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Prisons: Witchcraft
Lord Maginnis of Drumglass asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether it is permitted practice to display symbols associated with witchcraft in United Kingdom prisons.[HL7371]
Lord Bassam of Brighton: The prison services in England and Wales and Northern Ireland do not have a specific policy on the displaying of symbols associated with witchcraft and is at governors’ discretion. Scottish prisons are the responsibility of the Scottish Executive, who should be approached separately.
Public Property
Lord Whitty asked Her Majesty's Government:
What proportion of national capital assets were owned by the public sector, defined as central government, local government and nationalised industries and other publicly owned companies, in each of the years 1976, 1996, 2006 or years for which figures are available; and what they estimate the proportion will be at the end of the current comprehensive spending review.[HL7340]
Lord McKenzie of Luton: The information requested falls within the responsibilities of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
Letter from the National Statistician, Karen Dunnell, dated 14 September 2006.
As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent question concerning what proportion of national capital assets were owned by the public sector, defined as central government, local government and nationalised industries and other publicly owned companies, in each of the years 1976, 1996, 2006 or years for which figures are available; and what they estimate the proportion will be at the end of the current comprehensive spending review. (HL7340)
The estimates below are calculated using estimates of net capital stock as published on 24 July 2006. Estimates of capital stock measure the value of fixed assets in existence. Net capital stock represents the value of these assets after depreciation is taken into account.
The public sector is defined using National Accounts definitions and comprises central government, local government and public corporations.
The annual ONS publication, Capital Stocks, Capital Consumption and Non-Financial Balance Sheets, can be found on the National Statistics website:
http://www.statistics.gov.uk/StatBase/Product.asp?vlnk=10730&Pos=&ColRank=1&Rank=272
ONS does not produce National Accounts forecasts.
| Net capital stock of public sector as a percentage of net capital stock for the whole economy | |
| Year | Per cent |
Questions for Written Answer
Lord Jopling asked Her Majesty's Government:
Why the Lord Marlesford's Questions for Written Answer tabled on 23 and 24 May (HL 5953 and HL 6000) remain unanswered after eight weeks, bearing in mind that Questions should be answered within two weeks; and whether reprimands will be issued to the officials concerned for the delay.[HL7082]
The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Scotland of Asthal): The questions concerned have been answered on 19 July (WA 186) and 25 July (WA 270) respectively.
Lord MacKenzie of Culkein asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether there is an obligation on officers of health authorities or NHS trusts to reply where a Question for Written Answer has been referred to them by a Minister.[HL7293]
The Minister of State, Department of Health (Lord Warner): When the Department of Health cannot provide the information requested by a Member or Peer, the matter may be referred to the relevant NHS organisation concerned to provide a full response. The expectation is that this would be provided as promptly as possible. If my noble friend is aware of a specific problem then I will be happy to look into this on receipt of further information.
Lord Jopling asked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 28 July (HL7082), which did not address the questions put by the Lord Jopling, whether the Answer was in accordance with the appropriate Code of Conduct for Ministers.[HL7303]
Baroness Scotland of Asthal: My reply to the noble Lord was both accurate and truthful and sought to answer the fundamental concern that had been raised regarding the failure to reply to previously tabled Parliamentary Questions. As such, it was in accordance with the requirements of the Ministerial Code.
RAF: Coltishall Airbase
Lord Garden asked Her Majesty's Government:
What measures they are taking to preserve historic aspects of RAF Coltishall as a key Battle of Britain fighter base.[HL7278]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Drayson): The Ministry of Defence's commitment to the responsible stewardship of its historic environment was set out in the defence estate strategy In Trust and on Trust in 2000 and developed in A Strategic Statement for Heritage (December 2005) and The Historic Environment Strategy for the Defence Estate (April 2006).
At RAF Coltishall, this department is working with English Nature to provide a lasting textual, photographic and video record of the base for the future. Our aim is to keep as much Coltishall memorabilia as possible in Norfolk and on display to the public. Accordingly, general items will be transferred to the new Coltishall Association and feature in a specific Coltishall display at the Radar Museum at Neatishead. This opened to the public on 9 September this year. The Battle of Britain Lace has been loaned to Norwich Cathedral and can be seen in the north transept.
Railways: Central Trains Franchise
Lord Bradshaw asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will take steps to ensure that the West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive is fully involved in drawing up the specification for the refranchising of Central Trains.[HL7291]
The Lord President of the Council (Baroness Amos): The West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive (PTE) has been closely involved in drawing up the specification for the re-franchising of Central Trains and the Government expect this to continue. Officials of the PTE and the Department for Transport (DfT) have been meeting on a regular basis to discuss franchise specification issues since details of the new franchises which will replace Central Trains were announced in October 2005. This has enabled the PTE to submit valuable and detailed responses to the recent DfT consultations on the proposed franchise specifications. The DfT is currently considering the issues raised by all respondents and expects to announce the results of the consultations in Autumn 2006.
Railways: Closures
Lord Faulkner of Worcester asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether any railway lines or stations in the United Kingdom are being considered for closure.[HL7387]
The Lord President of the Council (Baroness Amos): The only two proposals which are currently under consideration both form parts of wider rail development schemes which will provide significantly improved services to the areas concerned. One relates to the closure of the North London Line east of Stratford, to facilitate its transfer to the Docklands Light Railway, and the other to the realignment of the north-south route under central London as part of the Thameslink upgrade.
Railways: Infrastructure
Lord Bradshaw asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, in considering the future of Network Rail, they will provide incentives to Network Rail to make the infrastructure available for more trains or longer periods of operation.[HL7261]
Lord Davies of Oldham: Network Rail is already required to compensate train operators for disruption caused by its engineering operations. The company is also guaranteed extra income in the future if it accommodates traffic growth beyond a specified level. The Government's high level output specification will require Network Rail to deliver further capacity increases and, as part of its periodic review 2008, the Office of Rail Regulation is considering stronger incentives to encourage the company to meet additional growth in demand.
Railways: North-South High-Speed Link
Lord Faulkner of Worcester asked Her Majesty's Government:
When they expect to publish their response to proposals for a new north-south high-speed railway linking England and Scotland.[HL7388]
The Lord President of the Council (Baroness Amos): The Government made a manifesto commitment to look at the feasibility and affordability of a new north-south high-speed link. They have since committed to take this forward in the development of a long-term strategy for the railways, drawing on Sir Rod Eddington’s advice on the long-term impact of transport decisions on the UK’s productivity, stability and growth. Our conclusions will contribute to the long-term strategy for the railways to be published in summer 2007.
Railways: Usage
Lord Faulkner of Worcester asked Her Majesty's Government:
By how much rail patronage has increased over the past five years on (a) the regional network; (b) Passenger Transport Executive services; and (c) community rail lines.[HL7386]
The Lord President of the Council (Baroness Amos): Figures are not kept in the form requested. However, rail patronage figures are published by the Office of Rail Regulation, in the National Rail Trends Yearbook, which includes figures by train operating company and sector. The yearbook is available on the ORR website under “rail statistics” at www.rail-reg.gov.uk.
Rally Ireland
Lord Laird asked Her Majesty's Government:
Which firms tendered for the public relations activity surrounding Rally Ireland in 2005 and 2006, which was sponsored by the Northern Ireland Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure; which firm was successful; and how much it was paid.[HL6848]
Lord Rooker: Three firms tendered quotes to Rally Ireland for public relations activity surrounding its 2005 event. Heneghan PR and Pinc Communications were successful with their tenders. The identity of the unsuccessful tendering firm cannot be released in accordance with relevant information access legislation.
With regard to the 2005 event, the Northern Ireland Events Company (NIEC) has, so far, paid to Rally Ireland £6,841.43 plus VAT in respect of the Heneghan PR contract and £2,052.29 plus VAT in respect of the Pinc Communications contract. The successful firms in the tendering process for 2005 were re-engaged in 2006. With regard to the 2006 event, the Northern Ireland Events Company (NIEC) has, so far, paid to Rally Ireland £12,834.04 plus VAT in respect of the Pinc Communications contract.
Lord Laird asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether legal action is being taken against the Northern Ireland Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure or its agencies concerning sponsorship of Rally Ireland.[HL6852]
Lord Rooker: No legal action is being taken against the Northern Ireland Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure or its agencies concerning the sponsorship of Rally Ireland.
Lord Laird asked Her Majesty's Government:
How much public funding (a) Rally Ireland, and (b) the North West 200 received for their respective events in 2006.[HL7021]
Lord Rooker: Rally Ireland has, to date, received £399,427.27 public funding for its 2006 event. The North West 200 made an application to be included in the International Fund for Ireland (IFI) Business Support Scheme, which is jointly funded by IFI and public funding from the Northern Ireland Events Company and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board. The value of support given the NW200 under this scheme for its 2006 event was £145,687.
Lord Laird asked Her Majesty's Government:
What are the details of the €6,480 Rally Ireland accommodation expenses for the event in 2006 which was sponsored by public funds.[HL7022]
Lord Rooker: Details of expenses for the Rally Ireland 2006 event remain to be finalised. However, Rally Ireland has been accredited World Rally Championship status in the 2007 calendar and this will bring significant economic and social benefits to Northern Ireland, due in part to the success of the 2006 event and the support provided by public funds.
Lord Laird asked Her Majesty's Government:
Why the Clerk of the Course for Rally Ireland 2006 was paid €42,000; what the tasks of his job were; and how he was selected.[HL7023]
Lord Rooker: Details of expenses for the Rally Ireland 2006 event remain to be finalised. However, Rally Ireland has been accredited World Rally Championship status in the 2007 calendar and this will bring significant economic and social benefits to Northern Ireland, due in part to the success of the 2006 event.
Lord Laird asked Her Majesty's Government:
For Rally Ireland 2006, what was the cost of and activity undertaken by— (a) ambulances; (b) rescue units; (c) fire tenders; (d) doctors; and (e) the police.[HL7024]
Lord Rooker: Details of expenses for the Rally Ireland 2006 event remain to be finalised. However, Rally Ireland has been accredited World Rally Championship status in the 2007 calendar and this will bring significant economic and social benefits to Northern Ireland, due in part to the success of the 2006 event.
Lord Laird asked Her Majesty's Government:
What is meant by entry sponsorship on which €250,000 was spent for Rally Ireland 2006; and what progress of verification they used before paying this money.[HL7112]
Lord Rooker: Details of expenses for the Rally Ireland 2006 event remain to be finalised. However, Rally Ireland has been accredited World Rally Championship status in the 2007 calendar and this will bring significant economic and social benefits to Northern Ireland, due in part to the success of the 2006 event.
Lord Laird asked Her Majesty's Government:
On what the €10,000 was spent under the heading marshals tents and the €8,000 spent under toilet facilities in the event expenditure for Rally Ireland 2006; whether the appropriate tendering procedures were used; whether equipment was purchased and, if so, who owns it now; and where the equipment is located.[HL7132]
Lord Rooker: Details of expenses for the Rally Ireland 2006 event remain to be finalised. However, Rally Ireland has been accredited World Rally Championship status in the 2007 calendar and this will bring significant economic and social benefits to Northern Ireland, due in part to the success of the 2006 event.
Lord Laird asked Her Majesty's Government:
What was involved in the €20,000 spent on road closures in the event expenditure for Rally Ireland 2006; to whom the funding was issued; and for what purpose.[HL7133]
Lord Rooker: Details of expenses for the Rally Ireland 2006 event remain to be finalised. However, Rally Ireland has been accredited World Rally Championship status in the 2007 calendar and this will bring significant economic and social benefits to Northern Ireland, due in part to the success of the 2006 event.
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