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2009-10
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2009-10 (18)
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My Lords, first, I associate myself and these Benches with the condolences that have been expressed to the families and friends of the soldiers of the 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment who were killed in action. Will the Minister confirm that these officers were carrying out government policy when they were serving? If not, why were they still allowed to serve?
My Lords, first, I associate myself and these Benches with the condolences that have been expressed to the families and friends of the soldiers of the 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment who were killed in action. Will the Minister confirm that these officers were carrying out government policy when they were serving? If not, why were they still allowed to serve?
Asked by
Lord Addington
(Liberal Democrat)
Oral questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
22 March 2010
I assume we are talking about the two officers who have retired. It is true that the DLO was required to make these savings. It was expected that efficiencies would be made as a result of restructuring the Defence Logistics Organisation, merging three organisations into one, so it was indeed a government policy for which the Government were responsible. We have commented elsewhere that we have to see whether our systems can be improved to make sure that financial pressures never come into safety decisions. Indeed, we have affirmed that we are putting safety first.
Subjects
Defence; Accidents; Expenditure; Peacekeeping operations; Afghanistan; Defence Logistics Organisation; Nimrod aircraft; Nimrod Review; Pledger, Malcolm; Cowan, Sam
Date
22 March 2010
Reference
718 c751
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
My Lords, does the Minister agree that no matter how we produce oil, there will always be some downsides? Bearing that in mind, does he agree that encouraging the use of public transport should be seen as the major answer to transport needs in future? Furthermore, if cars are to be needed for short journeys, considering the increase in the production of electric cars which has been announced, will he ensure that all new train station car parks can charge those cars?
My Lords, does the Minister agree that no matter how we produce oil, there will always be some downsides? Bearing that in mind, does he agree that encouraging the use of public transport should be seen as the major answer to transport needs in future? Furthermore, if cars are to be needed for short journeys, considering the increase in the production of electric cars which has been announced, will he ensure that all new train station car parks can charge those cars?
Asked by
Lord Addington
(Liberal Democrat)
Oral questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
18 March 2010
My Lords, the noble Lord makes an important point about electric car production. Today, we have announced that the Leaf will be produced in the north-east. That is a decisive step forward in making the United Kingdom a manufacturing base for plug-in hybrid and electric cars. We have also recently provided £30 million of funding for a plugged-in places initiative that will identify three significant regional centres for electric charging infrastructure: London, the north-east and Milton Keynes. I launched that scheme in London a few weeks ago in a supermarket car park, so we are taking very seriously the points that the noble Lord raises. It is important that, over time, we establish an electric charging infrastructure across the country that encourages people, including those who do not have off-street parking, to buy electric and hybrid cars.
Subjects
Biofuels; Forests; Production; Tree felling; Renewable transport fuel obligation
Date
18 March 2010
Reference
718 c668
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the success of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver in relation to their preparations for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London in 2012.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the success of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver in relation to their preparations for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London in 2012.
Asked by
Lord Addington
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Lord Davies of Oldham
(Labour)
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Procedure
Topical questions (HL)
For answer on
4 March 2010
Answered on
4 March 2010
My Lords, I am sure that the House will wish to join me in congratulating Amy Williams on her gold medal, and Vancouver on its organisation of an excellent event. Attending the Games was an invaluable opportunity for Ministers and officials to study Vancouver’s experience in staging an Olympic Games and, shortly, a Paralympic Games, to learn lessons for London 2012. In particular, Ministers and officials considered issues related to the Games’ operations, security, human trafficking and legacy.
Subjects
Canada; Olympic Games; Olympic Games 2012
Date
4 March 2010
Reference
717 c1553
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
I thank the Minister for that reply. Will he indicate the Government’s thinking about the role of parts of government in allowing the party atmosphere to function, which was so commented upon in Vancouver and is still going on? Do the Government have strategies in place for making sure that various tiers of government allow the party to take place and that it is not constantly stopped by the NIMBY aspect which says, "We should have a successful Olympics provided that it does not inconvenience me in any way, shape or form at any time"?
I thank the Minister for that reply. Will he indicate the Government’s thinking about the role of parts of government in allowing the party atmosphere to function, which was so commented upon in Vancouver and is still going on? Do the Government have strategies in place for making sure that various tiers of government allow the party to take place and that it is not constantly stopped by the NIMBY aspect which says, "We should have a successful Olympics provided that it does not inconvenience me in any way, shape or form at any time"?
Asked by
Lord Addington
(Liberal Democrat)
Oral questions - 1st Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
4 March 2010
These are important general considerations for the organisation of the Games. We are concerned that the Games are the London Games and predominantly take place in London, but we want the whole country to participate in and enjoy them. That is why we are placing great emphasis on preparation for the Games, the cultural dimension prior to them and the legacy after them. There is no doubt that Vancouver’s great success was its ability to canalize the enthusiasm of the Canadian nation for the Games. We need to do that for Britain in 2012.
Subjects
Canada; Olympic Games; Olympic Games 2012
Date
4 March 2010
Reference
717 c1553-4
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
My Lords, I associate these Benches with the condolences read out by the Minister at the start of his Answer. Can the Minister assure us that priority is given to any components needed by an ally in active service, so that they will go through quickly, and that we ensure that if we require something for our Armed Forces or to be used by one of our NATO allies on active service, that that is done with the minimum possible bureaucratic activity, whether online or on paper?
My Lords, I associate these Benches with the condolences read out by the Minister at the start of his Answer. Can the Minister assure us that priority is given to any components needed by an ally in active service, so that they will go through quickly, and that we ensure that if we require something for our Armed Forces or to be used by one of our NATO allies on active service, that that is done with the minimum possible bureaucratic activity, whether online or on paper?
Asked by
Lord Addington
(Liberal Democrat)
Oral questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
3 March 2010
I am very happy to give the noble Lord that assurance.
Subjects
Bureaucracy; Arms trade; Export controls; NATO countries
Date
3 March 2010
Reference
717 c1448
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
My Lords, would the Minister agree that amateur sports clubs provide the main driving force for adult sporting activity in this country? Bearing that in mind, would the Government agree that it is not enough to say that local authorities should give them support but that there should be positive action from the Government to try to withdraw as many burdens as possible? People do not join a sports club to become the secretary of the organisation; they join to take part.
My Lords, would the Minister agree that amateur sports clubs provide the main driving force for adult sporting activity in this country? Bearing that in mind, would the Government agree that it is not enough to say that local authorities should give them support but that there should be positive action from the Government to try to withdraw as many burdens as possible? People do not join a sports club to become the secretary of the organisation; they join to take part.
Asked by
Lord Addington
(Liberal Democrat)
Oral questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
2 March 2010
I agree with every sentiment the noble Lord expresses, except criticism of the Government. The noble Lord will know that through the Community Amateur Sports Club scheme, we have given enormous support from central resources to sports clubs, but sports clubs are local institutions dependent upon their local communities. Decisions taken locally have to be respected. I am sure the noble Lord is not suggesting that we should intervene across the whole of the country in every case where a sports club is in some difficulty. What we have got is a scheme that can give some help.
Subjects
Clubs; Voluntary organisations; Regulation; Sports
Date
2 March 2010
Reference
717 c1320-1
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
I thank the noble Lord for that Answer. Does he accept that the proposal from the organisation on 9 February that standard packages, which do not have an initial assessment, should be given to dyslexic students, who form 70 per cent of the student body, is a guarantee for not only giving the wrong type of package but for wasting a considerable amount of money? Is that organisation fit for purpose?
I thank the noble Lord for that Answer. Does he accept that the proposal from the organisation on 9 February that standard packages, which do not have an initial assessment, should be given to dyslexic students, who form 70 per cent of the student body, is a guarantee for not only giving the wrong type of package but for wasting a considerable amount of money? Is that organisation fit for purpose?
Asked by
Lord Addington
(Liberal Democrat)
Oral questions - 1st Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
25 February 2010
My Lords, I have said that the performance of the organisation is not good enough. That has been confirmed by the independent review. The Government have a good record in giving support to disabled students because we firmly believe that disability should not be a barrier for anyone trying to gain access to higher education. In 1997-98, 10,700 disabled students were offered £13.3 million in support. Provisional figures for the academic year 2008-09 show that more than 45,000 higher education students in England are in receipt of in excess of £100 million in support. That does not mean that the system is operating adequately for all disabled students. I will make sure that those in my department who are responsible for administering this look very carefully at what the noble Lord said and at the ways in which he believes we can remedy the situation and make a poor service better.
Subjects
Disability; Administration; Grants; Higher education; Dyslexia; Standards; Students; Student Loans Company; Disabled students' allowances
Date
25 February 2010
Reference
717 c1092
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what changes are going to be made to the administration of student disability allowance.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what changes are going to be made to the administration of student disability allowance.
Asked by
Lord Addington
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Lord Mandelson
(Labour)
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Procedure
Secretary of State's questions (HL)
For answer on
25 February 2010
Answered on
25 February 2010
My Lords, the Government provide generous financial support to disabled students in higher education, but I recognise that the first year of the centralised student finance service has not gone well. Following the recommendation from Professor Hopkin, who was commissioned to review the delivery of student support for 2009-10, the Student Loans Company is reviewing the service that it provides to disabled students, in consultation with relevant organisations and special interest groups.
Subjects
Disability; Administration; Grants; Higher education; Students; Student Loans Company; Disabled students' allowances
Date
25 February 2010
Reference
717 c1091-2
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
My Lords, I associate myself and Members on these Benches with the condolences just expressed by the Minister. Does she agree that it is imperative, when we are operating closely and in similar circumstances with our allies, that any information derived by our allies when testing equipment should immediately be made available to us, and that that should be reciprocated when we test equipment of our own?
My Lords, I associate myself and Members on these Benches with the condolences just expressed by the Minister. Does she agree that it is imperative, when we are operating closely and in similar circumstances with our allies, that any information derived by our allies when testing equipment should immediately be made available to us, and that that should be reciprocated when we test equipment of our own?
Asked by
Lord Addington
(Liberal Democrat)
Oral questions - 1st Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
22 February 2010
My Lords, a very comprehensive memorandum of understanding is in place between ourselves and the United States and, indeed, with other allies on counter-IED measures. It includes everything from intelligence to the equipment that can be used, although I would point out that equipment is only a small part of our defences against these particularly obnoxious devices. We do of course include our allies in terms of sharing information and we use the information that they give us, but often we are operating in somewhat different circumstances, so we cannot always bolt on what others may use. However, we take into account the experience and daily evidence that we can get from our allies.
Subjects
Disclosure of information; Defence equipment; Bomb disposal; Peacekeeping operations; USA; Afghanistan; ISAF; Improvised explosive devices
Date
22 February 2010
Reference
717 c807-8
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether British troops in Afghanistan have the same equipment for detecting improvised explosive devices as their NATO allies in the International Security Assistance Force.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether British troops in Afghanistan have the same equipment for detecting improvised explosive devices as their NATO allies in the International Security Assistance Force.
Asked by
Lord Addington
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Baroness Taylor of Bolton
(Labour)
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
For answer on
22 February 2010
Answered on
22 February 2010
My Lords, first, I am sure that the whole House will wish to join me in offering sincere condolences to the families and friends of Private Sean McDonald of 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, Corporal Johnathan Moore of 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, Warrant Officer Class 2 David Markland of 36 Engineer Regiment, Lance Corporal Darren Hicks of 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, Lance Sergeant David Greenhalgh of 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, Rifleman Mark Marshall of 6th Battalion The Rifles, Kingsman Sean Dawson of 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, Sapper Guy Mellors of 36 Engineer Regiment, Lieutenant Douglas Dalzell of 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards and Lance Sergeant David Walker of 1st Battalion Scots Guards, who were killed on operations recently in Afghanistan.
I turn now to the Question. For operational security reasons, I cannot comment in detail on the equipment used by UK Armed Forces and our allies to detect improvised explosive devices in Afghanistan. A range of technologically advanced equipment is in service, including metal detectors and explosive ordnance disposal robots, to ensure that our troops can operate.
Subjects
Defence equipment; Bomb disposal; Peacekeeping operations; Afghanistan; ISAF; Improvised explosive devices
Date
22 February 2010
Reference
717 c807
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
My Lords, will the Minister give us some idea about how this fits into other NHS priorities, as something like one-quarter of people in long-term stay in hospital tend to have dementia, or something related to it? How does this fit into the priority plans, and how do those plans all tie in together? If one scheme has pressure on it this week, another one will have it next week. How do the two fit together?
My Lords, will the Minister give us some idea about how this fits into other NHS priorities, as something like one-quarter of people in long-term stay in hospital tend to have dementia, or something related to it? How does this fit into the priority plans, and how do those plans all tie in together? If one scheme has pressure on it this week, another one will have it next week. How do the two fit together?
Asked by
Lord Addington
(Liberal Democrat)
Oral questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
18 January 2010
I think that the noble Lord is asking me how we deal with people with dementia, both in care and in hospital. The first points of our strategy are about keeping people out of hospital—that is the first thing—with early diagnosis, support for families and keeping people in their homes. Another major part of the strategy is to ensure that those who deliver services and care for people with dementia, both in social care and in hospitals, have the training that they need to ensure that they can recognise dementia and treat it in an appropriate way.
Subjects
Dementia; Health services; Finance; Social services
Date
18 January 2010
Reference
716 c775
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
My Lords, does the noble Lord agree that the case for the Challenge Cup final is odd in that Rugby League wants its position as free-to-air viewing reserved rather than, as is normally the case, the sporting body itself saying, "No, we will try to make as much money as we can out of this", to support its own internal programmes? Does he agree that we have something unique here and that it is not a run-of-the-mill example?
My Lords, does the noble Lord agree that the case for the Challenge Cup final is odd in that Rugby League wants its position as free-to-air viewing reserved rather than, as is normally the case, the sporting body itself saying, "No, we will try to make as much money as we can out of this", to support its own internal programmes? Does he agree that we have something unique here and that it is not a run-of-the-mill example?
Asked by
Lord Addington
(Liberal Democrat)
Oral questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
11 January 2010
The noble Lord makes an important point that the Rugby League lobby is different in those terms and shows its commitment to its sport. He will also know that the argument on the other side is that the extra resources that can be generated from competitive bids from television companies give sports the opportunity to develop their programmes for the enhancement of youngsters learning those sports.
Subjects
Television; Rugby (sport)
Date
11 January 2010
Reference
716 c286
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
To ask Her Majesty's Government why the administration of the disabled students' allowance was transferred from local authorities to the StudentLoans Company; and whether any difficulties were anticipated when that decision was made.
To ask Her Majesty's Government why the administration of the disabled students' allowance was transferred from local authorities to the StudentLoans Company; and whether any difficulties were anticipated when that decision was made.
Asked by
Lord Addington
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Lord Young of Norwood Green
(Labour)
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Answered on
15 December 2009
In 2005, a review of student finance delivery arrangements in England was carried out which took on board views from a wide range of stakeholders and customers. This was followed by independent appraisal and consultation with key stakeholders on the review recommendations. A key finding of the review was that, while some bad authorities were performing well, the level of service was variable. It was concluded that a step change could only be achieved by making a single organisation responsible for both the assessment and payment of HE students' grants and loans coupled with other process and technological improvements. That decision was announced in a Written Ministerial Statement on 3 July 2006.
The Student Loans Company (SLC) consulted a Targeted Support Stakeholder Panel about the design of processes for students with disabilities on 24 June 2008, 23 October 2008 and 8 June 2009, to scrutinise the SLC's plans, proposals and offer guidance and advice. Discussions at these meetings included an overview of the new student finance service and a summary of planned changes for 2009-10 academic cycle in addition to workshops focusing on key support requirements of targeted support applicants.
Subjects
Student Loans Company; Disabled students' allowances
Date
15 December 2009
Reference
467; 715 c201-2WA
House
House of Lords
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Student Loans Company has met its corporate objective 5 to deliver services "to budget, time and agreed quality standards" in respect of the administration of the disabled students' allowance.
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Student Loans Company has met its corporate objective 5 to deliver services "to budget, time and agreed quality standards" in respect of the administration of the disabled students' allowance.
Asked by
Lord Addington
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Lord Young of Norwood Green
(Labour)
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Answered on
15 December 2009
The corporate objectives referred to relate to performance measures set for the financial year 2008-09. Performance outturn is recorded in the Student Loan Company's (SLC) 2008-09 annual report, a copy of which is in the Libraries of both Houses and on SLC's website. Performance relating specifically to the administration of applications for disabled students' allowances cannot be separately identified.
Subjects
Standards; Student Loans Company; Disabled students' allowances
Date
15 December 2009
Reference
470; 715 c202WA
House
House of Lords
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Student Loans Company has met its corporate objective 3 "to provide a high quality service" in respect of the administration of the disabled students' allowance.
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Student Loans Company has met its corporate objective 3 "to provide a high quality service" in respect of the administration of the disabled students' allowance.
Asked by
Lord Addington
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Lord Young of Norwood Green
(Labour)
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Answered on
15 December 2009
The corporate objectives referred to relate to performance measures set for the financial year 2008-09. Performance outturn is recorded in the Student Loan Company's (SLC) 2008-09 annual report, a copy of which is in the Libraries of both Houses and on SLC's website. Performance relating specifically to the administration of applications for disabled students' allowances cannot be separately identified.
Subjects
Standards; Student Loans Company; Disabled students' allowances
Date
15 December 2009
Reference
469; 715 c202WA
House
House of Lords
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they held, or plan to hold, discussions with the Student Loans Company in 2009 over the future administration of applications for the disabled students' allowance.
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they held, or plan to hold, discussions with the Student Loans Company in 2009 over the future administration of applications for the disabled students' allowance.
Asked by
Lord Addington
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Lord Young of Norwood Green
(Labour)
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Answered on
14 December 2009
Ministers are in close and regular contact with the Student Loans Company about all aspects of their current and future administration of the student support system, including the disabled students' allowances.
Subjects
Student Loans Company; Disabled students' allowances
Date
14 December 2009
Reference
468; 715 c175WA
House
House of Lords
My Lords, having listened to the Minister’s answers, it is clear that he accepts the basic premise behind the Question. However, could he give us a rough timescale for when he thinks any scheme that is a protector of last resort will come into being?
My Lords, having listened to the Minister’s answers, it is clear that he accepts the basic premise behind the Question. However, could he give us a rough timescale for when he thinks any scheme that is a protector of last resort will come into being?
Asked by
Lord Addington
(Liberal Democrat)
Oral questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
30 November 2009
My Lords, I cannot give a precise timetable. We wish to move ahead and examine this quickly, by which I mean in a matter of weeks, rather than months. It is not only the bureau itself; there is merit also in having a tracing office to replace the current code of practice so that progress can be made on current and future policies, as well as the fund of last resort, which is—effectively—to look at policies from the past which cannot be traced.
Subjects
Insurance; Industrial accidents; Industrial diseases; Employers' liability
Date
30 November 2009
Reference
715 c588
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
Virtually all of us have received briefing that states that many members of the Defence Medical Services are thinking of leaving, often because they do not believe that they are being well enough paid. What is being done in practical terms to encourage those who are in the services to stay?
Virtually all of us have received briefing that states that many members of the Defence Medical Services are thinking of leaving, often because they do not believe that they are being well enough paid. What is being done in practical terms to encourage those who are in the services to stay?
Asked by
Lord Addington
(Liberal Democrat)
Oral questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
25 November 2009
My Lords, as I have said, significant retention items have come up for discussion in quite an imaginative way and I think that the situation is improving. What the House needs to remember is that those who serve on operations often gain significant experience, especially in field trauma, which would not be available elsewhere. That is valuable to them in their work and, indeed, valuable to their trusts when they return. The pinch points that we have had have been addressed. The pay review body tries to ensure that there is comparability with the National Health Service.
Subjects
Staff; Defence Medical Services
Date
25 November 2009
Reference
715 c359
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords