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National Policy Statements
Questions
To ask the Chairman of Committees whether proposals for the way in which the House of Lords will scrutinise national policy statements are under consideration; and, if not, when this matter will be considered. [HL4295]
To ask the Chairman of Committees whether discussions are taking place with the House of Commons authorities on whether scrutiny of national policy statements may take place jointly where appropriate, and on the means by which that may happen. [HL4296]
The Chairman of Committees (Lord Brabazon of Tara): I refer the noble Lord to today's Written Statement by the Leader of the House. I have no plans to discuss joint scrutiny of national policy statements with the House of Commons.
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New Forest: National Park
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government when the revised draft National Park Plan for the New Forest National Park will be produced; and how long the consultation on it will last. [HL4425]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Davies of Oldham): Following an extensive consultation process on the draft National Park Plan during autumn last year, the New Forest National Park Authority carried out a further engagement process in the spring of this year. This involved an extensive programme of working groups and other meetings to look in detail at the issues which prompted most interest. The authority is now completing the analysis of all the comments that have been made and intends to take a revised National Park Plan to its authority meeting at the end of October.
Once approved by the authority, the core strategy component of the plan will be subject to a further minimum six week statutory consultation followed some months later by an independent public examination.
New Forest: Riding Schools
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many commercial riding schools there were in the New Forest in each year from 1992 to 2008. [HL4424]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Davies of Oldham): The table below shows how many commercial riding schools there were in the New Forest in each year from 1992 to 2008:
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Post Office
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will propose to Post Office Limited measures to address morale amongst Post Office workers, in the context of the Postal Services Bill. [HL4163]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Lord Young of Norwood Green): The Government have introduced a range of measures which combine to better equip Post Office Limited, and its staff, to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.
The Government have proposed the creation of a new, expanded board for Post Office Limited, with a non-executive chair. This will provide a new level of support and challenge for Post Office Limited's management team.
In addition, the Postal Services Bill provides powers which allow the Government to take responsibility for historic pension liabilities within the Royal Mail pension plan. This includes liabilities for staff working in Post Office Limited, who will be treated the same as staff working in Royal Mail Group Limited.
Staff who work for Post Office Limited are currently on secondment from Royal Mail Group Limited. They are not formally employed by Post Office Limited. On a reorganisation of the Royal Mail group of companies, they will be transferred to become direct employees of Post Office Limited on exactly the same terms and conditions as they enjoy now. The Postal Services Bill contains provisions to confirm that the employment law protections offered by the TUPE regulations will be provided to staff affected by the transfer.
Recycling
Question
Asked by Lord Taylor of Holbeach
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that the United Kingdom is importing glass bottles, used tin cans and scrap paper to keep United Kingdom recycling plants operational; and what action they are taking on that matter. [HL4433]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Davies of Oldham): The Government have made no specific assessment on these matters.
We are aware, however, that WRAP has reported that UK re-processors of these materials have said that they cannot always acquire enough material of the right quality for their needs from UK sources, and they are having to supplement their supply from abroad.
Turks and Caicos Islands
Questions
Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham
To ask Her Majesty's Government when they expect to publish Sir Robin Auld's final report on the Turks and Caicos Islands. [HL4265]
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Lord Brett: The Governor received the Commission of Inquiry's final report on 31 May. Once it has been considered in detail, and taking into account to the judicial review proceedings before the courts in the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Governor will make a further announcement about when it might be published.
Asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the financial consequences to the United Kingdom of imposing direct rule on the Turks and Caicos Islands. [HL4267]
Lord Brett: No decision has yet been taken to bring into force the Order in Council suspending parts of the Turks and Caicos Islands constitution for an interim period of two years. Any such decision will be taken after the final report of the Commission of Inquiry has been given careful consideration. The final report was received by the Governor on 31 May and his now being considered by the Governor, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and UK Ministers.
In his interim report of 28 February, Sir Robin Auld, heading the Commission of Inquiry into possible corruption or other serious dishonesty in relation to Members of the Turks and Caicos Islands House of Assembly, stated that the territory's finances were in dire straits and poorly controlled and that “the financial situation is so bad that the Government cannot pay many of its bills as they fall due”.
We have already taken steps to help improve the situation and an adviser on public financial management (funded by the Department for International Development) arrived in the Turks and Caicos Islands in April to work with the Ministry of Finance in support of the Territory's Fiscal Stabilisation Plan. We are considering what further expert advice will be required. Firm measures will be needed to bring the financial situation and economic situation under control. In any event, the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands will remain responsible for their own debts.
Window Blind Safety
Question
Asked by The Earl of Mar and Kellie
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they propose to take actions concerning looped cords for blinds and curtains following the recommendations of the sheriff in Alloa at the conclusion of the fatal accident inquiry into the death of Muireann McLaughlin. [HL3997]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Lord Young of Norwood Green): The Sheriff published his determination on the fatal accident inquiry into the death of Muireann McLaughlin on 28 May. This department is carefully considering the recommendations made and how best to deal with them.
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