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19 Jan 2006 : Column 1446W—continued
Gambling
Mr. Holloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps her Department is taking to ensure that problem gambling is addressed by proposed gambling reforms. [43256]
Mr. Caborn: The Gambling Act 2005 includes important new safeguards to protect children and vulnerable adults from the harmful effects of gambling.
We plan to bring the Act fully into force with effect from September 2007.
Olympic Games
Hugh Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport pursuant to the answer of 12 January 2006, Official Report, columns 783–84W, on the 2012 Olympics, for what reason UK Sport has not set an aspirational target for Olympic medals at the 2012 Olympic Games. [43638]
Mr. Caborn: It would not be appropriate for UK Sport, the Government's lead agency on elite sport, to set a target for Olympic medals at the 2012 Olympic Games in advance of agreeing a funding package for elite sport.
The Government are not in a position at this stage to indicate when a decision will be taken on a funding package for elite sport. Funding is currently in place for the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic cycle, which concludes in 2009.
CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS
Audible Fire Alarms
Bob Spink: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what proportion of the premises occupied by her Department is fitted with audible fire alarms. [42886]
Ms Harman: The proportion of premises that have an audible fire alarm fitted in my Department is 99.09 percent. This answer is based upon the number of buildings in the Department of Constitutional Affairs Headquarters estate and Her Majesty's Courts Service. It does not include related agencies and NDPBs, as to gather this information would incur a disproportionate cost.
Constitutional Reform Act
Mr. Amess: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs when she expects each section of the Constitutional Reform Act 2005 to come into force; and if she will make a statement. [41743]
19 Jan 2006 : Column 1447W
Ms Harman: Some provisions of the Constitutional Reform Act have already been implemented. The majority of the remaining provisions—including those related to the rule of law, the role of the Lord Chancellor, the Judicial Appointments Commission and its oversight body, a judicial disciplinary system and general judiciary-related provisions—are expected to be brought into force on 3 April 2006.
Part 3 of the Act, which relates to the establishment of a Supreme Court is expected to be implemented in 2008. Certain provisions in the Act relating to Northern Ireland will not be commenced until after the restoration of devolution to the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Departmental Jobs (Regional Distribution)
Mr. Weir: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs how many and what percentage of jobs in (a) her Department, (b) each (i) non-departmental public body, (ii) executive agency and (iii) other public body for which her Department is responsible are located in (A) each of the English regions, (B) Wales and (C) Northern Ireland. [39870]
Ms Harman: The figures are published in Civil Service Statistics. Departments should refer to Table D which covers permanent staff numbers (FTE basis) in each department and agency. This information is available at the following address on the Cabinet Office Statistics website:
http://www.civilservice.gov.uk/management_of_the_ civil_service/statistics/civil_service_statistics/index.asp
Information for non-departmental public bodies is not collected centrally on a regional basis. (Departments will have to supply their own figures based on the groupings in Table D of Civil Service Statistics bearing in mind the disproportionate cost threshold).
Departmental Objectives
Mr. Amess: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what discussions she has had with stakeholders about the progress of each target in her Department's Objective (a) I, (b) II and (c) IV. [41740]
Ms Harman: I have held discussions with a number of key stakeholders including the judiciary, legal professions, court users, consumers and private sector organisations, about the progress of the PSA targets falling under the Strategic Objectives in SR 2004.
Departmental Staff (Chronic Back Pain)
Mr. Pelling: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what initiatives are being taken in her Department to help civil servants with chronic back pain. [34971]
Ms Harman:
DCA offices and equipment are set out to meet the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and other general health and safety legislation such as Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations1999. Where an assessment of ergonomic risk is necessary, in such cases all assessments are conducted in accordance with the Health and Safety
19 Jan 2006 : Column 1448W
(Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 as amended by the Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2002.
Health and Safety audits and Display Screen Equipment (DSE) assessments are conducted on work stations as a matter of course, but should a member of staff feel that their 'work station' is not comfortable or their chair, desk or position of their computer terminal is causing discomfort to their back, they can request a DSE risk assessment. These assessments are conducted by trained assessors, who look to aid or prevent chronic back pain by ensuring that:
The chair has a definite lumbar curve, well padded seat. A seat which supports most of the thighs but turns downwards before it reaches the back of the knees
If the individual has neck or shoulder tension, a long chair back is recommended—if the small of the back does not have sufficient support a lumbar roll will be obtained. Gliders or braked castors are needed on smooth floors.
the workstation provides sufficient space to find a comfortable position and allow for changes in position
They advise the user to avoid awkward reaches, twisting to use the phone etc. Ensure there is enough legroom (at least 600 mm deep) and that the work surface should be at least 69 cm high and a maximum of 3 cm thick
They advise the user on the guidelines of body posture, the most comfortable/correct height of the PC terminal and the recommended frequency of work breaks.
Apart from office based staff, Court based staff (such as Solicitors, Barristers and Ushers) are cared for in the same way as set out above ... as are the independent Judiciary. In addition to our Office and Court personnel, the DCA also employs people who deal with the more physical aspects of the Departments remit, such as Bailiffs, Security personnel and Enforcement/Fines Officers.
Staff who have roles that may potentially have a detrimental effect on their back are given training on Manual Handling (including lifting, bending, twisting) and, for Bailiffs and Enforcement teams who go out into the community, training on Driving Skills (including posture), Control and Restraint, Arrest Techniques, Conflict Handling and any other training that will aid them in their role and reduce the risk of injury to their back is provided.
In addition to explaining the Health and Safety requirements at Induction, delivering training to minimise the risk of causing or aggravating back pain and providing a robust Occupational Health provision (including a telephone Helpline) that can identify, reduce and then deal with 'back conditions', the DCA also proactively looks to reduce incidents and accidents that may cause chronic back pain by having:
Union (PCS) appointed Health and Safety Representatives that raise any possible issues that could have detrimental consequences on staff health
Clearly visible posters, in offices, on the correct lifting and handling techniques' and the 'correct sitting posture'
Notice Boards containing information and general tips on keeping the workplace clear of obstructions that can cause trip and slip accidents ... which in turn can result in back pain.
Work-Life Balance Policies that help staff deal with any back problems they may have by acknowledging that individuals, at all stages of their lives, work best when they are able to achieve a appropriate balance between work and all other aspects of their lives
The option of joining the Beneden Healthcare Society, for the sum of £1.10 per week per person, staff can seek assistance in organising or paying for any medical treatment, including chronic back pain.
The ability to access the Civil Service Benevolent Fund to help with any financial costs arising from any back condition
The option of joining the CSSC Sports & Leisure Limited at a low monthly Subscription (£2.75 per month for 'Membership' and £5.50 per month for 'Membership Plus'), in order to get and stay fit and in turn reduce the risk of developing chronic back pain and/or alleviate some of the symptoms
A dedicated DCA Welfare Service that supports and advises staff both during any absence from work and following their return.
My Department aims to ensure that all staff are aware of their own personal responsibilities in taking care of their back, but should a member staff develop chronic back pain, as a Department, we aim to make sure the individual(s) concerned are supported and cared for.
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