That this House welcomes and supports The Big Bang 2010: UK Young Scientists' and Engineers' Fair taking place on 11 to 13 March 2010 which will include the finals of the National Science and Engineering Competition; notes that over 15,000 students have already registered to attend the free event, which will include a wide range of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) projects on display; and believes that the study of STEM is crucial to ensure Britain's future prosperity and success.

That this House welcomes and supports The Big Bang 2010: UK Young Scientists' and Engineers' Fair taking place on 11 to 13 March 2010 which will include the finals of the National Science and Engineering Competition; notes that over 15,000 students have already registered to attend the free event, which...

That this House welcomes the fresh approach to international relations with Cuba including recent legislation in the US to lift family visiting restrictions on Cuban-Americans; notes the recent formal visits to Cuba by the Irish and Spanish Foreign Ministers and Presidents of Chile and Argentina; further notes the recent visit by the Shadow Foreign Secretary to Cuba; welcomes the fact that the UK enjoys excellent relations with Cuba in the fields of sport, biotechnology and the arts; and calls on the Government to send a high level Ministerial delegation to Cuba, led by the Foreign Secretary, to build on UK-Cuba relations and UK interests in the region.

That this House welcomes the fresh approach to international relations with Cuba including recent legislation in the US to lift family visiting restrictions on Cuban-Americans; notes the recent formal visits to Cuba by the Irish and Spanish Foreign Ministers and Presidents of Chile and Argentina; further notes the recent visit...

That this House congratulates the biomedical scientists from the UK and Canada who have re-programmed skin fibroblast cells to produce stem cells, which will help them in their endeavours in regenerative medicine; and calls on the Government to increase funding for such creative and innovative pursuits as part of rebalancing the economy.

That this House congratulates the biomedical scientists from the UK and Canada who have re-programmed skin fibroblast cells to produce stem cells, which will help them in their endeavours in regenerative medicine; and calls on the Government to increase funding for such creative and innovative pursuits as part of rebalancing...

That this House recognises the problems facing small and medium-sized businesses and their employees in the current economic downturn; is concerned at the difficulties in obtaining loans and refinancing from banks; calls on the Government to recognise that the imposition of penalties for late payment of value added tax by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) can cause businesses to fail; and further calls on the Government to issue guidelines to HMRC to assess the impact of such penalty payments on the business and, where necessary, agree a phased payment plan to prevent bankruptcy and loss of jobs.

That this House recognises the problems facing small and medium-sized businesses and their employees in the current economic downturn; is concerned at the difficulties in obtaining loans and refinancing from banks; calls on the Government to recognise that the imposition of penalties for late payment of value added tax by...

That this House agrees with the decision of the European Council meeting on 1st September 2008 to suspend negotiations with Russia on a new partnership and cooperation agreement following Russia's unilateral and disproportionate military intervention in Georgia in August 2008; notes that the ceasefire agreements brokered on behalf of the European Union by President Sarkozy of France included, among other things, a commitment by Russia to withdraw its military forces to positions occupied before the start of hostilities on 7th August 2008 and allow EU monitors access to South Ossetia and Abkhazia; regrets that these commitments are still not being honoured; believes that an early resumption of negotiations on a new EU-Russia agreement would be premature and risk serious damage to the European Union's international credibility as an organisation that means what it says; further believes that Russia must be held to account for its refusal to abide by its international responsibilities, including violations of binding commitments under the European Convention on Human Rights, the Charter of Paris, the Energy Charter Treaty and the Vienna Conventions; calls on the European Union to make a resumption of negotiations conditional on full Russian compliance with the terms of the ceasefire agreements and to strengthen its negotiating mandate for a new EU-Russia agreement to insist that Russia respects its binding international commitments in all areas; and urges the UK Government to pursue forcefully these objectives in helping the European Union to adopt a more robust and credible policy towards Russia.

That this House agrees with the decision of the European Council meeting on 1st September 2008 to suspend negotiations with Russia on a new partnership and cooperation agreement following Russia's unilateral and disproportionate military intervention in Georgia in August 2008; notes that the ceasefire agreements brokered on behalf of the...

That this House congratulates Lewis Hamilton on winning the Formula One World Championship in only his second year in the top flight of motor sport; recognises his remarkable achievement of being the youngest driver ever to do so and becoming the first British champion since 1996; considers that his entire career to date shows him to be an excellent role model and inspiration for all young people to aspire to; also congratulates Ron Dennis and the McLaren-Mercedes team for the faith and dedication they have shown him over the years; acknowledges the important role played by his father Anthony and the rest of his family; and anticipates him winning the World Championship for Britain in future seasons to come.

That this House congratulates Lewis Hamilton on winning the Formula One World Championship in only his second year in the top flight of motor sport; recognises his remarkable achievement of being the youngest driver ever to do so and becoming the first British champion since 1996; considers that his entire...

That this House is concerned about the Environment Agency's proposal to dispose by sale or letting of 22 lock-keepers' homes along the Thames; recognises the importance of lock-keepers being resident in homes adjacent to locks to maintain safety on the river; fears for the welfare of the lock-keepers and their families; and calls on the Government to ask the Environment Agency to re-examine its decision so as to protect this unique part of the nation's river heritage and the tradition of lock-keepers living at the site of locks.

That this House is concerned about the Environment Agency's proposal to dispose by sale or letting of 22 lock-keepers' homes along the Thames; recognises the importance of lock-keepers being resident in homes adjacent to locks to maintain safety on the river; fears for the welfare of the lock-keepers and their...

That this House notes that the Criminal Justice Act 2003 provided for drug rehabilitation to be made available to courts under community sentences; accepts that this type of sentence is appropriate for some drug users over 16 who commit crime to fund their drug habit yet show willingness to co-operate with treatment; but calls on the Government to issue guidelines to the National Probation Service on the placement of participants in offender substance abuse programmes to prevent young first-time soft drug users attending sessions with those convicted of hard drug abuse and drug pushing.

That this House notes that the Criminal Justice Act 2003 provided for drug rehabilitation to be made available to courts under community sentences; accepts that this type of sentence is appropriate for some drug users over 16 who commit crime to fund their drug habit yet show willingness to co-operate...

That this House deplores the Russian government's continued actions against the British Council; endorses the Foreign Secretary's view that the Russian Government's efforts to close down the British Council's offices outside Moscow constitute a violation of Russia's obligations under the Vienna Conventions; believes that these actions reflect a growing tendency on the part of the Russian government to disregard international law and resort to coercive diplomacy in its dealings with other states; notes that the Russian government is also currently in breach of its legally binding obligations as a signatory of the Energy Charter Treaty and as a member of the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, most recently by blocking the latter's election monitoring work during the Russian parliamentary elections; believes that Russia's violations of international law have become serious and persistent enough to require a firm and concerted response from the UK and its allies; further notes that Russia is planning to join the World Trade Organisation and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and is scheduled to conclude a new co-operation agreement with the European Union; and urges the UK Government to work with other countries to make it clear that these privileges will only be extended if Russia is willing to behave responsibly and honour the international commitments it has already accepted.

That this House deplores the Russian government's continued actions against the British Council; endorses the Foreign Secretary's view that the Russian Government's efforts to close down the British Council's offices outside Moscow constitute a violation of Russia's obligations under the Vienna Conventions; believes that these actions reflect a growing tendency...

That this House recognises the impressive engineering achievement behind the opening of St Pancras for high speed rail travel to the Continent, but regrets the Government's failure to ensure that the five vacated Eurostar platforms at London Waterloo can be accessed by commuter trains; notes that the Government and Network Rail have had repeated requests to take action over the last few years; urges the Government to invest now in the cross-over tracks required at Clapham Junction to enable full access to empty London Waterloo platforms; and sympathises with commuters who will continue to suffer overcrowding at London Waterloo until such access and much needed capacity improvements are achieved.

That this House recognises the impressive engineering achievement behind the opening of St Pancras for high speed rail travel to the Continent, but regrets the Government's failure to ensure that the five vacated Eurostar platforms at London Waterloo can be accessed by commuter trains; notes that the Government and Network...

That this House believes that the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme should be amended to reflect the true cost to the lives of those injured in terrorist attacks in mainland Britain; notes that some victims of the 7th July 2005 bombings in London have yet to receive full compensation or have received minimal offers of compensation by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority; and calls on the Government to respond to the Green Paper 'Rebuilding Lives' and uprate the limit of ??500,000 and tariffs set in 1996.

That this House believes that the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme should be amended to reflect the true cost to the lives of those injured in terrorist attacks in mainland Britain; notes that some victims of the 7th July 2005 bombings in London have yet to receive full compensation or have...

That this House believes that the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme should be amended to reflect the true cost to the lives of those injured in terrorist attacks in mainland Britain; notes that some victims of the 7th July 2005 bombings in London have yet to receive full compensation or have received minimal offers of compensation by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority; and calls on the Government to respond to the Green Paper `Rebuilding Lives' and uprate the limit of ??500,000 and tariffs set in 1996.

That this House believes that the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme should be amended to reflect the true cost to the lives of those injured in terrorist attacks in mainland Britain; notes that some victims of the 7th July 2005 bombings in London have yet to receive full compensation or have...

That this House notes that 25th March 2007 marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome; celebrates the fact that today the European Union has expanded from the six original member states to 27, bringing peace, freedom, stability and prosperity to the continent; recognises that the strength of the EU lies in its member states choosing to work together to address their shared objectives; and looks forward to the UK working positively and constructively with its partners in the European Union of the future.

That this House notes that 25th March 2007 marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome; celebrates the fact that today the European Union has expanded from the six original member states to 27, bringing peace, freedom, stability and prosperity to the continent; recognises that the...

That this House notes that the public's interest in the nature of the food they are eating has never been higher; further notes that a series of food scares have all shaken consumer confidence; further notes that seven out of 10 shoppers said they lacked confidence in the foods they bought and the level of information they were given; congratulates in particular Birdseye for the work it has done to reformulate its product portfolio by removing artificial colourings, flavours and preservatives and ensuring that its products use natural ingredients; and believes that a positive way to address the issue of consumer confidence in foods is to provide consumers with clear details about the food they are buying through factual and informative advertising and marketing activity.

That this House notes that the public's interest in the nature of the food they are eating has never been higher; further notes that a series of food scares have all shaken consumer confidence; further notes that seven out of 10 shoppers said they lacked confidence in the foods they...

That this House recognises efforts by the Government to cement positive relations with Cuba; identifies the 48 per cent. decrease in United Kingdom exports to Cuba since 2000 as unwelcome and in direct contrast to increased trade between Cuba and other EU partners; notes the continued aggressive lobbying of EU member states by the US Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba which promotes a tightening of extra territorial elements of the illegal blockade which affect EU-Cuba relations; acknowledges that despite differences between the two countries, cultural, scientific, sporting and trade links should be protected and built upon; and calls on the United Kingdom Government to maintain and develop its independent approach of positive engagement towards Cuba when the EU common position on Cuba is reviewed in June.

That this House recognises efforts by the Government to cement positive relations with Cuba; identifies the 48 per cent. decrease in United Kingdom exports to Cuba since 2000 as unwelcome and in direct contrast to increased trade between Cuba and other EU partners; notes the continued aggressive lobbying of EU...

That this House believes companies are critical in achieving the aims of sustainable development and to making poverty history, but that in order to be able to do so their freedom to operate must be balanced with clear responsibilities to society and the environment; and urges the Government to enshrine in new company law a duty for directors to identify, consider, act and report on any negative social and environmental impacts caused by a company's activities in the UK or overseas.

That this House believes companies are critical in achieving the aims of sustainable development and to making poverty history, but that in order to be able to do so their freedom to operate must be balanced with clear responsibilities to society and the environment; and urges the Government to enshrine...

That this House congratulates NASA and the European Space Agency on the success of the Cassini Huygens mission; notes that the Huygens science probe is a UK effort; congratulates the team involved on the dramatic landing on Titan; recognises the importance of the scientific data being obtained; and lauds the tremendous effort of UK scientists and industry in this achievement.

That this House congratulates NASA and the European Space Agency on the success of the Cassini Huygens mission; notes that the Huygens science probe is a UK effort; congratulates the team involved on the dramatic landing on Titan; recognises the importance of the scientific data being obtained; and lauds the...

That this House calls on the Government to address the problem of allergic asthma, particularly in children, by building on earlier multi-system studies which showed health improvement when house dust mite exposure in homes was reduced; further calls on the Government to integrate such research study into new guidelines for the management of asthma, give support for primary care initiatives and set housing standard guidelines to encourage a healthy indoor environment and lessen the burden of allergic disease on the NHS and patients.

That this House calls on the Government to address the problem of allergic asthma, particularly in children, by building on earlier multi-system studies which showed health improvement when house dust mite exposure in homes was reduced; further calls on the Government to integrate such research study into new guidelines for...

That this House congratulates the research team at The Open University led by Professor Colin Pillinger for their outstanding work on the Beagle 2 project which is scheduled to touch down on Mars on Christmas Day; notes that because this work was conducted in an open access institution, the research underpinning this project will bring benefit to far more students from a wider spectrum of backgrounds and in far quicker time than if it was conducted in a traditional selective-entry university; and calls on the Government to ensure that the special nature of The Open University and the unique access to excellence it provides should be recognised when considering research funding allocation in the future.

That this House congratulates the research team at The Open University led by Professor Colin Pillinger for their outstanding work on the Beagle 2 project which is scheduled to touch down on Mars on Christmas Day; notes that because this work was conducted in an open access institution, the research...

That this House welcomes the designation of February as Oxygen Month (02/02); supports moves by companies such as Air Products to highlight the important impact that oxygen has on people's lives, particularly on 2nd February (02/02/02); and urges the Government to use this opportunity to extend public understanding of the important contribution of science and technology to our health and environment.

That this House welcomes the designation of February as Oxygen Month (02/02); supports moves by companies such as Air Products to highlight the important impact that oxygen has on people's lives, particularly on 2nd February (02/02/02); and urges the Government to use this opportunity to extend public understanding of the...