That this House notes the recent Prime Minister's Strategy Unit report on the life chances of disabled people which states that there are currently no incentives for local service providers to prioritise disabled children; believes that schools in England and Wales need a clearer, more effective and less bureaucratic framework if they are meaningfully to tackle current inequalities for such children; further notes that disabled children's access to other services including wraparound childcare increasingly depends upon schools promoting their equality; further notes that the current legislative framework does not cover the promotion of equality for disabled teachers, support staff or disabled parents; supports the call for change in these areas presented by the Disability Rights Commission, the Special Educational Consortium, the Disability Charities Consortium, the Children's Society and teachers' unions; and therefore calls on the Government to follow these organisations' advice and include schools in England and Wales in the list of public bodies to be subject to specific duties to promote disability equality in regulations to be made under the new Disability Discrimination Bill in line with schools' existing duties under the Race Relations Amendment Act and to ensure effective joint working with other public sector partners.

That this House notes the recent Prime Minister's Strategy Unit report on the life chances of disabled people which states that there are currently no incentives for local service providers to prioritise disabled children; believes that schools in England and Wales need a clearer, more effective and less bureaucratic framework...

That this House congratulates the Woodcraft Folk for its 80-year long contribution to the development of the youth of this country toward active citizenship; notes that this national organisation is one of the few that have truly empowered young people via its commitment to international understanding through well recognised children's and youth exchanges; also notes that in the year of the volunteer the Woodcraft Folk is featured as an exemplary case study on the Government's Sustainable Development website; is alarmed that despite all these facts Woodcraft Folk funding from the Department for Education and Skills through the National Voluntary Youth Organisations Grant Scheme has been withdrawn in this current funding round and for the next three years; and calls upon the Government to review this decision as a matter of urgency so that the valuable work of the Woodcraft Folk can continue.

That this House congratulates the Woodcraft Folk for its 80-year long contribution to the development of the youth of this country toward active citizenship; notes that this national organisation is one of the few that have truly empowered young people via its commitment to international understanding through well recognised children's...

That this House is dismayed that the Government has resumed deportations to Zimbabwe despite increasing intimidation and brutality by ZANU-PF gangs; is alarmed that individuals who escaped with their lives should be reconsigned to threatening circumstances; notes that one such is Edneth Gotora whose husband was beaten to death by ZANU-PF thugs for no more than distributing leaflets, whilst her infant daughter was injured so badly that she died weeks later from injuries sustained during the attack; further notes that the culprits were apprehended but released immediately on bail whereupon they returned and abducted Edneth to a rehabilitation camp where she was raped and brutalised by the `commandant' and his henchmen such that she had to be hospitalised; further notes that, with assistance from an orderly, Edneth escaped and hid herself prior to making her way successfully to England; regrets that Edneth's plea for asylum was refused on the grounds that her husband was now dead and that she is now safe; is aware that a petition of 17,500 signatures is to be presented to the Home Office by the Reverend Sheila Maxey, Moderator of the General Assembly of the United Reform Church; recognises that, while the Government pays lip service to the issues of domestic violence there is violence on a national scale in Zimbabwe, yet Edneth seems destined to be despatched to the same dangerous circumstances from which she escaped; and therefore calls upon the Home Secretary to exercise his discretion under the law to grant this much wronged lady the shelter she so desperately needs.

That this House is dismayed that the Government has resumed deportations to Zimbabwe despite increasing intimidation and brutality by ZANU-PF gangs; is alarmed that individuals who escaped with their lives should be reconsigned to threatening circumstances; notes that one such is Edneth Gotora whose husband was beaten to death by...

That this House congratulates Jamie Oliver on his groundbreaking Channel 4 series, Jamie's School Dinners, and his Feed Me Better campaign; notes the worrying increase of child obesity across the United Kingdom and the negative effects that a poorly balanced diet has on pupils' concentration, behaviour and social skills; is appalled that the average 35 to 45 pence per meal available to schools is a quarter of what is available in Her Majesty's prisons; welcomes the Government's introduction of tougher minimum standards allowing less sugar, fat and salt in school meals but calls on it to ban processed foods from school meals altogether and to encourage schools to adopt the Feed Me Better Manifesto for Change; and further calls on the Government to focus on implementing a healthy diet-exercise balance in all our schools.

That this House congratulates Jamie Oliver on his groundbreaking Channel 4 series, Jamie's School Dinners, and his Feed Me Better campaign; notes the worrying increase of child obesity across the United Kingdom and the negative effects that a poorly balanced diet has on pupils' concentration, behaviour and social skills; is...

That this House notes that Chantal McCorkle, a British citizen, was sentenced to 24 years and four months imprisonment in the United States for offences which might carry only a suspended sentence in the UK; further notes that the judge who sentenced her in 1999 expressed disquiet at the sentence that she felt obliged to give; further notes that recent cases of Blakely and Booker in the United States Supreme Court cast doubt on the sentencing guidelines then used and give grounds for an appeal; and urges the Government to support Chantal's lawyers and press the United States legal system to hear Chantal's appeal against sentence as expeditiously as possible and to ensure that no barriers are placed to Chantal's transfer to the UK to serve whatever remaining sentence she has after her appeal.

That this House notes that Chantal McCorkle, a British citizen, was sentenced to 24 years and four months imprisonment in the United States for offences which might carry only a suspended sentence in the UK; further notes that the judge who sentenced her in 1999 expressed disquiet at the sentence...

That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, praying that the Local Government Pension Scheme (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 3372), dated 17th December 2004, a copy of which was laid before this House on 22nd December, be annulled.

That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, praying that the Local Government Pension Scheme (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2004 (S.I., 2004, No. 3372), dated 17th December 2004, a copy of which was laid before this House on 22nd December, be annulled.

That this House notes with great concern recent press reports which indicate that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is planning to privatise the Diplomatic Bag Service; considers that this will place the security of documents sent by the Government at greater risk of unauthorised access; believes in these times of heightened national security that the public sector has a proven track record of delivering an effective efficient service; and urges the Government to reconsider seriously this proposal and abandon all plans to hand over control of the Diplomatic Bag Service to the private sector.

That this House notes with great concern recent press reports which indicate that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is planning to privatise the Diplomatic Bag Service; considers that this will place the security of documents sent by the Government at greater risk of unauthorised access; believes in these times of...

That this House welcomes the Government's proposal to legislate for the establishment of a single Commission on Equality and Human Rights as a step towards a comprehensive, unified approach to equalities; believes that there is strong support for measures to harmonise anti-discrimination legislation, providing a comprehensive framework of rights to ensure that all areas of discrimination are fully covered; and therefore urges the Government to bring forward legislation to this effect as soon as possible.

That this House welcomes the Government's proposal to legislate for the establishment of a single Commission on Equality and Human Rights as a step towards a comprehensive, unified approach to equalities; believes that there is strong support for measures to harmonise anti-discrimination legislation, providing a comprehensive framework of rights to...

That this House congratulates Lord Redesdale for introducing his private members' bill, the Renewable Energy Bill, to the House of Lords on 25th November 2004; notes that this Bill contains measures which would make it easier for people to purchase, install and run domestic renewable installations; welcomes any changes to the law proposed which will encourage the expansion of micro-generation; notes the emphasis in this Bill on simplification and standardisation of the procedure for the installation of micro-renewables; and urges the Government to take this Bill into account when considering its own micro-generation strategy due in December 2005.

That this House congratulates Lord Redesdale for introducing his private members' bill, the Renewable Energy Bill, to the House of Lords on 25th November 2004; notes that this Bill contains measures which would make it easier for people to purchase, install and run domestic renewable installations; welcomes any changes to...

That this House applauds Cancer Research UK on the launch of its Reduce the Risk campaign to raise awareness of the avoidable risks of cancer and the importance of early detection; recognises that one in three of us will be diagnosed with cancer at some time in our lives, but that half of all cancers could be prevented by changes to lifestyle; supports the campaign's five key measures on reducing your risk, which are to stop smoking, stay in shape, eat and drink healthily, be sunsmart and be body aware; and calls on the Government to prioritise cancer prevention and to support the long-term public communication campaigns on healthy living.

That this House applauds Cancer Research UK on the launch of its Reduce the Risk campaign to raise awareness of the avoidable risks of cancer and the importance of early detection; recognises that one in three of us will be diagnosed with cancer at some time in our lives, but...

That this House notes Holocaust Memorial Day is on 27th January, which is the 60th anniversary of the day that the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau was liberated; recognises the significance of this year and the importance of all commemorations taking place in 2005; acknowledges the importance of the theme Survivors, Liberation and Rebuilding lives; remembers all those who lost their lives in the Holocaust and other more recent tragedies; further recognises the contribution that Holocaust Survivors have made to life in Britain; applauds organisations such as the Holocaust Educational Trust for their work; and encourages all honourable Members to be involved in a day that not only helps to ensure that the Holocaust is never forgotten but also warns of the dangers of all forms of discrimination today.

That this House notes Holocaust Memorial Day is on 27th January, which is the 60th anniversary of the day that the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau was liberated; recognises the significance of this year and the importance of all commemorations taking place in 2005; acknowledges the importance of the theme Survivors,...

That this House notes the Government's statement in its Review of the Climate Change Programme that the new statutory duty to take reasonable steps to achieve an increase of at least 20 per cent. in residential energy efficiency in England by 2010 from a 2000 baseline 'will require even greater levels of energy efficiency improvement than our existing aim'; further notes that a stamp duty rebate for house buyers who install energy saving measures is recommended by the Energy Saving Trust, the Association for the Conservation of Energy and the Sustainable Energy Partnership as being the best way of achieving the installation of more energy efficiency products, particularly cavity wall and solid wall insulation; recalls that the Energy White Paper described energy efficiency as the 'cheapest, cleanest and safest way' of achieving all energy policy objectives,; notes that 75 per cent. of first-time buyers now pay stamp duty compared to only 18 per cent. 10 years ago; and believes that measures to make the necessary adjustments to stamp duty should be implemented.

That this House notes the Government's statement in its Review of the Climate Change Programme that the new statutory duty to take reasonable steps to achieve an increase of at least 20 per cent. in residential energy efficiency in England by 2010 from a 2000 baseline 'will require even greater...

That this House believes that every terminally ill patient who chooses to die at home should be given the opportunity to do so; congratulates Marie Curie Cancer Care on its campaign Supporting the Choice to Die at Home; notes the survey commissioned by the charity from YouGov that found 64 per cent. of Britons would choose to die at home but at present only 25 per cent. of terminally ill patients are able to do so and therefore most die in hospital; further notes the economic paper commissioned by the charity which shows that caring for more patients at home would release funds which could be used elsewhere in the NHS; highlights the recent conclusion of the Health Select Committee that the right to a good death is fundamental; welcomes Marie Currie Cancer Care's Delivering Choice Programme which has launched a project to improve end of life care in Lincolnshire; and urges the Government to partner Marie Curie Cancer Care in order to establish similar projects in other English regions, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and to commit funds to make this possible.

That this House believes that every terminally ill patient who chooses to die at home should be given the opportunity to do so; congratulates Marie Curie Cancer Care on its campaign Supporting the Choice to Die at Home; notes the survey commissioned by the charity from YouGov that found 64...

That this House congratulates Development in Action on celebrating its 10th year of outstanding work in raising awareness of global issues among young people in the UK; notes that since it was founded, Development in Action has arranged placements with Indian non-governmental organisations for more than 160 young volunteers who have campaigned actively to promote development awareness and international understanding upon their return to the UK; further notes that this has been achieved entirely through the work of young volunteers motivated by a desire to have a positive impact upon the world in which they live; recognises the vital importance of promoting understanding of the developing world in the UK; and calls on politicians of all parties to promote Development in Action's example.

That this House congratulates Development in Action on celebrating its 10th year of outstanding work in raising awareness of global issues among young people in the UK; notes that since it was founded, Development in Action has arranged placements with Indian non-governmental organisations for more than 160 young volunteers who...

That this House condemns the policy of high street banks to sell off their non-branch based ATM machines; notes that many have been replaced by ATMs which charge an average of ??1.50 per withdrawal; further notes that fee-charging ATMs are disproportionately located in poorer areas where few people can afford to travel to free alternatives; is concerned that this is a particular problem for people whose state benefits are paid into their bank accounts, and who are therefore charged simply for receiving their benefits; is disappointed the Royal Bank of Scotland has not done more to alleviate this problem since is acquired Hanco, which operates around a quarter of all free-charging ATMs; concurs with the Citizens Advice Bureau and the National Consumer Council, who have criticised the Royal Bank of Scotland for effectively levying a tax on the poor through their actions; further concurs with Gamblers Anonymous, who have criticised Hanco for locating an ATM in an amusement arcade in Glasgow; and calls on the Royal Bank of Scotland and other high street banks to guarantee the future of free withdrawal facilities at ATMs in disadvantaged areas.

That this House condemns the policy of high street banks to sell off their non-branch based ATM machines; notes that many have been replaced by ATMs which charge an average of ??1.50 per withdrawal; further notes that fee-charging ATMs are disproportionately located in poorer areas where few people can afford...

That this House is concerned that wholesale forward gas prices in the UK have more than doubled and are significantly higher than in continental Europe; notes that UK intensive industrial energy users are at a serious competitive disadvantage and understands that the high price of wholesale gas impacts on their profitability and the long term viability of tens of thousands of jobs in UK manufacturing; recognises that the wholesale gas price influences domestic consumer prices and that large wholesale rises will results in increasing levels of fuel poverty; believes that continued rising gas prices will lead to fuel switching, resulting in higher levels of carbon-dioxide emissions; appreciates the importance of enabling intensive industrial energy users to plan and manage business risk effectively and is concerned that to date there has been no adequate explanation for the large movement in gas prices; acknowledges that UK industry wants a level playing field with continental Europe but no special favours; and therefore calls upon the Government to take immediate steps to restore a viable forward market in gas and for Ofgem and the Department for Trade and Industry to investigate urgently the structure and competitiveness.

That this House is concerned that wholesale forward gas prices in the UK have more than doubled and are significantly higher than in continental Europe; notes that UK intensive industrial energy users are at a serious competitive disadvantage and understands that the high price of wholesale gas impacts on their...

That this House expresses concern at current proposals to define a pint of beer as not less than 95 per cent. liquid; notes that the Campaign for Real Ale, the Trading Standards Institute and the Local Authority Co-ordinators of Regulatory Services believe that this proposal will result in the proposed 5 per cent. tolerance being added to the existing deficiency threshold normally applied by enforcement agencies before considering prosecution action, which will result in licensees being able to serve pints of substantially less than 95 per cent. liquid; further notes that short measure costs consumers over ??400 million annually, HM Treasury over ??54 million annually in lost excise revenues and brewers ??133 million in lost beer sales; and therefore calls on the Government to bring forward legislation to protect consumers from short beer measures by defining a pint of beer as 100 per cent. liquid.

That this House expresses concern at current proposals to define a pint of beer as not less than 95 per cent. liquid; notes that the Campaign for Real Ale, the Trading Standards Institute and the Local Authority Co-ordinators of Regulatory Services believe that this proposal will result in the proposed...

That this House welcomes the United Kingdom Government's commitment to tackling African poverty in 2005; notes that changes in trade rules to ensure trade justice are vital to achieving poverty reduction in developing countries, particularly in Africa; notes with concern that current proposals by the European Commission for free trade areas with Africa through economic partnership agreements could lead to the liberalisation of 90 per cent. of African trade over 12 years, including agricultural products; further notes with concern that the European Commission is refusing to talk about its own Common Agricultural Policy in these talks; further notes that economic partnership agreements may undermine Africa's own regional trade integration; further notes that Europe is including issues in these talks that have been rejected by those African countries at the World Trade Organisation; and calls on the United Kingdom Government to lead the way for changes in the Commission's negotiating mandate to take account of these concerns and take an important step towards trade justice by fulfilling its own commitments to provide alternative forms of market access into the EU to those African countries which do not want to sign up to economic partnership agreements.

That this House welcomes the United Kingdom Government's commitment to tackling African poverty in 2005; notes that changes in trade rules to ensure trade justice are vital to achieving poverty reduction in developing countries, particularly in Africa; notes with concern that current proposals by the European Commission for free trade...

That this House is extremely concerned about the unfair nature of the Disabled Facilities Grant means test, particularly for families with disabled children; notes that many families who need to make vital adaptations to their home are often forced into massive debt by having to pay for the full cost of adaptations themselves or are unable to carry out the work, leaving their home inaccessible for their child; believes this situation is unacceptable; welcomes the ODPM's current review of the Disabled Families Grant and urges the Government to follow the recent decision to abolish the means test in Northern Ireland; and further believes that such a move would greatly improve the quality of life for many disabled children and their families.

That this House is extremely concerned about the unfair nature of the Disabled Facilities Grant means test, particularly for families with disabled children; notes that many families who need to make vital adaptations to their home are often forced into massive debt by having to pay for the full cost...

That this House welcomes the Road Safety Bill and Government proposals to come down hard on drink drivers, uninsured drivers, and those who continue to use mobile phones while driving; is dismayed, however, at the intention to reduce penalties for exceeding speed limits, when all evidence proves that even at 30mph pedestrians have only a 50 per cent. chance of survival and that even minor speeding on roads other than motorways can mean the difference between death, disability or a chance of full recovery; regrets that there has been no report on the consultation on penalties conducted in 2000, which had over 1000 responses, and no report on the consultation on graduated fixed penalties; is particularly dismayed at not mention of a change of law, which would at last address the injustice of the careless driving charge being applied to culpable road deaths and injuries, which has been such a problem for so many years and which is a major concern for many honourable Members and their constituents as supported by the Bill by the honourable Member for South Dorset and the call for a radical overhaul of the law on driving offences by the Transport Committee in its recent report; and appeals to Her Majesty's Government to introduce those steps that will truly address road danger and bring an end to the continung slaughter on UK roads.

That this House welcomes the Road Safety Bill and Government proposals to come down hard on drink drivers, uninsured drivers, and those who continue to use mobile phones while driving; is dismayed, however, at the intention to reduce penalties for exceeding speed limits, when all evidence proves that even at...