Thursday 30 November at 11.00am

*Oral questions, 30 minutes

*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 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.

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Future Business

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.

†Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Bill [HL] The Baroness Ashton of Upholland to move that it be an instruction to the Grand Committee to which the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Bill has been committed that they consider the bill in the following order:

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 Lord Bassam of Brighton 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 Lord Bassam of Brighton to move that the draft Order laid before the House on 16 November be approved. 2nd Report from the Statutory Instruments Committee

†Accession (Immigration and Worker Authorisation) Regulations 2006 Lord Bassam of Brighton to move that the draft Regulations laid before the House on 21 November be approved. 2nd 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
†Prayers will have been read

*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.

†Travel Expenses for Lords’ spouses, civil partners and children The Lord President (Baroness Amos) to move to resolve that this House approves the following proposals with respect to travel expenses incurred by spouses, civil partners and children of Members of this House on or after 1 January 2006—

(1)   The Resolution of 27 November 1996 is amended as follows.

(2)   In paragraph (1) after “spouse” insert “or civil partner” and after “18” insert “, or any child in full-time secondary education, during the academic year in which they become aged 18,”.

(3)   In paragraph (3) after “spouse” insert “or civil partner” and after “18” insert “, or any child in full-time secondary education, during the academic year in which they become aged 18,”.

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.

†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 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.

†Investment Exchanges and Clearing Houses Bill Second Reading [Lord McKenzie of Luton]

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]

†Lord Renton of Mount Harry to move that this House takes note of the report of the European Union Committee on Managing Nuclear Safety and Waste: the role of the EU. (37th Report, HL Paper 211, Session 2005-06)

Grand Committee in the Moses Room at 3.45pm

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

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. 2nd Report from the Statutory Instruments Committee

†Science and Technology Facilities Council Order 2007 Lord Truscott to move that the draft Order laid before the House on 20 November be approved. 2nd Report from the Statutory Instruments Committee

†Technology Strategy Board Order 2007 Lord Truscott to move that the draft Order laid before the House on 23 November be approved. 2nd Report from the Statutory Instruments Committee

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. 2nd Report from the Statutory Instruments Committee

†It is expected that the Grand Committee on the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Bill will continue at 2.00pm in the Moses Room.

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.

*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.

†Lord Tombs to call attention to the mechanism for taking strategic decisions in the electricity supply industry; 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.

†Baroness Stern to move that this House takes note of the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism, Cm. 6901, presented to Parliament on 24 July; and requests that Her Majesty’s Government do not ratify it until the Joint Committee on Human Rights has reported on its implications.

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Motions relating to Statutory Instruments

Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 Lord Morrow to move that a 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.

†Baroness Bonham-Carter of Yarnbury to ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the role and contribution of the creative industries to the economy and well being of the United Kingdom.

†Lord Greaves to ask Her Majesty’s Government what provision they will make for the teaching of English for speakers of other languages in England in the next academic year.

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Questions for Written Answer

Tabled on 29 November and due for answer on 13 December.

Lord Lester of Herne Hill to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 would require all schools actively to promote homosexual civil partnerships to children from primary school age to the same degree that they teach the importance of marriage. HL447

Lord Lester of Herne Hill to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 would require a printing shop run by a Christian to print fliers promoting gay sex. HL448

Lord Lester of Herne Hill to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 would require a family-run bed and breakfast to let out a double room to a transsexual couple, even if the family consider it to be in the best interests of their children to refuse to allow such a situation in their own home. HL449

Lord Lester of Herne Hill to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 would make it illegal for a heterosexual police officer, fire fighter or member of the Armed Forces to refuse to join a Gay Pride event promoting the homosexual way of life. HL450

Lord Lester of Herne Hill to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have received representations from Coherent and Cohesive Voice, a network of Christian leaders about the Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 (SI 2006/439); and, if so, when; how many representations have been received; and in what form. HL451

Lord Dykes to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their response to the conclusions of the latest European Parliament report on extraordinary rendition on the involvement of the United Kingdom and other European Union member states in assisting the government of the United States in such air movements. HL452

Lord Rana to ask Her Majesty’s Government what was the value of manufactured goods exported from Northern Ireland to India in 2004-05. HL453

Lord Rana to ask Her Majesty’s Government how much Indian companies invested in Northern Ireland in (a) 2004-05, and (b) 2005-06; and what steps are being taken to promote such investment. HL454

Lord Rana to ask Her Majesty’s Government how many methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) type infections have been reported in Northern Ireland by the Department of Health and health trusts in the years 2003 to 2005 and in the first two quarters of 2006. HL455

Lord Rana to ask Her Majesty’s Government how many deaths in Northern Ireland can be attributed to methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA); and what steps are being taken to prevent MRSA type infections. HL456

Lord Tebbit to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the composition of the Government is representative of the community they serve, in terms of age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity and religious belief. HL457

Lord Tebbit to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the lives of British troops in Afghanistan or Iraq have been put at risk by defective ammunition. HL458

Lord Tebbit to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether British troops in Afghanistan or Iraq have obtained ammunition from United States or Canadian troops because of concerns about the quality of the ammunition with which they have been issued by the Ministry of Defence. HL459

Lord Tebbit to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether Parliament retains the power to legislate on all matters of road safety without infringing European law. HL460

Lord Tebbit to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will refer to persons making allegations of rape unsubstantiated by independent evidence as “alleged victims” rather than as “victims” until judicial proceedings have established that such allegations are substantiated. HL461

Lord Maginnis of Drumglass to ask Her Majesty’s Government how many unlawful infringements of tree preservation orders have occurred in Northern Ireland since 1 January 2003; and where those multiple infringements have taken place. HL462

Lord Maginnis of Drumglass to ask Her Majesty’s Government how many cases are being prosecuted in Northern Ireland in respect of the unlawful destruction of trees that were subject to tree preservation orders since 1 January 2003. HL463

Lord Maginnis of Drumglass to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the maximum possible penalty in cases in which (a) one tree is subject to a tree preservation order; (b) ten such trees are destroyed; and (c) more than 10 such trees are destroyed. HL464

Lord Maginnis of Drumglass to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, when trees that are subject to a tree preservation order are unlawfully destroyed, planning permission for building development that would not have been granted if the trees had survived can then be granted subject to any other conditions being fulfilled. HL465

Lord Selsdon to ask Her Majesty’s Government when they last undertook a review of answers to written questions to ensure that high standards of accuracy and relevance are maintained. HL466

Viscount Simon to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will issue advice to road users regarding the use of coloured warning lights and other high conspicuity markings that in normal use breach the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations (SI 1989/1796). HL467

Viscount Simon to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their response to the proliferation of warning beacons or lamps and other high conspicuity markings being used on road vehicles in breach of the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations (SI 1989/1796), in particular those fitted to abnormal loads, abnormal load escort vehicles and recovery vehicles. HL468

Viscount Simon to ask Her Majesty’s Government which organisations applied for permission to use lamps or other high conspicuity markings normally prohibited from use by the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations (SI 1989/1796) in each of the years 2000 to 2006; and, for each of those organisations, when the permissions will expire. HL469

Viscount Simon to ask Her Majesty’s Government how many warning lights and high conspicuity markings permitted in circumstances specified by the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations (SI 1989/1796) are used regularly on road vehicles; and whether they have made an assessment of the potential for these markings to cause confusion to other road users. HL470

Lord Monson to ask Her Majesty’s Government what method of killing was employed in each of the 35 homicides perpetrated in England and Wales in 2002-03 by individuals with a mental illness; and how this pattern compares with that of the other 838 homicides perpetrated in the same period. HL471

Lord Monson to ask Her Majesty’s Government in how many of the 35 homicides perpetrated in England and Wales in 2002-03 by individuals with a mental illness the victim was known to the perpetrator; and how this pattern compares with that of the other 838 homicides perpetrated in the same period. HL472

Baroness Tonge to ask Her Majesty’s Government what consultations they held with professional bodies and representatives of patient groups before setting up the independent sector programme for audiology services. HL473

Baroness Tonge to ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to monitor the audiology services provided by the independent sector. HL474

Baroness Tonge to ask Her Majesty’s Government what advice they have given to primary care trusts on the requirement to provide audiology services; and what provision will be made for patients who require follow-up treatment or who have complex needs. HL475

Lord Laird to ask Her Majesty’s Government what assistance they will provide to those who lost their pension facilities from Richardsons Fertilisers in Northern Ireland. HL476

Lord Laird to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will propose policy changes as a result of the collapse of the Richardsons Fertilisers pension scheme. HL477

Baroness Byford to ask Her Majesty’s Government how many letters were outstanding in connection with the single farm payment scheme from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs or the Rural Payments Agency for the months June to November. HL478

Baroness Byford to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the accepted time scale within which the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs should respond to letters in connection with the single farm payment; and whether it is normal practice for a holding letter to be sent pending further investigation. HL479

Baroness Byford to ask Her Majesty’s Government how many permanent Rural Payments Agency staff were involved in the setting up and running of the information technology computer systems; how many external computer systems specialists were employed since the single farm payments scheme was established; and what is the cost to date. HL480

Baroness Byford to ask Her Majesty’s Government how many extra staff have been employed by the Rural Payments Agency to validate payments since the single farm payments scheme commenced; how many are still working within the Agency; and at what cost has been the cost to date. HL481

Baroness Byford to ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs current strategy to achieve its targets of reducing farming costs by 25 per cent by 2010. HL482

Baroness Byford to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether as part of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs simplification plan to reduce its administration costs an assessment will be made of whether United Kingdom farmers have been disadvantaged by over-implementation of regulations compared with other European Union member states. HL483

Lord Ahmed to ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have proposals to use the term “apostate terrorists” rather than the term “Islamic terrorists” in all Government statements and publications. HL484

Lord Carlile of Berriew to ask Her Majesty’s Government on how many occasions physical restraint was used at Ashfield Young Offenders Institution on, respectively, male and female clients during each of the 12 months prior to 1 November. HL485

Lord Carlile of Berriew to ask Her Majesty’s Government on how many occasions physical restraint occurred at Ashfield Young Offenders Institution in relation to, respectively, male and female black and ethnic minority clients during each of the 12 months prior to 1 November. HL486

Lord Carlile of Berriew to ask Her Majesty’s Government on how many occasions strip searching involving physical restraint occurred at Ashfield Young Offenders Institution in relation to, respectively, male and female clients during each of the 12 months prior to 1 November. HL487

Lord Carlile of Berriew to ask Her Majesty’s Government on how many occasions physical restraint was used at Brinsford Young Offenders Institution on, respectively, male and female clients during each of the 12 months prior to 1 November. HL488

Lord Carlile of Berriew to ask Her Majesty’s Government on how many occasions physical restraint was used at Castington Young Offenders Institution on, respectively, male and female clients during each of the 12 months prior to 1 November. HL489

Lord Carlile of Berriew to ask Her Majesty’s Government on how many occasions physical restraint was used at Feltham Young Offenders Institution on, respectively, male and female clients during each of the 12 months prior to 1 November. HL490

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Questions unanswered after 14 days

The questions asked on the dates shown in bold were due for answer by the dates in brackets The Government department responsible for answering each Question is shown in square brackets.

15 November (29 November)

HL11 Lord Whitty [DCA]

HL24 Lord Morris of Manchester [MoD]

HL25 Lord Morris of Manchester [MoD]

HL26 Lord Morris of Manchester [DWP]

HL36 Lord Pearson of Rannoch [DoH]

HL41 Lord Dykes [HO]

HL46 Lord Newby [MoD]

HL53 Lord Laird [NIO]

HL55 Lord Laird [NIO]

HL56 Lord Laird [NIO]

HL57 Lord Laird [NIO]

HL58 Lord Laird [NIO]

HL59 Lord Lester of Herne Hill [DTI]

HL65 Lord Luke [DCMS]

HL71 Lord Powell of Bayswater [DoH]

Number of questions allocated to each department which are unanswered after 14 days.

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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 Wednesday 29 November 2006

The House met at 3.00pm
Prayers were read by the Lord Bishop of Manchester

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Select Committee Reports

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

2nd Report on certain statutory instruments, including the following affirmative instruments:

Draft Accession (Immigration and Worker Authorisation) Regulations 2006

Draft Asylum (First List of Safe Countries) (Amendment) Order 2006

Draft Employment Act 2002 (Amendment of Schedules 3, 4 and 5) Order 2006

Draft Personal Injuries (NHS Charges) (Amounts) Regulations 2006

Draft Petroleum Act 1998 (Third Party Access) Order 2007

Draft Science and Technology Facilities Council Order 2007

Draft Technology Strategy Board Order 2007. (HL Paper 9)

2   Delegated Powers and Regulatory Reform   
The following Report from the Select Committee was made and ordered to be printed:

2nd Report, on the following bills:

Consumers, Estate Agents and Redress Bill [HL]

European Union (Implications of Withdrawal) Bill [HL]

European Union (Information, etc.) Bill [HL]

Interception of Communications (Admissibility of Evidence) Bill [HL]

Mental Health Bill [HL]

Public Demonstrations (Repeals) Bill [HL]

Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Bill [HL]. (HL Paper 10)

Public Business

3   Young offenders A question was asked by Lord Northbourne and answered by Baroness Scotland of Asthal.

4   Health: specialist nurses A question was asked by Baroness Masham of Ilton and answered by Lord Warner.

5   Crime: rape A question was asked by Lord Campbell-Savours and answered by Lord Goldsmith.

6   European Union: bovine spongiform encephalopathy A question was asked by Countess of Mar and answered by Lord Rooker.

7   Corruption Bill [HL] Lord Chidgey presented a bill to make provision about corruption. It was read a first time and ordered to be printed. (HL Bill 18)

8   Investment Exchanges and Clearing Houses Bill A bill to confer power on the Financial Services Authority to disallow excessive regulatory provision by recognised investment exchanges and clearing houses; and for connected purposes was brought from the Commons. It was read a first time and ordered to be printed. (HL Bill 17)

9   Investment Exchanges and Clearing Houses Bill The Explanatory Notes on the bill were ordered to be printed. (HL Bill 17-EN)

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

The motion was agreed to.

11   Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) The Chairman of Committees moved 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):

The motion was agreed to.

12   Tax Law Rewrite Bills The Chairman of Committees moved 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.

The motion was agreed to, and a message was sent to the Commons.

13   Liaison The Chairman of Committees moved that the 3rd Report from the Select Committee be agreed to. After debate, the motion was agreed to.

14   Mental Health Bill [HL] Baroness Royall of Blaisdon, on behalf of Lord Warner, moved 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:

The motion was agreed to.

15   Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Bill [HL] Lord Falconer of Thoroton, on behalf of Baroness Ashton of Upholland, moved that the bill be now read a second time. After debate, the motion was agreed to and the bill was committed to a Grand Committee.

16   Lord Filkin moved that this House takes note of the Report of the Merits of Statutory Instruments Committee on the Management of Secondary Legislation. After debate, the motion was agreed to.

The House adjourned at 9.13pm until Thursday 30 November at 11.00am.

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.

Negative Instruments

The following instruments were laid before the House:

1   National Health Service (Optical Charges and Payments) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 2006, laid under the National Health Service Act 1977.   (3123)

2   Immigration (Certificate of Entitlement to Right of Abode in the United Kingdom) Regulations 2006, laid under the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002.   (3145)

3   Excise Duty Points (Etc.) (New Member States) (Amendment) Regulations 2006, laid under the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979.   (3159)

4   Safety of Sports Grounds (Designation) (No. 4) Order 2006, laid under the Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1975.   (3168)

5   Radioactive Substances (Emergency Exemption) (England and Wales) Order 2006, laid under the Radioactive Substances Act 1993.   (3169)

Papers not subject to parliamentary proceedings

The following papers were laid before the House:

1   Report for 2005-06 of the Social Fund, laid under the Northern Ireland Act 2000.

2   Naval and Marine Pay and Pensions (Maltese Naval Locally Engaged Personnel Widows’ Attributable Pensions) Order 2006, laid under the Naval and Marine Pay and Pensions Act 1865.

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Judicial Business

Wednesday 29 November

1   X (FC) and another (FC) (Appellants) v. London Borough of Wandsworth (Respondents) The appeal of X and Y was presented and it was ordered that in accordance with Standing Order VI the statement and appendix thereto be lodged on or before 15 January. The petitioners’ certificates of public funding were lodged.