That this House notes that, whilst in opposition, the right hon. Member for Thornbury and Yate, now the Minister of State for Pensions, supported the campaign for assistance for 145,000 members of pension schemes throughout the UK when their company became insolvent, believing that all accrued rights should be honoured and that no changes should be made to pension rights that had already been built up; further notes that the Financial Assistance Scheme introduced by the previous Labour administration afforded 90 per cent of pension rights but due to inflation erosion and indexation being limited to post 1997 service only, is now in real terms nearer to 76 per cent of what was a guaranteed 100 per cent company pension, meaning that a pension promise made has not been kept; calls on the Government to review the extent to which the commitment to 90 per cent of expected pension entitlement has not been reached for those involved in the Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS), taking into account that some 3,000 recipients of FAS received small overpayments through inaccurate calculations by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) which they now seek to recover, making these pensioners even more adversely affected; and calls on the FAS to waive the clawback.

That this House notes that, whilst in opposition, the right hon. Member for Thornbury and Yate, now the Minister of State for Pensions, supported the campaign for assistance for 145,000 members of pension schemes throughout the UK when their company became insolvent, believing that all accrued rights should be honoured...

That this House notes the review of the Public Sector Equality Duty now in progress; believes the Duty, albeit only recently introduced, has considerable potential to achieve the goals of eliminating all forms of discrimination, harassment or victimisation, advancing equality of opportunity and fostering good relations; recognises the value placed on the Duty by public bodies, non-governmental organisations and others; and calls on Ministers to reaffirm their commitment to the Duty and to supporting public bodies in implementing it effectively.

That this House notes the review of the Public Sector Equality Duty now in progress; believes the Duty, albeit only recently introduced, has considerable potential to achieve the goals of eliminating all forms of discrimination, harassment or victimisation, advancing equality of opportunity and fostering good relations; recognises the value placed...

That this House believes that being lesbian, gay or bisexual is not a disease or illness and that therapy which attempts to cure or change a person's sexual orientation is both ineffective and potentially extremely harmful; notes that a 2009 survey of 1,300 British psychiatrists, therapists and psychoanalysts revealed over 200 had attempted to change at least one patient's sexuality (BMC Psychiatry, 9:11, 26 March 2009); further notes than an undercover investigation in 2010 (The Independent, 1 February 2010) found one psychotherapist claimed most of her clients were forwarded to her from her local GP; further notes that the Department of Health does not condone the concept of therapists offering cures for homosexuality and recognises that the practice may well cause significant harm to some patients; is deeply concerned that nothing currently prevents conversion therapists from freely operating in Britain or practising in the psychotherapy sector; and therefore calls on the Government to investigate any NHS links with conversion therapists, ensuring that NHS medical professionals cannot inflict this cruel treatment on their patients and to take steps to ban conversion therapy for under-18s.

That this House believes that being lesbian, gay or bisexual is not a disease or illness and that therapy which attempts to cure or change a person's sexual orientation is both ineffective and potentially extremely harmful; notes that a 2009 survey of 1,300 British psychiatrists, therapists and psychoanalysts revealed over...

That this House notes the review of the Public Sector Equality Duty now in progress; believes the Duty, albeit only recently introduced, has considerable potential to achieve the goals of eliminating all forms of discrimination, harassment or victimisation, advancing equality of opportunity, and fostering good relations; recognises the value placed upon the Duty by public bodies, non-governmental organisations and others; and calls on Ministers to reaffirm their commitment to the Duty and to supporting public bodies in implementing it effectively.

That this House notes the review of the Public Sector Equality Duty now in progress; believes the Duty, albeit only recently introduced, has considerable potential to achieve the goals of eliminating all forms of discrimination, harassment or victimisation, advancing equality of opportunity, and fostering good relations; recognises the value placed...

That this House is deeply concerned that the Government is ignoring the result of its own consultation on the future of the Equality and Human Rights Commission and the majority of respondents who urged against cutting the funding and remit of the body; notes that the 62 per cent budget cut and 72 per cent staff cut on levels in 2007 will result in the loss of vital services and functions including regional offices; further notes that the Bristol and Nottingham offices closed over a year ago, and that further offices planned for closure are Birmingham, Newcastle, Bangor, Guildford, Cambridge and Leeds, and that offices in Manchester, London, Glasgow and Cardiff will be reduced; regrets the closure of the directhelpline with conciliation and legal assistance powers which will be privatised in September 2012 and replaced with a referral line and no provision in Scotland or Wales as there is now; further regrets the end of the grants function to charities or projects that are often the first port of call for victims of discrimination and harassment; warns that the Commission's UN A status is in real jeopardy due to a loss of independence following the new Framework Agreement; regards as contrary and dangerous the decision to repeal crucial sections of the Equality Act 2006 that were secured with cross-party support in this House; and urges the Government urgently to rethink these cuts and commit to maintaining the funding and remit of the body, especially at a time of growing inequality.

That this House is deeply concerned that the Government is ignoring the result of its own consultation on the future of the Equality and Human Rights Commission and the majority of respondents who urged against cutting the funding and remit of the body; notes that the 62 per cent budget...

That this House congratulates Scots born nurse, Karen Graham, nursing services manager at the Oil Clinic in Tripoli, on being named the recipient of the 2012 Annual Robert Burns Humanitarian Award, in recognition of her humanitarian efforts to care for patients from both sides during the recent Libyan Civil War, with little regard for her own personal safety.

That this House congratulates Scots born nurse, Karen Graham, nursing services manager at the Oil Clinic in Tripoli, on being named the recipient of the 2012 Annual Robert Burns Humanitarian Award, in recognition of her humanitarian efforts to care for patients from both sides during the recent Libyan Civil War,...

That this House notes the Government's announcements on limiting Armed Forces' pay; is concerned about the impact this will have on the living standards and morale of the UK's forces and their families; and, while recognising budgetary pressures, urges the Government to think again by commissioning the independent Armed Forces Pay Review Body to form proposals to support the lowest paid members of the Armed Forces over the course of this Parliament.

That this House notes the Government's announcements on limiting Armed Forces' pay; is concerned about the impact this will have on the living standards and morale of the UK's forces and their families; and, while recognising budgetary pressures, urges the Government to think again by commissioning the independent Armed Forces...

That this House welcomes the admission of Palestine to full membership of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.

That this House welcomes the admission of Palestine to full membership of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.

That this House celebrates the 90th birthday of the Maybole (Ayrshire) branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland, the first ever branch to be formed in the UK; and recognises the excellent work of the Legion over the past 90 years as the leading charity providing financial, social and emotional support to those who have have served or who are currently serving in the British Armed Forces and their dependants.

That this House celebrates the 90th birthday of the Maybole (Ayrshire) branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland, the first ever branch to be formed in the UK; and recognises the excellent work of the Legion over the past 90 years as the leading charity providing financial, social and emotional...

That this House is opposed to the Government's proposals that parts of the National Health Service Blood and Transplant Service be subject to competitive tendering and outsourcing to the private sector; notes that this would fundamentally change the relationship between the service and its donors and would also undermine and jeopardise the unique core value of blood and organ donation in the UK that is based on individuals and charities giving voluntarily; and recognises the long-standing national consensus that people give blood and organs to save lives, not to contribute to third parties' profits.

That this House is opposed to the Government's proposals that parts of the National Health Service Blood and Transplant Service be subject to competitive tendering and outsourcing to the private sector; notes that this would fundamentally change the relationship between the service and its donors and would also undermine and...

That this House notes with pride the legacy of J Keir Hardie, founder of the Labour Party and first leader of the Parliamentary Labour Party; recognises his pioneering commitment to campaigns for a minimum wage, a Scottish Parliament, women's suffrage, independence for India, and an end to segregation in South Africa; and while welcoming the presence of the magnificent bust of Keir Hardie by Benno Schotz positioned in the Lower Waiting Hall, supports the re-siting of the bust in Central Lobby or some other suitable place on the Line of Route, so that it can be readily viewed by the general public visiting the Houses of Parliament.

That this House notes with pride the legacy of J Keir Hardie, founder of the Labour Party and first leader of the Parliamentary Labour Party; recognises his pioneering commitment to campaigns for a minimum wage, a Scottish Parliament, women's suffrage, independence for India, and an end to segregation in South...

That this House notes that Royal Mail intends to produce a Robert Burns 250th anniversary issue souvenir sheet of stamps as part of the 2009 Homecoming celebrations but that this will be a sheet at a cost of ??2.66 and will not be available as individual Burns 250th anniversary stamps; believes that this is not sufficient recognition of Scotland's national poet's standing both nationally and internationally; and calls on Royal Mail to help promote the Year of Homecoming by the commissioning of individual Burns 250th anniverary stamps to be available for purchase through the Post Office network.

That this House notes that Royal Mail intends to produce a Robert Burns 250th anniversary issue souvenir sheet of stamps as part of the 2009 Homecoming celebrations but that this will be a sheet at a cost of ??2.66 and will not be available as individual Burns 250th anniversary stamps;...

That this House congratulates the Barony Trust on winning the public vote for funding from the People's Millions thus enabling their Pitheid Patter project to keep alive the story of the Barony Colliery and Ayrshire's mining tradition.

That this House congratulates the Barony Trust on winning the public vote for funding from the People's Millions thus enabling their Pitheid Patter project to keep alive the story of the Barony Colliery and Ayrshire's mining tradition.

That this House congratulates the Big Lottery Living Landmarks Fund for having provided ??250,000 development funding to each of 23 projects spread across the UK in order to support communities working together to make real changes to their quality of life and environment, including the truly community-based Girvan Gateway Project which, if successful in its bid, will contribute greatly to the regeneration of the coast of South West Scotland in line with the Government's strategy for the economic regeneration of seaside towns.

That this House congratulates the Big Lottery Living Landmarks Fund for having provided ??250,000 development funding to each of 23 projects spread across the UK in order to support communities working together to make real changes to their quality of life and environment, including the truly community-based Girvan Gateway Project...

That this House supports the campaign led by SAVE and backed by The Art Fund to secure Dumfries House in East Ayrshire, with furnishings intact, for the benefit of the nation; notes the national and international cultural importance of the ensemble of house, parkland and furniture at Dumfries House, a unique time-capsule from the time of the Scottish Enlightenment; further notes that SAVE's proposal to open the house as a heritage attraction also provides an excellent opportunity for regeneration of the local area; deplores the Nationalist-led Scottish Executive's refusal to support the campaign; and expresses hope for a successful outcome to the campaign.

That this House supports the campaign led by SAVE and backed by The Art Fund to secure Dumfries House in East Ayrshire, with furnishings intact, for the benefit of the nation; notes the national and international cultural importance of the ensemble of house, parkland and furniture at Dumfries House, a...

That this House believes that the first call on the unclaimed assets of banks and building societies should be to make good the pensions shortfall of those workers not covered by the Pensions Protection Fund.

That this House believes that the first call on the unclaimed assets of banks and building societies should be to make good the pensions shortfall of those workers not covered by the Pensions Protection Fund.

That this House notes that the Government has acknowledged that there is a problem in relation to the regulation of endowment mortgages prior to 1st December 2001 whereby clients who accessed an endowment mortgage from a solicitor in Scotland who was not subject to Financial Services Authority regulation, do not benefit from the framework of protection afforded to others who have been mis-sold endowment policies; and calls on the Government to investigate a remedy to this grossly unfair anomaly.

That this House notes that the Government has acknowledged that there is a problem in relation to the regulation of endowment mortgages prior to 1st December 2001 whereby clients who accessed an endowment mortgage from a solicitor in Scotland who was not subject to Financial Services Authority regulation, do not...

That this House recognises the suffering of those members of final salary schemes who have lost their pensions when their schemes were in wind-up and their need for urgent assistance; welcomes the provision of ??400 million for the Financial Assistance Schemes but is concerned that this is not a sufficient sum to provide the substantial assistance promised by the Government, asks the Government to consider pooling the assets of winding-up schemes, rather than purchasing annuities, and paying pensions on an ongoing basis, as will be the case with the Pension Protection Fund, so that costs to the Exchequer can be spread over a long period of time which would provide an affordable option without overburdening the public funds; notes that if the Financial Assistance Scheme lasts 20 years those people currently in their fifties will only be in their seventies when the Scheme runs out; further notes that estimates suggest that if the Government will commit to pay a sum of ??75 million a year, index linked, for 40 years into a central fund and pool all the assets of the schemes which have not yet bought annuities, promised pensions to non-retired members could be paid to at least the level of the Pension Protection Fund; calls on the Government to acknowledge that further resources will be required to fulfil the Government's desire to rectify this injustice and restore confidence in pensions; and finally urges the Government to settle this matter as soon as possible and in advance of a general election.

That this House recognises the suffering of those members of final salary schemes who have lost their pensions when their schemes were in wind-up and their need for urgent assistance; welcomes the provision of ??400 million for the Financial Assistance Schemes but is concerned that this is not a sufficient...

That this House congratulates the five Scottish members of the Great Britain Women's Curling Team, Debbie Knox, Rhona Martin, Margaret Morton, Fiona MacDonald and Janice Rankin along with Alex Coomber and Alain Baxter on achieving the best Winter Olympic result since 1948 and its first gold medal since 1984; and notes that they are great ambassadors for curling, sport and their country.

That this House congratulates the five Scottish members of the Great Britain Women's Curling Team, Debbie Knox, Rhona Martin, Margaret Morton, Fiona MacDonald and Janice Rankin along with Alex Coomber and Alain Baxter on achieving the best Winter Olympic result since 1948 and its first gold medal since 1984; and...

That this House condemns the actions of Cathelco Group Ltd in depriving 16 former employees from Ailsa Troon shipyard of redundancy and severance pay in spite of written commitments to the contrary when the employees concerned had stayed on at the company's request to wind up the business and in so doing saved Cathelco substantial funds in penalty payments for outstanding contracts; calls on Cathelco Group Ltd to honour its responsibilities to the Ailsa Troon employees with immediate effect, failing which the Government should not award any further contracts to the Company or its subsidiaries; and further calls for consideration to be given to instigating a DTI inquiry into the workings of Cathelco Ltd and its holding companies.

That this House condemns the actions of Cathelco Group Ltd in depriving 16 former employees from Ailsa Troon shipyard of redundancy and severance pay in spite of written commitments to the contrary when the employees concerned had stayed on at the company's request to wind up the business and in...