That this House believes 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; and urges the Government to commit funds to support the aims of the campaign.

That this House believes 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...

That this House notes the ending of co-disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste on 16th July; is concerned that there will be insufficient treatment capacity and an expected fall in the number of eligible merchant sites for disposal from over 200 to around 10, with no sites in Wales or the South East; notes that the majority of hazardous waste producers are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); is concerned that the Government has failed to precede these changes with a campaign to inform SMEs of new treatment standards for hazardous waste required from 16th July; notes the danger that, in seeking to reduce increased costs and without a full understanding of their obligations, SMEs might be drawn to using cheaper, unlicensed waste contractors who are likely to fly-tip; encourages waste management contractors actively to inform their customers of the regulatory changes, their responsibilities and opportunities to minimise the financial burden through hazardous waste minimisation; and calls upon the Government to rapidly roll out information and awareness raising programmes for SMEs, particularly focusing on business that will be affected by new entries in the European Waste Catalogue.

That this House notes the ending of co-disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste on 16th July; is concerned that there will be insufficient treatment capacity and an expected fall in the number of eligible merchant sites for disposal from over 200 to around 10, with no sites in Wales or...

That this House welcomes the launch of the Refugee Project and deplores the scapegoating of asylum seekers and refugees; believes that freedom of movement for all is a fundamental human right; welcomes voluntary migration but resolutely opposes forced migration; notes that the vast majority of refugees and asylum seekers are fleeing from conflict, or from social or economic oppression; recognises the role that UK overseas investment, particularly arms sales and large-scale infrastructure projects such as dams and oil pipelines, can play in forcing people to leave their homes and in supporting oppressive regimes; notes how further support for such regimes through the war on terror is effectively criminalising whole refugee communities; notes the subsidy that the British Government provides through the Export Credits Guarantee Department and the World Bank for many projects which result in forced migration; and urges the government to take action to prevent UK involvement in forced migration and its root causes.

That this House welcomes the launch of the Refugee Project and deplores the scapegoating of asylum seekers and refugees; believes that freedom of movement for all is a fundamental human right; welcomes voluntary migration but resolutely opposes forced migration; notes that the vast majority of refugees and asylum seekers are...

That this House warmly congratulates the Pre-school Learning Alliance, whose 100,000 pre-school staff provide childcare for some 500,000 children; takes note of the longstanding commitment of the pre-school movement to help children to succeed, to create the childcare that families need and to build learning communities; acknowledges the need to create a sustainable workforce within the childcare and early years sector; and calls on the Government to work with its partners to encourage more people to join the childcare and early years workforce, to recognise the valuable role of volunteers in the childcare workforce, to offer a variety of routes to qualifications to meet individuals' learning needs and personal circumstances within a national framework, to invest in providing basic skills training to enable those entering the profession to make the best of their skills and abilities and to work towards establishing an equitable pay structure to include all early years' professionals that recognises and rewards levels of qualification and responsibility.

That this House warmly congratulates the Pre-school Learning Alliance, whose 100,000 pre-school staff provide childcare for some 500,000 children; takes note of the longstanding commitment of the pre-school movement to help children to succeed, to create the childcare that families need and to build learning communities; acknowledges the need to...

That this House notes that 4th to 11th July is officially designated as Alzheimer's Awareness Week; notes that dementia currently affects 750,000 people in the UK and that Alzheimer's disease is the most common form; further notes that Alzheimer's disease is a chronic, progressive, degenerative and distressing disease for which there is no cure; welcomes the contribution of the Alzheimer's Society, carers, doctors, nurses and families in the care of Alzheimer's disease patients; notes that 75 per cent. of the costs associated with Alzheimer's disease arise from the advanced stages of the disease; welcomes the report 'Improving Care for Advanced Stages of Alzheimer's Disease', produced by an independent expert medical panel; and calls on the Government to implement the recommendations of the report to ensure the effective treatment and management of advanced Alzheimer's disease.

That this House notes that 4th to 11th July is officially designated as Alzheimer's Awareness Week; notes that dementia currently affects 750,000 people in the UK and that Alzheimer's disease is the most common form; further notes that Alzheimer's disease is a chronic, progressive, degenerative and distressing disease for which...

That this House is concerned that 125,000 people die each year from coronary heart disease (CHD); notes that raised cholesterol is responsible for more than half of those deaths; further notes that 130,000 people suffer a stroke each year and that for those with diabetes or who are obese cholesterol greatly increases the risk of stroke or CHD; further notes that seven out of 10 UK adults have unhealthy levels of cholesterol and that a recent survey found that only five per cent. of the public are aware that cholesterol is a risk factor for cardio-vascular disease; welcomes the efforts of Cholesterol UK and The Stroke Association in raising awareness that everyone can benefit from reducing their cholesterol regardless of its level; supports the need for clear diet and lifestyle information for the public so that the public is better informed and able to manage its own health; recognises that whilst the Government has implemented plans for smoking cessation and to tackle obesity it has not done so for cholesterol awareness; and urges the Government to include a national cholesterol awareness campaign as a priority in the forthcoming White Paper on public health so that cholesterol is properly recognised as a cause of avoidable death.

That this House is concerned that 125,000 people die each year from coronary heart disease (CHD); notes that raised cholesterol is responsible for more than half of those deaths; further notes that 130,000 people suffer a stroke each year and that for those with diabetes or who are obese cholesterol...

That this House notes that the Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive and the Medicinal Products for Human Use Directive have recently been passed into European law; believes that these Directives and the Food Supplements Directive together place unnecessary restrictions upon the choice exercised by British consumers of vitamins and minerals; further believes that many restrictions are for the sake of European harmonisation rather than public safety; notes the misgivings of the British food supplements industry over the prohibitive costs of compiling complex dossiers defending their products from bans, which have been estimated by the Government to be between ??80,000 and ??250,000 per product; further notes that the Government must now translate the directives into British law by producing new legislation; and calls on the Government when framing domestic legislation to address the concerns of consumers who continue to use food supplements safely and manufacturers who fear debilitating restrictions placed upon their business.

That this House notes that the Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive and the Medicinal Products for Human Use Directive have recently been passed into European law; believes that these Directives and the Food Supplements Directive together place unnecessary restrictions upon the choice exercised by British consumers of vitamins and minerals;...

That this House notes that Joseph Scholes was a 16 year old boy who hanged himself in Stoke Heath Young Offenders Institution on 24th March 2002 just nine days into a two year sentence; further notes despite being recognised by all concerned as a deeply disturbed child he was allocated to Prison Service accommodation without the standards of care needed for such a vulnerable child; further notes that the number of children sent to prison has doubled in the last 10 years, with increasingly younger children being given custody, and that concern has been expressed by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child and the Joint Committee on Human Rights on the practice of sentencing children to custody; further notes that, since 1990, 25 children have taken their own lives in prisons and that Yvonne Scholes, Joseph's mother has, together with INQUEST and Nacro and supported by key penal and children's rights organisations and charities as well as honourable Members and Members of the House of Lords, called for a public inquiry; further notes that the Coroner, as part of his public duty to prevent the recurrence of fatalities, reported to the Home Secretary following the inquest into Joseph's death that there should be a public inquiry; and therefore calls upon the Government to set up a comprehensive public inquiry to deal with the many issues concerning Joseph's death so that lessons can be learnt about the treatment of children in the criminal justice system.

That this House notes that Joseph Scholes was a 16 year old boy who hanged himself in Stoke Heath Young Offenders Institution on 24th March 2002 just nine days into a two year sentence; further notes despite being recognised by all concerned as a deeply disturbed child he was allocated...

That this House expresses concern that the human rights of many of the 2,500 children and young people, as well as 8,500 18 to 21 year olds currently held in custody, are being violated; therefore welcomes Community Care Magazine's Back on Track Campaign and its demands for an immediate end to the practice of remanding children and young people in adult prisons, an end to the degrading and humiliating practice of strip searching and the inappropriate use of control and restraint, an increase in the provision of services for children and young people who need treatment for mental health problems on substance abuse; and supports Community Care's calls for the Government to ensure that resources allocated to provide access to social workers in young offenders institutions are being properly administered and to ensure that no young people assessed 'as vulnerable' are sent to young offenders institutions and are instead placed in secure training centres or local authority secure children's homes, or, if places are unavailable that their sentences be deferred.

That this House expresses concern that the human rights of many of the 2,500 children and young people, as well as 8,500 18 to 21 year olds currently held in custody, are being violated; therefore welcomes Community Care Magazine's Back on Track Campaign and its demands for an immediate end...

That this House welcomes Myeloma Awareness Week (UK) being held from 21st to 28th June 2004, aimed at raising awareness of multiple myeloma, a cancer of the bone marrow that affects over 14,000 people in the United Kingdom and over 3,500 people are diagnosed with each year; notes that the symptoms of myeloma include severe bone pain, frequent pathological fractures, excessive tiredness, bruising and a variety of neurological symptoms and that there is currently no cure for the disease; recognises that the International Myeloma Foundation (UK) is a registered charity dedicated to informing and supporting those affected by myeloma and improving treatments and standards of care through education and research; welcomes a new and innovative project called Bank on a Cure, at the Royal Marsden Hospital, which is designed to collect DNA from patients to allow doctors in the future to be able to target treatment for myeloma patients based on their genetic make up and prevent side effects; and calls on the Government to do more to provide timely access to new novel drugs, particularly those indicated for current unmet clinical need and to provide funding and resources for clinical trials as these are the best way to provide evidence on new drugs.

That this House welcomes Myeloma Awareness Week (UK) being held from 21st to 28th June 2004, aimed at raising awareness of multiple myeloma, a cancer of the bone marrow that affects over 14,000 people in the United Kingdom and over 3,500 people are diagnosed with each year; notes that the...

That this House condemns the current use of highly toxic chemicals in Disney's children's pyjamas; further notes how laboratory tests show that they contain extremely dangerous chemicals, including nonylphenal which may damage human DNA, and phthalates which can damage the liver, kidney and testicles; is concerned that the Government has so far proved a stumbling block to implementing the environmentally safer REACH legislation by signing a letter with France and Germany regarding fears that the legislation would damage the economic interests of the chemical market; and calls upon the Government to support a simple change to the REACH legislation, that when substances are identified as of very high concern and if there is a safer alternative, the substitution of this alternative must become a legal requirement.

That this House condemns the current use of highly toxic chemicals in Disney's children's pyjamas; further notes how laboratory tests show that they contain extremely dangerous chemicals, including nonylphenal which may damage human DNA, and phthalates which can damage the liver, kidney and testicles; is concerned that the Government has...

That this House expresses concern that people with a learning disability do not have the same access to good quality healthcare as non-disabled people, but have greater health needs and, as a consequence, have poorer health and shorter lives; welcomes the launch of Mencap's Treat Me Right! campaign which demands a better deal for all people with a learning disability using healthcare services; calls on everyone within the health service to recognise that people with a learning disability have an equal right to high quality health services; and urges Her Majesty's Government and the NHS to implement the recommendations of the Treat Me Right! report, including annual checks for people with a learning disability, appropriate disability equality training for all healthcare professionals, and full compliance by the NHS with both the Disability Discrimination Act and its legal duty of care to all patients including those with a learning disability.

That this House expresses concern that people with a learning disability do not have the same access to good quality healthcare as non-disabled people, but have greater health needs and, as a consequence, have poorer health and shorter lives; welcomes the launch of Mencap's Treat Me Right! campaign which demands...

That this House welcomes the campaign by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds to save the albatross across the globe; congratulates the UK Government on its ratification of the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP); notes that the UK's Overseas Territory of Tristan da Cunha, which has a key area for albatross conservation in its waters, has yet to rectify the agreement, and urges the UK Government to press Tristan da Cunha to ratify it; understands that there are only 9,000 Tristan albatrosses left and that spectacled petrels breed only on Tristan, on which the world population of less than 10,000 birds is confined; is concerned that with about 700 such albatrosses killed annually by long line fisheries off the Brazilian coast, this species is now classed as critically endangered by the IUCN (World Conservation Union); fears that long line fishing poses the greatest single threat to albatrosses, with more than 100,000 dying on baited hooks around the world each year, threatening with extinction all 21 species of albatross and six species of petrel; and welcomes the implementation of conservation measures by ACAP signatory states to protect the sailor's friend.

That this House welcomes the campaign by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds to save the albatross across the globe; congratulates the UK Government on its ratification of the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP); notes that the UK's Overseas Territory of Tristan da Cunha,...

That this House notes that it is one year since the Secretary of State for Transport asked the Strategic Rail Authority and the industry to work together to develop a national discount rail card; and that, a year on, this House and the travelling public are still waiting for the development of such a product which could do so much to encourage regular use of rail; further notes that this is despite support from a coalition of 25 major national non-governmental organisations in the Way to Go campaign and from honourable Members who have signed no fewer than three early day motions in support of a national railcard; calls on the rail industry to introduce such a card at the earliest possible opportunity; and urges the Secretary of State to ensure that the current Rail Review creates a structure that will take a more passenger-focused approach and will make the introduction of a national railcard an immediate priority.

That this House notes that it is one year since the Secretary of State for Transport asked the Strategic Rail Authority and the industry to work together to develop a national discount rail card; and that, a year on, this House and the travelling public are still waiting for the...

That this House deplores the activity of trophy hunting endangered animals; notes that, for the Government to issue import licences for trophies from animals listed in Appendix 1 of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), it must be satisfied that the profits from trophy hunting are used for the purposes of conservation of the endangered species; further notes that a recent League Against Cruel Sports investigation exposed a UK travel firm admitting that 90 per cent. of the trophy fees paid by the UK hunters do not go to conservation efforts; and calls on the Government to suspend all imports of hunting trophies from CITES Appendix I listed species including the cheetah, leopard and rhinoceros.

That this House deplores the activity of trophy hunting endangered animals; notes that, for the Government to issue import licences for trophies from animals listed in Appendix 1 of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), it must be satisfied that the profits from trophy hunting are used...

That this House is alarmed to learn that Sudan, the largest country in Africa, already badly affected by over two decades of civil unrest which has caused the deaths of at least two million of its people by fighting, or as a direct result of war-induced famine, should yet again be subjected to recent escalating levels of violence because of a complex web of conflicts involving rebel forces, the Sudanese Government and government-backed militias, which have, since February 2003, left an estimated 30,000 dead, 1.2 million people internally displaced and a further 120,000 more having to flee for their lives across the border into Chad; and calls upon Her Majesty's Government urgently to work with all the UK's international partners to take whatever steps necessary to end the misery, loss and despair felt by the vast majority of innocent Sudanese citizens.

That this House is alarmed to learn that Sudan, the largest country in Africa, already badly affected by over two decades of civil unrest which has caused the deaths of at least two million of its people by fighting, or as a direct result of war-induced famine, should yet again...

That his House welcomes the new All Party Parliamentary Group on Equalities; notes the considerable progress made by the Government in this area, including its intention to establish a single Commission for Equality and Human Rights; regrets that UK equality legislation is not consistent across the strands of discrimination and is thus unnecessarily complex whilst failing to protect all sectors equally; is concerned that this patchwork of law will undermine the new Commission's ability to enforce and promote equality; and calls on the Government to take the opportunity to simplify, harmonise and extend equality law when it legislates to set up the new Commission.

That his House welcomes the new All Party Parliamentary Group on Equalities; notes the considerable progress made by the Government in this area, including its intention to establish a single Commission for Equality and Human Rights; regrets that UK equality legislation is not consistent across the strands of discrimination and...

That this House congratulates The Royal Society of Chemistry on holding its Parliamentary Links Day at the House on Tuesday 22nd June and on its continuing commitment to serve the public interest by seeking to improve the access to all honourable Members to scientific information and a better understanding of science; notes that among those contributing to this year's event are senior figures drawn from all the core science disciplines and from engineering including Professor Julia Goodfellow of the Institute of Biology, Lord Broers of the Royal Academy of Engineering, Dr Peter Cotgreave from Save British Science, Dr Julia King from the Institute of Physics, and Dr Simon Campbell from the Royal Society of Chemistry; notes that Parliamentary Links Day is now an established and respected event on the annual parliamentary calendar; applauds the co-operative involvement in this event of the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Institute of Physics, the Institute of Biology and its affiliated bodies, and many other organisations within the science and engineering community; further notes that the Royal Society of Chemistry's pioneering Parliamentary Link Scheme, which pairs scientists with the honourable Members in whose constituencies they live and provides honourable information and briefing on science, is open to Right honourable and honourable Members on all sides of the House; welcomes the expertise and assistance that the scientific community can give to Parliament; and welcomes the continuing contribution that Parliamentary Links Day makes to strengthening the dialogue between Parliament and the science and engineering community on scientific and technological issues.

That this House congratulates The Royal Society of Chemistry on holding its Parliamentary Links Day at the House on Tuesday 22nd June and on its continuing commitment to serve the public interest by seeking to improve the access to all honourable Members to scientific information and a better understanding of...

That this House is disappointed by the residential energy efficiency aim set by the Government to achieve 4.2 megatonnes of carbon (MtC) savings by 2010 rather than the 5 MtC savings by 2010 envisaged by the Energy White Paper, particularly as 338 honourable Members have supported the 5 MtC figure by signing EDM 96, and because the lower figure will make it more difficult to achieve fuel poverty targets and environmental targets for the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions; and therefore calls upon the Government to implement urgently those measures already identified in the Energy Efficiency Implementation Plan and to consider introducing additional measures in this year's Comprehensive Spending Review.

That this House is disappointed by the residential energy efficiency aim set by the Government to achieve 4.2 megatonnes of carbon (MtC) savings by 2010 rather than the 5 MtC savings by 2010 envisaged by the Energy White Paper, particularly as 338 honourable Members have supported the 5 MtC figure...

That this House notes the Chancellor's announcement of the New Deal for Skills; welcomes the proposed relaxation of restrictions on those who are aged 19, studying full-time for a Level 2 or 3 qualification, and already claiming benefits; notes, however, that the 16-hour housing benefit rule will still penalise many thousands of young homeless people wishing to return to study; and supports the Foyer Federation's call for the removal of the 16-hour rule.

That this House notes the Chancellor's announcement of the New Deal for Skills; welcomes the proposed relaxation of restrictions on those who are aged 19, studying full-time for a Level 2 or 3 qualification, and already claiming benefits; notes, however, that the 16-hour housing benefit rule will still penalise many...

That this House notes that 24 million adults in the UK are now obese or overweight; recognises that sedentary lifestyles cost the economy ??8.2 billion per year and cause a variety of health problems including coronary heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer and depression; welcomes the Chief Medical Officer's report recommending that adults should be active at least five times a week; further welcomes the launch of Everyday Sport, Sport England's pilot marketing campaign in the North East of England to increase awareness of the benefits of participation in sport and physical activity; and calls on all honourable Members to lend their full support to the campaign by being physically active themselves.

That this House notes that 24 million adults in the UK are now obese or overweight; recognises that sedentary lifestyles cost the economy ??8.2 billion per year and cause a variety of health problems including coronary heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer and depression; welcomes the Chief Medical Officer's...

That this House notes the third National Men's Health Week on Men and Cancer co-ordinated by the Men's Health Forum; notes that one in three men will be diagnosed with cancer and welcomes the Forum's briefing paper, Men and Cancer, reporting that action is urgently required across a range of cancers where men's lifestyles and reluctance to seek help take their toll; welcomes the call for the development of innovative and targeted work with men and for gender-specific health policies; and urges primary care trusts to adopt the document's action plan which includes setting cancer targets for men and establishing services such as MOT health checks for men in workplaces, social clubs and sports venues.

That this House notes the third National Men's Health Week on Men and Cancer co-ordinated by the Men's Health Forum; notes that one in three men will be diagnosed with cancer and welcomes the Forum's briefing paper, Men and Cancer, reporting that action is urgently required across a range of...

That this House expresses its deep concern at allegations of cheating and stealing votes in the all-postal vote pilot areas; believes that if the Electoral Commission find the election to be seriously contaminated the Government should reverse the decision already taken to have all-postal voting in the forthcoming referendums on regional assemblies; further believes that all postal voting is more open to fraud than secret voting in a polling station and, with that in mind, urges the Government to consider other ways of boosting turnout at elections by, for example, declaring polling day a public holiday or having voting at weekends with voters being rewarded in some way by the State for participating in the election.

That this House expresses its deep concern at allegations of cheating and stealing votes in the all-postal vote pilot areas; believes that if the Electoral Commission find the election to be seriously contaminated the Government should reverse the decision already taken to have all-postal voting in the forthcoming referendums on...

That this House welcomes the Action for Blind People and the Royal National Institute for the Blind campaign report, Beyond the stereotypes: Blind and partially sighted people and work; expresses concern at the report's findings that only one in four blind and partially sighted people of working age are actually in work (unchanged from ten years ago), and that interventions designed to assist disabled people into work are generally not supporting blind and partially sighted people; is disappointed that nine out of ten employers believe that blind and partially sighted people are either 'difficult' or 'impossible' to employ and that only three per cent. of small businesses are aware of the October extension of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995; and calls on the Government to ensure that all employment services and programmes take account of the specific needs of blind and partially sighted people, to promote the Access to Work scheme amongst employers, to increase the resources available to cope with the increased demand resulting from the extension of the Act in October and to promote greater awareness amongst employers of their new duties and responsibilities under the Act.

That this House welcomes the Action for Blind People and the Royal National Institute for the Blind campaign report, Beyond the stereotypes: Blind and partially sighted people and work; expresses concern at the report's findings that only one in four blind and partially sighted people of working age are actually...

That this House is alarmed about reports that the Home Office is proposing to remove from train drivers involved in witnessing suicides and/or trespass deaths, their right to claim compensation under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme; believes such a move to be wrong and misguided as it flies in the face of previous rulings that found railway suicides to be special cases; and further believes that it fails to grasp the levels and effects of trauma and despair suffered by those innocent drivers unfortunately involved.

That this House is alarmed about reports that the Home Office is proposing to remove from train drivers involved in witnessing suicides and/or trespass deaths, their right to claim compensation under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme; believes such a move to be wrong and misguided as it flies in the...

That this House is alarmed that an estimated 18 million people in Britain suffer allergies, many of which are severe and complex; is shocked that specialist doctors dealing with this major health problem are currently insufficient for needs, causing patients to make long journeys and delays for their treatment; and calls upon the Government to recognise the seriousness of the present unacceptable situation and to take immediate action to invest in future treatment for sufferers.

That this House is alarmed that an estimated 18 million people in Britain suffer allergies, many of which are severe and complex; is shocked that specialist doctors dealing with this major health problem are currently insufficient for needs, causing patients to make long journeys and delays for their treatment; and...

That this House congratulates all those involved in organising and supporting events during this year's Carers Week from 14th to 20th June; applauds the Lanarkshire Carers Centre in Hamilton for their running of carers' pampering, a carers' quiz night and a carers' barbeque as part of Carers' Week; notes the contribution made in Scotland and the rest of the UK by the estimated seven million people caring for partners, relatives or friends; further notes that only a quarter of carers have had their needs properly assessed; recognises the particular commitment of the 15 per cent. of carers caring for more than 50 hours a week; further recognises that the invaluable unpaid work of carers would cost ??57 billion annually to replace; welcomes the launch of the Parents' and Carers' Coalition by the Equal Opportunities Commission; calls on the Government to respond to the proposals made by the Coalition; further calls on the Government to actively consider what additional financial and other support can be given to carers; and urges the Government to increase carers' allowance to the level of the full basic state pension.

That this House congratulates all those involved in organising and supporting events during this year's Carers Week from 14th to 20th June; applauds the Lanarkshire Carers Centre in Hamilton for their running of carers' pampering, a carers' quiz night and a carers' barbeque as part of Carers' Week; notes the...

That this House notes the publication of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister Select Committee report which calls into question the Government's strategy on meeting the Decent Homes Target; further notes the report is supported by the Local Government Association, UNISON, ASPE and the Local Government Information Unit; shares the concerns expressed in critical reports by the Public Accounts Committee and the National Audit Office on the cost effectiveness of stock transfer; welcomes the Committee's recommendation that there should be a level playing field in the local authority stock options appraisal process, which currently incentivises stock transfer, PFI schemes or arms length management organisations; believes that the Government should make adequate funding arrangements for repairs and maintenance where tenants vote for their local authority to retain the housing stock; and urges the Government to provide an investment allowance as a revenue stream that can be used to finance borrowing using local authority's new right to borrow under the prudential framework.

That this House notes the publication of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister Select Committee report which calls into question the Government's strategy on meeting the Decent Homes Target; further notes the report is supported by the Local Government Association, UNISON, ASPE and the Local Government Information Unit; shares...

That this House is concerned to note that the renowned nonagenarian runner, Mr Fauja Singh, who completed this year's London Marathon, was refused entry to a consequent ceremony at the British Airways London Eye when he understandably refused to remove his kirpan, the ceremonial knife carried by all practising Sikhs, because the operators of the London Eye regard a kirpan as a weapon, and thus a security hazard, despite the fact that the Offensive Weapons Act 1996, the Crime Act 1951 and the Criminal Justice Act 1988, all exempt, albeit on public rather than private property, items which have religious significance; and urges those operators to work with the Sikh community to draw up suitable guidelines, similar to those long since adopted in Wolverhampton schools, allowing kirpans to be carried by Sikhs when travelling on the London Eye.

That this House is concerned to note that the renowned nonagenarian runner, Mr Fauja Singh, who completed this year's London Marathon, was refused entry to a consequent ceremony at the British Airways London Eye when he understandably refused to remove his kirpan, the ceremonial knife carried by all practising Sikhs,...

That this House notes that the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has upheld a complaint by the League Against Cruel Sports against the Countryside Alliance claim that 59 per cent. of people say keep hunting; notes that the ASA has criticised this claim as misleading; further notes that the Market Research Society has accepted a similar complaint and criticised the Countryside Alliance's polling company, NOP, for unprofessional conduct and for bringing discredit onto the market research profession; believes instead the recent MORI poll that 76 per cent. of the British public think that hunting should be illegal; and looks forward to the rapid reintroduction of the Hunting Bill so that hunting with dogs can be banned.

That this House notes that the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has upheld a complaint by the League Against Cruel Sports against the Countryside Alliance claim that 59 per cent. of people say keep hunting; notes that the ASA has criticised this claim as misleading; further notes that the Market Research...

That this House supports the British Lung Foundation's call for increased access to pulmonary rehabilitation for people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); regrets that an estimated 2.5 million people in the UK suffer from COPD; further regrets that only approximately 1.7 per cent. of the total patients diagnosed with COPD have access to pulmonary rehabilitation; congratulates the hundreds of people who will support Breath Easy Week by taking to the streets across the UK on 13th June to raise awareness of lung conditions and to call for increased availability of pulmonary rehabilitation; and urges the Government to ensure this highly beneficial treatment is available to all who could benefit from it.

That this House supports the British Lung Foundation's call for increased access to pulmonary rehabilitation for people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); regrets that an estimated 2.5 million people in the UK suffer from COPD; further regrets that only approximately 1.7 per cent. of the total patients diagnosed...

That this House congratulates New York State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer on his decision to sue the pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline for alleged repeated and persistent fraud by suppressing the results of studies that showed the anti-depressant Seroxat is no more effective, or less effective, than a placebo in treating depression in young people and that the incidence of suicidal tendencies doubled among users in three of the trials; notes in one trial 6.5 per cent. of the sample taking Seroxat developed suicidal tendencies compared to 1.1 per cent. in the placebo group; is shocked to learn that the results were suppressed because GlaxoSmithKline decided that admitting that the drug did not work in children would be commercially unacceptable... as this would undermine the profile of Seroxat; and calls for early action here to conclude the delayed Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency investigation into Seroxat.

That this House congratulates New York State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer on his decision to sue the pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline for alleged repeated and persistent fraud by suppressing the results of studies that showed the anti-depressant Seroxat is no more effective, or less effective, than a placebo in treating depression...

That this House congratulates the Chinese Government and the Central Government Administration for Wildlife Protection on their progress towards ending the terrible practice of bile extraction from captive bears; notes that this practice involves the regular infliction of excruciating pain on bears kept permanently restricted in tiny cages which deny any movement and which result in crippling deformity and dementia; further notes that the medicinal properties of bear bile may now be replicated and improved by modern medicines; and urges Her Majesty's Government to take whatever measures it can to support the enlightened work of the Chinese authorities and charity associations such as Animals Asia Foundation who work for the end of this cruel farming practice and have, to date, succeeded in the rescuing and rehabilitation of 137 bears that have been released.

That this House congratulates the Chinese Government and the Central Government Administration for Wildlife Protection on their progress towards ending the terrible practice of bile extraction from captive bears; notes that this practice involves the regular infliction of excruciating pain on bears kept permanently restricted in tiny cages which deny...

That this House notes that when not at war the Ministry of Defence does not provide the free parcel service to forces personnel and has therefore withdrawn the service to Iraq; notes that Iraq has the largest operational deployment of British troops anywhere in the world at present and that personnel are still under constant fire; is concerned that the risk to forces personnel has increased, not diminished, since the war was declared over; and therefore urges the Government to reinstate the free postal service for families sending parcels to personnel serving and supporting operations in Iraq.

That this House notes that when not at war the Ministry of Defence does not provide the free parcel service to forces personnel and has therefore withdrawn the service to Iraq; notes that Iraq has the largest operational deployment of British troops anywhere in the world at present and that...

That this House notes with great pleasure the return of Pakistan to membership of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA); warmly congratulates the actions of the President of Pakistan and his ministers that have led to Pakistan's return and fully believes that Pakistan will very quickly become fully involved in the many roles performed by the CPA; and hopes in the near future the United Kingdom branch of the CPA will extend an invitation to the Pakistan branch of the CPA to send a parliamentary delegation to visit the United Kingdom,

That this House notes with great pleasure the return of Pakistan to membership of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA); warmly congratulates the actions of the President of Pakistan and his ministers that have led to Pakistan's return and fully believes that Pakistan will very quickly become fully involved in the...

That this House notes that it is now a year since the massacre of up to 100 democracy activists and the arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi; believes that the regime's so-called road map to democracy is a sham and that there is no meaningful process inside Burma to bring about democracy; supports the decision of Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy to boycott the National Convention; agrees with the Foreign Secretary's statement on 25th June 2003 that the regime responds only to direct pressure; and calls on the Government to deliver on its pledge in June 2003 that it would increase sanctions on the regime if there was not rapid progress to restore democracy.

That this House notes that it is now a year since the massacre of up to 100 democracy activists and the arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi; believes that the regime's so-called road map to democracy is a sham and that there is no meaningful process inside Burma to bring...

That this House expresses grave concerns that the Israeli Government is due to renew the Citizenship and Family Unification Law in July; notes that the law clearly discriminates against Israeli citizens of Palestinian origin and their spouses by denying Israeli citizenship or residency status to spouses of Israeli citizens who are residents of the West Bank or Gaza; notes, however, that the Bill does not affect marriages between Israeli citizens and other foreign spouses or Jewish settlers in the Occupied Territories; notes that according to Israeli Government statistics, over 21,000 couples are currently affected by this legislation, both newly-weds, and couples married for years whose resident permit requests are still pending; notes that spouses are subject to deportation for failing to comply with the law; thereby notes that this law permits discrimination on grounds of ethnicity and national origin and clearly violates international human rights law, treaties and domestic laws which Israel has ratified to uphold; and calls on the British Government to raise the issue with Israel and express concerns that such discriminatory laws will only exacerbate existing tensions and will be detrimental to peace efforts.

That this House expresses grave concerns that the Israeli Government is due to renew the Citizenship and Family Unification Law in July; notes that the law clearly discriminates against Israeli citizens of Palestinian origin and their spouses by denying Israeli citizenship or residency status to spouses of Israeli citizens who...

That this House congratulateds Jane Tomlinson and her brother Luke, on the completion of their sponsored cycle ride from Rome to Leeds, raising thousands of pounds for cancer research; further notes that Jane, herself diagnosed with cancer, has not only fought against severe pain to complete this challenge, but also this year ran the London Marathon; and believes that such courage and determination will bring hope to many who face the uncertainty and anguish that cancer causes.

That this House congratulateds Jane Tomlinson and her brother Luke, on the completion of their sponsored cycle ride from Rome to Leeds, raising thousands of pounds for cancer research; further notes that Jane, herself diagnosed with cancer, has not only fought against severe pain to complete this challenge, but also...

That this House expresses disappointment at the Electoral Commission's recommendation that the voting age remain at 18 years, believing that this sends out a message to young people that their views are not taken seriously; notes that two thirds of the responses to the Commission's consultation supported lowering the voting age to 16 years; recognises that at 16 and 17 years, young people's lives are as rich and varied as at any other age, that they have considerable responsibilities, and routinely make complex decisions; believes that the Electoral Commission's report is out of line with the lives of young people today; and calls upon the government to reject the Commission's support for the status quo, and undertake speedy reform to give 16 and 17 year olds the right to vote in all public elections.

That this House expresses disappointment at the Electoral Commission's recommendation that the voting age remain at 18 years, believing that this sends out a message to young people that their views are not taken seriously; notes that two thirds of the responses to the Commission's consultation supported lowering the voting...

That this House warmly congratulates the oldest national mental health charity Maca on its 125 years of providing community-based services to adults with a mental illness; commends the pioneering vision of Maca's founder Rev Henry Hawkins in identifying and articulating the need of people leaving institutional care to be given support in the community to assist their rehabilitation into society, a vision which remains as relevant today as it was in 1879; supports Hawkins' vision that people with a mental illness should be able to enjoy life's everyday ordinary associations; salutes the work of Maca's 850 staff in providing innovative services to adults with all types of mental health problems; recognises the role Maca plays in combating stigma and discrimination amongst the public; applauds Maca for viewing its clients as whole people and for actively seeking their views to inform how services are delivered; and looks forward to Maca taking forward its vision of mental health service delivery, which has at its core the right to autonomy of people with mental health needs.

That this House warmly congratulates the oldest national mental health charity Maca on its 125 years of providing community-based services to adults with a mental illness; commends the pioneering vision of Maca's founder Rev Henry Hawkins in identifying and articulating the need of people leaving institutional care to be given...

That this House notes that the overwhelmingly majority of medical studies have shown that passive smoking is severely detrimental to human health; further notes that, according to a recent Imperial College London study, one person working in the hospitality industry is killed every week by the effects of passive smoking and that according to other studies, smoking is the cause of 32,000 deaths from lung cancer and 11,000 from other cancers every year; further notes that the Department of Health has initiated a major consultation exercise on smoking in public places that will form part of a White Paper later this year and that the Welsh Assembly is beginning a similar consultation; rejects the notion that a ban on smoking in public places would be illiberal and believes that a ban would act as an encouragement for heavy smokers to kick the habit; and calls upon Her Majesty's Government to introduce legislation to ban the smoking of tobacco in public places forthwith.

That this House notes that the overwhelmingly majority of medical studies have shown that passive smoking is severely detrimental to human health; further notes that, according to a recent Imperial College London study, one person working in the hospitality industry is killed every week by the effects of passive smoking...

That this House supports the recommendation of the International Development Select Committee's Second Report of Session 2003-04 that Israel's preferential terms of trade with the EU should be suspended until Israel lifts the movement restrictions placed on Palestinian trade; notes that the EU-Israel Association Agreement is an extensive free trade agreement which includes the liberalisation of goods and services, the free movement of capital, rules on competition, economic and social co-operation, political dialogue and cultural co-operation and came into force on 1st June 2000; further notes that Israel has long been in violation of the aspect of the agreement which states that relations between the parties, as well as all the provisions of the agreement itself, shall be based on respect for human rights in relation to their internal and international policy; is concerned that Israel's restrictions on the movement of Palestinian goods, its destruction of Palestinian infrastructure and its total control of the Occupied Palestinian Territory's borders are denying Palestinian exporters access to EU markets; recognises that EU exports to Israel, which are greater in value than EU imports from Israel, might suffer retaliatory action; but shares the view of the International Development Select Committee that the EU's short-term economic self-interest with one trading partner should not take precedence over a direct challenge to its trade policy in the region and its trade obligations to the Palestinian Authority; and therefore urges the United Kingdom Government to propose the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement to the EU Council of Trade Ministers.

That this House supports the recommendation of the International Development Select Committee's Second Report of Session 2003-04 that Israel's preferential terms of trade with the EU should be suspended until Israel lifts the movement restrictions placed on Palestinian trade; notes that the EU-Israel Association Agreement is an extensive free trade...

That this House recognises the work of SCOPE, Disability Awareness In Action and DEMOS in researching and publishing their report on disablism, How to Tackle the Last Prejudice; welcomes the conference to launch the Time to Get Equal campaign held in London on 25th May; and calls on the Government to recognise the widespread existence of disablism in public and private life in the UK and take firm and practical action through instructions to Government departments and through legislation to ensure that people with disabilities do get equal and to assist in the fightback against disablism.

That this House recognises the work of SCOPE, Disability Awareness In Action and DEMOS in researching and publishing their report on disablism, How to Tackle the Last Prejudice; welcomes the conference to launch the Time to Get Equal campaign held in London on 25th May; and calls on the Government...

That this House recognises the courage displayed by Lieutenant-Colonel Paddy Mayne from Newtownards, at Oldenburg on 9th April 1945; notes that eyewitness accounts describe Mayne's outstanding bravery while rescuing a squadron of allied soldiers behind enemy lines from the midst of a German attack; welcomes the unearthing of documents at the National Archives in Kew proving his original citation for a Victoria Cross; commends the ongoing efforts of the Blair Mayne Association; and supports this Second World War hero, who helped found what later came to be known as the SAS, being awarded the Victoria Cross posthumously.

That this House recognises the courage displayed by Lieutenant-Colonel Paddy Mayne from Newtownards, at Oldenburg on 9th April 1945; notes that eyewitness accounts describe Mayne's outstanding bravery while rescuing a squadron of allied soldiers behind enemy lines from the midst of a German attack; welcomes the unearthing of documents at...

That this House believes that the providers of electronic programme guides (EPGs) hold a significant position of power in deciding how digital television channels should be listed on the EPG; notes that certain channels are seriously limited in their ability to compete by their position on the EPG; further notes that it is in the viewers' interests for the position of channels on the EPG to reflect where viewers expect to find them; urges that in reviewing its code of practice Ofcom should introduce a requirement that EPG providers should periodically review the ordering of channels according to audience share; and looks forward to such a review ensuring that channels of public importance are able to deliver plurality of supply and compete on a fair and equitable footing in the delivery of digital television services.

That this House believes that the providers of electronic programme guides (EPGs) hold a significant position of power in deciding how digital television channels should be listed on the EPG; notes that certain channels are seriously limited in their ability to compete by their position on the EPG; further notes...

That this House notes with concern that the Government is considering introducing substantially higher fees for obtaining information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 that those promised by ministers during its Parliamentary passage; considers that high fees would deter the public from using the Act and undermine the potential benefits of increased openness, accountability and trust in the work of public authorities; and calls on the government to honour the firm and consistent commitment on charges repeatedly made to this House during consideration of the Freedom of Information legislation.

That this House notes with concern that the Government is considering introducing substantially higher fees for obtaining information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 that those promised by ministers during its Parliamentary passage; considers that high fees would deter the public from using the Act and undermine the potential...

That this House commends the Down's Syndrome Association and the Government for supporting the right of children with Down's Syndrome to receive the education they need to fulfil their individual potential in either mainstream or special school; recognises the contribution that the Down's Syndrome Association's new Education Support Pack for Special Schools will play; and expresses concern at the results of the Down's Syndrome Association's Barriers to Education report which shows that many children are experiencing discrimination and prejudice, are being denied the support they need and are also suffering as a result of insufficient training and support for education professionals, particularly in mainstream settings.

That this House commends the Down's Syndrome Association and the Government for supporting the right of children with Down's Syndrome to receive the education they need to fulfil their individual potential in either mainstream or special school; recognises the contribution that the Down's Syndrome Association's new Education Support Pack for...

That this House notes that there is a crisis in children's diet-related health, demonstrated by alarming increases in childhood obesity and the appearance of adult-onset diseases, such as type II diabetes, in schoolchildren, which the Food Standards Agency has described as a timebomb which needs to be defused; further notes that the 2000 National Diet and Nutrition Survey shows that nine in 10 children consume more saturated fat and eight in 10 children consume more sugar and five in 10 children consume more salt than levels recommended for adults; recognises that this situation is caused by a number of factors, including marketing to children of foods containing high levels of fat, sugar and salt, the poor composition of foods on sale in schools, the lack of practical cooking skills in the national curriculum and insufficient promotion to children of healthy foods; and therefore supports in principle the Children's Food Bill which will result in the implementation of a range of measures which will improve children's diets and future health.

That this House notes that there is a crisis in children's diet-related health, demonstrated by alarming increases in childhood obesity and the appearance of adult-onset diseases, such as type II diabetes, in schoolchildren, which the Food Standards Agency has described as a timebomb which needs to be defused; further notes...

That this House notes that the priorities for the forthcoming UK Presidency of the EU have been set as assisting with poverty in Africa and dealing with climate change; notes that over 100 honourable Members have signed Early Day Motion No. 1075 in support of micro-generation and in particular in support of clause 129 of the energy Bill, and that nearly 200 have signed EDM 421 expressing their concern about world poverty; and believes that the development of a micro-generation strategy would enable the UK to offer micro-generation technology to poor African countries as a cheap and environmentally friendly way of dealing with both poverty in that continent and with climate change.

That this House notes that the priorities for the forthcoming UK Presidency of the EU have been set as assisting with poverty in Africa and dealing with climate change; notes that over 100 honourable Members have signed Early Day Motion No. 1075 in support of micro-generation and in particular in...

That this House believes that major companies have shown that monitoring and reporting on environmental and social impacts can help them to reduce their adverse impacts as well as improving efficiency and profitability; further believes that with much of a company's value now dependent on intangibles such as brand reputation, staff expertise and the ability to innovate, the provision of such information is invaluable to investors; regrets that despite encouragement from the very highest levels of Government, many companies still either neglect to report at all, or publish reports that are a public relations exercise promoting the company's achievements but neglecting to mention their major flaws; further believes that the introduction of the Operating and Financial Review, a broad report of a company's performance and prospects, will boost the number of companies measuring, managing and reporting on their impacts; but further believes that, to be truly effective, the regulations must require reporting on all the major impacts of a company on society and the environment, not just those that threaten profits.

That this House believes that major companies have shown that monitoring and reporting on environmental and social impacts can help them to reduce their adverse impacts as well as improving efficiency and profitability; further believes that with much of a company's value now dependent on intangibles such as brand reputation,...

That this House recognises that out-of-classroom education is key to a child's current and future understanding of the environment; notes with concern that there are real and practical barriers to out-of-classroom activity which hinder schools and teachers in undertaking education away from the safety of the classroom; further notes that these include the cost to school and pupil, teachers' workload, health and safety concerns and the real fear of litigation against schools in the event of an accident; regrets that these barriers have led to a reduction, which still continues, in school trips to nature reserves, countryside parks and museums; therefore welcomes the creation of the Real World Learning campaign, a partnership of a number of charities and commercial providers including RSPB, Field Studies Council, National Trust, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and 3D Education and Adventure, all of which use their facilities to educate schoolchildren and adults about wildlife, the countryside and the environment, and urges the Government to support the aims of the campaign by making out-of-classroom learning an integral part of every child's education.

That this House recognises that out-of-classroom education is key to a child's current and future understanding of the environment; notes with concern that there are real and practical barriers to out-of-classroom activity which hinder schools and teachers in undertaking education away from the safety of the classroom; further notes that...

That this House notes that the monitoring evidence collected by the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN), a network of more than 200 groups in over 100 countries, demonstrates that companies continue to market baby food products in breach of the World Health Assembly International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and subsequent relevant resolutions; also notes that where there is malpractice it is systematic and institutionalised and that, globally, 1.5 million infants die every year because they are not breastfed, and that even in industrialised countries with universal access to health care, there are significant negative effects of artificial infant feeding, including increased risk of diabetes and obesity; is concerned that UK law only implements some provisions of the Code, limiting these to infant formula, not all breastmilk substitutes, and that follow-on formula, with similar packaging and the same name as the infant formula, is widely advertised, that bottles and teat marketing is totally unregulated, and that while the Code bans direct contact with the mother, UK companies have baby clubs and carelines; therefore calls on the Government to support independently monitored and enforced legislation fully implementing the Code and resolutions at UK, EU and international level and additional WHA resolutions to strengthen protection of appropriate infant feeding practices, to address emerging aggressive baby milk food marketing, to make appropriate policy changes in response to scientific developments, and to take action to ensure that EU Council Resolution 92/C172/01 on the marketing of breastmilk substitutes in third countries by community-based manufacturers functions effectively.

That this House notes that the monitoring evidence collected by the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN), a network of more than 200 groups in over 100 countries, demonstrates that companies continue to market baby food products in breach of the World Health Assembly International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk...

That this House notes an increasing trend among utility companies to introduce unjustified charges into their billing arrangements that fall disproportionately heavily on the elderly, those who rely on carers to handle their financial affairs, those who do not have easy access to bank accounts and other vulnerable groups; considers that billing an additional charge for non-direct debit payment is an example of such unwelcome practice; accepts that it is reasonable to offer a discount for preferred payment methods but does not believe that there is any justification for charging customers extra for paying their bills in full and on time in cash or by cheque; and urges VarTec, who have this discriminatory regime and surcharge non-direct debit customers, to recognise their responsibility to their most vulnerable customers and introduce fair billing structures.

That this House notes an increasing trend among utility companies to introduce unjustified charges into their billing arrangements that fall disproportionately heavily on the elderly, those who rely on carers to handle their financial affairs, those who do not have easy access to bank accounts and other vulnerable groups; considers...

That this House welcomes the Promotion of Volunteering Bill to protect volunteers from unreasonable litigation, particularly in the areas of sport and adventure training; welcomes the concept of statement of inherent risk as a means to reintroduce the idea of informed consent and to acknowledge that accidents can happen without contributory negligence; deplores the increasing costs of liability insurance which threatens the viability of many sporting clubs and societies; notes with concern the Sport England and CCPR survey which found that the fear of blame and the threat of litigation was the top deterrent to sport volunteering; further notes that the Girl Guides now has a waiting list of 50,000 children who would like to join but cannot because of a shortage of instructors; regrets that one third of UK youngsters between the ages of two and 15 are overweight, including one in six who are clinically obese; further regrets that of all the 26 major countries in the developed world, the UK is now the third worst in clinical obesity after the United States and Mexico, with roughly one quarter of the population now obese; believes that litigation is threatening a crucial part of our national and sporting way of life; and recognises that a failure by society to provide young people with healthy, structured and safe outlets for their energies and enthusiasms will only lead to many finding their own outlets, which are at best a lot less safe, and at worst end in criminal activity.

That this House welcomes the Promotion of Volunteering Bill to protect volunteers from unreasonable litigation, particularly in the areas of sport and adventure training; welcomes the concept of statement of inherent risk as a means to reintroduce the idea of informed consent and to acknowledge that accidents can happen without...

That this House congratulates the Lancashire Evening Post in its campaign to save post offices from closure throughout Lancashire and recognises that the Lancashire Evening Post has received thousands of responses from its readers supporting the campaign; raises concern that Royal Mail are providing financial incentives to sub-postmasters to leave, thereby allowing the Royal Mail to close post offices leaving local users with no service; and calls on the Royal Mail to be open and transparent in making a business case for closure ensuring that all interested parties are consulted and provided with all the facts in relation to profitability and use of individual branches before any decision to close is taken.

That this House congratulates the Lancashire Evening Post in its campaign to save post offices from closure throughout Lancashire and recognises that the Lancashire Evening Post has received thousands of responses from its readers supporting the campaign; raises concern that Royal Mail are providing financial incentives to sub-postmasters to leave,...

That this House supports National Breastfeeding Awareness Week and its objectives of highlighting the advantages of breastfeeding and encouraging mothers and mothers-to-be to try it; notes that the UK has one of the lowest rates in Europe and that nearly a third of women choose not to breastfeed; further notes that breastfeeding provides everything a baby needs for the first six months, may help to reduce the baby's risk of gastroenteritis, respiratory, urinary and ear infections, eczema and childhood diabetes and the mother's risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer and ovarian cancer; and calls on the Government to support this action week.

That this House supports National Breastfeeding Awareness Week and its objectives of highlighting the advantages of breastfeeding and encouraging mothers and mothers-to-be to try it; notes that the UK has one of the lowest rates in Europe and that nearly a third of women choose not to breastfeed; further notes...

That this House congratulates Warrington Wolves Rugby League Football Club for winning the Best Sport in the Community Programme at the annual Sport Industry Awards ceremony; further congratulates the club and its staff for their dedication and commitment in forging strong links through community programmes, providing coaching in schools, IT facilities and increasing interest and participation amongst community groups; notes that this work has also been rewarded by the Rugby football League with Warrington winning the Best Community Award for each of the last four years; and encourages other sporting clubs to follow Warrington Wolves RLFC in developing close relationships throughout their respective communities in order to place sport at the centre of social and economic activity which will benefit individuals, communities and sporting clubs alike.

That this House congratulates Warrington Wolves Rugby League Football Club for winning the Best Sport in the Community Programme at the annual Sport Industry Awards ceremony; further congratulates the club and its staff for their dedication and commitment in forging strong links through community programmes, providing coaching in schools, IT...

That this House acknowledges the remarkable feats of Hannah Shields from Kilrea, Co. Londonderry; and notes that Ms Shields was the female member of a mountaineering team that in 2003 scaled Mount Everest and has now taken part in the 2004 Polar challenge where she completed the race across the North Pole, considerably enhancing her reputation as one of Northern Ireland's top explorers.

That this House acknowledges the remarkable feats of Hannah Shields from Kilrea, Co. Londonderry; and notes that Ms Shields was the female member of a mountaineering team that in 2003 scaled Mount Everest and has now taken part in the 2004 Polar challenge where she completed the race across the...

That this House supports the World Cancer Research Fund's first ever cancer prevention week and its goals further to increase public awareness of cancer prevention through a healthy diet and lifestyle throuhout the UK as well as raising vital research funds; notes that there are over 200 types of cancer which all start in the same way with abnormal cells continually dividing resulting in a lump; also notes that two in five people will be affected by cancer at some stage in their lives and 30 per cent. to 40 per cent. of all cancers are directly linked to our diets and our lifestyles; and calls on the Government to recognise that cancer prevention strategies should lie at the heart of any sensible national health policy.

That this House supports the World Cancer Research Fund's first ever cancer prevention week and its goals further to increase public awareness of cancer prevention through a healthy diet and lifestyle throuhout the UK as well as raising vital research funds; notes that there are over 200 types of cancer...

That this House welcomes Ofcom's decision to use its interim measure powers under the Competition Act to investigate BT's plans to increase line rental charges for all United Kingdom telecoms customers but offset the increase for BT customers by offering discounted call rates; believes that the pricing announcement undermines the economics of competitive service provision as customers of other telecoms providers will be charged higher BT rental charges in the absence of a viable wholesale line rental product but will not benefit from the right to discounted calls; further believes that, as a result, BT should immediately stop any marketing or other activity in relation to these planned changes until Ofcom has completed its investigation; and calls on the Government to make a statement which confirms their commitment to competition and to act decisively in this area.

That this House welcomes Ofcom's decision to use its interim measure powers under the Competition Act to investigate BT's plans to increase line rental charges for all United Kingdom telecoms customers but offset the increase for BT customers by offering discounted call rates; believes that the pricing announcement undermines the...

That this House welcomes the State visit to Britain by the President of the Republic of Poland, Mr Kwasniewski; believes that the accession of Poland to the European Union reaffirms Poland's historic affinity with the rest of Europe; and is certain that the common ties between Poland and Britain will be reinforced in the years ahead to the mutual benefit of both our nations.

That this House welcomes the State visit to Britain by the President of the Republic of Poland, Mr Kwasniewski; believes that the accession of Poland to the European Union reaffirms Poland's historic affinity with the rest of Europe; and is certain that the common ties between Poland and Britain will...