That this House expresses concern at the inconsistent charging structure applied by the Port of London Authority (PLA) for river works licences for boat home owners; expresses concern that boat home owners believe that the PLA targets the weakest and most vulnerable to use as examples in disputes with marinas who have greater, collective, resources and are able to go to arbitration; condemns the fact that excessive charge increases, sometimes as much as 300 per cent., put pensioners and families on low and subsidised incomes at risk of losing their homes; expresses concern that the PLA is abusing its monopoly powers; further condemns the PLA for introducing confidentiality clauses in agreements and lacking transparency around decision-making; and urges the PLA to take immediate steps to introduce a fairer charging policy aligned to the Retail Price Index.

That this House expresses concern at the inconsistent charging structure applied by the Port of London Authority (PLA) for river works licences for boat home owners; expresses concern that boat home owners believe that the PLA targets the weakest and most vulnerable to use as examples in disputes with marinas...

That this House recognises the work of the Personal Finance Education Group in delivering personal finance education to children and young people, and the importance of personal finance education in schools in the current economic climate; acknowledges that for future generations to be financially responsible adults, school-age children must be equipped with the financial know-how to analyse, challenge and question money matters and make reasoned financial decisions; and notes that money management skills are essential in empowering individuals to take charge of their lives and aspirations and to positively influence psychological well-being.

That this House recognises the work of the Personal Finance Education Group in delivering personal finance education to children and young people, and the importance of personal finance education in schools in the current economic climate; acknowledges that for future generations to be financially responsible adults, school-age children must be...

That this House notes the judgement of the Supreme Court that banks and building societies were legally entitled to charge penalty fees for unauthorised overdrafts; further notes that the Supreme Court conclusion was not a judgement on the fairness of such charges; condemns the disproportionate penalty charges levied on customers by banks and building societies; welcomes the Office of Fair Trading's assessment that such charges are unfair; urges the Office of Fair Trading to continue to pursue this issue using the other powers available to it; calls on the British Bankers' Association to amend the Banking Code to make explicit the industry's principles on service charges; further calls on the Government to review existing pricing structures; and further calls on banks and building societies to voluntarily refund unfair and disproportionate penalty charges.

That this House notes the judgement of the Supreme Court that banks and building societies were legally entitled to charge penalty fees for unauthorised overdrafts; further notes that the Supreme Court conclusion was not a judgement on the fairness of such charges; condemns the disproportionate penalty charges levied on customers...

That this House recognises that for the last decade the community development finance sector has been an effective way of providing loans and support to small businesses, social enterprises and entrepreneurs in deprived communities; further notes that these community development finance institutions have financed over 24,000 businesses and individuals, created 15,800 jobs and sustained 70,000 more; believes that this sector has the infrastructure and expertise in place quickly to deliver finance directly into the communities most affected by the downturn; and urges the Government to follow the lead set by President Obama in the United States by introducing measures to support these innovative organisations which are helping communities to help themselves out of recession.

That this House recognises that for the last decade the community development finance sector has been an effective way of providing loans and support to small businesses, social enterprises and entrepreneurs in deprived communities; further notes that these community development finance institutions have financed over 24,000 businesses and individuals, created...

That this House notes the Parliamentary Ombudsman has taken the unusual step of using powers under the 1967 Act to present Parliament with a further and final report on Equitable Life; also notes that the Public Administration Select Committee's second report on Equitable Life, Justice denied? concluded that the Government response to the Parliamentary Ombudsman's report was inadequate as a remedy for injustice; recognises the vital role the Ombudsman plays in public life; reaffirms the duty of Parliament to support the office of the Ombudsman; believes the Government should accept the recommendations of the Ombudsman on compensating policyholders who have suffered loss; welcomes the formation of the All-Party Group on Justice for Equitable Life Policyholders; and notes with regret its necessary formation and the fact that over 30,000 people have already died waiting for a just resolution to this saga.

That this House notes the Parliamentary Ombudsman has taken the unusual step of using powers under the 1967 Act to present Parliament with a further and final report on Equitable Life; also notes that the Public Administration Select Committee's second report on Equitable Life, Justice denied? concluded that the Government...

That this House recognises that recent cuts in interest rates have led to a significant loss of income for many savers; condemns the fact that most savings statements do not clearly indicate the correct current interest rate of the account and that Bank of England interest rates have changed dramatically over the last six months, leaving many savers confused about the level of interest which they are receiving; notes that there is no technical barrier to publishing a bespoke rate; calls on the Financial Services Authority to give savers the same protection as credit card holders by mandating savings account providers to include a savings summary box in every online and paper statement; further calls on the Financial Services Authority to require that this summary box include the current bespoke interest rate, bonus rates including expiry date, penalties for withdrawal and lay out what institution the account is linked to for the purposes of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme; and anticipates that this simple step will greatly improve the transparency of many savings accounts, enabling hard-pressed savers to ensure they are maximising their savings.

That this House recognises that recent cuts in interest rates have led to a significant loss of income for many savers; condemns the fact that most savings statements do not clearly indicate the correct current interest rate of the account and that Bank of England interest rates have changed dramatically...

That this House notes that the term `accountant' is not defined or protected by law and that thousands of small businesses and individuals, believing they have engaged qualified accountants, are at risk from harmful and costly business advice from unqualified, unregulated, possibly uninsured advisers; observes that although some unqualified accountants may do good work, an unqualified accountant is not answerable to any regulatory body and so cannot be disciplined; further notes that legal protection of title is viewed as essential in professions where there is a substantial degree of public interest, for example for doctors, barristers, solicitors and auditors; feels that greater accountability needs to be introduced; and urges the Government to consider introducing legal protection for the term `accountant'.

That this House notes that the term `accountant' is not defined or protected by law and that thousands of small businesses and individuals, believing they have engaged qualified accountants, are at risk from harmful and costly business advice from unqualified, unregulated, possibly uninsured advisers; observes that although some unqualified accountants...

That this House expresses serious concern at the decision to halt the Serious Fraud Office's inquiry into BAe Systems' business dealings in Saudi Arabia; believes that transparency and parliamentary scrutiny of arms export contracts is essential; notes the UK's international obligations on the prevention of bribery and the damage to the UK's international reputation caused by the closure of this inquiry in breach of those obligations; further notes that inquiries by hon. and right hon. Members in the House and through parliamentary questions have been largely evaded; and therefore calls on the Government to release all information relating to the Al Yamamah contract including the 1992 National Audit Office report and to launch a full public inquiry into the Government's role in the affair.

That this House expresses serious concern at the decision to halt the Serious Fraud Office's inquiry into BAe Systems' business dealings in Saudi Arabia; believes that transparency and parliamentary scrutiny of arms export contracts is essential; notes the UK's international obligations on the prevention of bribery and the damage to...

That this House urges the Government to investigate the role of KPMG, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Deloitte, Ernst and Young, Grant Thornton and other accountancy firms in tax avoidance and evasion, and in devising, marketing, promoting and implementing aggresive tax avoidance schemes which have no commercial substance and whose sole purpose is to avoid UK taxes on income and profits, thus enabling their wealthy and corporate clients to avoid taxes and national insurance contributions by transfer pricing, artificial loans, inflated management charges, special purpose vehicles, joint ventures, fictitious assets, offshore schemes and secretive trusts, all designed to deprive the Treasury of billions of pounds of tax revenues which in turn forces the Government to curtail social investment and shift the tax burden onto ordinary individuals, resulting in regressive tax burdens and distribution of wealth and tax burdens.

That this House urges the Government to investigate the role of KPMG, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Deloitte, Ernst and Young, Grant Thornton and other accountancy firms in tax avoidance and evasion, and in devising, marketing, promoting and implementing aggresive tax avoidance schemes which have no commercial substance and whose sole purpose is to...

That this House welcomes the first Credit Awareness Week, taking place between 14th and 20th May; fully supports the objectives of the campaign to provide a focal point for the discussion of credit issues and help UK citizens better understand credit and debt; and furthermore notes that, while some progress has been made towards creating greater awareness and understanding, more can be done to promote financial literacy across UK society.

That this House welcomes the first Credit Awareness Week, taking place between 14th and 20th May; fully supports the objectives of the campaign to provide a focal point for the discussion of credit issues and help UK citizens better understand credit and debt; and furthermore notes that, while some progress...

That this House notes that British Airways has an enlightened policy of allowing departures from its dress code for employees who believe their religious faith requires it; notes that this policy does not appear to include Christians who wish to wear and display a cross; deplores in particular its treatment of Twickenham resident Nadia Eweida, who seeks the right to wear a cross at work; and believes that the company's intransigence will damage its reputation and lose many regular customers, including hon. Members.

That this House notes that British Airways has an enlightened policy of allowing departures from its dress code for employees who believe their religious faith requires it; notes that this policy does not appear to include Christians who wish to wear and display a cross; deplores in particular its treatment...

That this House values the diversity and choice offered by small independent and local shops in the face of the growing dominance of national chains; recognises the increasing difficulties that small independent and local shops are facing with large rent rises in town centres and high streets; applauds the Evening Standard's Save our Small Shops campaign; encourages the public to make use of small, independent, local shops; condemns those landlords who raise rent excessively, letting only to chain stores; urges consideration of new business conservation areas that cap the number of chain stores; supports the proposal for small shop loyalty card schemes for every borough; and urges simplification of the regulation to which small shops are obliged to adhere.

That this House values the diversity and choice offered by small independent and local shops in the face of the growing dominance of national chains; recognises the increasing difficulties that small independent and local shops are facing with large rent rises in town centres and high streets; applauds the Evening...

That this House welcomes the aim of Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, Cancer Research UK and Asthma UK to get the UK's workplaces healthier and more active; recognises that 60 per cent. of the working population's waking hours are spent in employment; is conscious of the positive impact activity can have on physical and mental wellbeing; acknowledges that a significiant proportion of incapacity benefit claimants could have remained in work given the right ergonomic advice, early intervention or exercise; is aware that 12.7 million working days are lost to asthma each year; notes that businesses have reported good financial returns on investment in occupational health services, as high as a ??12 return in every pound spent; and calls for growing investment in NHS occupational health services, early access to rehabilitation, and health and safety advice services for businesses large and small as part of a strategy to build a healthier workforce.

That this House welcomes the aim of Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, Cancer Research UK and Asthma UK to get the UK's workplaces healthier and more active; recognises that 60 per cent. of the working population's waking hours are spent in employment; is conscious of the positive impact activity can have...

That this House welcomes the Crossrail project as an opportunity to deliver crucial economic and transport benefits to the nation that must not be missed; notes that Crossrail's business case is a strong one and that Crossrail enjoys overwhelming support from business, the unions and the public; further notes that in addition to many transport and regeneration bodies, recent research by the Centre for Economic and Business Research has indicated that Crossrail will add ??23.7 billion to the UK's Gross Domestic Product by 2023 and support thousands of jobs in manufacturing and services in every region that would not otherwise exist; calls for the Crossrail Bill, without which the scheme cannot be built, to be considered as a top priority; looks forward to a constructive debate on the issue of funding; celebrates the hard work and expertise of those responsible for developing the scheme; pledges to scrutinise the effect of the construction on the different communities along the line; and calls on the Government to bring forward the Second Reading of the Crossrail Bill and do all it can to make the Crossrail scheme and its benefits a reality to the public at the earliest opportunity.

That this House welcomes the Crossrail project as an opportunity to deliver crucial economic and transport benefits to the nation that must not be missed; notes that Crossrail's business case is a strong one and that Crossrail enjoys overwhelming support from business, the unions and the public; further notes that...

That this House notes the recent report of the National Audit Office on the Criminal Records Bureau and numerous other reports of wasted public funds on public sector computer projects; further notes the evidence of Computer Weekly to the Work and Pensions sub committee on computer projects; supports the call for best practice to be enshrined in United Kingdom law; supports the call for gateway reviews by the Office of Government Commerce to be published; and notes that Government departments are sometimes misusing the defence of commercial confidentiality to keep information out of the public domain; and urges the Government to change this practice.

That this House notes the recent report of the National Audit Office on the Criminal Records Bureau and numerous other reports of wasted public funds on public sector computer projects; further notes the evidence of Computer Weekly to the Work and Pensions sub committee on computer projects; supports the call...

That this House notes with great concern the record levels of personal indebtedness facing UK consumers and the recent increase in the number of personal bankruptcies; further notes that the Citizen's Advice Bureau is facing over 1 million new debt enquiries per year; recognises the need for consumers to borrow responsibly but deplores the practice of irresponsible lending targeted at vulnerable consumers; and calls on the Government to publish strict guidance for responsible lending which lenders must be required to observe, including a compulsory requirement for prominently displayed credit health warnings on all material advertising credit products of any type.

That this House notes with great concern the record levels of personal indebtedness facing UK consumers and the recent increase in the number of personal bankruptcies; further notes that the Citizen's Advice Bureau is facing over 1 million new debt enquiries per year; recognises the need for consumers to borrow...

That this House recognises that executive pay needs to reflect the market demand for high quality staff, but notes with great concern the recent and high profile payment of large bonuses and 'golden goodbyes' where executives have manifestly failed; and urges the Government to strengthen legislation so as to give shareholders the power to veto excessive arrangements, rather than having a merely consultative role.

That this House recognises that executive pay needs to reflect the market demand for high quality staff, but notes with great concern the recent and high profile payment of large bonuses and 'golden goodbyes' where executives have manifestly failed; and urges the Government to strengthen legislation so as to give...

That this House notes the introduction of the End-of-Life Vehicles Directive; further notes that manufacturers will be responsible for the recycling of vehicles after 2007; condemns the Department for Trade and Industry proposal to make the 'last owner' pays in the intervening period; draws ministers' attention to the financial burden that 'last owner pay' will impose on local authorities who will bear the cost of collecting and disposing of abandoned vehicles; is concerned as with the Refrigerator Directive and others, that it is the Department for Trade and Industry which takes the lead in negotiating but DEFRA which is responsible for implementing the details; and calls upon the Government to bring in a cross-departmental approach to deal with the immediate issue instead by requiring a small levy on new car sales to raise revenue which can be used to buy back old cars for recycling.

That this House notes the introduction of the End-of-Life Vehicles Directive; further notes that manufacturers will be responsible for the recycling of vehicles after 2007; condemns the Department for Trade and Industry proposal to make the 'last owner' pays in the intervening period; draws ministers' attention to the financial burden...

That this House believes that whatever other criticisms are being made of the conduct of the honourable Member for Leicester East, he is to be congratulated on the thorough and fair manner in which he has investigated refusals of entry clearance by United Kingdom embassies and high commissions and assisted honourable Members and their constituents to have cases reviewed; notes that many refusals are harsh, bureaucratic and excessively rigid and merit Ministerial review; and calls on the Foreign Secretary to ensure that he and his Ministerial colleagues maintain critical Ministerial review of entry clearance decisions.

That this House believes that whatever other criticisms are being made of the conduct of the honourable Member for Leicester East, he is to be congratulated on the thorough and fair manner in which he has investigated refusals of entry clearance by United Kingdom embassies and high commissions and assisted...

That this House notes that the Government has issued a consultative document on the future of the Defence Diversification Agency; is disappoionted that all the options envisage the Defence Diversification Agency staying within the defence sector; urges the Government to use this opportunity to relocate the Defence Diversifiction Agency within the Department of Trade and Industry where it could be fully involved in the development of manufacturing strategy and could best work co-operatively with the regional development agencies to promote the reorientation of the economy from military to civil production and the transfer of technology from military to civil industry; and further urges the Government to set up a Defence Diversification Council without delay.

That this House notes that the Government has issued a consultative document on the future of the Defence Diversification Agency; is disappoionted that all the options envisage the Defence Diversification Agency staying within the defence sector; urges the Government to use this opportunity to relocate the Defence Diversifiction Agency within...