Tuesday 21 November 2006 at 2.30pm

*Oral questions, 30 minutes

†*Lord Roberts of Llandudno to ask Her Majesty’s Government what progress is being made with the distribution of funds generated by the 2004 Tsunami appeals.

*Baroness Gardner of Parkes to ask Her Majesty’s Government how many of those dentists who previously provided National Health Service dental services have not signed the new National Health Service dental contract; and whether there is sufficient access to National Health Service dental treatment for all.

†The question in the name of Lord Lamont of Lerwick has been withdrawn.

†*Baroness Seccombe to ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they will take in light of the Health Protection Agency’s report charting the rise in cases of syphilis.

†*Baroness Knight of Collingtree to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will increase the availability of the flu vaccine this winter.

Business of the House The Lord President (Baroness Amos) to move that, in the event of the Northern Ireland (St. Andrews Agreement) Bill being brought from the Commons, Standing Order 47 (No two stages of a bill be taken on one day) be dispensed with tomorrow to allow the bill to be taken through all its stages that day.

†European Union The Lord President (Baroness Amos) to move that a Select Committee be appointed to consider European Union documents and other matters relating to the European Union.

That the expression “European Union documents” shall include the following documents:

(i) Any proposal under the Community Treaties for legislation by the Council or the Council acting jointly with the European Parliament;

(ii) Any document which is published for submission to the European Council, the Council or the European Central Bank;

(iii) Any proposal for a common strategy, a joint action or a common position under Title V (provisions on a common foreign and security policy) of the Treaty on European Union which is prepared for submission to the Council or to the European Council;

(iv) Any proposal for a common position, framework decision, decision or a convention under Title VI (provisions on police and judicial co-operation in criminal matters) of the Treaty on European Union which is prepared for submission to the Council;

(v) Any document (not falling within (ii), (iii) or (iv) above) which is published by one Union institution for or with a view to submission to another Union institution and which does not relate exclusively to consideration of any proposal for legislation;

(vi) Any other document relating to European Union matters deposited in the House by a Minister of the Crown.

That, as proposed by the Committee of Selection, the following members be appointed to the Committee:

That the Committee have power to appoint sub-committees and to refer to them any matters within its terms of reference; that the Committee have power to appoint the Chairmen of sub-committees, but that the sub-committees have power to appoint their own Chairmen for the purpose of particular inquiries; that the quorum of each sub-committee be two;

That the Committee have power to co-opt any member to serve on a sub-committee;

That the Committee have power to appoint specialist advisers;

That the Committee and its sub-committees have power to adjourn from place to place;

That the Committee have leave to report from time to time;

That the Reports of the Select Committee shall be printed, regardless of any adjournment of the House;

That the evidence taken by the European Union Committee or any sub-committee in the last session of Parliament be referred to the Committee; and

That the evidence taken by the Committee shall, if the Committee so wishes, be printed.

†Science and Technology The Lord President (Baroness Amos) to move that a Select Committee be appointed to consider science and technology and that, as proposed by the Committee of Selection, the following members be appointed to the Committee:

That the Committee have power to appoint sub-committees and that the Committee have power to appoint the Chairmen of sub-committees;

That the Committee have power to co-opt any member to serve on the Committee or any sub-committee;

That the Committee have leave to report from time to time;

That the Reports of the Select Committee shall be printed, regardless of any adjournment of the House;

That the Committee and its sub-committees have power to adjourn from place to place;

That the Committee and its sub-committees have power to appoint specialist advisers;

That the evidence taken before the Science and Technology Committee or its sub-committees in the last session of Parliament be referred to the Committee; and

That the evidence taken by the Committee shall, if the Committee so wishes, be printed.

†Queen’s Speech Adjourned Debate on the Motion that a Humble Address be presented to Her Majesty as follows:

“Most Gracious Sovereign,

We, Your Majesty’s most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament assembled, beg leave to thank Your Majesty for the most gracious Speech which Your Majesty has addressed to both Houses of Parliament.”

†It is expected that the principal topics for debate will be Social Affairs, Education and Health.

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Future Business

Wednesday 22 November at 3.00pm

*Lord Morris of Manchester to ask Her Majesty’s Government what further help they are considering for veterans of the 1990-91 Gulf War with still medically unexplained illnesses and the dependants of those who have died since the conflict.

*Lord Dubs to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will take steps to make it more expensive to fly than to travel by train for journeys between London and Scotland or Northern England.

*Earl of Dundee to ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to reduce the fatal accident rate among drivers aged 17 to 19.

†*Baroness Howe of Idlicote to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their response to OFCOM’s proposals to limit the advertising of unhealthy foods to children.

†The Chairman of Committees intends to move the following four motions en bloc: but if any member objects the motions must be moved separately to the extent desired

†Deputy Chairmen of Committees The Chairman of Committees to move that, as proposed by the Committee of Selection, the following members be appointed as the panel of members to act as Deputy Chairmen of Committees for this session:

†Economic Affairs The Chairman of Committees to move that a Select Committee be appointed to consider economic affairs and that, as proposed by the Committee of Selection, the following members be appointed to the Committee:

That the Committee have power to appoint a sub-committee and to refer to it any of the matters within the Committee’s terms of reference; that the Committee have power to appoint the Chairman of the sub-committee;

That the Committee have power to co-opt any member to serve on the sub-committee;

That the Committee have power to adjourn from place to place;

That the Committee have power to appoint specialist advisers;

That the Committee have leave to report from time to time;

That the evidence taken by the Economic Affairs Committee or any sub-committee in the last session of Parliament be referred to the Committee;

That the evidence taken by the Committee shall, if the Committee so wishes, be printed.

†Constitution Committee The Chairman of Committees to move that a Select Committee be appointed to examine the constitutional implications of all public bills coming before the House; and to keep under review the operation of the constitution;

That, as proposed by the Committee of Selection, the following members be appointed to the Committee:

That the Committee have power to appoint specialist advisers;

That the Committee have power to adjourn from place to place;

That the Committee have leave to report from time to time;

That the evidence taken by the Constitution Committee in the last session of Parliament be referred to the Committee;

That the evidence taken by the Committee shall, if the Committee so wishes, be printed.

†Refreshment The Chairman of Committees to move that a Select Committee be appointed to advise on the refreshment services provided for the House, within financial limits approved by the House Committee;

That, as proposed by the Committee of Selection, the following members be appointed to the Committee:

That the Committee have leave to report from time to time.

If the Northern Ireland (St. Andrews Agreement) Bill is received from the Commons, it is expected that it will be taken through all its stages.

Thursday 23 November at 11.00am

*Lord Elton to ask Her Majesty’s Government why at the recent Review Conference of the States Parties to the Convention on Conventional Weapons currently in Geneva they opposed a negotiating mandate on cluster munitions.

*Lord Trefgarne to ask Her Majesty’s Government what are the military objectives assigned to United Kingdom forces in (a) Afghanistan, and (b) Iraq.

*Lord Trimble to ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that all Government departments comply with the duty of candour in judicial review proceedings.

†The Chairman of Committees intends to move the following three motions en bloc: but if any member objects the motions must be moved separately to the extent desired

†House Committee The Chairman of Committees to move that a Select Committee be appointed to supervise the general administration of the House and guide the work of the Management Board; to agree the annual Estimates, Supplementary Estimates and the three-year spending forecasts; to approve the House of Lords Annual Report; and to approve changes in employment policy;

That, as proposed by the Committee of Selection, the following members be appointed to the Committee:

That the Committee have leave to report from time to time;

That the Reports of the Select Committee shall be printed, regardless of any adjournment of the House.

†Merits of Statutory Instruments The Chairman of Committees to move that a Select Committee be appointed to consider the Merits of Statutory Instruments.

(1)   The Committee shall, subject to the exceptions in paragraph (2), consider—

(a)   every instrument (whether or not a statutory instrument), or draft of an instrument, which is laid before each House of Parliament and upon which proceedings may be, or might have been, taken in either House of Parliament under an Act of Parliament;

(b)   every proposal which is in the form of a draft of such an instrument and is laid before each House of Parliament under an Act of Parliament,

with a view to determining whether or not the special attention of the House should be drawn to it on any of the grounds specified in paragraph (3).

(2)   The exceptions are—

(a)   Orders in Council, and draft Orders in Council, under paragraph 1 of the Schedule to the Northern Ireland Act 2000;

(b)   remedial orders, and draft remedial orders, under section 10 of the Human Rights Act 1998;

(c)   draft orders (including draft subordinate provisions orders) under section 1 of the Regulatory Reform Act 2001, subordinate provisions orders under that Act and proposals in the form of a draft order under that Act;

(d)   Measures under the Church of England Assembly (Powers) Act 1919 and instruments made, and drafts of instruments to be made, under them.

(3)   The grounds on which an instrument, draft or proposal may be drawn to the special attention of the House are—

(a)   that it is politically or legally important or gives rise to issues of public policy likely to be of interest to the House;

(b)   that it may be inappropriate in view of changed circumstances since the enactment of the parent Act;

(c)   that it may inappropriately implement European Union legislation;

(d)   that it may imperfectly achieve its policy objectives.

(4)   The Committee shall also consider such other general matters relating to the effective scrutiny of the merits of statutory instruments and arising from the performance of its functions under paragraphs (1) to (3) as the Committee considers appropriate, except matters within the orders of reference of the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments.

That, as proposed by the Committee of Selection, the following members be appointed to the Committee:

That the Committee have power to appoint specialist advisers;

That the Committee have power to adjourn from place to place within the United Kingdom;

That the Committee have leave to report from time to time;

That the Reports of the Select Committee shall be printed, regardless of any adjournment of the House.

†Delegated Powers and Regulatory Reform The Chairman of Committees to move that a Select Committee be appointed to report whether the provisions of any bill inappropriately delegate legislative power, or whether they subject the exercise of legislative power to an inappropriate degree of parliamentary scrutiny; to report on documents and draft orders laid before Parliament under the Regulatory Reform Act 2001; and to perform, in respect of such documents and orders and subordinate provisions orders laid under that Act, the functions performed in respect of other instruments by the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments;

That, as proposed by the Committee of Selection, the following members be appointed to the Committee:

That the Committee have power to adjourn from place to place within the United Kingdom;

That the Committee have power to appoint specialist advisers.

It is expected that the debate on the Address will continue and that the principal topics for debate will be Home, Legal and Constitutional Affairs.

Monday 27 November at 2.30pm

*Lord Pearson of Rannoch to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they support the European Union’s proposal to make the commercial use of non-metric terms a criminal offence from 1 January 2010.

*Baroness Massey of Darwen to ask Her Majesty’s Government how they will implement their policies on combating bullying with regard to young people.

*Baroness Sharples to ask Her Majesty’s Government how many allotments have been closed over the past five years; and whether any new allotments have been established in the same period.

*Lord Waddington to ask Her Majesty’s Government how many of the 1,023 foreign national criminals who were released from prison between February 1999 and March 2006 without the appropriate consideration of deportation or removal action had served sentences for crimes of violence; and how many have since been deported.

It is expected that the debate on the Address will continue and that the principal topics for debate will be Industry, Economic and Consumer Affairs.

Tuesday 28 November at 2.30pm

*Lord Selsdon to ask Her Majesty’s Government how many closed circuit television systems have been registered with the Office of the Information Commissioner.

*Lord Blaker to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they are making any changes in their policy towards the Middle East in light of the present foreign policy of the United States.

*Lord Harries of Pentregarth to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they accept the recommendations of the High Level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change of December 2004 addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Mental Health Bill [HL] Second Reading [Lord Warner]

National Assembly for Wales (Transfer of Functions) (No. 2) Order 2006 Lord Evans of Temple Guiting to move that the draft Order laid before the House on 19 October be approved. 36th Report from the Statutory Instruments Committee, Session 2005-06

Big Lottery Fund (Prescribed Expenditure) Order 2006 Lord Davies of Oldham to move that the draft Order laid before the House on 11 October be approved. 35th Report from the Statutory Instruments Committee, Session 2005-06

Wednesday 29 November at 3.00pm

*Lord Northbourne to ask Her Majesty’s Government how the current level of prosecutions of young people compares with that of ten years ago; and whether more young people are receiving custodial sentences.

*Baroness Masham of Ilton to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will take steps to ensure that the number of specialist nurses for long-term conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis will not be reduced within the National Health Service.

*Lord Campbell-Savours to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the consultation on rape includes the issue of false accusations.

Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Bill [HL] Second Reading [Baroness Ashton of Upholland]

Thursday 30 November at 11.00am

*Baroness Northover to ask Her Majesty’s Government what progress has been made to fulfil the agreement made at the 2005 G8 Conference in Gleneagles to ensure that all those who have need for access to treatment for AIDS do so by 2010.

*Lord Watson of Richmond to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their current view concerning the meeting of the five economic tests to join the Eurozone.

*Lord Avebury to ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they are making to the United Nations Security Council concerning the threat of international conflict in Somalia.

Monday 4 December at 2.30pm

*Baroness Perry of Southwark to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, in view of the number of vacancies for the post of head teacher, particularly in primary schools, they will take urgent action to encourage more well-qualified applicants for these posts.

*Lord Ezra to ask Her Majesty’s Government what further measures they have in mind to stimulate energy efficiency in households in the light of the recent report by the Energy Saving Trust.

*Lord Astor of Hever to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their response to the fatal attack on a British Armed Forces patrol boat near Basra on 12 November.

*Baroness Sharp of Guildford to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the results of the 2005-06 evaluation of the “Every Child a Reader” initiative are yet available; and whether extra support is now being given to primary schools to help pupils catch up before the transition to secondary school.

Tuesday 5 December at 2.30pm

*Lord Harrison to ask Her Majesty’s Government what actions they will take to ensure that the gas industry improves the United Kingdom public’s awareness of gas safety issues and in particular awareness of carbon monoxide poisoning.

*Baroness Wilcox to ask Her Majesty’s Government what proportion of passenger trains in the United Kingdom continue to discharge raw sewage on the tracks; and when they expect the practice to end.

*Lord Barnett to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they consider it appropriate to use the Parliament Acts to enact legislation on House of Lords reform.

Wednesday 6 December at 3.00pm

*Lord Faulkner of Worcester to ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to protect the wrecks of HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse from the activities of foreign nationals undertaking penetration dives and disturbing the human remains which lie there.

*Lord Razzall to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, in light of the ongoing Serious Fraud Office investigation, they have reassessed their view of the granting of an export licence for the sale of an air traffic control system from BAE to the government of Tanzania.

†*Lord Bradshaw to ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have for the development of rail freight through the Channel Tunnel.

Thursday 7 December at 11.00am

*Lord Berkeley to ask the Chairman of Committees what progress has been made in the World Squares project for Parliament Square and Old Palace Yard and the consequent impact on security.

*Lord Livsey of Talgarth to ask Her Majesty’s Government what consideration they have given to extending the period for Hill Farming Allowance payments for a further three years after 2006-07.

*Baroness Cox to ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will make representations to the State Peace and Development Council of Myanmar (Burma) over reports of continuing offensives against ethnic national groups.

Monday 11 December at 2.30pm

*Lord Dholakia to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they hold records relating to the ethnicity of those whose DNA is collected for the national DNA database.

*Lord Wallace of Saltaire to ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to communicate to both Houses of Parliament on the United Kingdom contribution to the development of European Security and Defence Policy.

*Baroness Trumpington to ask Her Majesty’s Government why Bow Street Magistrates’ Court was closed.

*Baroness Rawlings to ask Her Majesty’s Government what percentage of projects funded by the Department for International Development address climate change concerns in developing countries.

Tuesday 12 December at 2.30pm

*Viscount Falkland to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they accept Commissioner Verheugen’s estimate that European Union regulation is costing €660 billion per annum to European Union member states’ economies.

*Lord Hoyle to ask Her Majesty’s Government what are the consequences to National Health Service patients of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence’s decision not to approve the drug Velcade.

*Lord Naseby to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether all the emergency services in London now have a radio system that operates below and above ground.

Wednesday 13 December at 3.00pm

*Baroness Miller of Hendon to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether Ministers giving evidence to committees of enquiry of foreign legislatures are bound by the Official Secrets Act 1989 and rules about the confidentiality of Cabinet discussions.

*Lord Sheldon to ask Her Majesty’s Government what arrangements they are making to allow special advisers to give evidence to select committees.

*Lord Lee of Trafford to ask Her Majesty’s Government what options they are considering in relation to the siting of regional or “super” casinos.

Thursday 14 December at 11.00am

*Lord Janner 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.

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.

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 Ashley of Stoke to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the impact of bullying on disabled and other vulnerable children.

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Motions for Balloted Debate

Ballot on 21 November for debate on 30 November. Time limit 2½ hours

Baroness Scott of Needham Market to call attention to the present franchising system for the railway industry; and to move for papers.

Lord Avebury to call attention to the role of the international community in the forthcoming elections in Bangladesh; and to move for papers.

Lord Wright of Richmond to call attention to the prospects for a lasting peace settlement in the Middle East; and to move for papers.

†Lord Dubs to call attention to the case for the provision of homes for homeless and overcrowded families; and to move for papers.

†Lord Fowler to call attention to the Government’s policy on HIV/AIDS and sexual health; and to move for papers.

†Lord Alton of Liverpool to call attention to the implications of North Korea’s decision to conduct its first nuclear test; and to move for papers.

†Earl of Listowel to call attention to issues relating to the social care workforce; 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.

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Questions for Short Debate

Time limit 1 hour or 1½ hours

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

Lord Howarth of Newport to ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to increase support for the conservation of historic places of worship.

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 Harrison to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their response to the United Nations resolution on diabetes.

Lord Anderson of Swansea to ask Her Majesty’s Government what proposals they have for the future status of Kosovo.

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.

Baroness Greengross to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the indirect social costs of clinical decisions are being met by Government departments other than the Department of Health.

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 Palestinian Authority.

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.

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 Harries of Pentregarth to ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they are making to further the independence of West Papua.

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.

Baroness Northover to ask Her Majesty’s Government what proposals they are putting forward to promote the peace process in Israel and Palestine.

Baroness Northover to ask Her Majesty’s Government what developments have been made in the reconstruction of Iraq.

Lord Dholakia to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will bring forward legislation to reform the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

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—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.

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Questions for Written Answer

Tabled on 20 November and due for answer on 4 December.

Lord Lester of Herne Hill to ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answers by Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 7 December 2005 (WA 100) and 27 October (WA 265), what are the reasons for the delay until next year in publishing the evaluation of Anti-social Behaviour Orders. HL154

Lord Dykes to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have made an assessment of a possible change of policy by Hamas representatives and other Palestinian groups concerning the process of de facto recognition of Israel to de jure recognition, and a possible approach to a full peace treaty. HL155

Lord Dykes to ask Her Majesty’s Government what re-assessment they have made of the extent to which the Road Map framework remains the appropriate structure for the revival of viable peace talks and other negotiations between Israeli and Palestinian representatives. HL156

Lord Dykes to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have assessed the impact of the Prime Minister’s video link conference with the Iraq Study Group on 14 November on the attitude by the government of the United States towards support for both Palestine and Israel. HL157

Lord Dykes to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have made representations to the government of the United States about the latest veto by the United States representative at the United Nations of the United Nations Security Council resolution concerning the avoidance of civilian casualties in Gaza following Israeli military actions. HL158

Lord Dykes to ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of Israel about the estimated 280 Palestinian civilians allegedly killed by illegal military incursions in the Gaza strip since the end of fighting in the Lebanon. HL159

Lord Dykes to ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the Palestinian Authority about the Israeli civilian allegedly killed by illegal rocket discharges from the Gaza strip since the end of the fighting in the Lebanon. HL160

Lord Alton of Liverpool to ask Her Majesty’s Government how they will respond to the proposal made by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists that the deliberate intervention to cause the death of a disabled infant should be made legal through the enactment of laws; and what account they are taking of the opposition of the Disability Rights Commission and disabled people’s organisations such as RADAR: the Disability Rights Network. HL161

Lord Alton of Liverpool to ask Her Majesty’s Government how they will respond to the call by the charity Papyrus for amendment of the Suicide Act 1961 which has the effect of banning internet sites which may incite people to, or advise people on how to, commit suicide. HL162

Lord Maginnis of Drumglass to ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 8 November (WA 183), whether they will re-examine the information provided in the answer that a fisheries patrol boat was on duty on Lough Neagh on 12, 21 and 30 May and 13 and 27 October 2006; and why fisheries patrol boats’ logs indicate that this was not the case. HL163

Lord Maginnis of Drumglass to ask Her Majesty’s Government which pieces of Ministry of Defence estate in Northern Ireland have been disposed of since 1994; whether they will provide details of each property; and, for each piece—

(a) how long the Ministry of Defence owned it;

(b) from whom and at what cost it was acquired, if acquired since 1970;

(c) how the disposal was conducted;

(d) who purchased it from the Ministry of Defence;

(e) what were the sale price and selling costs; and

(f) where the resulting assets were placed. HL164

Lord Maginnis of Drumglass to ask Her Majesty’s Government which pieces of police estate in Northern Ireland have been disposed of since 1994; whether they will provide details of each property; and, in the case of each piece—

(a) how long the police service owned it;

(b) from whom and at what cost it was acquired, if acquired since 1970;

(c) how the disposal was conducted;

(d) who purchased it from the police service;

(e) what were the sale price and selling costs; and

(f) where the resulting assets were placed. HL165

Lord Turnberg to ask Her Majesty’s Government what are the most recently available waiting times for National Health Service audiology services by English regions. HL166

Lord Turnberg to ask Her Majesty’s Government what were the total number of audiologists working in the National Health Service for each of the years 2000 to 2005. HL167

Lord Turnberg to ask Her Majesty’s Government what consideration has been given to the maintenance of specialist audiology services within the National Health Service in plans to contract out audiology services to private providers. HL168

Lord Turnberg to ask Her Majesty’s Government what advice the Department of Health has sought from the professional bodies representing United Kingdom audiologists in formulating their national audiology plan. HL169

Lord Turnberg to ask Her Majesty’s Government what estimates have been made of the proportion of deaf people able to benefit from a hearing aid who have received such an aid. HL170

Lord Turnberg to ask Her Majesty’s Government what will be the cost to National Health Service trusts of the decision by H M Revenue and Customs to disallow recovery of VAT charges on registered medical professionals employed through agencies. HL171

Lord Morris of Manchester to ask Her Majesty’s Government what consideration they have given to the findings of the Snowdon Survey 2006 on continuing inequalities in further and higher educational opportunities for students with disabilities; and whether they will take any action as a result of the survey. HL172

Lord Morris of Manchester to ask Her Majesty’s Government what consideration they have given to the report Diabetes and the Disadvantaged—reducing health inequalities in the United Kingdom from Diabetes UK and the All Party Parliamentary Group for Diabetes; and whether they will take any action as a result of its recommendations. HL173

Lord Morris of Manchester to ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have received on the consequences for patients of Pfizer’s decision, as the major supplier of medicines to the National Health Service, that from 5 March 2007 all their products will be distributed into the United Kingdom medical supply chain by one logistics service provider; and what action they will take to ensure patient safety. HL174

Lord Beaumont of Whitley to ask Her Majesty’s Government what work is being or has been done to predict the likely demand for low carbon building programme grants. HL175

Lord Bradshaw to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have made an assessment of contestability in the local bus market. HL176

Lord Bradshaw to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the Office of Fair Trading only investigates cases where the possible predation is short of national significance. HL177

Lord Bradshaw to ask Her Majesty’s Government what levels of support and encouragement are available to those seeking to enter a career as officers in the Merchant Navy. HL178

Lord Fowler to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether any civil servants attended the meeting between Ministers from the Department of Health and representatives of the Labour Party which took place on 3 July to discuss policy on community hospitals. HL179

Baroness Masham of Ilton to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will make representations to train operating companies providing a service into or from King’s Cross station to encourage them to reinstate the level of customer service offered to disabled passengers. HL180

Baroness Masham of Ilton to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the carers of disabled passengers are insured should an accident occur when assisting the passenger in alighting the train using the disabled ramps provided by the station. HL181

Lord Patten to ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Adonis on 8 November (WA 200), by what date they expect that the 272,000 children currently in schools that are in special measures or other OFSTED categories of concern will receive an education in schools needing no such attention. HL182

Lord Patten to ask Her Majesty’s Government when they intend to bring forward legislation on the avoidance of light pollution that was announced following the publication of the planning guidance PPS23 by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister in 2004; and what further measures they intend to take in order to protect night sky. HL183

Lord Ramsbotham to ask Her Majesty’s Government what progress they have made in implementing the recommendations set out in Chapter 8 of the Clark report of 15 April 2003 (Report of an investigation into the management of H M P Wormwood Scrubs between 1 January 1994 and 31 December 1998); and, if they have decided not to implement them, why they reached that decision. HL184

Lord Ramsbotham to ask Her Majesty’s Government why they will not implement certain recommendations set out in section 4 of the April 2004 report by Peter Quinn and Peter Siddons (H M P Wormwood Scrubs Review of Civil Litigation). HL185

Lord Ramsbotham to ask Her Majesty’s Government on what date the H M Chief Inspector of Prisons was supplied with reports of internal inquiries on events at H M P Wormwood Scrubs, including the London Area Office review of the criminal litigation, the Hind report (October 2002), the Clark report (15 April 2003) and the report by Peter Quinn and Peter Siddons (April 2004). HL186

Lord Ramsbotham to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether any of the management team at H M P Wormwood Scrubs during the period December 1992 to April 1998 are still employed within the National Offender Management Service. HL187

Lord Ramsbotham to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether any of the management team at H M P Wormwood Scrubs during the period December 1992 to April 1998 faced any form of disciplinary action arising out of the violence against inmates at the prison; and, where relevant, what was the outcome of the disciplinary action taken. HL188

Lord Tyler to ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have received on the future of Alfred Morris House as a rehabilitation unit at Taunton; and what steps they are taking to implement a review. HL189

Baroness Verma to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have made an assessment of graduate unemployment among (a) nurses; (b) midwives; and (c) physiotherapists. HL190

Baroness Verma to ask Her Majesty’s Government which subjects are to be dropped from the National Curriculum to make way for their commitment of 25 October to raise the number of hours of sport offered to children within the curriculum to at least four hours by 2010. HL191

Baroness Verma to ask Her Majesty’s Government what negotiations the Chancellor of the Exchequer has had with his colleagues in Scotland and Wales to ensure that all schools in the United Kingdom will offer children within the curriculum at least four hours of sport by 2012; and when they provided that commitment. HL192

Baroness Verma to ask Her Majesty’s Government what estimates they have made of the additional cost to the public purse of their commitment to offer children within the curriculum at least four hours of sport by 2010 over the years between now and the hosting of the London Olympic Games in 2012. HL193

Baroness Verma to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they held negotiations with the relevant trade unions regarding the additional staffing and skills required to achieve their target of providing all school children with at least four hours of sport within the curriculum by 2010. HL194

Earl Howe to ask Her Majesty’s Government which of the first 16 Sport and Exercise Medicine doctors recognised by the Department of Health have been contracted by Olympic Governing Bodies of Sport. HL195

Lord Luke to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether UK Sport has contracted external consultants to advise on public relations; if so, with whom; and at what cost. HL196

Lord Luke to ask Her Majesty’s Government what are the most recent market values and running costs incurred for each of the National Sports Centres at Lilleshall, Bisham and Holme Pierrepoint; and whether they have any plans to sell them. HL197

Lord Luke to ask Her Majesty’s Government how much UK Sport and Sport England has spent on rate, rents and overheads during the current financial year to date; and what were the corresponding figures for 2004 and 2005. HL198

Lord Luke to ask Her Majesty’s Government which constituencies the Olympic Roadshow visited during the 2006 summer tour; how many were Labour-held seats; how many were Conservative-held seats; and how many were Liberal Democrat-held seats. HL199

Lord Luke to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, following its objective to deliver the London Olympic Games on an All Party basis, they intend to agree all aspects of the overall budget for the London 2012 Olympic Games with representatives from the Conservative and Liberal Democratic parties. HL200

Lord Campbell-Savours to ask Her Majesty’s Government how many cases have been referred to the Court of Appeal by the Criminal Cases Review Commission on the issue of rape in each year since the establishment of the Commission. HL201

Lord Campbell-Savours to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether “no crime” designation under police logging arrangements for rape cases entered into national statistics on rape. HL202

Lord Campbell-Savours to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will make it a specific criminal offence for a police officer deliberately to fail to provide evidence of help to the defence in rape cases. HL203

Lord Campbell-Savours to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will amend the law so as to allow judges in the Court of Appeal considering cases referred by the Criminal Cases Review Commission to the Court of the Appeal for review as unsafe convictions to have the discretion to lift reporting restrictions on names of accusers as in the Crown Court. HL204

Lord Campbell-Savours to ask Her Majesty’s Government how many awards have been made to victims of rape attacks by the Criminal Injuries Compensation scheme in each of the last five years. HL205

Lord Laird to ask Her Majesty’s Government why recruitment advertisements were placed in the Belfast Telegraph on 17 November for the reorganised Water Service in Northern Ireland before the outcome of a current judicial review is known. HL206

Lord Laird to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the business strategy for the Water Service in Northern Ireland has been agreed; and, if so, by whom it was agreed, when it was agreed, and after what consultation. HL207

Lord Laird to ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to extend the regulation of estate agents. HL208

Lord Laird to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they propose to move civil service jobs out of County Fermanagh over the next five years; and, if so, to where they will be moved, why they will be moved, and after what consultation. HL209

Lord Laird to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether civil servants in Northern Ireland who take smoking breaks outside their office complex are monitored to ensure that the number of hours per week for which they are contracted are worked. HL210

Lord Laird to ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the forthcoming test census in England organised by the Office of National Statistics, why the question about ethnic groups did not include Ulster Scots; and why it included Northern Irish. HL211

Baroness Stern to ask Her Majesty’s Government, in respect of adults, how many of the total offences brought to justice in each of the last five years were made up of penalty notices for disorder; prosecutions; court appearances; convictions; cautions; and formal warnings for the possession of cannabis. HL212

Baroness Stern to ask Her Majesty’s Government, in respect of juveniles, how many of the total offences brought to justice in each of the last five years were made up of penalty notices for disorder; prosecutions; court appearances; convictions; final warnings and reprimands. HL213

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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

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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 Monday 20 November

The House met at 2.30pm
Prayers were read by the Lord Bishop of Southwark

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Select Committee Reports

1   Committee of Selection    
The First Report from the Committee was made and ordered to be printed. (HL Paper 3)

Public Business

2   Iraq: withdrawal A question was asked by Lord Dykes and answered by Lord Drayson.

3   Animal welfare: wild birds A question was asked by Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer and answered by Lord Rooker.

4   Taxation: green taxes A question was asked by Lord Jenkin of Roding and answered by Lord McKenzie of Luton.

5   Parliamentary privilege: media reporting A question was asked by Lord Corbett of Castle Vale and answered by Lord Goldsmith.

6   Further Education and Training Bill [HL] Baroness Crawley on behalf of Lord Adonis presented a bill to make provision about the Learning and Skills Council for England; to make provision about institutions within the further education sector; to make provision with respect to industrial training levies; to make provision about the formation of, and investment in, companies and charitable incorporated organisations by higher education corporations; to enable the making of Assembly Measures in relation to the field of education and training; and for connected purposes. It was read a first time and ordered to be printed. (HL Bill 6)

7   Further Education and Training Bill [HL] The Explanatory Notes on the bill were ordered to be printed. (HL Bill 6-EN)

8   European Union (Implications of Withdrawal) Bill [HL] Lord Pearson of Rannoch presented a bill to establish a Committee of Inquiry into the implications of a withdrawal by the United Kingdom from the European Union. It was read a first time and ordered to be printed. (HL Bill 7)

9   Committee of Selection The Lord President (Baroness Amos) moved that in accordance with Standing Order 64 a Committee of Selection be appointed to select and propose to the House the names of the members to form each select committee of the House (except the Committee of Selection itself and any committee otherwise provided for by statute or by order of the House) or any other body not being a select committee referred to it by the Chairman of Committees, and the panel of Deputy Chairmen of Committees; and that the following members be appointed to the Committee:

The motion was agreed to.

10   

Queen’s Speech The debate on the motion that a Humble Address be presented to Her Majesty was resumed and, after further debate, was again adjourned until Tuesday 21 November.

The House adjourned at 10.40pm until Tuesday 21 November at 2.30pm.

Paul Hayter

Clerk of the Parliaments

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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.

Affirmative Instruments

The following instruments were laid before the House for approval by resolution:

1   Draft Housing (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 2006, laid under the Northern Ireland Act 2000.

2   Draft Science and Technology Facilities Council Order 2007, laid under the Science and Technology Act 1965.

3   Draft Petroleum Act 1998 (Third Party Access) Order 2007, laid under the Energy Act 2004.

Negative Instruments

The following instruments were laid before the House:

1   Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2006, laid under the Social Security Administration Act 1992.   (2967)

2   Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit (Electronic Communications) Order 2006, laid under the Electronic Communications Act 2000.   (2968)

3   Trade Marks (Amendment) Rules 2006, laid under the Trade Marks Act 1994.   (3039)

4   Employment Rights (Increase of Limits) Order 2006, laid under the Employment Relations Act 1999.         (3045)

5   National Health Service (Clinical Negligence Scheme) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 2006, laid under the National Health Service Act 1977.   (3087)

Paper not subject to parliamentary proceedings

The following paper was laid before the House:

Report and Accounts for 2003-04 of the South Eastern Education and Library Board, laid under the Northern Ireland Act 2000.

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Judicial Business

Monday 20 November

1   Birmingham City Council (Petitioner) v. Walker (FC) (Respondent) (England) The appeal of Birmingham City Council was presented and it was ordered that in accordance with Standing Order VI the statement and appendix thereto be lodged on or before 15 January (lodged 17 November).

2   In re Duffy (FC) (Petitioner) (Northern Ireland) The appeal of John Joseph Duffy was presented and it was ordered that in accordance with Standing Order VI the statement and appendix thereto be lodged on or before 15 January.

3   Mbasogo (President of the State of Equatorial Guinea) and others (Petitioners) v. Logo Limited and others (Respondents) The petition of Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, President of the State of Equatorial Guinea, and the Republic of Equatorial Guinea praying for leave to appeal was presented and referred to an Appeal Committee (lodged 17 November).

4   Argos Limited (Petitioners) and others v. Office of Fair Trading (formerly Director General of Fair Trading) (Respondents) The petition of Argos Limited praying for leave to appeal was presented and referred to an Appeal Committee (lodged 17 November).

5   Argos Limited and others (Petitioners) v. Office of Fair Trading (formerly Director General of Fair Trading) (Respondents) The petition of Littlewoods Limited praying for leave to appeal was presented and referred to an Appeal Committee.

6   JJB Sports plc (Petitioners) v. Office of Fair Trading (Respondents) The petition of JJB Sports plc praying for leave to appeal was presented and referred to an Appeal Committee.

7   R (on the application of National Grid Gas plc (formerly Transco plc)) (Appellants) v. Environment Agency (Respondents) (Civil Appeal from Her Majesty’s High Court of Justice) The appeal was set down for hearing and referred to an Appellate Committee.

8   Corr (administratrix of the estate of Thomas Corr (deceased)) (Respondent) v. IBC Vehicles Limited (Appellants) The appeal was set down for hearing and referred to an Appellate Committee.

9   Office of Fair Trading (Respondents) v. Lloyds TSB Bank plc and others (Appellants) and others (Respondents) The petition of the appellants praying that the time for lodging the statement and appendix and setting down the cause for hearing might be extended to 18 December (the agents for the respondents consenting thereto) was presented; and it was ordered as prayed.

10   Ceredigion County Council (Respondents) v. Jones (FC) and others (FC) (Appellants) The petition of the appellants praying that the time for lodging the statement and appendix and setting down the cause for hearing might be extended to 15 January (the agents for the respondents consenting thereto) was presented; and it was ordered as prayed.

Tuesday 21 November at 10.30am
In Committee Room No. 1

Further Hearing by the Appellate Committee in the cause:

Douglas and another and others (Appellants) v. Hello! Limited and others (Respondents)