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Individual Learning Account Programme
Baroness Blatch asked Her Majesty's Government:
- What reduction in the numbers of people undertaking training within the Individual Learning Account scheme has occurred since the withdrawal of that scheme, giving for each Learning and Skills Council Area the numbers of (a) unemployed,
(b) single parents and (c) others.[HL3353]
Baroness Ashton of Upholland: The Individual Learning Account programme was closed down completely on 23 November 2001. The department has taken steps to ensure all bookings of eligible learning are honoured. The department has put in place validation arrangements to process payments for claims already in the system when it was closed down and for submitting claims for learning booked but unconfirmed on the system at its closure on 23 November.
The department does not hold information on the number of individuals who have not undertaken learning because of the closure of the Individual Learning Account programme.
Physical Education and School Sport
Baroness Anelay of St Johns asked Her Majesty's Government:
- What is their response to the recommendations of the 2001 Charter for Physical Education and School Sport published by the Central Council for Physical Recreation in March 2002.[HL3411]
Baroness Ashton of Upholland: We welcome the Central Council of Physical Recreation's (CCPR) 2001 Charter for Physical Education and School Sport and are pleased to note that the recommendations are
broadly supportive of what the Government are trying to achieve. Our White Paper Schools: achieving success includes a commitment to ensure that all children have an entitlement to two hours of high quality PE and school sport a week, within and outside the curriculumDisability Discrimination (Amendment) Bill [HL]
Lord Addington asked Her Majesty's Government:
- Further to the statement by Baroness Hollis of Heigham on 6 March (HL Deb, cols. 352–53) that "It is not the case that the Government have any view on or support my noble friend's Bill—which must take its chance in the other place, as with all private Members' legislation", whether their approach to the Disability Discrimination (Amendment) Bill [HL] is one of neutrality; and whether they will refrain from supporting any objection to the Bill's Second Reading in the House of Commons.[HL3323]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Baroness Hollis of Heigham): The Government do not believe that this Bill, tabled by the noble Lord, Lord Ashley of Stoke, is the right vehicle at the right time for taking forward legislation to amend the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 or the Disability Rights Commission Act 1999. Therefore, the Bill must take its chances in the House of Commons, as do all such Private Members' Bills.
NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency Annual Business Plan
Lord Acton asked Her Majesty's Government:
- When the NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency will publish its annual business plan.[HL3509]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Lord Hunt of Kings Heath): We are please to announce that the NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency's annual business plan has been published and copies have been placed in the Library.
Medical Devices Agency: Key Targets
Lord Christopher asked Her Majesty's Government:
- Whether they will publish the key targets for 2002–03 for the Medical Devices Agency.[HL3511]
Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: We have agreed the agency's key targets for 2002–03 and copies have been placed in the Library.
Peerages: Agreement of the Government of Ireland
Lord Laird asked Her Majesty's Government:
- Whether the Government of the Republic of Ireland have ever been consulted on the conferment of peerages; if so, when; about whom; why; and whether the practice will continue.[HL3102]
The Lord Privy Seal (Lord Williams of Mostyn): The procedure is that the Government of Ireland would be asked for their consent before any of their nationals was ennobled but would not be invited to comment on the merits of any individual case. It is not the practice to disclose details relating to the award of honours and dignities.
Europe: Views of Sir Stephen Wall
Lord Patten asked Her Majesty's Government:
- Whether they agree with the view recently expressed by Sir Stephen Wall, head of the European Secretariat at the Cabinet Office, that euro-scepticism and anti-Catholicism are linked.[HL3331]
Lord Williams of Mostyn: Britain's proper role is as a leader and partner in Europe. We will continue to get the best for Britain in Europe. As Sir Stephen Wall has already made clear, the recent views expressed by him and referred to in the Question were his personal views.
Sex Discrimination Act 1975
Lord Lester of Herne Hill asked Her Majesty's Government:
- Further to the Written Answers by the Lord Privy Seal on 12 March (WA 61), whether they intend to ensure that parliamentary time will allow the relevant amendments to be introduced to the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 during the lifetime of this Parliament.[HL3416]
Lord Williams of Mostyn: The noble Lord will know that I cannot pre-empt the next (or, indeed, any other) Queen's Speech. As I said in my previous Answers, we are committed to extending the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 when parliamentary time allows.
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