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| 2007—total 227 | |
| 2008—total 196 | |
Questions for Written Answer: Unanswered Questions
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government when they will answer the Written Question tabled by Lord Laird on 11 December 2008 (HL262); and what is the cause of the delay. [HL1431]
The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change & Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Hunt of Kings Heath): I replied to the noble Lord on 12 February 2009 and apologise for the delay in responding, which was due to an administrative error.
Recycling
Question
Asked by Lord Taylor of Holbeach
To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath on 28 January (WA 64), whether, rather than trying to find alternative overseas markets for United Kingdom produced recyclable waste materials, they will help British companies to develop new recycling methods and products locally. [HL1346]
The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change & Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Hunt of Kings Heath): The reprocessing of recyclable materials in the UK, and the export of such materials for recycling abroad, are not mutually exclusive. The Government support both.
The waste and resources action programme (WRAP) and the national industrial symbiosis programme (NISP) are working to find alternative markets for recyclates
25 Feb 2009 : Column WA94
Alongside this support for reprocessing in the UK, and since a large share of the world's manufacturing base is overseas, it makes sense for the UK to help supply export markets with recyclable raw material, and so reduce the carbon impact of using virgin raw materials in their place.
Schools: Water Supply
Questions
To ask Her Majesty's Government further to Written Answer by the Minister for Schools and Learners, Mr Jim Knight, on 21 May 2007 (Official Report, House of Commons, col. 1080W), what were the outcomes of the revision of the Education (School Premises) Regulations 1999 in relation to the required standards for the provision of school toilet and drinking water facilities for pupils. [HL1519]
To ask Her Majesty's Government what consultation the Department for Children, Schools and Families has undertaken during its review of the Education (School Premises) Regulations 1999. [HL1520]
To ask Her Majesty's Government further to Written Answer by the Minister for Schools and Learners, Mr Jim Knight, on 11 June 2007 (Official Report, House of Commons, col. 797W), under what circumstances they would use their powers to take action to enforce compliance with the current requirements of the Education (School Premises) Regulations 1999 with regards to drinking water and toilets in schools for pupils. [HL1521]
To ask Her Majesty's Government what legislation they plan to put in place to ensure minimum standards of provision of school toilets. [HL1522]
To ask Her Majesty's Government what legislation they plan to put in place to ensure minimum standards of provision of drinking water in schools. [HL1523]
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether pupils in schools are covered by the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 regarding the provision of drinking water and toilets. [HL1524]
25 Feb 2009 : Column WA95
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Children, Schools and Families (Baroness Morgan of Drefelin): We set up a steering group to help us consider possible changes to the Education (School Premises) Regulations 1999 but, particularly in the light of the clear steer from our Schools Capital Consultative Group, we have decided not to proceed with a full review of the regulations. We will shortly be consulting widely on the basis of proposed changes only in respect of kitchen and dining facilities.
Pupils in schools are not covered by the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 in relation to the provision of drinking water and toilets. However, they are covered by similar provisions in the School Premises Regulations, particularly regulation 17(3), and this is supplemented by guidance published by the department. We have no further plans to revise these provisions.
We expect issues to be resolved locally, and responsibility for enforcing the School Premises Regulations rests with local authorities. Use of the Secretary of State's powers to enforce compliance would depend on the specific circumstances of any individual issue.
Sentencing Guidelines Council
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, in the light of the decision of the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) published on 24 December 2008 regarding the Attorney General's reference (No 124 of 2008) on a case of invasion of a person's home by robbers, revision and clarification of the Sentencing Guidelines Council definitive guidelines is required, with application to both England and Northern Ireland. [HL1536]
25 Feb 2009 : Column WA96
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord Bach): The guidelines issued by the independent Sentencing Guidelines Council apply to England and Wales only. There are no plans to review the definitive guideline on robbery. This says that, for the offence of burglary in the home involving physical violence, relevant Court of Appeal guidance should be applied. For the type of offence committed in this case, the Court of Appeal said the normal range would be around five to six years following a plea of not guilty.
United Utilities
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will ask Ofwat to investigate why United Utilities have significantly increased water rates for north west sports clubs and sports establishments. [HL1190]
The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change & Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Hunt of Kings Heath): The increase in water bills for these customers was the consequence of United Utilities switching to site area charging for surface water drainage.
The Government understand that United Utilities now proposes to set its surface water drainage charges for 2009-10 at 2007-08 levels for customers such as faith buildings, community amateur sports clubs and properties owned by scout and guide associations (that is, at levels prior to the introduction of site area charging). United Utilities is also working to ensure that properties are charged correctly.
This is a very welcome step forward although we will continue to monitor this issue and engage further with Ofwat if necessary.
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