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Schools: Reading

Question

Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact on children's education of the new national reading test for six-year-olds.[HL4434]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools (Lord Hill of Oareford): The phonics screening check is designed to check that children have grasped the basics of phonic decoding by the end of Year 1. Children who do not reach the expected standard should receive extra support from their school to help them catch up.

It is too early to assess accurately the impact of the new phonics screening check on improving standards. We intend to collect data on national performance on the screening check and track standards over time.

Shipping: Towing Vessels

Questions

Asked by Lord MacKenzie of Culkein

To ask Her Majesty's Government how many times the services of the Coastguard emergency towing vessel based in Stornoway have been required since 1 September.[HL4640]

Earl Attlee: Since 1 September 2010, the emergency towing vessel (ETV) based in Stornoway has been tasked to assist two vessels in difficulty; namely "HMS Astute", a submarine, and "MV Red Duchess", a coaster. On both occasions, the ETV operated under a commercial towing contract with the ETV owners. The ETV has also been tasked to provide a passive escort service for Minch transits on 27 occasions (as part of its MCA contract). At no time has a passive escort ever needed to attach a line because a ship has got into difficulty.

Asked by Lord MacKenzie of Culkein

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the costs of the use of Coastguard emergency towing vessels in assisting vessels in difficulty in distress are recovered from the ship's owners and/or insurers.[HL4642]

Earl Attlee: The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) do not recover the cost of attending incidents where there is grave and imminent risk to life, although it would be very unusual for these types of situation to involve the use of an emergency towing vessel (ETV). When a ship gets into difficulties and is within reasonable distance of an ETV, an ETV may be tasked to stand by in the event that tug assistance would help to prevent pollution. In these cases, it is usual for the ETV contractor to provide towage services on commercial terms.

The safe operation of a ship is at all times the responsibility of the Master. Should a ship become disabled and be incapable of navigation, to the extent that it presents a potential threat to safety of life

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and/or the maritime environment within UK waters, the MCA would encourage the Master to take all necessary action to reduce or mitigate the risk. This action may include the owner of the ship arranging a commercial tow through a contract for towage services or on salvage terms.

Transport: Survey

Question

Asked by Lord Bradshaw

To ask Her Majesty's Government when was the last time the Department for Transport website was the subject of a user survey; what were the recommendations arising from this survey; which of those recommendations were implemented; and when they were implemented.[HL4787]

Earl Attlee: The most recent user survey for the corporate departmental website www.dft.qov.uk was completed in September this year. The survey was carried out in accordance with the guidance issued by the Central Office of Information, "TG126 Measuring website quality". The data from this survey will be reviewed alongside other sources of user feedback captured. Recommendations will be considered and taken forward into a more comprehensive review of the site and information architecture to be carried out next year.

UK Bill of Rights

Question

Asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to introduce a British Bill of Rights. [HL4890]

The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord McNally): As I explained in my answer to the noble Lord on 23 November, (Official Report, col. WA307), in its Programme for Government, the Government committed to establishing a Commission to investigate the creation of a Bill of Rights. The Government will make a statement to Parliament on the terms of reference of the Commission in due course.

UK Investment: Foundation X

Question

Asked by Lord Myners

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will be advising the police of any matters in connection with the organisation described by Lord James of Blackheath as Foundation X.[HL4815]

The Commercial Secretary to the Treasury (Lord Sassoon): HM Treasury has looked into the issues raised by Lord James of Blackheath and decided not to pursue the matter any further.

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Vehicles: Lorry Semi-trailers

Question

Asked by Lord Berkeley

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether lorry semi-trailers up to 2.05 metres longer than the current maximum permitted by European Directive 96/53 EC

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can operate in (a) the United Kingdom, and (b) the European Union.[HL4976]

Earl Attlee: As the legislation currently stands, these vehicles may not operate in the UK or, for international services, in the European Union. However, member states may authorise the use of such vehicles in their own territory.

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