Monday 27 November at 2.30pm

*Oral questions, 30 minutes

*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.

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

Administration and Works The Chairman of Committees to move that a Select Committee be appointed to consider administrative services, accommodation and works, including works relating to security, within financial limits approved by the House Committee;

That, as proposed by the Committee of Selection, the following members together with the Chairman of Committees be appointed to the Committee:

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

Liaison The Chairman of Committees to move that a Select Committee be appointed to advise the House on the resources required for select committee work and to allocate resources between select committees; to review the select committee work of the House; to consider requests for ad hoc committees and report to the House with recommendations; to ensure effective co-ordination between the two Houses; and to consider the availability of members to serve on committees;

That, as proposed by the Committee of Selection, the following members together with the Chairman of Committees be appointed to the Committee:

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

That the Committee have power to appoint specialist advisers.

Procedure of the House The Chairman of Committees to move that the Select Committee on Procedure of the House be appointed and that, as proposed by the Committee of Selection, the following members together with the Chairman of Committees be appointed to the Committee:

And that the following members be appointed as alternate members:

Works of Art The Chairman of Committees to move that a Select Committee be appointed to administer the House of Lords Works of Art Collection Fund; and to consider matters relating to works of art and the artistic heritage in the House of Lords, 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.

†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 Industry, Economic and Consumer Affairs.

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Future Business

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.

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

Privileges The Chairman of Committees to move that a Committee for Privileges be appointed and that, as proposed by the Committee of Selection, the following members together with the Chairman of Committees and any four Lords of Appeal be appointed to the Committee:

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

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

Hybrid Instruments The Chairman of Committees to move that a Select Committee be appointed to consider hybrid instruments and that, as proposed by the Committee of Selection, the following members together with the Chairman of Committees be appointed to the Committee:

Personal Bills The Chairman of Committees to move that a Select Committee be appointed to consider personal bills and that, as proposed by the Committee of Selection, the following members together with the Chairman of Committees be appointed to the Committee:

Standing Orders (Private Bills) The Chairman of Committees to move that a Select Committee on the Standing Orders relating to private bills be appointed and that, as proposed by the Committee of Selection, the following members together with the Chairman of Committees be appointed to the Committee:

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.

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

†Parliamentary Broadcasting Unit Limited (PARBUL) The Chairman of Committees to move that, as proposed by the Committee of Selection, the following members be appointed as members of the Parliamentary Broadcasting Unit Limited (PARBUL):

†Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) The Chairman of Committees to move that, as proposed by the Committee of Selection, the following Lords be appointed to serve as members of the Board of the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST):

†Tax Law Rewrite Bills The Chairman of Committees to move that a Select Committee of six members be appointed to join with the Committee appointed by the Commons to consider tax law rewrite bills, and in particular to consider whether each bill committed to it preserves the effect of the existing law, subject to any minor changes which may be desirable;

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

That the Committee have power to agree with the Committee appointed by the Commons in the appointment of a Chairman;

That the quorum of the Committee shall be two;

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

That the Committee have power to appoint specialist advisers;

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

That the procedure of the Joint Committee shall follow the procedure of select committees of the House of Commons when such procedure differs from that of select committees of this House, and shall include the power of the chairman to select amendments.

Liaison The Chairman of Committees to move that the 3rd Report from the Select Committee be agreed to. (HL Paper 251, Session 2005-06)

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

Lord Filkin to move that this House takes note of the Report of the Merits of Statutory Instruments Committee on the Management of Secondary Legislation. (29th Report, HL Paper 149, Session 2005-06)

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.

Lord Avebury to call attention to the role of the international community in the forthcoming elections in Bangladesh; and to move for papers. (Balloted debate, 2½ hours)

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. (Balloted debate, 2½ hours)

Lord Bowness to move that this House takes note of the Report of the European Union Committee on the European Union and Africa: Towards a Strategic Partnership. (34th Report, HL Paper 206, Session 2005-06)

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.

Consumers, Estate Agents and Redress Bill [HL] Second Reading [Lord Truscott]

Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendment No. 2) (England and Wales)Order 2006 Baroness Scotland of Asthal to move that the draft Order laid before the House on 16 November be approved. First Report from the Statutory Instruments Committee

Asylum (First List of Safe Countries) (Amendment) Order 2006 Baroness Scotland of Asthal to move that the draft Order laid before the House on 16 November be approved.

Compensation Act 2006 (Contribution for Mesothelioma Claims) Regulations 2006 Lord McKenzie of Luton to move that the draft Regulations laid before the House on 2 November be approved. First Report from the Statutory Instruments Committee

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

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.

Lord Triesman to move that this House takes note of developments in the Middle East and Afghanistan.

Grand Committee in the Moses Room at 3.30pm

†Compensation (Claims Management Services) Regulations 2006 Consideration in Grand Committee [Lord Evans of Temple Guiting]

†Compensation (Specification of Benefits) Order 2006 Consideration in Grand Committee [Lord Evans of Temple Guiting]

†Compensation (Regulated Claims Management Services) Order 2006 Consideration in Grand Committee [Lord Evans of Temple Guiting]

†Association of Law Costs Draftsmen Order 2006 Consideration in Grand Committee [Lord Evans of Temple Guiting]

†Representation of the People (Combination of Polls) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2006 Consideration in Grand Committee [Lord Evans of Temple Guiting]

†Baroness Byford to move that the Grand Committee do consider the Environmental Impact Assessment (Agriculture) (England) Regulations 2006 (SI 2006/2362). 46th Report from the Merits Committee

†Baroness Byford to move that the Grand Committee do consider the Environmental Impact Assessment (Agriculture) (England) (No. 2) Regulations 2006 (SI 2006/2522). 46th Report from the Merits Committee

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.

†Legal Services Bill [HL] Second Reading [Lord Falconer of Thoroton]

Curd Cheese (Restriction on Placing on the Market) (England) Regulations 2006 Lord Willoughby de Broke to move to resolve that this House calls upon Her Majesty’s Government to revoke the Regulations laid before the House on 17 October (SI 2006/2787). 47th Report from the Merits Committee

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.

†Lord Colwyn to call attention to the current situation in the National Health Service; and to move for papers.

†Lord Bruce-Lockhart to call attention to the funding of local authority adult social services and the consequences for the rising numbers of elderly people; and to move for papers.

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.

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.

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

*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.

†*Lord Geddes to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they seek to encourage loyalty and dedication in the workplace; and, if so, whether the Age Discrimination Act 2006 promotes that objective.

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.

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

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.

*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.

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Motions for Balloted Debate

Ballot on 28 November for debate on 14 December. Time limit 2½ hours

Lord Chidgey to call attention to the present franchising system for the railway industry; 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.

Earl of Listowel to call attention to issues relating to the social care workforce; and to move for papers.

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

†Lord Hylton to call attention to the human consequences of current immigration and asylum law and practice and to possible improvements in the system of assessment; 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.

Lord Alton of Liverpool to call attention to conflict in Africa; 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 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 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.

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.

Lord Dubs to ask Her Majesty’s Government what measures they are taking to help to 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 so as to encourage farmers to convert to organic farming.

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Questions for Written Answer

Tabled on 23 November and due for answer on 7 December.

Lord Campbell-Savours to ask Her Majesty’s Government how many persons who have completed a sentence for rape have been exonerated following new evidence being accepted as to the original allegation in each of the last five years. HL322

Lord Campbell-Savours to ask Her Majesty’s Government how many persons imprisoned for rape have been released from prison following the withdrawal of accusations of rape by their accuser in each of the last five years. HL323

Lord Campbell-Savours to ask Her Majesty’s Government how many persons imprisoned for rape have been given early release from prison where the original allegations leading to conviction have been shown to be false in each of the last five years. HL324

Lord Walton of Detchant to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the extent to which their proposal to contract out most audiology services to the private sector is likely to reduce the availability of digital hearing aids in the National Health Service. HL325

Lord Walton of Detchant to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have evidence that primary care trusts will be able or willing to commission audiology services contracted out to the private sector sufficiently to satisfy clinical need. HL326

Lord Walton of Detchant to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the extent to which their proposal to place the regulation of the psychological professions under the Health Professions Council will be more successful than the proposal by nine professional bodies representing psychologists to establish a Psychological Professions Council. HL327

Lord Walton of Detchant to ask Her Majesty’s Government what has been the total compensation paid to patients and families in the last five years as a result of litigation against National Health Service obstetricians alleging brain damage during pregnancy or parturition resulting from negligent clinical care. HL328

Lord Walton of Detchant to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the extent to which the predominant causative factors leading to the development of all forms of cerebral palsy are natural causes, or negligent care during pregnancy and delivery; and whether more research is needed to clarify the mechanisms involved. HL329

Lord Judd to ask Her Majesty’s Government what arrangements they are making to develop dialogue with the government of China on African issues and the opportunities for practical cooperation in Africa. HL330

Lord Judd to ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the implications which the assassination of Anna Politkovskaya and the poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko may have for future cooperation between Russian and United Kingdom security services. HL331

Countess of Mar to ask Her Majesty’s Government when the Medical Research Council reached the recently reported view that further research into Gulf War Illness may not be worthwhile; and on what date and in what form this view was explained to veterans from the 1991 Gulf War who are suffering medically unexplained illnesses and bereaved families of Gulf War Veterans. HL332

Countess of Mar to ask Her Majesty’s Government how many ex gratia pension payments under the attributable benefits for reservists scheme for veterans of the 1990-91 Gulf War remain outstanding. HL333

Lord Janner of Braunstone to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will cancel their proposal contained in paragraph 2.13 of the Draft School Admissions Code to remove the sibling criterion for certain state schools. HL334

Lord Janner of Braunstone to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the extent to which paragraph 2.13 of the Draft School Admissions Code will create particular difficulties for parents with children already attending a partially selective state secondary school and where children obtained a place with the legitimate expectation that younger siblings would subsequently be able to obtain a place at the same school. HL335

Lord Janner of Braunstone to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the proposal in paragraph 2.13 of the Draft School Admissions Code to remove the sibling criterion for certain state schools is compatible with their commitment to help parents to balance work and family life. HL336

Lord Janner of Braunstone to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, in light of the support and shared sense of family values which siblings can provide at both secondary and primary schools, they will re-consider the proposal in paragraph 2.13 of the Draft School Admissions Code to remove the sibling criterion for partially selective state schools. HL337

Lord Janner of Braunstone to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have made an assessment of the impact that the proposed removal of the sibling criterion in certain state secondary schools will have on the continuity of parental support in such schools. HL338

Lord Janner of Braunstone to ask Her Majesty’s Government how many representations and letters of objection they have received in relation to the proposal contained in the Draft School Admissions Code to remove the sibling criterion for certain state secondary schools. HL339

Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer to ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the answer by Lord Bach on 20 November 2005 (HL Deb, col 105), which stated that the mortality of those birds, once they entered the European Union to get to their final destination was unacceptably high, whether the mortality of birds was also unacceptably high (a) in the act of capture; (b) in transit outside the European Union; and (c) in quarantine; and what they consider to be an acceptable rate of mortality at each of these stages. HL340

Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer to ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Bach on 7 November (WA 157-8), who will carry out research on conservation, illegal trade and local livelihood; to whom the research tender will be open; whether they will accept evidence from Birdlife International; when the research will be complete; and what will be the exact research agenda. HL341

Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their response to the conclusion on page 341 of the Stern Review that the impact of aviation on climate change is two to four times higher than the impact of the carbon dioxide emissions alone. HL342

Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the figure 0.2704 kilogram/carbon dioxide per passenger mile travelled used by Carbonfund.org is an appropriate emission value for the purposes of offsetting air travel. HL343

Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer to ask Her Majesty’s Government how much money they have so far invested in the clean development mechanism and on which projects; and how much money they are intending to invest over the next three years. HL344

Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove Bay to ask Her Majesty’s Government how much the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s November visit to Iraq cost. HL345

Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove Bay to ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made and intend to make to the authorities in Iraq concerning the execution of Saddam Hussein. HL346

Lord Higgins to ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans Sport England has for the expansion of the Community Club Development Programme. HL347

Lord Higgins to ask Her Majesty’s Government which sports facilities are currently supported by the Community Club Development Programme; and how much financial support each facility has received since the inception of the Programme. HL348

Lord Higgins to ask Her Majesty’s Government how many individuals have received talented athlete scholarships; and how many of those individuals have achieved Olympic, World or European medal success. HL349

Lord Higgins to ask Her Majesty’s Government how many UK Sport employees have had competitive experience at either winter or summer Olympic Games. HL350

Lord Higgins to ask Her Majesty’s Government when consultation took place with the British Olympic Association’s Director of Performance to agree the medal target for the British Olympic team in Beijing 2008; and where such discussions were held. HL351

Lord Higgins to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will place in the Library of the House copies of the National Anti-doping Organisation annual manifesto and quarterly reports for the years 2004, 2005 and 2006. HL352

Lord Luke to ask Her Majesty’s Government how much the Chairman and Chief Executive of the Youth Sports Trust have been paid on an annual basis since the formation of the Youth Sports Trust. HL353

Lord Luke to ask Her Majesty’s Government, following the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s press release on 26 August 2003 announcing the appointment of Ms Sue Campbell as interim chair of UK Sport, whether the appropriate safeguards were put in place to ensure no conflict of interest between this role and her advisory role to the Department for Education and Skills. HL354

Lord Luke to ask Her Majesty’s Government how much Ms Sue Campbell has been paid in her advisory role to the Department for Education and Skills for each year since her appointment in January 2000. HL355

Lord Luke to ask Her Majesty’s Government how much the Youth Sports Trust has received each year from public funds since January 2000. HL356

Lord Luke to ask Her Majesty’s Government what expertise was demonstrated by the Youth Sports Trust to secure funding for its Start Clean drug free sport outreach programme; and when the competitive tendering process for the award of funding was initiated. HL357

Lord Luke to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will ask UK Sport to approach sponsorship agencies to assist in raising the £100 million sponsorship fund to support aspiring Olympians. HL358

Lord Avebury to ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations the Attorney General has received from BAE Systems, or from solicitors acting on its behalf, to block the investigations by the Serious Fraud Office into alleged corrupt payments made to secure arms deals with Saudi Arabia; and what response was made. HL359

Lord Beaumont of Whitley to ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Adonis on 6 November (WA 91-2) on the skills of prisoners on reception into prisons in 2002-03, what were the skills of those prisoners on leaving prison. HL360

Lord De Mauley to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will review the maximum period of service of 22 years which an enlisted soldier is allowed, in light of increasing life expectancy and the operational need to retain skilled senior soldiers. HL361

Lord De Mauley to ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the effectiveness of the resettlement grant provided at the end of a soldier’s military career. HL362

Lord Dykes to ask Her Majesty’s Government what recent representations they have received from United Kingdom families regarding the return of forces personnel serving in Iraq; and what response they gave. HL363

Lord Dykes to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will hold discussions with the government of the United States about the decision in 2005 to allow Israel to take territory in and around the Gush Enumim settlement block east of East Jerusalem, in light of new evidence that these areas are still legally owned by Palestinian citizens. HL364

Lord Laird to ask Her Majesty’s Government what assurances they have received from the government of the Republic of Ireland that pensioners in receipt of United Kingdom pensions who are dependent welfare cases resident in Irish state-run homes receive the full pension paid by the United Kingdom. HL365

Lord Laird to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the cost to the Department of Regional Development of the review on water charges in Northern Ireland. HL366

Lord Laird to ask Her Majesty’s Government what policy changes they plan to make in the way judicial reviews are handled by Government in Northern Ireland. HL367

Lord Laird to ask Her Majesty’s Government how the figure of £85-90 million which would be lost if the water charges reform in Northern Ireland is not implemented by next April (as outlined in a press release from the Department of Regional Development on 21 November) was calculated. HL368

Lord Laird to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they propose to accept the advice of the Committee on the Preparation for Government in Northern Ireland to leave the issue of water charging to the Northern Ireland Assembly to be elected in March 2007. HL369

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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 Thursday 23 November 2006

The House met at 11.00am
Prayers were read by the Lord Bishop of Southwark

1   Affirmation Richard George Lord Rogers of Riverside made and subscribed the solemn affirmation.

Public Business

2   Conventional Weapons Convention A question was asked by Lord Howell of Guildford, on behalf of Lord Elton, and answered by Lord Triesman.

3   Iraq and Afghanistan: United Kingdom forces A question was asked by Lord Trefgarne and answered by Lord Drayson.

4   Government departments: judicial review A question was asked by Lord Trimble and answered by Lord Goldsmith.

5   Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy A question was asked by Lord Avebury and answered by Lord Warner.

6   Legal Services Bill [HL] Lord Falconer of Thoroton presented a bill to make provision for the establishment of the Legal Services Board and in respect of its functions; to make provision for, and in connection with, the regulation of persons who carry on certain legal activities; to make provision for the establishment of the Office for Legal Complaints and for a scheme to consider and determine legal complaints; to make provision about claims management services and about immigration advice and immigration services; to make provision in respect of legal representation provided free of charge; to make provision about the application of the Legal Profession and Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 2006; to make provision about the Scottish legal services ombudsman; and for connected purposes. It was read a first time and ordered to be printed. (HL Bill 9)

7   Legal Services Bill [HL] The Explanatory Notes on the bill were ordered to be printed. (HL Bill 9-EN)

8   Cluster Munitions (Prohibition) Bill [HL] Lord Dubs presented a bill to make provision for the control of cluster munitions; for the destruction of such munitions; and for connected purposes. It was read a first time and ordered to be printed. (HL Bill 10)

9   Interception of Communications (Admissibility of Evidence) Bill [HL] Lord Lloyd of Berwick presented a bill to permit the introduction of intercept evidence and evidence of communications data in certain criminal proceedings; and for connected purposes. It was read a first time and ordered to be printed. (HL Bill 11)

10   Public Demonstrations (Repeals) Bill [HL] Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer presented a bill to amend certain provisions of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 and other legislative restraints on public demonstrations; and for connected purposes. It was read a first time and ordered to be printed. (HL Bill 12)

11   House Committee The Chairman of Committees moved 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;

The motion was agreed to.

12   Merits of Statutory Instruments The Chairman of Committees moved 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;

The motion was agreed to.

13   Delegated Powers and Regulatory Reform The Chairman of Committees moved 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;

The motion was agreed to.

14   Regulators The Chairman of Committees moved that a Select Committee be appointed to consider the regulatory process and 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 power to report from time to time;

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

That the Committee do meet on Tuesday 28 November at ten o'clock;

The motion was agreed to.

15   Compensation (Claims Management Services) Regulations 2006

16   Compensation (Specification of Benefits) Order 2006

17   Compensation (Regulated Claims Management Services) Order 2006

18   Association of Law Costs Draftsmen Order 2006

19   Representation of the People (Combination of Polls) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2006

Lord Grocott, on behalf of the Lord President (Baroness Amos), moved that the instruments be referred to a Grand Committee en bloc. The motion was agreed to.

20   Business of the House Lord Grocott, on behalf of the Lord President (Baroness Amos), moved that the following motions be referred to a Grand Committee—

Baroness Byford to move that the Grand Committee do consider the Environmental Impact Assessment (Agriculture) (England) Regulations 2006 (SI 2006/2362). 46th Report from the Merits Committee

Baroness Byford to move that the Grand Committee do consider the Environmental Impact Assessment (Agriculture) (England) (No. 2) Regulations 2006 (SI 2006/2522). 46th Report from the Merits Committee

The motion was agreed to.

21   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 Monday 27 November.

The House adjourned at 6.43pm until Monday 27 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 Employment Act 2002 (Amendment of Schedules 3, 4 and 5) Order 2006, laid under the Employment Act 2002.

2   Draft Technology Strategy Board Order 2007, laid under the Science and Technology Act 1965.

3   Draft Films (Definition of “British Film”) (No. 2) Order 2006, laid under the Films Act 1985.

Negative Instruments

The following instruments were laid before the House:

1   Consumer Credit (Enforcement, Default and Termination Notices) (Amendment) Regulations 2006, laid under the Consumer Credit Act 1974.   (3094)

2   Enterprise Act 2002 (Enforcement Undertakings) (No. 2) Order 2006, laid under the Enterprise Act 2002.      (3095)

3   Banks (Former Authorised Institutions) (Insolvency) Order 2006, laid under the Insolvency Act 1986.         (3107)

4   Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002 (Addition of Listed Judicial Offices etc.) Order 2006, laid under the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002.   (—)

Papers not subject to parliamentary proceedings

The following papers were laid before the House:

1   Report and Accounts for 2005-06 of the Home-Grown Cereals Authority, laid under the Cereals Marketing Act 1965.

2   (1)   Accounts for 2005-06 of the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium

   (2)   Report and Accounts for 2005-06 of Invest Northern Ireland

laid under the Northern Ireland Act 2000.

3   Review from November 2006 of the Voluntary and Community Sector’s Contribution to the Northern Ireland Criminal Justice System, laid under the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2000.

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Judicial Business

Thursday 23 November

1   Appeal Committee The 3rd Report from the Appeal Committee was agreed to and the following Orders were made:

Yeda Research and Development Company Limited (Petitioners) v. Rhone-Poulenc Rorer International Holdings Inc and others (Respondents) That leave to appeal be given; and that the petition of appeal be lodged by 7 December.

Yeda Research and Development Company Limited (Petitioners) v. Rhone-Poulenc Rorer International Holdings Inc and others (Respondents) That the petition of the Comptroller-General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks that he might be heard or otherwise intervene in the said petition for leave to appeal be allowed.

Monday 27 November at 11.00am
In Committee Room No. 1

Hearing by the Appellate Committee in the cause:

Mainstream Properties Limited (Appellants) v. Young and others and another (Respondent)