what support the Northern Ireland Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure has given to the Northern Ireland football team in each of the last five years. HL877

Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer to ask the Chairman of Committees, further to his Written Answer on 16 October (WA 79), when the solution to the technical error affecting House of Lords Official Report entries on the internet will be rolled out. HL878

Lord Watson of Richmond to ask Her Majesty’s Government what are the reasons for BBC World’s planned Arabic television service offering less than 24 hour coverage. HL879

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Questions unanswered after 14 days

The questions asked on the dates shown in bold were due for answer by the dates in brackets The Government department responsible for answering each Question is shown in square brackets.

15 November (29 November)

HL36 Lord Pearson of Rannoch [DoH]

HL57 Lord Laird [NIO]

HL71 Lord Powell of Bayswater [DoH]

16 November (30 November)

HL123 Baroness Wilkins [DoH]

HL142 Lord Laird [NIO]

HL146 Lord Laird [NIO]

20 November (4 December)

HL165 Lord Maginnis of Drumglass [HO]

HL167 Lord Turnberg [DoH]

HL173 Lord Morris of Manchester [DoH]

HL179 Lord Fowler [DoH]

HL184 Lord Ramsbotham [HO]

HL185 Lord Ramsbotham [HO]

HL186 Lord Ramsbotham [HO]

HL187 Lord Ramsbotham [HO]

HL188 Lord Ramsbotham [HO]

HL189 Lord Tyler [DoH]

21 November (5 December)

HL231 Lord Avebury [HO]

HL232 Lord Avebury [HO]

HL233 Lord Avebury [HO]

HL234 Lord Avebury [HO]

HL235 Lord Avebury [HO]

HL243 Lord Tebbit [HO]

HL250 Baroness McIntosh of Hudnall [DTI]

HL256 Baroness Harris of Richmond [HO]

HL258 Baroness Harris of Richmond [HO]

22 November (6 December)

HL277 Lord Hylton [FCO]

23 November (7 December)

HL325 Lord Walton of Detchant [DoH]

HL326 Lord Walton of Detchant [DoH]

HL329 Lord Walton of Detchant [DoH]

HL333 Countess of Mar [MoD]

HL361 Lord De Mauley [MoD]

HL362 Lord De Mauley [MoD]

HL363 Lord Dykes [MoD]

27 November (11 December)

HL379 Lord Garden [MoD]

HL380 Lord Garden [MoD]

HL381 Lord Garden [MoD]

HL383 Lord Garden [MoD]

HL388 Lord Clement-Jones [FCO]

HL392 Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer [CoC]

HL398 Lord Morris of Manchester [MoD]

HL400 Lord Morris of Manchester [MoD]

HL405 Lord Laird [NIO]

HL408 Lord Laird [NIO]

28 November (12 December)

HL414 Baroness Barker [DoH]

HL425 Lord Rana [NIO]

HL426 Lord Rana [NIO]

HL428 Lord Rana [FCO]

HL441 Lord Laird [DoH]

HL443 Lord Laird [NIO]

HL444 Lord Laird [NIO]

29 November (13 December)

HL458 Lord Tebbit [MoD]

HL459 Lord Tebbit [MoD]

HL461 Lord Tebbit [HO]

HL462 Lord Maginnis of Drumglass [NIO]

HL463 Lord Maginnis of Drumglass [NIO]

HL471 Lord Monson [HO]

HL472 Lord Monson [HO]

HL473 Baroness Tonge [DoH]

HL474 Baroness Tonge [DoH]

HL475 Baroness Tonge [DoH]

HL480 Baroness Byford [DEFRA]

HL484 Lord Ahmed [HO]

Number of questions allocated to each department which are unanswered after 14 days.

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Bills in Progress

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Affirmative Instruments in Progress

The Merits of Statutory Instruments Committee has drawn attention to certain instruments in the reports indicated

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Negative Instruments

Instruments reported by the Merits of Statutory Instruments Committee

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Regulatory Reform Orders in Progress

The Regulatory Reform Committee has reported on Orders in the reports indicated

Examination of Petitions for Private Bills

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Committees

Unless otherwise indicated, Committees meet in the Lords’ rooms in the Committee Corridor as indicated in the daily broadsheet

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Minutes of Proceedings of Wednesday 13 December 2006

The House met at 9.45am
Prayers were read by the Lord Bishop of Salisbury

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Judicial Business

For judicial business see page 21

The House adjourned. The House resumed.

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Select Committee Reports

1   Statutory Instruments   
The following Report from the Joint Committee was made and ordered to be printed:

4th Report on certain statutory instruments, including the following affirmative instrument:

Draft District Electoral Areas Commissioner (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Order 2006. (HL Paper 18)

2   Delegated Powers and Regulatory Reform   
The following Report from the Select Committee was made and ordered to be printed:

3rd Report, on the following bills:

Cluster Munitions (Prohibition) Bill [HL]

Concessionary Bus Travel Bill [HL]

Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Bill

Disabled Persons (Independent Living) [HL]

Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Bill [HL]

Further Education and Training Bill [HL]

Investment Exchanges and Clearing Houses Bill

Legal Services Bill [HL]

Consumers, Estate Agents and Redress Bill [HL]—Government Response

Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Bill [HL]—Government Response. (HL Paper 19)

Public Business

3   Inquiries: Ministerial evidence A question was asked by Baroness Miller of Hendon and answered by Lord Bassam of Brighton.

4   Special advisers: Select Committees A question was asked by Lord Sheldon and answered by Lord Bassam of Brighton.

5   Gambling: casinos A question was asked by Lord Lee of Trafford and answered by Lord Davies of Oldham.

6   Intellectual property rights A question was asked by Lord Clement-Jones and answered by Lord McKenzie of Luton.

7   Energy Efficiency and Microgeneration Bill [HL] Lord Redesdale presented a bill to make provision about the energy rating of residential properties on the market; to make provision about energy efficiency and microgeneration; and for connected purposes. It was read a first time and ordered to be printed. (HL Bill 21)

8   Business of the House The Lord President (Baroness Amos) moved that Standing Order 47 (No two stages of a Bill to be taken on one day) be dispensed with on Monday 18 December to allow the Consolidated Fund Bill to be taken through its remaining stages that day. The motion was agreed to.

9   Concessionary Bus Travel Bill [HL] Lord Davies of Oldham moved that it be an instruction to the Grand Committee to which the Concessionary Bus Travel Bill [HL] has been committed that they consider the bill in the following order:

The motion was agreed to.

10   Child maintenance A statement was repeated by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath.

11   Further Education and Training Bill [HL] Lord Adonis moved that the bill be now read a second time. After debate, the motion was agreed to and the bill was committed to a Grand Committee.

The House adjourned at 9.12pm until Thursday 14 December at 11.00am.

Paul Hayter

Clerk of the Parliaments

Appendix

The Grand Committee met in the Moses Room at 3.45pm

Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Bill [HL] The Grand Committee considered the bill. Amendments 1 to 60 were considered. Amendments 37, 45, 49, 50 and 52 were agreed to. The Committee adjourned after Schedule 5 stood part.   
The Committee adjourned at 6.17pm

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Papers

All statutory instruments laid before the House are accompanied by an Explanatory Memorandum presented by command of Her Majesty, unless otherwise indicated.

Command Papers

The following papers were presented to the House by command of Her Majesty:

1   Children—A new system of child maintenance: Government proposals.   (6979)

2   Finance—Treasury Minutes on the Fifty-eighth, Fifty-ninth, Sixty-first and the Sixty-second Reports from the Committee of Public Accounts, Session 2005-06.   (6981)

3   Conventions—Government Response to the Report of the Joint Committee on Conventions of the UK Parliament (2005-06).   (6997)

Negative Instruments

The following instruments were laid before the House:

(1)   Textile Products (Indications of Fibre Content) (Amendment and Consolidation of Schedules of Textile Names and Allowances) Regulations 2006   (3297)

(2)   Textile Products (Determination of Composition) Regulations 2006   (3298)

laid under the European Communities Act 1972.

Papers not subject to parliamentary proceedings

The following papers were laid before the House:

1   Report of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs of the Framework Response Plan for Exotic Animal Diseases together with a Supplementary Report on Emergency Preparedness, laid under the Animal Health Act 2002.

2   Report of the Information Commissioner’s Office on the first six months progress in halting the unlawful trade in confidential personal information, laid under the Data Protection Act 1998.

3   Naval and Marine Pay and Pensions (Pay) (No. 2) Order 2006, laid under the Naval and Marine Pay and Pensions Act 1865.   (—)

4   Report for 2005-06 of the Export of Objects of Cultural Interest, laid under the Export Control Act 2002.

5   Report and Accounts for 2005-06 of the Independent Police Complaints Commission, laid under the Police Reform Act 2002.

6   Report by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons and the Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice in Northern Ireland on an unannounced inspection of Magilligan Prison, laid under the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002.

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Judicial Business

Wednesday 13 December

1   Tweed (Appellant) v Parades Commission for Northern Ireland (Respondents) (Northern Ireland) It was moved by the Lord Bingham of Cornhill, That the 4th Report from the Appellate Committee be agreed to; the motion was agreed. It was ordered and adjudged that the appeal be allowed; that the Order of the Court of Appeal in Northern Ireland of 7 September 2005 and also the Order of Mr Justice Girvan in the High Court of Justice in Northern Ireland of 6 December 2004 be set aside; that, with regard to the items in the appellant’s summons of 29 September 2004, the question of disclosure of items 2 to 6 be remitted to the High Court of Justice in Northern Ireland for reconsideration in light of the opinions expressed in this House; and that the question of costs be adjourned in order that the parties may make written submissions within 14 days. [2006] UKHL 53

2   R (on the application of Clift) (FC) (Appellant) v Secretary of State for the Home Department (Respondent)

3   Secretary of State for the Home Department (Respondent) v Hindawi (FC) (Appellant) and another

4   Secretary of State for the Home Department (Respondent) v Hindawi and another (FC) (Appellant)

(Conjoined Appeals)

It was moved by Lord Bingham of Cornhill that the 5th Report from the Appellate Committee be agreed to; the motion was agreed. It was ordered and adjudged: that in the appeal of Clift, the Order of Her Majesty’s Court of Appeal of 29 April 2004 be affirmed and the appeal dismissed; that the appellant do pay or cause to be paid to the respondent his costs in this House, the amounts thereof, if any, to be paid by the appellant and to be paid out of the Community Legal Service Fund to be certified by the Clerk of the Parliaments in accordance with regulations pursuant to section 11 of the Access to Justice Act 1999; that the appellant do pay or cause to be paid to the respondent his costs in Her Majesty’s Court of Appeal and also in the High Court of Justice Queen’s Bench Division Administrative Court in accordance, respectively, with the Order of Her Majesty’s Court of Appeal of 29 April 2004 and the Order of Mr Justice Hooper in the High Court of Justice Queen’s Bench Division Administrative Court of 13 June 2003, which Orders were affirmed; and that the costs of the appellant be taxed in accordance with the Access to Justice Act 1999: and that the appeals of Hindawi and Headley be allowed; that the Order of Her Majesty’s Court of Appeal of 13 October 2004 be set aside and the Orders of Mr Justice McCombe in the High Court of Justice Queen’s Bench Division Administrative Court of 29 January 2004 in respect of Hindawi and of 2 February 2004 in respect of Headley restored; that it be declared that “Sections 46(1) and 50(2) of the Criminal Justice Act 1991 are incompatible with article 14 (in conjunction with article 5) of the European Convention on Human Rights to the extent that those sections prevent prisoners liable for removal from having their cases reviewed by the Parole Board in the same manner as other long term prisoners”; that in each appeal the respondent do pay or cause to be paid to the appellant his costs in this House and in Her Majesty’s Court of Appeal, the amount of such costs in this House to be certified by the Clerk of the Parliaments if not agreed between the parties and the amount of such costs in Her Majesty’s Court of Appeal to be determined by a Costs Judge if not agreed between the parties; that the respondent do pay or cause to be paid to the appellants their costs in the High Court of Justice Queen’s Bench Division Administrative Court in accordance with the Orders of Mr Justice McCombe in the High Court of Justice Queen’s Bench Division Administrative Court of 29 January 2004 in respect of Hindawi and of 2 February 2004 in respect of Headley, which Orders were affirmed; and that the costs of the appellants be taxed in accordance with the Access to Justice Act 1999.

5   R (on the application of Laporte) (FC) (Original Appellant and Cross-respondent) v Chief Constable of Gloucestershire (Original Respondent and Cross-appellant) It was ordered by Lord Bingham of Cornhill that the 6th Report from the Appellate Committee be agreed to; the motion was agreed. It was ordered and adjudged that the appeal be allowed and the cross-appeal dismissed; that paragraph 2 of the Order of the High Court of Justice Queen’s Bench Division Administrative Court of 19 February 2004 be set aside; that paragraph 1 of the Order of the Court of Appeal of 9 December 2004, to the extent only of the appellant’s cross-appeal to the Court of Appeal, also be set aside; that it be declared that “the actions of the Chief Constable of Gloucestershire Police which are the subject of the appellant’s first complaint (that is, that the Chief Constable prevented the appellant from travelling to the demonstration in Fairford and forced her to leave the area) were unlawful because they were not prescribed by law and were disproportionate”; that any ancillary claim for relief be remitted to the High Court of Justice Queen’s Bench Division Administrative Court; and that the question of costs be adjourned in order that the parties may make written submissions within 14 days. [2006] UKHL 55

6   Robb (Appellant) v. Salamis (M & I) Limited (formerly known as Salamis Marine & Industrial Limited) (Respondents) (Scotland) It was moved by Lord Hope of Craighead that the 7th Report from the Appellate Committee be agreed to; the motion was agreed. It was ordered and adjudged that the appeal be allowed; that the Interlocutor of an Extra Division of the Court of Session in Scotland of 16 March 2005 (as altered by its Interlocutor of 6 May 2005) be altered: (i) by substituting the word “failed” for the words “did not fail” in the renumbered findings of fact and law (5), (6) and (7); and (ii) by substituting for the renumbered findings of fact and law (8) and (9) the following: “(8) That the accident to the pursuer on 6 September 1999 was caused by the defenders’ breach of statutory duty in terms of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations, regulations 4(1) and 20; (9) that the accident was also caused and contributed to by the pursuer’s fault and negligence to the extent of 50%.”; that that part of the Interlocutor of the Extra Division of the Court of Session in Scotland of 16 March 2005 (as altered by its Interlocutor of 6 May 2005) which affirmed the Interlocutor of the Sheriff at Aberdeen Sheriff Court of 16 October 2003 be recalled; that the Interlocutor of the Sheriff of the 16 October 2003 also be recalled; that the appellant’s first plea in law be sustained and the respondents’ first to fifth and seventh pleas in law repelled; that the respondents’ sixth plea in law be sustained and the appellant be entitled to 50% of the sum assessed by the Extra Division of the Court of Session in Scotland as reparation for the loss, injury and damage which he sustained due to the accident with interest on that sum at the legal rate from 16 October 2003 until payment; and that the question of costs in this House and expenses in the courts below be adjourned in order that the parties may make written submissions within 14 days. [2006] UKHL 56

7   Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (Respondents) v Stringer and others (Appellants) The 8th Report from the Appellate Committee was agreed to and it was ordered that the following questions be referred to the Court of Justice of the European Communities for a preliminary ruling under Article 234 of the Treaty establishing the European Community: “(1) Does Article 7(1) of Directive 2003/88/EC mean that a worker on indefinite sick leave is entitled (i) to designate a future period as paid annual leave and (ii) to take paid annual leave, in either case during a period that would otherwise be sick leave? (2) If a Member State exercises its discretion to replace the minimum period of paid annual leave with an allowance in lieu on termination of employment under Article 7(2) of Directive 2003/88/EC, in circumstances in which a worker has been absent on sick leave for all or part of the leave year in which the employment relationship is terminated, does Article 7(2) impose any requirements or lay down any criteria as to whether the allowance is to be paid or how it is to be calculated?”; and that further consideration of the appeal be adjourned pending the conclusion of the reference to the Court of Justice of the European Communities.

8   R (on the application of Al Rawi and others (Appellants) and others and others (Appellants)) v Secretary of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and another (Respondents) (England) The appeal of Jamil El Banna, Omar Deghayes, Sabah Sunnoqrot and Abubaker Deghayes was presented and it was ordered that in accordance with Standing Order VI the statement and appendix thereto be lodged on or before 24 January.

1   

9   Bettamix Limited (formerly Tarmac Roadstone Southern Limited) and others (Petitioners) v Kew (Respondent) The petition of Bettamix Limited, Tarmac Roadstone Limited, Situsec Limited, Tarmac Contractors Limited and FM Conway Limited was presented and referred to an Appeal Committee.

10   R v Mustafa (aka Hamza, aka Al Masri) (Petitioner) The petition of Mustafa Kamel Mustafa praying for leave to appeal in accordance with the Criminal Appeal Act 1968 was presented and referred to an Appeal Committee.