That this House notes with concern the findings of the Citizen Advice Bureaux Report, Empty Justice - the non-payment of employment tribunal awards; further notes that, despite being successful in winning a case in an employment tribunal, employees often find it difficult to ensure that tribunal awards are paid by the employer; further notes that, even where a tribunal award is registered in the county court, there are legal, financial and other obstacles to the successful enforcement of the award which, in far too many cases, deny the claimant the justice they have sought through the employment tribunal system and which immediately following the tribunal hearing they understandably believed that they had obtained; calls on the Department for Constitutional Affairs and the Department for Trade and Industry to undertake a joint review of the enforcement and to identify an appropriate mechanism to ensure that, where an employer fails to pay a tribunal award within a reasonable period, public funds should pay the award to the claimant and then pursue the employer for that amount plus the costs of enforcement; and believes that provision for such a mechanism should be introduced in the Courts and Tribunal Bill due to be brought forward in 2005.

That this House notes with concern the findings of the Citizen Advice Bureaux Report, Empty Justice - the non-payment of employment tribunal awards; further notes that, despite being successful in winning a case in an employment tribunal, employees often find it difficult to ensure that tribunal awards are paid by...

That this House welcomes the work of the National Advocacy Network, especially the commitment of independent volunteer advocates; but notes that there is no national funding strategy for advocacy and believes that the network needs this to ensure its independence, sustainability and compliance with legislation and to support the continued invaluable work of the network.

That this House welcomes the work of the National Advocacy Network, especially the commitment of independent volunteer advocates; but notes that there is no national funding strategy for advocacy and believes that the network needs this to ensure its independence, sustainability and compliance with legislation and to support the continued...

That this House congratulates the strong commitment of the Royal Agricultural Society of England to regenerate the National Agricultural Centre at Stoneleigh in Warwickshire, making it a centre of rural excellence and a hub for the dissemination of agricultural research and development, and a centre for rural activities through widening participation and thus enhancing understanding of the countryside; and recognises the need to increase awareness in the wider communities of the vital role that agriculture must play in the long-term well-being of the British economy as a whole.

That this House congratulates the strong commitment of the Royal Agricultural Society of England to regenerate the National Agricultural Centre at Stoneleigh in Warwickshire, making it a centre of rural excellence and a hub for the dissemination of agricultural research and development, and a centre for rural activities through widening...

That this House notes that the new formula for Child Support Agency (CSA) maintenance calculations has now been in place since April 2003, which is more than enough time to stabilise the system; considers that existing cases have experienced a long and avoidable delay under the old rules; and calls upon Ministers in the Department for Work and Pensions to instruct the CSA to take the necessary steps to bring in the new simplified and fairer method of assessment for all cases with immediate effect.

That this House notes that the new formula for Child Support Agency (CSA) maintenance calculations has now been in place since April 2003, which is more than enough time to stabilise the system; considers that existing cases have experienced a long and avoidable delay under the old rules; and calls...

That this House notes that the new formula for Child Support Agency (CSA) maintenance calculations has now been in place since April 2003, which is more than enough time to stabilise the system; considers that existing cases have experienced a long and avoidable delay under the old rules; and calls upon the Minister to instruct the CSA to take the necessary steps to bring in the new, simplified and fairer method of assessment for all cases with immediate effect.

That this House notes that the new formula for Child Support Agency (CSA) maintenance calculations has now been in place since April 2003, which is more than enough time to stabilise the system; considers that existing cases have experienced a long and avoidable delay under the old rules; and calls...

That this House believes companies should report on their environmental and social impacts; notes that since 1997 Ministers have repeatedly encouraged such reports as a key plank of the Government's proposals for modernising company law; notes that the Prime Minister has made it clear that such reports should be produced, with a public challenge to all FTSE 350 companies in October 2000 (which over half of those companies failed to meet); and therefore believes that companies have had ample notice of the introduction of the mandatory Operating and Financial Review, scheduled for 1st January 2005, and that this implementation date should not be delayed because without a set of standardised non-financial indicators UK companies will continue to fail to identify, disclose and manage their social and environmental performance.

That this House believes companies should report on their environmental and social impacts; notes that since 1997 Ministers have repeatedly encouraged such reports as a key plank of the Government's proposals for modernising company law; notes that the Prime Minister has made it clear that such reports should be produced,...

That this House recognises the contribution made by faith communities and faith-based organisations in supporting families; welcomes the provision of family support by Catholic charities highlighted by Caritas - social action through Social Justice Month; and urges the Government to further the provision of family support services and adopt a family-focused perspective.

That this House recognises the contribution made by faith communities and faith-based organisations in supporting families; welcomes the provision of family support by Catholic charities highlighted by Caritas - social action through Social Justice Month; and urges the Government to further the provision of family support services and adopt a...

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 notes the thirtieth anniversary of the foundation of Crossroads - Caring for Carers and the enormous contribution that this organisation has made to the lives of carers by giving them time to themselves and time to have a break from their caring responsibilities; further notes that in 2003 Crossroads provided 4.3 million hours of care breaks and that without this support many would be unable to continue in their role as a carer, placing additional pressures on social services and health budgets; believes that the service is needed today as much if not more than when it was founded in Rugby in 1974; and endorses the work of the charity.

That this House notes the thirtieth anniversary of the foundation of Crossroads - Caring for Carers and the enormous contribution that this organisation has made to the lives of carers by giving them time to themselves and time to have a break from their caring responsibilities; further notes that in...

That this House notes the House of Lords' consideration of the Criminal Justice Bill; further notes that this House confirmed inclusion of Clauses 41 and 42 on defendants' rights in jury trials and handling of serious and complex cases with majorities of 72 and 82 respectively at Report stage on 19th May 2003; that on 15th July the Lords rejected these Clauses; that on 18th November this House restored both clauses with increasing majorities of 106 and 105 respectively; that on 19th November the Lords rejected Clauses 41 and 42 for the second time; that on 19th November this House restored both clauses with increased majorities of 112 and 116 respectively; that on 20th November the Lords rejected Clauses 41 and 42 for the third time, whereupon the Government, against a prorogation deadline, reluctantly conceded by withdrawing Clause 41 and emasculating Clause 42 under a twin lock statutory instrument; further notes that this was welcomed by the Lords immediately as a victory; that the Official Opposition in the Lords pronounced Government Clause 42 proposals on jury trial as effectively dead; condemns unreservedly those peers who pay lip service to the primacy of this House; believes the issue to be considered in this case is not the merit of the clauses, on which honourable Members are entitled to have differing views, but the abuse of the constitutional relationship between Lords and Commons; and questions the commitment to democracy of those Liberal, Tory and other unelected peers who reject the primacy of the elected Commons.

That this House notes the House of Lords' consideration of the Criminal Justice Bill; further notes that this House confirmed inclusion of Clauses 41 and 42 on defendants' rights in jury trials and handling of serious and complex cases with majorities of 72 and 82 respectively at Report stage on...

That this House agrees with the Minister of State for Trade and Investment that 'business is not just about jobs, wealth creation and delivering the goods and services ... it is also critical to achieving our environmental and social objectives' (Official Report, 30th January, column 498); believes that for business to play this role major companies need to measure, manage and report on their environmental and social impacts; notes with concern that, despite the Prime Minister's challenge to the top 350 UK companies that they should produce social and environmental reports by the end of 2001, less than half are doing so; believes this demonstrates that the voluntary approach has failed; regrets that the Performance of Companies and Government Departments (Reporting) Bill, introduced to this House by the honourable Member for Rugby and Kenilworth with cross-party support, did not receive a Second Reading; and urges Ministers either to support this Bill when it returns to the House or to bring forward the regulations promised during the debate on the Bill before the end of this session.

That this House agrees with the Minister of State for Trade and Investment that 'business is not just about jobs, wealth creation and delivering the goods and services ... it is also critical to achieving our environmental and social objectives' (Official Report, 30th January, column 498); believes that for business...

That this House notes that, according to the National Consumer Council's recent report, Lifelines, around two million customers pay for their gas on pre-payment meters and more, about 3.6 million, do so for their electricity; recognises that PPMs are the most expensive payment method and notes that 1.3 million people in the UK are estimated to be in fuel poverty, and that over one million fuel poor are paying more per unit for their energy on PPMs, than those who can pay by other methods; further notes that the 12 per cent. to 15 per cent. of households without a bank account are forced to use PPMs, as are those who are in debt to suppliers, those who have a poor credit rating and those who are unfortunate enough to live at an address where the previous occupants had a bad credit rating; welcomes the Government's target to eradicate fuel poverty in the UK by 2016; and therefore calls on the Government to take action, as a matter of urgency, to explore the option of requiring a unit of energy to cost the same across all payment methods, to ensure that the poor no longer have to pay more for their fuel.

That this House notes that, according to the National Consumer Council's recent report, Lifelines, around two million customers pay for their gas on pre-payment meters and more, about 3.6 million, do so for their electricity; recognises that PPMs are the most expensive payment method and notes that 1.3 million people...

That this House recognises the honour of medals for long service and good conduct in both the armed forces and the Police, but notes that there is not an equivalent award for those who have served in more than one force for over 22 years, though such people have provided an essential service to the country throughout their careers; and urges Her Majesty's Government to recognise aggregated service and ensure that such citizens who, with courage and dedication, served the community, are not neglected because of a varied career path.

That this House recognises the honour of medals for long service and good conduct in both the armed forces and the Police, but notes that there is not an equivalent award for those who have served in more than one force for over 22 years, though such people have provided...

That this House congratulates the England Rugby Union team on its tremendous victory over Australia in the World Cup Final, making England World Champions for the first time ever; applauds the efforts of the players, coaching staff and all those involved in the sport; further commends the succes of all British rugby teams in the Rugby World Cup Tournament; pledges continued support for the England Rugby Union team in retaining the title and in being successful in other future competitions; and anticipates a very warm welcome for the team in visiting the town of Rugby, the birthplace of Rugby football.

That this House congratulates the England Rugby Union team on its tremendous victory over Australia in the World Cup Final, making England World Champions for the first time ever; applauds the efforts of the players, coaching staff and all those involved in the sport; further commends the succes of all...

That this House notes that, according to the National Consumer Council's recent report, Lifelines, around two million customers pay for their gas on pre-payment meters and more, about 3.6 million, do so for their electricity; recognises that PPMs are the most expensive payment method and notes that 1.3 million people in the UK are estimated to be in fuel poverty, and that over one million fuel poor are paying more per unit for their energy, on PPMs, than those who can pay by other methods; further notes that the 12 per cent. to 15 per cent. of households without a bank account are forced to use PPMs, as are those who are in debt to suppliers, those who have a poor credit rating and those who are unfortunate enough to live at an address where the previous occupants had a bad credit rating; welcomes the Government's target to eradicate fuel poverty in the UK by 2016; and therefore calls on the Government to take action, as a matter of urgency, to explore the option of requiring a unit of energy to cost the same across all payment methods, to ensure that the poor no longer have to pay more for their fuel.

That this House notes that, according to the National Consumer Council's recent report, Lifelines, around two million customers pay for their gas on pre-payment meters and more, about 3.6 million, do so for their electricity; recognises that PPMs are the most expensive payment method and notes that 1.3 million people...

That this House welcomes the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance Report on the Implementation of NICE Guidance on Use of Anti-TNFa therapies for adults with rheumatoid arthritis; notes its findings that while the NICE guidance is being implemented in many cases, it is still only partially implemented in some areas; and urges the Government to clarify where responsibility for implementing NICE guidance lies and to ensure that the barriers to implementation are overcome, so that all those eligible for this treatment are able to receive it.

That this House welcomes the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance Report on the Implementation of NICE Guidance on Use of Anti-TNFa therapies for adults with rheumatoid arthritis; notes its findings that while the NICE guidance is being implemented in many cases, it is still only partially implemented in some areas; and...

That this House notes the Central Railway proposal; and urges the Government to consult all honourable Members who represent areas affected and relevant local authorities before any decision is made and to reject the short-cut of a hybrid Bill in order to allow Parliament a full opportunity to discuss such a significant scheme.

That this House notes the Central Railway proposal; and urges the Government to consult all honourable Members who represent areas affected and relevant local authorities before any decision is made and to reject the short-cut of a hybrid Bill in order to allow Parliament a full opportunity to discuss such...

That this House welcomes the ongoing commitment of President Musharraf to curb Islamic extremist activities and to protect the religious minorities in Pakistan; notes however, that in many ways the plight of religious minorities in Pakistan remains acute; notes in particular the adoption of a Shari'ah Bill by the provincial cabinet of the North West Frontier Province; recognises that this Bill is likely to be passed by the provincial assembly and become law in the province; believes that the Shari'ah Bill discriminates against the political, civil, cultural and economic rights of all non-Muslim citizens in the province; notes that most of the banned militant groups in Pakistan have reconstituted themselves under new names and are operating openly; is deeply concerned by a pamphlet published by an Islamic militant group demanding that Pakistani Christians convert to Islam or face death, and directing Muslims to kill infidels wherever and whenever they can be found; notes with concern that the frequent calls for Jihad by the opposition Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal party and the alarming escalation of Islamic militancy are likely to undermine Pakistan's fragile democratisation process; urges the Pakistani Government to oppose the implementation of the Shari'ah Bill in any region of Pakistan, to prevent the distribution of hate materials, and to prosecute those responsible for inciting religious hatred and terror attacks; and calls upon the Pakistani Government to formulate a comprehensive strategy to provide adequate protection for the religious minorities and to promote interfaith harmony in Pakistan.

That this House welcomes the ongoing commitment of President Musharraf to curb Islamic extremist activities and to protect the religious minorities in Pakistan; notes however, that in many ways the plight of religious minorities in Pakistan remains acute; notes in particular the adoption of a Shari'ah Bill by the provincial...

That this House notes that the Cuban Government continues to hold several hundred political prisoners, whose offences include pro-democracy activism and speaking out against Government policies on issues such as abortion and treatment of the blind; further notes that among the most prominent cases are human rights activists Dr Oscar Biscet, Juan Carlos Gonzalez Leiva and Jorge Garcia Perez, all three of whom were arrested after peaceful protests; expresses strong concern that all three of these prisoners have, at various times, been denied medical treatment, resulting in severe ill-health; expresses further strong concern that Mr Gonzalez Leiva was badly beaten by security agents during his arrest, and that Mr Garcia Perez has been given repeated severe beatings whilst in prison; is also concerned that the families of each prisoner have reported harassment and threats from the authorities; notes also that in mid-March the Cuban Government orchestrated a massive round-up of human rights and pro-democracy activists, arresting over 75 dissidents; calls upon the Cuban Government to allow full medical treatment to all prisoners, to desist from withholding medical treatment as punishment, and to allow the Red Cross access to its prisons; further calls upon the Cuban Government to allow peaceful protest on human rights and pro-democracy issues, to release all those held for such activities, and to cease from applying pressure on them or their families; and urges Her Majesty's Government to place these issues at the core of bilateral talks with Cuba.

That this House notes that the Cuban Government continues to hold several hundred political prisoners, whose offences include pro-democracy activism and speaking out against Government policies on issues such as abortion and treatment of the blind; further notes that among the most prominent cases are human rights activists Dr Oscar...

That this House warmly welcomes Ready, Willing and Disabled, Scope's report on employment of disabled people; notes that negative attitudes are still a major barrier to disabled people gaining employment; is concerned by the report's finding that 11 per cent. of employers interviewed would not employ a disabled person because their clients or customers would not want to be served by a disabled person; is encouraged by some examples of extremely good practice in attracting, recruiting and training disabled people; commends the Government on its excellent Access to Work Scheme; and calls for the Government to continue to promote Access to Work to employers.

That this House warmly welcomes Ready, Willing and Disabled, Scope's report on employment of disabled people; notes that negative attitudes are still a major barrier to disabled people gaining employment; is concerned by the report's finding that 11 per cent. of employers interviewed would not employ a disabled person because...