That this House believes that the proposal to introduce a daily allowance for hon. Members fails the test of transparency rightly expected by the public; is concerned that a daily allowance will be wide open to abuse by some hon. Members; is further concerned that a daily allowance could penalise those hon. Members representing constituencies at a substantial distance from Westminster or those carrying out essential duties in their constituencies; and therefore believes that the proposal will fail to re-establish public confidence in the probity and transparency of the political system.

That this House believes that the proposal to introduce a daily allowance for hon. Members fails the test of transparency rightly expected by the public; is concerned that a daily allowance will be wide open to abuse by some hon. Members; is further concerned that a daily allowance could penalise...

That this House notes the proposals for regional select committees in the third report of the Select Committee on Modernisation entitled Regional Accountability; further notes that were these proposals to be adopted by the House the South West Region would have a select committee grossly disproportionate to the political composition of the region, that some counties would not be represented at all, and that hon. Members representing constituencies outside the region would be required to be members of the committee; further notes that these unsatisfactory proposals were passed only on the casting vote of the Chairman; and calls on the Modernisation Select Committee to reconsider its proposals.

That this House notes the proposals for regional select committees in the third report of the Select Committee on Modernisation entitled Regional Accountability; further notes that were these proposals to be adopted by the House the South West Region would have a select committee grossly disproportionate to the political composition...

That this House expresses its concern over the proposed closure of HM Revenue and Customs offices in Somerset including the offices in Frome, Yeovil, Wells, Bridgwater and Weston-Super-Mare and the relocation of tax business to Bristol; believes this will provide a lower standard of service to individuals and businesses in the local community, is unfair to loyal members of staff and cannot be justified in economic or environmental terms given that Bristol is expensive, congested and inaccessible to people in Somerset; and calls on the Government to reconsider the proposals.

That this House expresses its concern over the proposed closure of HM Revenue and Customs offices in Somerset including the offices in Frome, Yeovil, Wells, Bridgwater and Weston-Super-Mare and the relocation of tax business to Bristol; believes this will provide a lower standard of service to individuals and businesses in...

That this House deeply regrets the announcement of the intended closure of 30 post offices in the Somerset County Council area, including those serving the villages of Barwick, Bason Bridge, Bayford, Bicknoller, Bower Hinton, Bradford-on-Tone, Croscombe, Dinder, East Coker, Easton, Haselbury Plucknett, Holcombe, Keinton Mandeville, Kingsdon, Kingston St Mary, Mudford, Pylle, Sparkford, Walton, West Buckland, West Monkton, West Quantoxhead and Wookey Hole; further regrets the downgrading of a further seven, serving Brompton Regis, Chartlon Horethorne, Churchinford, Kilve, Lydeard St Lawrence, North Cadbury and Wheddon Cross; further regrets the closure of a further 18 in the historic county of Somerset, including those serving the villages of Barrow Gurney, Bathford, Clandown, East Harptree, Farmborough, Kewstoke, Loxton, Marksbury, Newton St Loe, and Uphill and the closure of post offices in the urban areas of Bath, Glastonbury, Keynsham, Street, Taunton, Wells, Weston-super-Mare and Yeovil; believes these closures to be extremely damaging to the fabric of the county and the well-being of its communities in social, economic and environmental terms; recognises that in many cases such closures will risk or precipitate the closure of village shops; further regrets that this closure programme continues a process or erosion of the post office network over many years; and urges the Post Office and Her Majesty's Government to critically re-examine the current proposals and reconsider.

That this House deeply regrets the announcement of the intended closure of 30 post offices in the Somerset County Council area, including those serving the villages of Barwick, Bason Bridge, Bayford, Bicknoller, Bower Hinton, Bradford-on-Tone, Croscombe, Dinder, East Coker, Easton, Haselbury Plucknett, Holcombe, Keinton Mandeville, Kingsdon, Kingston St Mary, Mudford,...

That this House believes that UK residency for tax purposes should be a requirement for membership of any part of the UK legislature.

That this House believes that UK residency for tax purposes should be a requirement for membership of any part of the UK legislature.

That this House believes that the proposed EU ban on the production or renovation of traditional barometers, on the spurious grounds that mercury from an antique barometer may enter the food chain, is ridiculous and unnecessary.

That this House believes that the proposed EU ban on the production or renovation of traditional barometers, on the spurious grounds that mercury from an antique barometer may enter the food chain, is ridiculous and unnecessary.

That this House supports the views expressed in the petition of parish councils of the constituency of Somerton and Frome, which deplores the potential social, economic and environmental effects of the closure of a substantial number of post offices; and urges the Government to reconsider the matter before irreparable damage is done to local communities, supported by the town and parish councils of Somerton, Frome, Abbas and Templecombe, Alford, Cary Moor, Lovington, North and South Barrow, Ansford, Ash, Babcary, Barrington, Barton St David, Batcombe, Bratton Seymour, Brewham, Bruton, Castle Cary, Charlton Mackrell, Charlton Musgrove, Coleford, Compton Dundon, Compton Pauncefoot, Cucklington, Curry Mallet, Doulting, Drayton, Evercreech, Fivehead, Great Elm, Henstridge, Holton, Maperton, North Cheriton and North Vale, Horsington, Ilchester, Isle Brewers, Keinton Mandeville, Kingsbury Episcopi, Kingsdon, Langport, Leigh on Mendip, Long Sutton, Lullington, Lydford on Fosse, Martock, Mells, Milborne Port, Milton Clevedon, Muchelney, North Cadbury and Yarlington, Pen Selwood, Pitcombe, Queen Camel, Rode, Selwood, Shepton Montague, South Cadbury, Sparkford, Stocklinch, Stoke St Michael, Stoke Trister, Stratton on the Fosse, Tellisford, Trudoxhill, Upton Noble, Wanstrow, West Camel, Wincanton and Witham Friary.

That this House supports the views expressed in the petition of parish councils of the constituency of Somerton and Frome, which deplores the potential social, economic and environmental effects of the closure of a substantial number of post offices; and urges the Government to reconsider the matter before irreparable damage...

That this House calls on the Government to preserve the historic name of the Light Infantry and also recognises the Light Infantry's historic ties to Shropshire and Herefordshire which have ensured that the Light Infantry has remained one of the best recruited regiments in the army; and asks that the Government reconsiders its proposals to change the name of the Light Infantry to The Rifles.

That this House calls on the Government to preserve the historic name of the Light Infantry and also recognises the Light Infantry's historic ties to Shropshire and Herefordshire which have ensured that the Light Infantry has remained one of the best recruited regiments in the army; and asks that the...

That this House notes with surprise that the Leader of the House has arbitrarily dispensed with September sittings of the House without full consultation with honourable Members or a debate; further notes that this is a matter on which honourable Members hold a range of views, but that for many in the House and outside a period of 75 days of recess during which the Government cannot properly be held to account for its actions is unacceptable; further notes that the institution of September sittings was by Resolution of the House; and directs that any change to these arrangements should only be made following a debate in the House and following a vote rather than by surreptitious announcement by the Leader of the House.

That this House notes with surprise that the Leader of the House has arbitrarily dispensed with September sittings of the House without full consultation with honourable Members or a debate; further notes that this is a matter on which honourable Members hold a range of views, but that for many...

That this House recognises the need for effective and efficient policing, but also the need for close identification of police forces with the communities they serve; believes artificial agglomeration of existing forces without regard for patterns of crime or local identity to be a retrograde step; considers the consultation to have been entirely inadequate prior to the arbitrary rejection of viable alternatives and the selection of two unacceptable options for the South West; and further believes that neither a police force comprising the current Avon and Somerset, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Dorset forces, nor a single force covering an area extending from the Isles of Scilly in the west to Christchurch in the east and Tewkesbury in the north, to be an acceptable solution for policing the communities of the South West.

That this House recognises the need for effective and efficient policing, but also the need for close identification of police forces with the communities they serve; believes artificial agglomeration of existing forces without regard for patterns of crime or local identity to be a retrograde step; considers the consultation to...

That this House strongly supports the maintenance of the network of independent and community newsagents throughout the country; is concerned that the draft opinion of the Office of Fair Trading relating to newspaper and magazine distribution may, on the basis of authoritative estimates, put at risk up to 20,000 local newsagents' businesses; and calls for the Office of Fair Trading and ministers to reconsider the proposals to ensure that both the interests of consumers are protected and that independent newsagents, particularly in rural areas, are not put in jeopardy.

That this House strongly supports the maintenance of the network of independent and community newsagents throughout the country; is concerned that the draft opinion of the Office of Fair Trading relating to newspaper and magazine distribution may, on the basis of authoritative estimates, put at risk up to 20,000 local...

That this House expresses concern that many ex-servicemen and women who have suffered substantial hearing loss as a result of their service in the armed forces are being denied compensation through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme; notes that a service person has to suffer a hearing loss of 50 decibels before being compensated, a level often only experienced naturally by elderly people; further notes that this is not the case across the European Union and the Commonwealth, where the qualifying level of hearing loss is much lower; further notes that criteria for compensation ignore the fact that noise-induced hearing loss associated with service brings forward the age at which an individual will experience severe difficulties in everyday communication and social participation; therefore believes that the Government's criteria for assessing compensation for deafened veterans is failing to deliver sufficient recognition for those who have made great sacrifices for their country; and therefore joins RNID and ex-service organisations in calling upon the Government to lower the qualifying level of hearing loss in order to ensure that all those who have served in the armed forces are compensated appropriately for any disability, and that those currently serving their country are not let down when their service ends.

That this House expresses concern that many ex-servicemen and women who have suffered substantial hearing loss as a result of their service in the armed forces are being denied compensation through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme; notes that a service person has to suffer a hearing loss of 50 decibels...

That this House congratulates the Royal National Institute for the Blind on the launch of their national tour of 13 UK cities over the summer, raising the public's awareness of glaucoma and the need for a regular eye test; notes that if detected early enough through a routine eye examination glaucoma can be treated effectively; expresses its concern that many thousands of people across the UK have a sight problem due to the condition; and calls on the Government to increase publicity around the benefits that a regular eye test can have in detecting eye diseases such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration, leading to early intervention and the saving of sight.

That this House congratulates the Royal National Institute for the Blind on the launch of their national tour of 13 UK cities over the summer, raising the public's awareness of glaucoma and the need for a regular eye test; notes that if detected early enough through a routine eye examination...

That this House expresses concern that many ex-service men and women who have suffered substantial hearing loss as a result of their service in the Armed Forces are being denied sufficient compensation through the war pensions scheme; notes that a service person has to suffer a hearing loss of 50 decibels before being compensated, a level often only experienced naturally by elderly people; further notes that this is not the case across the European Union and the Commonwealth, where the qualifying level of hearing loss is much lower; further notes that criteria for compensation do not take into account the additive effects on hearing of age-related hearing loss and noise-induced hearing loss, ignoring the fact that noise-induced hearing loss associated with service may bring forward the age at which an individual will suffer age-related hearing loss; therefore believes that the Government's criteria for assessing compensation for deafened veterans is failing to deliver sufficient recognition for those who have made great sacrifices for their country; and therefore joins RNID and ex-service organisations in calling upon the Government to lower the qualifying level of hearing loss in order to ensure that all those who have served in the Armed Forces are compensated appropriately for any disability, and that those currently serving their country are not let down when their service ends.

That this House expresses concern that many ex-service men and women who have suffered substantial hearing loss as a result of their service in the Armed Forces are being denied sufficient compensation through the war pensions scheme; notes that a service person has to suffer a hearing loss of 50...

That this House notes that the Association of Police Authorities and the Association of Chief Police Officers are alarmed at the possibility of a national shortfall in police funding in 2005-06; is concerned that funding levels are sufficient to maintain existing police services; recognises that there will be additional pressure on police finances to implement new crime reduction initiatives; anticipates that unlike in earlier years police authorities will be unable to bridge the funding gap with large percentage rises in the council tax precept; and therefore urges the Government to provide an adequate national funding settlement for police services in 2005-06 and beyond.

That this House notes that the Association of Police Authorities and the Association of Chief Police Officers are alarmed at the possibility of a national shortfall in police funding in 2005-06; is concerned that funding levels are sufficient to maintain existing police services; recognises that there will be additional pressure...

That this House welcomes the Prime Minister's confirmation that 50 NHS hospitals in England and Wales can provide photo-dynamic therapy treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration; notes that delays in the provision of funding for this vital sight-saving treatment on the NHS, following the National Institute for Clinical Excellence's approval of its use on the NHS on 24th September 2003, mean that up to 130 people a week in England and Wales are losing their sight unnecessarily; therefore reminds primary care trusts that they are able to fund photo-dynamic therapy for wet age-related macular degeneration on a named patients basis now and must have this treatment up and running by 24th June this year; and looks forward to the earliest possible implementation of this treatment.

That this House welcomes the Prime Minister's confirmation that 50 NHS hospitals in England and Wales can provide photo-dynamic therapy treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration; notes that delays in the provision of funding for this vital sight-saving treatment on the NHS, following the National Institute for Clinical Excellence's approval...

That this House welcomes the creation of the Right to Read Alliance, made up of 15 organisations including RNIB, the National Library for the Blind and Calibre; agrees that people with reading disabilities should have the right to read the same book, at the same time, and at the same price as everyone else; expresses concern that each year 95 per cent. of books, magazines and newspapers are not produced in formats such as large print, audio and braille which are accessible to people with a visual impairment, dyslexia or other reading disability; recognises that this leads to the exclusion of almost three million people from the educational, information and leisure opportunities reading provides; supports the Alliance's calls for the Government to establish an access to reading fund to increase the production of not-for-profit transcription agencies; and recognises the need to increase co-ordination between schools producing accessible information so that all children and students with reading disabilities can access the materials they need to undertake their studies successfully.

That this House welcomes the creation of the Right to Read Alliance, made up of 15 organisations including RNIB, the National Library for the Blind and Calibre; agrees that people with reading disabilities should have the right to read the same book, at the same time, and at the same...

That this House expresses regret at the Department of Health's decision to delay by an additional six months the rolling-out of photo dynamic therapy laser treatment for wet age related macular degeneration on the NHS following The National Institute for Clinical Excellence's approval of PDT for use on the NHS on 24th September; notes with concern the fact that up to 3,000 people who could benefit from PDT treatment in this six month period will lose their sight if they do not receive treatment; and therefore calls on the Government to make PDT available nationwide within the standard three month period following NICE approval.

That this House expresses regret at the Department of Health's decision to delay by an additional six months the rolling-out of photo dynamic therapy laser treatment for wet age related macular degeneration on the NHS following The National Institute for Clinical Excellence's approval of PDT for use on the NHS...

That this House expresses its concern that the sale of locally-produced cider and wines at farmers' markets may be curtailed by provisions within the Licensing Bill; recognises that farmers' markets, country fairs and agricultural shows represent important opportunities for small-scale producers; understands that market organisers will be required to acquire a personal licence; notes that because sales of alcoholic produce usually comprise only a small part of a market's activities, and because acquiring a licence incurs significant monetary and bureaucratic costs, many organisers will not feel it is worthwhile to do so; further notes that farmers and wine growers who do hold a personal licence will only be able to apply for fifty temporary notices when many sell at around 150 venues; believes that these unnecessary costs run counter to the Curry Report's call for enhanced support to farmers' markets and rural economies; and calls on the Government to recognise the needs of small-scale producers and to amend the Licensing Bill accordingly.

That this House expresses its concern that the sale of locally-produced cider and wines at farmers' markets may be curtailed by provisions within the Licensing Bill; recognises that farmers' markets, country fairs and agricultural shows represent important opportunities for small-scale producers; understands that market organisers will be required to acquire...

That this House believes that men and women serving in the British Armed Forces and deployed to a theatre of war deserve the best available equipment and support; expresses deep concern at reports of inadequate provision not only through the media but directly from service personnel and their families; is particularly concerned at the lack of identification to avoid friendly fire; calls on the Ministry of Defence to address inadequate provision as a matter of urgency; and records its gratitude to and confidence in members of the armed forces, its continuing determination to ensure their welfare and its understanding of the legitimate concerns of their families.

That this House believes that men and women serving in the British Armed Forces and deployed to a theatre of war deserve the best available equipment and support; expresses deep concern at reports of inadequate provision not only through the media but directly from service personnel and their families; is...