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from the Department for Education and Skills through the National Voluntary Youth Organisations Grant Scheme has been withdrawn in this current funding round and for the next three years; and calls upon the Government to review this decision as a matter of urgency so that the valuable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 welcomes the New Law Now To Protect Our Sea Life campaign by the Marine Conservation Society, RSPB, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, The Wildlife Trusts and WWF under the banner of Wildlife and Countryside Link; notes that this coalition of organisations is advocating comprehensive new legislation to improve the protection and management of the marine environment around the UK; further notes that they are campaigning for this legislation to include improved protection of wildlife sites and species at sea and a planning system for the seas to allow wildlife conservation and economic and recreational activities to be planned and co-ordinated in a rational way; and calls on the Government to bring forward a Marine Bill at the earliest opportunity to deliver these multiple gains, and ensure a sustainable future for the UK's seas and their wildlife.

That this House welcomes the New Law Now To Protect Our Sea Life campaign by the Marine Conservation Society, RSPB, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, The Wildlife Trusts and WWF under the banner of Wildlife and Countryside Link; notes that this coalition of organisations is advocating comprehensive new legislation to...

That this House welcomes the Small Scale Renewable Energy Developments (Permitted Development) Bill introduced into the House by a cross-party group of honourable Members; notes that the Bill will grant permitted development status to such developments and therefore enable people to install them far more easily; notes too that the Bill promotes safeguards to ensure that visual, environmental and noise effects of such developments will be minimal; and believes that microgeneration is an exciting new way of combating climate change and of engaging people in achieving this objective.

That this House welcomes the Small Scale Renewable Energy Developments (Permitted Development) Bill introduced into the House by a cross-party group of honourable Members; notes that the Bill will grant permitted development status to such developments and therefore enable people to install them far more easily; notes too that the...

That this House believes that dentistry should be a core part of the National Health Service; notes with concern that less than 40 per cent. of adults in England are currently registered with an NHS dentist, and that in many areas dentists are no longer taking on new NHS patients; further notes the delay in implementing a new system of patient charging and a new Personal Dental Services contract; further believes that current measures to address the shortfall in NHS dentistry are insufficient to meet immediate local needs; and calls on the Government to work with the dental profession to attract and retain more NHS dentists.

That this House believes that dentistry should be a core part of the National Health Service; notes with concern that less than 40 per cent. of adults in England are currently registered with an NHS dentist, and that in many areas dentists are no longer taking on new NHS patients;...

That this House notes that the women's prison population has more than doubled over the last 10 years to over 4,000; further notes that more women are sent to prison for shoplifting than any other offence and that women on remand make up nearly two-thirds of all women entering custody every year, more than half of whom, having served an average sentence of 39 days in prison, receive a community penalty or are acquitted altogether; is concerned that two-thirds of women in prison suffer from mental health problems and that more than half have drink or drug dependencies; notes that 17,700 children are separated from their mothers by imprisonment each year; and calls on the Home Office to provide more alternatives to custody for women, such as those profiled by the Smart Justice for Women campaign, and to invest properly in diversion schemes which prevent women from going to prison in the first place.

That this House notes that the women's prison population has more than doubled over the last 10 years to over 4,000; further notes that more women are sent to prison for shoplifting than any other offence and that women on remand make up nearly two-thirds of all women entering custody...

That this House congratulates the FA and the Metropolitan Police Authority on adopting the Report Racism initiative to help combat racism at grassroots level football matches; notes that the work of Kick it Out and Show Racism the Red Card has already shown marked results in the eradication of racism in football; further congratulates AFC Wimbledon and Kingston Police on their adoption of the Report Racism initiative on 1st February; and urges close community co-operation to ensure the success of this initiative and to support the eradication of racism in all grassroots football matches.

That this House congratulates the FA and the Metropolitan Police Authority on adopting the Report Racism initiative to help combat racism at grassroots level football matches; notes that the work of Kick it Out and Show Racism the Red Card has already shown marked results in the eradication of racism...

That this House notes with grave concern the assessment made by the Chair of the Greater Manchester Police Authority in his letter of 21st January to the Home Secretary that, without additional police grant, the authority will be forced to move operational police officers from front line service into essential support roles currently staffed by civilians and will be unable to train or equip PCSOs for their extra powers; further notes that the police's existing high levels of performance will be seriously undermined; and therefore calls on the Home Secretary to give a clear assurance to the people of Greater Manchester that he will guarantee a level of funding that will at the least permit the current level of operational policing on the streets to be maintained throughout the coming financial year.

That this House notes with grave concern the assessment made by the Chair of the Greater Manchester Police Authority in his letter of 21st January to the Home Secretary that, without additional police grant, the authority will be forced to move operational police officers from front line service into essential...

That this House congratulates Ellen MacArthur on the news that she will be appointed a Dame in recognition of her record breaking solo circumnavigation; notes that her journey, completed in 71 days, 14 hours, 18 minutes and 33 seconds, was over 32 hours faster than the previous solo non-stop sailing record; further notes that she is only the second person ever to sail solo non-stop around the world on a multi-hull boat; recognises the extraordinary mental and physical courage necessary to undertake such a daunting voyage; and welcomes her role in bringing the spirit of adventure and exploration to new generations.

That this House congratulates Ellen MacArthur on the news that she will be appointed a Dame in recognition of her record breaking solo circumnavigation; notes that her journey, completed in 71 days, 14 hours, 18 minutes and 33 seconds, was over 32 hours faster than the previous solo non-stop sailing...

That this House congratulates the BBC and BBC Worldwide on their agreement to include listings for BBC Parliament in the Radio Times; notes that BBC Parliament is Europe's first parliamentary channel to broadcast around the clock and since its launch in 1998 has enjoyed an average monthly audience of 800,000; recognises the important role of BBC Parliament in making politics accessible and open to the public; and hopes that this latest decision will lead further in this direction.

That this House congratulates the BBC and BBC Worldwide on their agreement to include listings for BBC Parliament in the Radio Times; notes that BBC Parliament is Europe's first parliamentary channel to broadcast around the clock and since its launch in 1998 has enjoyed an average monthly audience of 800,000;...

That this House notes that the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, which bans nuclear test explosions, was finally signed in 1996 after more than 40 years of effort and that, to date, 174 states have signed, of which 120 have ratified; notes with deep regret that this treaty has still not entered into force; urges all states that have not yet signed or ratified to do so without further delay and to refrain from any behaviour injurious to the treaty; and further urges those states that have ratified to examine ways of advancing the cause of the treaty by pursuing such options as provisional entry into force.

That this House notes that the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, which bans nuclear test explosions, was finally signed in 1996 after more than 40 years of effort and that, to date, 174 states have signed, of which 120 have ratified; notes with deep regret that this treaty has still not...

That this House welcomes the recent report of the Environment Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee on the draft Animal Welfare Bill; notes its recommendation that external, independent regulation of all greyhound tracks is essential; welcomes its call that draft statutory regulations should be published as soon as possible; and urges the Government to accept the Select Committee's recommendations.

That this House welcomes the recent report of the Environment Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee on the draft Animal Welfare Bill; notes its recommendation that external, independent regulation of all greyhound tracks is essential; welcomes its call that draft statutory regulations should be published as soon as possible; and...

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 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 offers its congratulations to net-progress, an internet consultancy based in Carshalton, Surrey, on the launch of net-guide.co.uk; commends net-guide for achieving See it Right accreditation from the Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB); notes that the See it Right website logo is awarded to websites that have demonstrated a commitment to best practice website accessibility; further notes net-guide is an internet search engine and website directory designed to be easy to use, regardless of whether or not users are blind or partially sighted; recognises the diligent work done by net-guide in conducting independent audits on the accessibility of the websites in its database, which gives users an idea of the ease of use of the websites returned in a search or from browsing the directories; believes that two million people in the UK with a sight problem deserve fair access to electronic information; and calls on web designers to take on board the practical advice offered by the RNIB for producing websites that meet the information needs of the blind and partially sighted, a requirement enshrined in section 21 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1999.

That this House offers its congratulations to net-progress, an internet consultancy based in Carshalton, Surrey, on the launch of net-guide.co.uk; commends net-guide for achieving See it Right accreditation from the Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB); notes that the See it Right website logo is awarded to websites that...

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 is very concerned by the proposed closure of Bermondsey Street Post Office in the London Borough of Southwark on 9th February; notes that Bermondsey Street is believed to be the oldest sub-post office in the country; recognises the vital importance of this post office in serving the growing community in and around Bermondsey Street; urges Post Office Ltd to listen to the views of all local people and their representatives during the consultation process; urges the Government to reverse its policy of mass closure of sub-post offices; and calls on the government to accept the essential and continuing need for this and other sub-post offices throughout London boroughs to remain in operation.

That this House is very concerned by the proposed closure of Bermondsey Street Post Office in the London Borough of Southwark on 9th February; notes that Bermondsey Street is believed to be the oldest sub-post office in the country; recognises the vital importance of this post office in serving the...

That this House notes with concern the implications for Hindu temples of the new Home Office immigration rules affecting minister of religion, effective from 31st August 2004, which require all such ministers to demonstrate fluency in the English language to level 4; notes that this hampers the recruitment of Poojaries in particular, whose roles are highly specialised and who are trained in India; further notes that the role of a Poojari is to perform the daily rites for the Hindu gods in the temple and Arti, which involve caring for the gods on a daily basis with prayers and meditation; further notes that these daily rites are central to the Hindu religion; further notes that the role of a Poojari does not involve preaching to the congregation and that this role is generally performed by Swarmis, Sadhus or Hindu preachers, who have knowledge of English; further notes that the Poojari's job requires knowledge of Hindu texts written in Sanskrit and knowledge of Gujarati and Hindi for sung worship, but not English; regrets that the Home Office would appear to have introduced regulations based on a Judaeo-Christian model of worship without considering the implications for other faiths; and calls upon the Home Office to amend its regulations to provide an exception to Poojaries because they do not preach.

That this House notes with concern the implications for Hindu temples of the new Home Office immigration rules affecting minister of religion, effective from 31st August 2004, which require all such ministers to demonstrate fluency in the English language to level 4; notes that this hampers the recruitment of Poojaries...

That this House recognises the national importance of the discovery at Colchester of the remains of a Roman chariot racing stadium, the only known existence of such a circus in Britain; pays tribute to archaeologists from the Colchester Archaeological Trust who discovered the remains of what is believed to have been the largest building in Roman Britain; notes that the site is within an area of the former Colchester Garrison recently sold by the Ministry of Defence for housing; and calls on all with a responsibility for safeguarding our national heritage to take the necessary action to ensure that this unique ancient site is preserved for future generations to view.

That this House recognises the national importance of the discovery at Colchester of the remains of a Roman chariot racing stadium, the only known existence of such a circus in Britain; pays tribute to archaeologists from the Colchester Archaeological Trust who discovered the remains of what is believed to have...

That this House welcomes the decision by a Santiago court that former Chilean dictator, Augusto Pinochet, is to stand trial for atrocities committed during his 17-year regime in Chile; resents his countless efforts to plead ill health when faced with each legal hurdle in the campaign to bring him to justice; and congratulates all those surviving victims and campaigners who continue to work toward ensuring that he is tried for crimes committed during Operation Condor, a conspiracy of the 1970's South American dictatorships to kill opponents and bury their bodies in each other's countries, including the torture of 27,000 people and the killing of some 3,000 political activists from 1973 to 1990.

That this House welcomes the decision by a Santiago court that former Chilean dictator, Augusto Pinochet, is to stand trial for atrocities committed during his 17-year regime in Chile; resents his countless efforts to plead ill health when faced with each legal hurdle in the campaign to bring him to...

That this House notes Department for Work and Pension plans to close the Sutton Disability Benefits Centre; further notes that the centre provides an invaluable service to disabled people in an area that stretches from the Isle of Wight to South London; and that no business plan has been produced that justifies the closure; further notes that there has been no co-ordination with other departments to facilitate redeployment of Department for Work and Pension staff; and calls on the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to review the closure decision, to protect the service to disabled people and to deliver value for money for the taxpayer.

That this House notes Department for Work and Pension plans to close the Sutton Disability Benefits Centre; further notes that the centre provides an invaluable service to disabled people in an area that stretches from the Isle of Wight to South London; and that no business plan has been produced...