That this House welcomes the publication of the Commission for Africa's report and the Government's recognition of the need to address the growing tuberculosis epidemic in Africa; notes that over nine million people in Africa are co-infected with TB and HIV and therefore commends the Government's support for the World Health Organisation's Two Diseases, One Patient Strategy for integrated TB and HIV care; recognises that TB is both curable and cost-effective to treat at a cost of about ??5 for a six-month course of drugs, and that 17 million patients have been treated under the internationally-recommended TB control strategy DOTS since 1995; regrets that only 17 per cent. of Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria funds goes to TB, even though TB caused about 32 per cent. of deaths from the three killer diseases in 2002; calls on the Government to ensure that the needs of all TB patients are met in Africa and other high burden countries by guaranteeing that the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria is fully funded; further calls on the Government to increase direct budget support to African countries with high death rates from TB and TB/HIV to hire and train more health staff, and to increase community access to TB drugs in order to cure more people; urges the Government to take a leadership role at both the G8 summit and during its presidency of the EU by putting TB and the TB/HIV co-epidemic high on the agenda and by ensuring that the 2015 Millennium Development Goal on TB is achieved; and further calls on the Government to use the opportunity given by World TB Day on 24th March to demonstrate its commitment to eradicating this deadly, but curable disease.

That this House welcomes the publication of the Commission for Africa's report and the Government's recognition of the need to address the growing tuberculosis epidemic in Africa; notes that over nine million people in Africa are co-infected with TB and HIV and therefore commends the Government's support for the World...

That this House notes with concern the massive increase in the cost of public liability insurance over the last three years and the negative impact this is having on traditional community events throughout the country; notes that in one case in Edinburgh, an insurance quote of ??14,500 was given to the Corstorphine Fair from the same company that quoted just ??1,000 two years ago; recognises that the cost of insurance is now jeopardising the future of a number of fundraising and community events, including Christmas events; rejects the main excuse put forward by insurance companies that the increased premiums are required because of the rise in international terrorism; and therefore calls on the Government to look into this issue as a matter of urgency to ensure these events, which are so important to local communities, are able to continue.

That this House notes with concern the massive increase in the cost of public liability insurance over the last three years and the negative impact this is having on traditional community events throughout the country; notes that in one case in Edinburgh, an insurance quote of ??14,500 was given to...

That this House condemns the announcement of 27th October by Post Office Ltd. to progress with 18 of the 21 Edinburgh post office closures put to public consultation over the summer; recognises that the futures of the three remaining branches at Saughtonhall, Stenhouse Cross and South Gyle are far from secure with the potential for these branches to also permanently close; believes all the announced closures will cause considerable difficulties for local communities across the City of Edinburgh and will particularly harm the many elderly and disabled residents who depend most on the services offered at these branches; criticises Post Office Ltd. for its complete failure to properly take account of the considerable evidence and overwhelming public opposition to its closure plans and to recognise the flawed basis on which its final decisions have been taken; further notes that Post Office Ltd. has failed to deny that some of the branches could close before the busy Christmas period; and therefore understands the immense disappointment, anger and betrayal which many people in the City of Edinburgh now feel.

That this House condemns the announcement of 27th October by Post Office Ltd. to progress with 18 of the 21 Edinburgh post office closures put to public consultation over the summer; recognises that the futures of the three remaining branches at Saughtonhall, Stenhouse Cross and South Gyle are far from...

That this House notes with concern the Chancellor of the Exchequer's proposals to change the law on Gift Aid, ending the existing ability of conservation and heritage charities to claim Gift Aid on day memberships; recognises that Gift Aid can account for up to 20 per cent. of some charity admission incomes and believes the Treasury proposals could have a serious and negative impact on these charities financially, putting into jeopardy many charity development plans and, in some cases, the ability of some charities to continue; and therefore calls on the Chancellor to recognise the potential damage of the proposals on such charities across the UK by announcing a reversal in his plans in his March Budget statement.

That this House notes with concern the Chancellor of the Exchequer's proposals to change the law on Gift Aid, ending the existing ability of conservation and heritage charities to claim Gift Aid on day memberships; recognises that Gift Aid can account for up to 20 per cent. of some charity...

That this House notes the House of Lords Reform Bill which will abolish the remaining 92 hereditary peers leaving a fully appointed House of Lords; notes that the Government's main argument for not progressing with a substantially or wholly elected House of Lords is because of a lack of consensus, shown by the Commons divisions of 4th February; further notes that if the House of Lords Reform Bill receives Royal Assent, it will produce a House of Lords which was rejected by the House of Commons by 323 votes to 245, but that the option of having an 80 per cent. elected / 20 per cent. appointed House of Lords was rejected by only 284 to 281; believes there is clearly a greater consensus for an 80 per cent. elected second chamber than a wholly appointed House of Lords; and therefore calls on the Government to proceed with reforming the upper House on this basis in line with its manifesto commitment.

That this House notes the House of Lords Reform Bill which will abolish the remaining 92 hereditary peers leaving a fully appointed House of Lords; notes that the Government's main argument for not progressing with a substantially or wholly elected House of Lords is because of a lack of consensus,...

That this House notes with concern the new charges of up to ??250 which were introduced by the Home Office on 1st August to process applications to extend permission to stay in the United Kingdom; further notes that all non-European Union international students will be subject to this charge each time they apply to extend their stay in the United Kingdom; condemns the Government for the way in which these charges were introduced with no consultation with universities, colleges or student organisations and with only 21 days notice given; notes that the charges will not result in an improved service with the Home Office still aiming to process applications within a maximum of 13 weeks; is concerned that these charges will hit many international students studying in the United Kingdom many of whom are still unaware of the change and who will have to pay the charge up to four or five times during their studies; believes the new charges run the risk of damaging the United Kingdom's long tradition of attracting students from across the world to our colleges and universities and therefore runs contrary to the Government's stated policy of attracting increased numbers of international students into the United Kingdom; and congratulates the Edinburgh University Students' Association along with the many other student organisations across the country for their campaigns seeking a reversal in this damaging policy and a full review of the way student visa applications are handled by the Home Office.

That this House notes with concern the new charges of up to ??250 which were introduced by the Home Office on 1st August to process applications to extend permission to stay in the United Kingdom; further notes that all non-European Union international students will be subject to this charge each...

That this House believes there should be a full debate on the Parliamentary Ombudsman's report into Equitable Life on the floor of the House before the summer recess.

That this House believes there should be a full debate on the Parliamentary Ombudsman's report into Equitable Life on the floor of the House before the summer recess.

That this House notes the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Eritrea, with 70 per cent. of its 3.9 million population at risk of food shortages; further notes that the United Nations appeal for $163 million for food, water and sanitation, launched in November 2002, has received a response of only 2 per cent.; pays tribute to those who have already donated food and other aid to Eritrea, but believes the international community must do more if a complete humanitarian catastrophe as warned by the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Eritrea is to be avoided.

That this House notes the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Eritrea, with 70 per cent. of its 3.9 million population at risk of food shortages; further notes that the United Nations appeal for $163 million for food, water and sanitation, launched in November 2002, has received a response of only 2...

That this House notes the 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention signed by the United Kingdom, United States and over 140 other countries, which prohibits the use of chemical agents that 'can cause death, temporary incapitation or permanent harm to humans' in international military conflict; further notes that it is United Kingdom policy not to allow troops to participate in operations involving the use of non-lethal or riot control gases such as o-chlorobenzylidene malonontrite (CS) gas and pepper sprays; is deeply concerned that the United States Defence Secretary, Donald Rumsfeld, has shown a willingness to use in military action against Iraq, similar toxic agents to those that resulted in the deaths of 129 hostages in the Moscow theatre siege of October 2002; is particularly disturbed by Mr Rumsfeld's suggestion that such gases could be used in situations involving women and children; and calls on the United Kingdom Government to press the United States Administration to uphold the provisions of the 1997 Convention by making a clear statement of intention not to use such toxic gases in any military action against Iraq.

That this House notes the 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention signed by the United Kingdom, United States and over 140 other countries, which prohibits the use of chemical agents that 'can cause death, temporary incapitation or permanent harm to humans' in international military conflict; further notes that it is United Kingdom...

That this House notes that by the end of 2002, the Aids epidemic had claimed more than three million lives and that the total number of people living with HIV is now 42 million; further notes that 95 per cent. of people affected by HIV are in developing countries and the refusal of the Catholic church to accept the role of condoms in HIV/AIDS prevention; congratulates the Archbishop of Glasgow, Mario Conti for stating that it is legitimate to ask whether there are any circumstances in which, not for contraceptive but for hygienic purposes, condoms may be used to prevent the spread of AIDS; and therefore further calls on all faiths to acknowledge condoms as one form of HIV prevention and to promote their use in countries where HIV is prevalent.

That this House notes that by the end of 2002, the Aids epidemic had claimed more than three million lives and that the total number of people living with HIV is now 42 million; further notes that 95 per cent. of people affected by HIV are in developing countries and...

That this House notes with concern the decision of the City of Edinburgh Council's Education Department to ban parents from videoing their children during 2002 school nativity plays without the written permission of all parents involved, in an effort to combat paedophiles; further notes that the measure will also be applicable to concerts, sports days and prize giving ceremonies; accepts the need to tackle paedophile access to children but believes this measure is a step too far; agrees with the Scottish Parent Teacher Council who has described the move as an over reaction and over protectionist; and calls on all local councils to ensure that all parents, who wish to record on film memories of their childrens' performances, are able to do so this Christmas.

That this House notes with concern the decision of the City of Edinburgh Council's Education Department to ban parents from videoing their children during 2002 school nativity plays without the written permission of all parents involved, in an effort to combat paedophiles; further notes that the measure will also be...

That this House notes that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the Beveridge report by Sir William Beveridge, a paper which laid the foundations for the creation of the United Kingdom welfare state; believes the principles of Government assistance to achieve basic living standards and help those in need across society, as contained within the report, are as relevant today as they were in 1942; pays tribute to Sir William Beverage on the report's recommendations which called for a free national health service and full employment to reduce poverty and tackle inequality in the United Kingdom; and calls on the Government to ensure it meets the Beveridge principle of providing a system of health and social services to the people of the United Kingdom, free at the point of use.

That this House notes that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the Beveridge report by Sir William Beveridge, a paper which laid the foundations for the creation of the United Kingdom welfare state; believes the principles of Government assistance to achieve basic living standards and help those in need...

That this House welcomes the decision by the Scottish Executive to strengthen the laws governing the sale of fireworks in Scotland; notes that under the proposals, shopkeepers and others who wish to sell any fireworks will have to apply through their local council for a specific licence and that if caught in breach of the scheme, will lose their right to sell fireworks; believes such a system will help tackle those vendors who refuse to abide by the voluntary code of practice; and congratulates the Scottish Executive on taking a major step forward in the campaign to tackle illegal firework sales and reduce the misuse of fireworks.

That this House welcomes the decision by the Scottish Executive to strengthen the laws governing the sale of fireworks in Scotland; notes that under the proposals, shopkeepers and others who wish to sell any fireworks will have to apply through their local council for a specific licence and that if...

That this House is concerned at the large number of mice which currently reside in the Palace of Westminster including the dining rooms; believes that it would be fiscally prudent for the Sergeant at Arm's Department to invest in a House of Commons cat to try to tackle this problem; and calls upon the House of Commons Administration Committee to investigate this matter.

That this House is concerned at the large number of mice which currently reside in the Palace of Westminster including the dining rooms; believes that it would be fiscally prudent for the Sergeant at Arm's Department to invest in a House of Commons cat to try to tackle this problem;...

That this House is appalled by the acts of extreme animal cruelty which take place in South Korea in the killing of over two million cats and dogs annually for human consumption or human medical treatment and rejects the defence put forward that the practices are part of Korean centuries-old tradition; condemns the cruel ways in which most of these animals are slaughtered, including boiling cats alive to make 'medicine' and beating dogs to death to increase their adrenalin levels, believed by Koreans to increase male virility when consumed; praises the work of the World Society of the Protection of Cruelty to Animals and Korean Animal Protection Society who have long campaigned for an end to these cruel practices; believes that the commencement of the World Cup in South Korea will bring a focus and attention on the country from the international community which offers an opportunity for world governments and organisations to join the President of the Federation of Football Associations who, after receiving thousands of letters from the public protesting about this animal cruelty, has already called for an end to these appalling practices.

That this House is appalled by the acts of extreme animal cruelty which take place in South Korea in the killing of over two million cats and dogs annually for human consumption or human medical treatment and rejects the defence put forward that the practices are part of Korean centuries-old...

That this House notes the recent report of the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals entitled 'Fireworks and Animals', which estimates that at least 8,000 animals received veterinary attention for problems directly related to fireworks in Scotland in 2001, that the duration of animals' exposure to firework stress and injury stretched far beyond 5th November, with some vets receiving cases as early as September and that in some cases, animals have had to be put down due to injury or stress associated with fireworks; is particularly disturbed by and condemns the cases of deliberate attacks on animals, including one reported episode where fireworks were let off in a car containing two dogs; agrees with the SSPCA's conclusions that the sale and use of fireworks should be restricted to a strict time window, which would allow pet owners to plan in advance and that people planning fireworks displays should be actively encouraged to consider the effects on neighbouring animals; and believes that this information only serves to back up the widespread feeling within the House that the sale and use of fireworks must be better regulated.

That this House notes the recent report of the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals entitled 'Fireworks and Animals', which estimates that at least 8,000 animals received veterinary attention for problems directly related to fireworks in Scotland in 2001, that the duration of animals' exposure to firework...

That this House notes that the Blue Badge scheme of disability vehicle stickers benefits thousands of people throughout the United Kingdom who suffer from long-term disabilities; believes that local authorities should have the right to issue temporary blue badges to individuals who are suffering from short-term disabilities; and awaits with interest the report of the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee who are currently consulting and investigating this matter.

That this House notes that the Blue Badge scheme of disability vehicle stickers benefits thousands of people throughout the United Kingdom who suffer from long-term disabilities; believes that local authorities should have the right to issue temporary blue badges to individuals who are suffering from short-term disabilities; and awaits with...

That this House welcomes 'Stop Now!', the campaign from Energywatch designed to put a stop to the disgraceful tactics used by some gas and electricity companies; regrets the increase in unscrupulous sales tactics used by gas and electricity companies throughout the United Kingdom, which customers have reported, which include lying, bullying, misleading requests and even intimidation; supports the demands made by Energywatch to ensure that such tactics on behalf of the gas and electricity companies are reduced by Ofgem keeping and strengthening the operating licensing condition about rules that energy companies should obey, due to expire in March 2002, Ofgem using its powers to fine companies that do not meet these rules, energy companies establishing a 'rogues' register of sales agencies and individuals who fail to meet acceptable standards, energy companies paying proper compensation to consumers for the distress and inconvenience caused by their sales malpractice and the establishment of a standard format for energy supply contracts so consumers are able to understand their own contract and compare it with other suppliers; welcomes the commitment of Energywatch to work with police to combat bogus caller crime; and urges the Government to work in partnership with energy companies to improve consumer relations and commends Energywatch for raising the profile of such important consumer issues.

That this House welcomes 'Stop Now!', the campaign from Energywatch designed to put a stop to the disgraceful tactics used by some gas and electricity companies; regrets the increase in unscrupulous sales tactics used by gas and electricity companies throughout the United Kingdom, which customers have reported, which include lying,...

That this House notes with concern recent reports that the Government plans to build 15 new nuclear reactors throughout the United Kingdom as part of their energy review and that the issue of the safe treatment and disposal of nuclear waste remains unresolved; understands that companies involved in any extension of the nuclear industry would be likely to seek substantial Government subsidies, owing to the immense cost of building new reactors; and believes that no further nuclear power stations should be built until the issue of waste treatment and safety have been properly addressed, that existing nuclear power stations should be withdrawn from use when they reach the end of their operating lives and that BNFL should accept full liability for all decommissioning costs, currently estimated at ??34 billion.

That this House notes with concern recent reports that the Government plans to build 15 new nuclear reactors throughout the United Kingdom as part of their energy review and that the issue of the safe treatment and disposal of nuclear waste remains unresolved; understands that companies involved in any extension...

That this House welcomes the decision of the European Union Standing Veterinary Committee to lift the export ban on Scottish lamb and venison in most of Scotland; notes that this measure will be a welcome relief to the hard hit farmers of Scotland; congratulates the Scottish Rural Development Minister, Ross Finnie MSP, on securing the prompt containment of foot and mouth disease in Scotland, enabling this decision; and looks forward to the lifting of the ban in the rest of Scotland.

That this House welcomes the decision of the European Union Standing Veterinary Committee to lift the export ban on Scottish lamb and venison in most of Scotland; notes that this measure will be a welcome relief to the hard hit farmers of Scotland; congratulates the Scottish Rural Development Minister, Ross...