That this House welcomes the recent ruling of the Arbitral Tribunal which sat at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague confirming that Russia was bound by the entire Energy Charter Treaty (ECT), having accepted full application (provisionally pending ratification), when it signed the Treaty; believes the ruling is a significant development in Russia's energy ties with the European Union that strengthens the case for the ECT to be the centrepiece of a rules-based relationship; notes that following Russia's withdrawal from provisional application of the ECT on 19 October 2009, investments existing on that date in the Russian energy sector will continue to be protected by the Treaty's investor protection rules for a further 20 years, but that new investments will no longer be protected; further notes that while Russian investors in the European energy market enjoy the full protection of European law, new European energy investors in Russia will have to rely on the goodwill of a Russian government that has shown a weak commitment to property rights; calls on EU leaders to make it clear to the Russian government that there must be a level playing field and that close and friendly energy ties depend on the acceptance of binding rules and reciprocal obligations that are fair and legally enforceable in an independent forum; and urges the Russian government to show foreign customers and investors alike that it understands the need to restore confidence in its behaviour as a producer and supplier of energy by re-engaging with the ECT.

That this House welcomes the recent ruling of the Arbitral Tribunal which sat at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague confirming that Russia was bound by the entire Energy Charter Treaty (ECT), having accepted full application (provisionally pending ratification), when it signed the Treaty; believes the ruling is...

That this House notes that the Highland Council has been asked to find savings of ??60 million over the next three years; further notes that Scottish local authorities are now the most centralised in the United Kingdom, having had the ability to change council tax removed by the Scottish government; believes that there is a very substantial additional cost to delivering public services in the most sparsely populated region of the UK that is not recognised in the funding formula; welcomes the efforts being made by Highland Council leader Michael Foxley to persuade the Scottish government to release ??10 million in recognition of these costs; agrees that budgetary flexibility should be restored to local authorities in Scotland; calls on the UK Government to write-off the Highland Council's housing debt so that additional funds are available to meet the chronic need for affordable housing in the Highlands; further calls on the UK Government to provide for a reduced rate of fuel duty in remote and rural areas, which would reduce the cost of transport to sparsely populated areas; and further calls on both the Scottish and UK governments to recognise the additional costs of delivering services in the Highlands in order to prevent unnecessary cuts in vital public services.

That this House notes that the Highland Council has been asked to find savings of ??60 million over the next three years; further notes that Scottish local authorities are now the most centralised in the United Kingdom, having had the ability to change council tax removed by the Scottish government;...

That this House welcomes Government plans to incentivise the use of renewable energy; notes that the Renewable Heat Incentive will be paid for by a levy, which industry experts have estimated at 15 per cent., on suppliers of fossil fuels, including heating oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG); further notes the Government's acceptance that this levy is likely to be passed onto customers in the form of higher bills; expresses concern that this will impact disproportionately on those households without access to mains gas or electricity who already suffer from the highest energy bills and are excluded from many of the Government's fuel poverty measures as well as from social tariffs; further notes that users of heating oil are twice as likely to live in fuel poverty as the rest of the population; and calls on the Government to ensure that the delayed Renewable Heat Incentive consultation, now due to be published later this year, does not propose substantial price rises for users of heating oil and LPG.

That this House welcomes Government plans to incentivise the use of renewable energy; notes that the Renewable Heat Incentive will be paid for by a levy, which industry experts have estimated at 15 per cent., on suppliers of fossil fuels, including heating oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG); further notes...

That this House notes with concern the threat to the UK bee population, valued commercially at approximately ??165 million by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, posed by an increase in reported cases of colony collapse disorder and resistance to the chemical treatment for the varroa destructor mite; further notes that Scottish bee farmers, who run 25 per cent. of the UK's commercial hives, are particularly vulnerable as the alternative treatment for the varroa mite requires an ambient temperature of over 15 degrees centigrade; observes that the limited diagnostic and follow-up service for bee health matters in Scotland comprises only four bee inspectors; calls for greater coordination between Westminster and Holyrood to solve this national problem; and welcomes the support of the Scottish Beekeepers' Association and Bee Farmers' Association for greater funding for research into ways of combating the threats to Scottish hives.

That this House notes with concern the threat to the UK bee population, valued commercially at approximately ??165 million by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, posed by an increase in reported cases of colony collapse disorder and resistance to the chemical treatment for the varroa destructor...

That this House welcomes the Competition Commission's recommendation that a competition test should be introduced in the planning system to tackle local supermarket monopolies; believes that the introduction of a competition test is essential to promoting diversity of retail provision and choice for consumers and protection for communities from the dominant position of some retailers; and calls on the Government to pass the competition test into law without any further delay.

That this House welcomes the Competition Commission's recommendation that a competition test should be introduced in the planning system to tackle local supermarket monopolies; believes that the introduction of a competition test is essential to promoting diversity of retail provision and choice for consumers and protection for communities from the...

That this House welcomes the Government's decision to halt the jobcentre closure programme; notes that significant gaps have been left in the jobcentre network due to the closure of nearly 500 jobcentre plus offices since 2002; further notes that jobcentres are facing an enlarged workload due to the economic downturn; expresses concern that increasing numbers of jobseekers from rural constituencies may have to travel significant distances at a considerable cost to visit a jobcentre plus due to closures; and calls on the Government to reinstate offices that have previously been closed where that is possible and to implement a jobcentre outreach programme that places jobcentre plus staff and computer terminals in existing public buildings such as community centres, libraries and council service points so that jobcentre plus services can reach the widest possible range of communities.

That this House welcomes the Government's decision to halt the jobcentre closure programme; notes that significant gaps have been left in the jobcentre network due to the closure of nearly 500 jobcentre plus offices since 2002; further notes that jobcentres are facing an enlarged workload due to the economic downturn;...

That this House deplores the extra burden placed on people living in the Highlands and Islands by companies imposing excessive and discriminatory delivery charges; notes that it is unnecessary for businesses to levy these high charges because the Royal Mail Parcel Service delivers goods at a standard rate throughout the UK, including Scotland's island communities; further notes that this practice has developed since the deregulation of the parcel post market in the 1990s; and calls on the Government to prohibit businesses from refusing to deliver to certain parts of the UK and to place an obligation on companies to use the most affordable delivery method when it is requested by customers.

That this House deplores the extra burden placed on people living in the Highlands and Islands by companies imposing excessive and discriminatory delivery charges; notes that it is unnecessary for businesses to levy these high charges because the Royal Mail Parcel Service delivers goods at a standard rate throughout the...

That this House observes with frustration the implementation of EU regulations which prevent supermarkets and food vendors from selling fruit and vegetables of non-prescribed size and shape; applauds the work of several supermarket chains who have brought this matter to the attention of the public; notes the estimates that imperfect looking fruit and vegetables would be about 40 per cent. lower in price than perfect ones; further notes the benefits that this price reduction would bring to many families struggling during the current economic downturn; and encourages the members of the EU Commission to vote to abolish these regulations when they are voted on 12th November 2008.

That this House observes with frustration the implementation of EU regulations which prevent supermarkets and food vendors from selling fruit and vegetables of non-prescribed size and shape; applauds the work of several supermarket chains who have brought this matter to the attention of the public; notes the estimates that imperfect...

That this House notes with concern the threat to the UK bee population, valued commercially at approximately ??165 million by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, posed by an increase in reported cases of colony collapse disorder and resistance to the chemical treatment for the Varroa destructor mite; further notes that Scottish bee farms, which run 25 per cent. of the UK's commercial hives, are particularly vulnerable as the alternative treatment for the Varroa mite requires an ambient temperature of over 15 degrees centigrade; observes that the limited diagnostic and follow-up service for bee health matters in Scotland comprises only four bee inspectors; expresses concern that the budget for commissioned bee health research and development is lower in real terms now than in 2001 despite the risk to the bee industry increasing; and welcomes the support of the Scottish Beekeepers Association and Bee Farmers Association for greater funding for research into ways of combating the threats to Scottish hives.

That this House notes with concern the threat to the UK bee population, valued commercially at approximately ??165 million by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, posed by an increase in reported cases of colony collapse disorder and resistance to the chemical treatment for the Varroa destructor mite;...

That this House welcomes the forthcoming presidential elections in the Republic of Maldives as the country's first multi-party elections; notes with concern that there is no independent election commission in the Maldives; further notes with concern that state-run media institutions, including the country's only television channel, are under no obligation to provide equal coverage for all political parties and their candidates, including the main opposition party, the Maldivian Democratic Party; encourages the Government to establish an independent field presence in the Maldives to monitor the election process, or assist the EU to send at least 30 election observers to the Maldives; and further encourages the Government to emphasise the importance of a free and fair electoral process as part of the continuing political and constitutional reforms.

That this House welcomes the forthcoming presidential elections in the Republic of Maldives as the country's first multi-party elections; notes with concern that there is no independent election commission in the Maldives; further notes with concern that state-run media institutions, including the country's only television channel, are under no obligation...

That this House notes that the current contract for the Post Office Card Account expires in 2010; further notes that the Department for Work and Pensions is currently tendering for the successor to the Post Office Card Account from 2010 onwards; further notes that over four million pensioners have chosen to use the card account to receive their pension every week and that it is also used for the receipt of other benefits and tax credits; supports the view of the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters that any decision not to award the new contract to the Post Office would be an `absolute disaster', threatening the future of over 3,000 post offices on top of the 2,500 closures already in the pipeline; and calls on the Department for Work and Pensions to support the wish of millions of people to access their pensions and benefits at the Post Office by announcing that the Post Office will provide the successor to the card account.

That this House notes that the current contract for the Post Office Card Account expires in 2010; further notes that the Department for Work and Pensions is currently tendering for the successor to the Post Office Card Account from 2010 onwards; further notes that over four million pensioners have chosen...

That this House notes the provision by many local authorities of access-for-all cards to maximise participation in local leisure facilities managed by local trusts; notes the implications of the recent decision in the Court of Session, in a case brought by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) against the Highland Council, that such trusts are liable for a substantial additional VAT bill on the fees for these access cards; notes that HMRC is now pursuing Inverness Leisure for an estimated ??200,000 in unpaid VAT; believes that, with 122 such trusts across the UK, HMRC is now seeking more than ??25 million from such trusts; understands that if funds have to be found to meet these costs the options will be reduced hours, lost jobs and higher entry fees at leisure facilities across the UK; further believes that such an outcome would make such facilities less accessible to people on low incomes and undermine efforts to promote healthy living, sport and the fight against childhood obesity; further believes this effect will be particularly damaging as London prepares for the 2012 Olympics and Glasgow prepares for the 2014 Commonwealth Games; and calls on HMRC not to pursue back payment of VAT in these cases in recognition of the wider health, social and economic benefits that local leisure facilities provide.

That this House notes the provision by many local authorities of access-for-all cards to maximise participation in local leisure facilities managed by local trusts; notes the implications of the recent decision in the Court of Session, in a case brought by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) against the Highland...

That this House notes the continuing concerns about the operation of the tax credits system expressed by the Parliamentary Ombudsman in her recent report Tax Credits: getting it wrong?; expresses concern that the tax credit system continues to cause unnecessary distress and hardship, particularly for people on low incomes; further notes that reports by the Ombudsman and Citizens Advice both report that continued problems are causing some claimants to wish to opt-out of the system; notes the Ombudsman's view that even when the system operates as intended it appears sometimes to work against the objectives of child poverty reduction and making work pay; and calls on the Government to bring forward proposals for radical reform to address the financial insecurity, confusion and hardship which are a feature of the current tax credit system.

That this House notes the continuing concerns about the operation of the tax credits system expressed by the Parliamentary Ombudsman in her recent report Tax Credits: getting it wrong?; expresses concern that the tax credit system continues to cause unnecessary distress and hardship, particularly for people on low incomes; further...

That this House congratulates Working Links on placing its 80,000th unemployed jobseeker into work; notes that over 70 per cent. of individuals placed by Working Links are still working a year later; recognises the benefits of employment not only to the individual but also to their family, community and society as a whole; acknowledges Working Links' recent achievement of being a Times Top 100 Best Company to Work For; and wishes the organisation continued success in the future.

That this House congratulates Working Links on placing its 80,000th unemployed jobseeker into work; notes that over 70 per cent. of individuals placed by Working Links are still working a year later; recognises the benefits of employment not only to the individual but also to their family, community and society...

That this House notes with deep concern the common industry practice of applying a surcharge on the delivery of parcels in the north of Scotland; believes that this is discriminatory and unfair to consumers and businesses in the North; notes with further concern the application by Royal Mail to charge different prices for business mail depending on where in the UK their mail is delivered; believes that, if granted by Postcomm, the move by Royal Mail could pave the way for future attempts to undermine the Universal Service Obligation; welcomes the extension of the Postcomm consultation on zonal charging to 1st June 2007; and believes that the Universal Service Obligation, providing equal access to the postal system regardless of location, is an essential part of the postal system and that any attempt to erode it must be rejected.

That this House notes with deep concern the common industry practice of applying a surcharge on the delivery of parcels in the north of Scotland; believes that this is discriminatory and unfair to consumers and businesses in the North; notes with further concern the application by Royal Mail to charge...

That this House notes the enormous contribution that creation of the United Kingdom has made to its constituent nations, and in particular the benefits that have accrued to both Scotland and England as a result of the Act of Union of 1707; recognises that as a barrier-free single market with a common currency, the Union has facilitated trade and economic activity that is the cornerstone of prosperity today; welcomes the constitutional flexibility that exists within the framework of one United Kingdom, allowing in particular the creation of devolved governments in Scotland, Wales, and London, to the benefit of their people; believes that to dissolve the Union today would undermine the economic, political, social, and cultural life of both Scotland and England to the detriment of the people of both nations and the bemusement of international partners; and further believes that the people of both Scotland and England will have the wisdom and common sense to reject at the ballot box any party that proposes to sunder this long-standing and productive bond between two proud nations.

That this House notes the enormous contribution that creation of the United Kingdom has made to its constituent nations, and in particular the benefits that have accrued to both Scotland and England as a result of the Act of Union of 1707; recognises that as a barrier-free single market with...

That this House regrets that athletes with a learning disability are unable to compete in any event sanctioned by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC); notes that as a consequence of this ban all athletes with a learning disability at all levels are unable to receive funding from the Lottery and other official sources because funding is geared to supporting progress to paralympic competition; further notes that this inhibits athletes from reaching their full potential by denying them the chance to compete; regrets the considerable distress which the IPC ban causes to athletes with a learning disability and their families; further notes that this situation has lasted for more than six years; understands that the ban was first implemented in 2000 because of cheating by a small group of non-disabled people; believes that it is wrong that athletes with a learning disability should suffer a ban because of cheating by non-disabled people; recognises the efforts made by the UK Sports Association for People with Learning Disability and their international colleagues to devise a rigorous classification test to ensure that prospective competitors do have a learning disability; and calls on all sides to expedite agreement on a new classification system and therefore asks the Government to make a clear statement that athletes with a learning disability should be allowed to compete in the 2012 Paralympic Games.

That this House regrets that athletes with a learning disability are unable to compete in any event sanctioned by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC); notes that as a consequence of this ban all athletes with a learning disability at all levels are unable to receive funding from the Lottery and...

That this House welcomes the successful launch of Highland 2007, a year-long celebration of the culture of the Highlands and Islands, in Inverness; notes that the year will include activities in local communities across the region as well as major projects such as the rededication of Culloden battlefield; further notes the importance of the unique culture, language, and heritage of the Highlands and Islands to the whole of the United Kingdom; believes that, in addition to economic growth and population growth, Highland 2007 is a sign of the renewed confidence and optimism in the Highlands; and calls on the UK Government to play its part in raising awareness of Highland 2007, and the region's culture, heritage and future across the United Kingdom.

That this House welcomes the successful launch of Highland 2007, a year-long celebration of the culture of the Highlands and Islands, in Inverness; notes that the year will include activities in local communities across the region as well as major projects such as the rededication of Culloden battlefield; further notes...

That this House notes that 58 per cent. of people with schizophrenia can work if supported to do so; further notes that 75 per cent. of employers say that employing someone with schizophrenia is impossible or very difficult; acknowledges that the English anti-stigma programme Shift has eight times less per head funding than the Scottish See Me programme and 25 times less funding than the New Zealand Like Minds campaign, which has delivered impressive results; supports the conclusion of the Work and Pensions Committee that Government work to tackle employer discrimination has been wholly inadequate and the European Parliament's recent endorsement of measures to eliminate prejudice; and calls on the Department for Work and Pensions to bring investment in anti-stigma work to a level commensurate with the Scottish programme in order to make a success of welfare reform.

That this House notes that 58 per cent. of people with schizophrenia can work if supported to do so; further notes that 75 per cent. of employers say that employing someone with schizophrenia is impossible or very difficult; acknowledges that the English anti-stigma programme Shift has eight times less per...

That this House welcomes the re-introduction in the House of Lords of the Disabled Persons (Independent Living) Bill; notes that its purpose is to ensure that independent living is a right for all disabled people and people with long-term health conditions irrespective of age or background; believes that clear entitlements to independent living support are central to achieving equal citizenship for disabled people, their families and carers and to meeting many key public policy objectives, such as improving outcomes for children, improving employment rates, preventing exclusion in later life and achieving gender equality; recognises that reform of the current system will free up resources to invest in high quality advocacy, support services and rehabilitation; and so calls on the Government to enact the Bill's provisions within the lifetime of this Parliament.

That this House welcomes the re-introduction in the House of Lords of the Disabled Persons (Independent Living) Bill; notes that its purpose is to ensure that independent living is a right for all disabled people and people with long-term health conditions irrespective of age or background; believes that clear entitlements...