Wednesday 29 November at 3.00pm

*Oral questions, 30 minutes

*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.

*Countess of Mar to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their approach to the proposed amendment of European Union regulations relating to the slaughter of animals linked by cohort to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) infection to allow more flexibility in implementation.

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 to 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 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)

†Mental Health Bill [HL] Lord Warner to move that it be an instruction to the Committee of the Whole House to which the Mental Health Bill [HL] has been committed that they consider the bill in the following order:

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

If the bill is read a second time, Baroness Ashton of Upholland to move that the bill be committed to a Grand Committee.

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)

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Future Business

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.

†*Baroness Howe of Idlicote to ask Her Majesty’s Government what procedures will be followed for the selection of the next Chairman of the BBC.

†The Lord President (Baroness Amos) intends to move the following three motions en bloc: but if any Lord objects the motions must be moved separately to the extent desired.

†Personal Injuries (NHS Charges) (Amounts) Regulations 2006 The Lord President (Baroness Amos) to move that the Regulations be referred to a Grand Committee.

†Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 (Consequential Provisions) (England and Wales) Order 2006 The Lord President (Baroness Amos) to move that the Order be referred to a Grand Committee.

†Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc.) (No. 3) Order 2006 The Lord President (Baroness Amos) to move that the Order be referred to a Grand Committee.

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.

Information The Chairman of Committees to move that a Select Committee be appointed to consider information and communications services, including the Library and the Parliamentary Archives, 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.

Consolidation etc. Bills The Chairman of Committees to move, in accordance with Standing Order 52, that, as proposed by the Committee of Selection, the following Lords be appointed to join with a Committee of the Commons as the Joint Committee on Consolidation etc. Bills:

Human Rights The Chairman of Committees to move that a Select Committee of six members be appointed to join with the Committee appointed by the Commons as the Joint Committee on Human Rights:

To consider:

(a)   matters relating to human rights in the United Kingdom (but excluding consideration of individual cases);

(b)   proposals for remedial orders, draft remedial orders and remedial orders made under section 10 of and laid under Schedule 2 to the Human Rights Act 1998; and

(c)   in respect of draft remedial orders and remedial orders, whether the special attention of the House should be drawn to them on any of the grounds specified in Standing Order 73 (Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments);

To report to the House:

(a)   in relation to any document containing proposals laid before the House under paragraph 3 of the said Schedule 2, its recommendation whether a draft order in the same terms as the proposals should be laid before the House; or

(b)   in relation to any draft order laid under paragraph 2 of the said Schedule 2, its recommendation whether the draft Order should be approved;

and to have power to report to the House on any matter arising from its consideration of the said proposals or draft orders; and

To report to the House in respect of any original order laid under paragraph 4 of the said Schedule 2, its recommendation whether:

(a)   the order should be approved in the form in which it was originally laid before Parliament; or

(b)   that the order should be replaced by a new order modifying the provisions of the original order; or

(c)   that the order should not be approved;

and to have power to report to the House on any matter arising from its consideration of the said order or any replacement order;

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 power to adjourn from place to place;

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 Human Rights 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.

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)

Lord Bowness to move that this House takes note of the Report of the European Union Committee on the European Union and Africa: Follow-up report. (49th Report, HL Paper 269, Session 2005-06)

It is expected that the two motions in the name of Lord Bowness will be debated together.

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 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.

*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.

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.

†Accession (Immigration and Worker Authorisation) Regulations 2006 Baroness Scotland of Asthal to move that the draft Regulations laid before the House on 21 November be approved. First Report from the Statutory Instruments Committee

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] 2nd Report from the Merits Committee

†Compensation (Specification of Benefits) Order 2006 Consideration in Grand Committee [Lord Evans of Temple Guiting] 2nd Report from the Merits Committee

†Compensation (Regulated Claims Management Services) Order 2006 Consideration in Grand Committee [Lord Evans of Temple Guiting] 2nd Report from the Merits Committee

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 (Session 2005-06)

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 (Session 2005-06)

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 (Session 2005-06)

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

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.

†Financial Assistance Scheme (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2006 Lord Hunt of Kings Heath to move that the draft Regulations laid before the House on 15 November be approved. First Report from the Statutory Instruments Committee

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.

*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.

†Housing (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 Lord Rooker to move that the draft Order laid before the House on 20 November be approved.

†Water and Sewerage Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 Lord Rooker to move that the draft Order laid before the House on 9 October be approved.

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

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 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 they consider that the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006 promote that objective.

†Concessionary Bus Travel Bill [HL] Second Reading [Lord Davies of Oldham]

†Extradition Act 2003 (Amendment to Designations) Order 2006 Baroness Scotland of Asthal to move that the draft Order laid before the House on 7 November be approved. First Report from the Statutory Instruments Committee

†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.

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.

†Further Education and Training Bill [HL] Second Reading [Lord Adonis]

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.

†Lord Fowler to call attention to the Government’s policy on HIV/AIDS and sexual health; and to move for papers. (Balloted debate, 2½ hours)

†Lord Hylton to call attention to the human consequences of current immigration and asylum law and practice and to possible improvements in the systems of assessment, care and support; and to move for papers. (Balloted debate, 2½ hours)

†Petroleum Act 1998 (Third Party Access) Order 2007 Lord Truscott to move that the draft Order laid before the House on 20 November be approved.

†Science and Technology Facilities Council Order 2007 Lord Truscott to move that the draft Order laid before the House on 20 November be approved.

†Technology Strategy Board Order 2007 Lord Truscott to move that the draft Order laid before the House on 23 November be approved.

†It is expected that the above two motions will be debated together.

†Employment Act 2002 (Amendment of Schedules 3, 4 and 5) Order 2006 Lord Truscott to move that the draft Order laid before the House on 23 November be approved.

Friday 15 December at 11.00am

†Cluster Munitions (Prohibition) Bill [HL] Second Reading [Lord Dubs]

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.

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

*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.

†*Baroness Wilkins to ask Her Majesty’s Government when they will publish their response to the report, Reviewing the disabled facilities grant programme, published in October 2005.

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Motions for Balloted Debate

†Ballot on 12 December for debate on 18 January. Time limit 2½ hours

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

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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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Motions relating to Statutory Instruments

†Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 Lord Morrow to move that an Humble Address be presented to Her Majesty praying that the Regulations, laid before the House on 24 November, be annulled.

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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.

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.

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 various Palestinian political organisations.

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 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 which encourages farmers to convert to organic farming.

Viscount Montgomery of Alamein to ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the development of the Central American Integration System.

†Lord Woolmer of Leeds to ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the contribution of the Yorkshire and Humber region to the United Kingdom economy.

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Questions for Written Answer

Tabled on 28 November and due for answer on 12 December.

Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer to ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the implications of mixed code arrangements for Heathrow airport runways on (a) noise pollution; (b) night time flying; and (c) carbon dioxide emissions. HL410

Lord Hylton to ask Her Majesty’s Government how many persons, at the most recent date, were receiving emergency relief for hard cases, under section 4 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 2006; and what is their best estimate of the number of failed asylum applicants who are either destitute or working illegally. HL411

Lord Hylton to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the care and education of unaccompanied children, granted asylum or long term leave to remain, are a national responsibility. HL412

Baroness Barker to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have commissioned research on the impact in other countries of the introduction of compulsory community treatment orders for people with mental illness; and, if so, whether they have any plans to publish this research. HL413

Baroness Barker to ask Her Majesty’s Government what research they have carried out relating to the number of homicides committed by people with mental illness; what are the trends in this number; what lessons they have learnt from these cases; and whether they have any plans to publish this research. HL414

Lord Berkeley to ask Her Majesty’s Government what involvement they will have in deciding or approving how Network Rail reinvests its profit of £747 million in the rail industry. HL415

Lord Berkeley to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether it was a condition of the award of the Greater Western Franchise to First Group that it should enable bookings for the Cornish Riviera sleeper service to be made online. HL416

Lord Bradshaw to ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Davies of Oldham on 27 November (WA 28), what recent studies they have carried out of the costs associated with the use of heavy goods vehicles on the road network; and what were the results of these studies. HL417

Lord Maginnis of Drumglass to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether there will be a public inquiry into the security lapse at Stormont on 24 November. HL418

Lord Maginnis of Drumglass to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether any Minister or official of the Northern Ireland Office plays a role in decision-making relating to the levels of security at Parliament Buildings, Stormont. HL419

Lord Maginnis of Drumglass to ask the Chairman of Committees whether security advice is tendered by the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police or by his officers to the Lord Speaker. HL420

Lord Maginnis of Drumglass to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether security advice is tendered by the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police or by his officers to the authorities of the Stormont Assembly. HL421

Lord Maginnis of Drumglass to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, in relation to the security incident at Stormont on 24 November, there is any evidence that Madam Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly rejected security advice tendered by the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland or by his officers. HL422

Lord Rana to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have proposals to reduce corporation tax in the United Kingdom in order to promote higher levels of business investment. HL423

Lord Rana to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will respond in detail to the findings in the recent Economic Research Institute report Assessing the case for a Differential Rate of Corporation Tax in Northern Ireland. HL424

Lord Rana to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the extent of fly-tipping in Northern Ireland by county; what are the costs incurred in cleaning up fly-tipping; what steps have been taken to counter the problem; what is the extent of fly-tipping in Northern Ireland emanating from the Republic of Ireland; and what representations have been made to the government of the Republic of Ireland on this issue. HL425

Lord Rana to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will consider appointing an independent environmental protection agency for Northern Ireland in order to ensure more effective preservation of the region’s natural environment. HL426

Lord Rana to ask Her Majesty’s Government how many tourists with Indian passports visited the United Kingdom in 2005; and how many tourists from India visited Northern Ireland in this period. HL427

Lord Rana to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will discuss with the government of the Republic of Ireland and Tourism Ireland changes in visa regulations to end the requirement for separate visas issued in the country of origin, so that visitors to the United Kingdom from nations such as India may also visit the Republic of Ireland, and vice versa. HL428

Lord Hoyle to ask the Chairman of Committees what fair trade products are sold in the House of Lords. HL429

Lord Luke to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend to reach the target announced on 25 October of 1 million men, women and young people to serve as volunteers in schools and communities; how much they estimate this policy will cost; what negotiations have taken place with trade unions and school authorities to provide access to these additional volunteers in schools; and whether additional resources will be made available to police child protection schemes associated with this initiative. HL430

Lord Luke to ask Her Majesty’s Government what are the annual performance targets set out in the funding agreement between UK Sport and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport; when these targets were last reviewed; and when they expect to publish the results achieved by UK Sport. HL431

Lord Luke to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have agreed performance measures for the English Institute of Sport; if so, when these were last reviewed; and whether they will place a copy of their findings in the Library of the House. HL432

Lord Luke to ask Her Majesty’s Government who are the members of the security panel responsible for monitoring UK Sport’s national anti-doping organisation for elite sport; on which dates they have met; and when their reports are due to be placed in the Library of the House. HL433

Lord Luke to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the International Olympic Committee agreed to call the 2006 Youth Games Festival in Glasgow the School Sports Olympics, as stated by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 25 October; if so, when such permission was granted; and whether the use of the word Olympics in this context is in line with the London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Act 2006. HL434

Lord Rix to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their response to the proposal by the Victoria and Albert Museum to close the Theatre Museum on 7 January 2007. HL435

Lord Rix to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the Victoria and Albert Museum submitted to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport detailed costings to show the savings from the proposed closure of the Theatre Museum. HL436

Lord Rix to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will make representations to the Victoria and Albert Museum about deferring the closure of the Theatre Museum’s Russell Street site until proper consultation can take place with the theatre community and possible sources of further funding. HL437

Lord Lester of Herne Hill to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 (SI 2006/439) protects the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion against unnecessary limitation, in accordance with Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights; and, if so, in what ways. HL438

Lord Berkeley to ask Her Majesty’s Government what standby provisions they have in place to operate rail passenger franchises in the event that the incumbent operators fail. HL439

Lord Laird to ask Her Majesty’s Government how they have recognised the work of the professional and voluntary ambulance crews who have worked in Northern Ireland throughout the twenty-five years of terrorist activity. HL440

Lord Laird to ask Her Majesty’s Government how they have recognised the work of the professional and voluntary ambulance crews who worked in London responding to the terrorist activity in July 2005. HL441

Lord Laird to ask Her Majesty’s Government in what circumstances the Stone of Destiny would return to London for ceremonial purposes; and whether there are any plans for such a return. HL442

Lord Laird to ask Her Majesty’s Government in what ways the powers of the Asset Recovery Agency in Northern Ireland differ from its counterpart in England. HL443

Lord Laird to ask Her Majesty’s Government what assets have been seized in South Armagh since 1 January; and how many prosecutions have followed as a result. HL444

Lord Laird to ask Her Majesty’s Government how much they estimate has been lost to date this year from fuel smuggling and laundering in Northern Ireland. HL445

Lord Dykes to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will make representations to the government of the United States to secure the early closure of Guantanamo Bay and the release of the remaining detainees not scheduled for trial in the United States under due process. HL446

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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 Tuesday 28 November 2006

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

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Select Committee Report

1   Merits of Statutory Instruments   
The following Report from the Select Committee was made and ordered to be printed:

2nd Report, on the following affirmative instruments:

Draft Compensation (Regulated Claims Management Services) Order 2006;

Draft Compensation (Specification of Benefits) Order 2006;

Draft Compensation (Claims Management Services) Regulations 2006;

Draft Personal Injuries (NHS Charges) (Amounts) Regulations 2006. (HL Paper 8)

Public Business

2   Closed circuit television A question was asked by Lord Selsdon and answered by Baroness Ashton of Upholland.

3   Middle East: foreign policy A question was asked by Lord Blaker and answered by Baroness Royall of Blaisdon.

4   United Nations: High Level Panel A question was asked by Lord Harries of Pentregarth and answered by Baroness Royall of Blaisdon.

5   Television: Sky and ITV A question was asked by Lord McNally and answered by Lord Truscott.

6   European Union (Information, etc.) Bill [HL] Lord Dykes presented a bill to make provision for information to be made available in various public places relating to the activities and organisation of the European Union; to make provision for the flying of the flag of the European Union on various public buildings; to provide information to further the establishment of twinning arrangements between towns in the United Kingdom and elsewhere in the European Union in accordance with the European Union’s Town Twinning Support Scheme; and for connected purposes. It was read a first time and ordered to be printed. (HL Bill 15)

7   Bailiffs (Licensing) Bill [HL] Lord Lucas presented a bill to make provision for the licensing of activities involving the judicial or quasi-judicial seizure and sale of goods. It was read a first time and ordered to be printed. (HL Bill 16)

8   Privileges The Chairman of Committees moved 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.

The motion was agreed to.

9   Hybrid Instruments The Chairman of Committees moved 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:

The motion was agreed to.

10   Personal Bills The Chairman of Committees moved 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:

The motion was agreed to.

11   Standing Orders (Private Bills) The Chairman of Committees moved 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:

The motion was agreed to.

12   Mental Health Bill [HL] Lord Warner moved that the bill be now read a second time. After debate, the motion was agreed to and the bill was committed to a Committee of the Whole House.

13   Local Government finance settlement A statement was repeated by Baroness Andrews.

14   National Assembly for Wales (Transfer of Functions) (No. 2) Order 2006 Lord Evans of Temple Guiting moved that the draft Order laid before the House on 19 October be approved. After debate, the motion was agreed to.

15   Big Lottery Fund (Prescribed Expenditure) Order 2006 Lord Davies of Oldham moved that the draft Order laid before the House on 11 October be approved. After debate, the motion was agreed to.

The House adjourned at 8.53pm until Wednesday 29 November at 3.00pm.

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.

Command Paper

The following paper was presented to the House by command of Her Majesty.

Legal Services—Legal Aid Reform: the Way Ahead.   (6993)

Affirmative Instruments

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

1   Draft Compensation (Exemptions) Order 2006, laid under the Compensation Act 2006.

2   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   Food for Particular Nutritional Uses (Addition of Substances for Specific Nutritional Purposes) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2006, laid under the Food Safety Act 1990.   (3116)

2   Feed (Specified Undesirable Substances) (England) Regulations 2006, laid under the Agriculture Act 1970.      (3120)

3   Water Resources (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2006, laid under the European Communities Act 1972.   (3124)

Papers not subject to parliamentary proceedings

The following papers were laid before the House:

1   Report of the Law Commission on Murder, Manslaughter and Infanticide, laid under the Law Commissions Act 1965.

2   Report and Accounts for 2005-06 of the Community Fund, laid under the National Lottery etc. Act 1993.

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Judicial Business

Tuesday 28 November

1   Macrossan (Petitioner) v. Comptroller-General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (Respondent) and one other action The petition of Neal William Macrossan praying for leave to appeal was presented and referred to an Appeal Committee (lodged 27 November).

2   R (on the application of Hurst) (Respondent) v. Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis (Appellant) The petition of the Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs praying for leave to intervene in the said appeal was presented and referred to an Appeal Committee.

3   R v. G (Appellant) (On Appeal from the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division)) It was ordered that the Secretary of State for the Home Department be joined to the appeal in accordance with section 5(2) of the Human Rights Act 1998.

4   Carphone Warehouse UK Limited (Petitioners) v. Malekout (Respondent) Upon application by the petitioners (the agents for the respondents consenting thereto), it was ordered that the petition be withdrawn on the terms agreed between the parties.

5   Appeal Committee The 5th Report from the Appeal Committee was agreed to and the following Orders were made:

Glyn (t/a Priors Farm Veterinary Surgery) (Petitioner) v. McGarel-Groves (Respondent) and others That leave to appeal be refused; that the respondent be at liberty to apply for his costs in accordance with direction 5.1(d); and, if the application is granted, that the amount thereof be certified by the Clerk of the Parliaments if not agreed between the parties.

P (FC) (Petitioner) v. Tesco Stores Limited and others (Respondents) and another That the respondents be invited to lodge objections by 12 December.

Parmar (Petitioner) v. McDonald’s Restaurants Limited (Respondents) That the petition be dismissed as inadmissible.

Jassi (Petitioner) v. Gallagher (Respondent) That leave to appeal be refused.

C (FC) (Petitioner) v. Middlesbrough Council (Respondents) That leave to appeal be given; and that the petition of appeal be lodged by 12 December.

Jolghazi and another (Petitioners) v. Ali and others (Respondents) That leave to appeal be refused.

In re F (children) (2006) That the petition be dismissed as inadmissible.

Lake (FC) (Petitioner) v. Lake (Respondent) That leave to appeal be refused; that the costs of the petitioner be taxed in accordance with the Access to Justice Act 1999; and that the respondent be at liberty to apply for her costs in accordance with direction 5.1(c); and, if the application is granted, that the amount thereof be certified by the Clerk of the Parliaments if not agreed between the parties.