TGS


19 December 2006

Police Inquiry
seen at 19:32, 19 December in Downing Street Says (Our copy).
Asked if anyone in Downing Street had been in contact with Yates of the Yard with regard to any future interviews, the PMOS said there was nothing further to add. Asked if there was any likelihood of a further visit...
Chatham House Report
seen at 19:32, 19 December in Downing Street Says (Our copy).
Asked what the response was to the Chatham House report suggesting that the Prime Minister has had little or no influence on Washington during his time as Prime Minister, the PMOS said that the wires would shortly...
BAe and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
seen at 19:32, 19 December in Downing Street Says (Our copy).
Asked if there had been any contact between UK officials and officials in Saudi Arabia at any level during the visit, the PMOS said no. Asked if the PMOS was confident that the Serious Fraud Office's decision on...
Middle East
seen at 19:32, 19 December in Downing Street Says (Our copy).
Asked why the Prime Minister was 'flouncing' around the Middle East instead on concentrating on domestic matters, the PMOS said that nothing was more important to the UK than its security. Security is achieved by...
Weapons of Mass Destruction
seen at 19:32, 19 December in Downing Street Says (Our copy).
Asked if what Margaret Beckett had said on WMD today was correct, that the Government knew that the 15 minute claim was erroneous before the vote in Parliament, The Prime Minister's Official Spokesman (PMOS) said...
Europe Minister answers your questions
seen at 19:32, 19 December in Number 10 » News Stories (Our copy).
Europe Minister Geoff Hoon answered lots of your questions in the last of this year's Downing Street webchats. Find out what happened
Letters "ensure nuclear deterrent future"
seen at 19:32, 19 December in Number 10 » News Stories (Our copy).
An exchange of letters between the PM and President Bush on America's continuing involvement in Britain's nuclear deterrent have been published.
Afternoon press briefing from 19 December 2006
seen at 19:32, 19 December in Number 10 » News Stories (Our copy).
Press briefing from the Prime Minister's Official Spokesman on: Weapons of Mass Destruction, Middle East, BAe and OECD, Chatham House Report and Police Inquiry
PM defends transatlantic relationship
seen at 19:32, 19 December in Number 10 » News Stories (Our copy).
The United Kingdom would pay a "very heavy price" if it backed away from the "cornerstone" relationship with America, Tony Blair has said.
Tessa jowell meets the designer of dcms official christmas card
seen at 19:32, 19 December in Bank of England News - national (Our copy).
Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell today met Tessa Standen (age 11) to congratulate her on winning the competition to design the official Culture Department Christmas card, a Nativity scene that will be sent around ...
Christmas and families after divorce - ESRC research
seen at 19:21, 19 December in The Policy Hub (Our copy).
18 December - Christmas and families after divorce - ESRC research
Alcohol strategy and the drinks industry - JRF report
seen at 19:21, 19 December in The Policy Hub (Our copy).
18 December - Alcohol strategy and the drinks industry - JRF report
Sure Start Children�s Centres - NAO report
seen at 19:21, 19 December in The Policy Hub (Our copy).
19 December - Sure Start Children�s Centres - NAO report
Europe Minister answers your questions
seen at 17:41, 19 December in Number 10 » News Stories (Our copy).
Europe Minister Geoff Hoon answered lots of your questions in the last of this year's Downing Street webchats. Find out what happened here
Ara secures over £25,000 in confiscation orders in counterfeiting case
seen at 17:32, 19 December in Assets Recovery Agency News - national (Our copy).
Assets Recovery Agency (ARA) Financial Investigators, working in partnership with Newport Trading Standards Service, have secured Confiscation Orders worth a total of £25,149.72 against Maria and David...
New support for domestic violence victims - preventing homelessness through safe rooms
seen at 17:20, 19 December in Department for Communities and Local Government News - national (Our copy).
A major new drive to help prevent victims of domestic violence from being forced out of their own homes with their families being uprooted and made homeless was announced by Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly today...
Adjudicator publishes decision on proposal to vary the admissions arrangements of ten primary schools in plymouth
seen at 17:17, 19 December in Office of The Schools Adjudicator News - national (Our copy).
The Office of the Schools Adjudicator has published a decision on a proposal to vary the admission arrangements for ten voluntary aided primary schools in Plymouth. The adjudicator, Richard Lindley, has approved...
Next stage of consultation on hmrc powers
seen at 17:12, 19 December in HM Revenue & Customs News - national (Our copy).
A consultation document setting out how penalties for incorrect tax returns and accompanying safeguards could be updated is published today.
PM Visits United Arab Emirates
seen at 15:40, 19 December in Number 10 » News Stories (Our copy).
The Prime Minister arrived in the United Arab Emirates today on the final leg of a Middle East tour.
Golden opportunity to save rare winter crucifixion
seen at 15:40, 19 December in Bank of England News - national (Our copy).
Culture Minister, David Lammy, has placed a temporary export bar on The Crucifixion, a painting by the Netherlandish artist Karel van Mander the Elder. This will provide a last chance to raise the money and save...
Vince power receives honorary cbe from culture secretary tessa jowell
seen at 15:40, 19 December in Bank of England News - national (Our copy).
Music promoter Vince Power today received an honorary Commander of the British Empire (CBE) from Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell, for his valuable contribution to the music industry.
Minister lays out challenge ahead to meet 18 week target
seen at 15:38, 19 December in Department of Health News - national (Our copy).
New information issued today lays out the challenge faced by the NHS to meet the maximum 18-week target by the end of 2008.
£36 billion programme for research and development agreed by eu
seen at 15:37, 19 December in Department of Trade and Industry News - national (Our copy).
Negotiations on the EU's largest funding instrument for R&D, the seventh Framework Programme, concluded successfully in Brussels today with the Council of Ministers agreeing the £36 billion programme.
West of shetland task force forge ahead into new year
seen at 15:37, 19 December in Department of Trade and Industry News - national (Our copy).
The joint Government / Industry Task Force, established to determine whether there is a collective solution to the development of the resource base to the West of Shetland, is on track to generate options in the...
Change of her majesty's ambassador to the people's democratic republic of algeria.
seen at 15:37, 19 December in Foreign and Commonwealth Office News - national (Our copy).
Mr Andrew Henderson has been appointed Her Majesty's Ambassador to the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria in succession to Mr Andrew Tesoriere who will be transferring to another Diplomatic appointment. Mr ...
Highways agency warns drivers to take care in fog
seen at 15:36, 19 December in Highways Agency News - national (Our copy).
Drivers are advised to take extra care on the roads as the Met Office has forecast that fog and freezing fog, will affect roads in many areas of the country in the next 24 hours, and for much of this coming week...
The following statement is issued by the press secretary to the queen
seen at 15:24, 19 December in Buckingham Palace News - national (Our copy).
Sir Robin Janvrin, The Queen's Private Secretary, will retire in September 2007. The Queen has appointed Mr Christopher Geidt in succession to Sir Robin Janvrin.
Lottery takes practical action to help rebuild post tsunami lives
seen at 15:23, 19 December in Big Lottery Fund News - national (Our copy).
A £727,278 Big Lottery Fund grant is going to Practical Action to help to restore the livelihoods of more than 12,000 people whose lives were shattered by the Asian Tsunami in 2004.
£100k boost for veterans' mental health
seen at 12:25, 19 December in Ministry of Defence News - national (Our copy).
The Ministry of Defence is making further money available to improve care facilities in Scotland for veterans with mental health problems, Veterans Minister Derek Twigg announced today.
PM Visits United Arab Emirates
seen at 11:32, 19 December in Number 10 » News Stories (Our copy).
The Prime Minister arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) today on the final leg of a Middle East tour.
Her Majesty's Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
seen at 11:32, 19 December in Number 10 » News Stories (Our copy).
The Queen has approved that His Royal Highness The Duke of York KG, KCVO be appointed as Her Majesty's Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 2007.
Privy Council Appointment of Elliot Morley
seen at 11:32, 19 December in Number 10 » News Stories (Our copy).
The Queen has been pleased to approve that Elliot Anthony Morley, MP for Scunthorpe, be sworn of Her Majesty's most honourable Privy Council.
Timber assurance schemes pass government test
seen at 11:30, 19 December in Department for Environment, Food And Rural Affairs News - national (Our copy).
Five schemes designed to combat illegal logging and protect forests worldwide have been given the Government seal of approval after a review to check their continuing effectiveness.
Next wave of foundation trusts receive ministerial support
seen at 11:30, 19 December in Department of Health News - national (Our copy).
Minister for Reform, Lord Warner, today declared his support for 17 more NHS trusts wanting to apply for foundation status as part of wave 3A.
Appointment of new disability rights commissioner
seen at 11:30, 19 December in Department for Work and Pensions News - national (Our copy).
The Right Honourable John Hutton, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, today announced the appointment of Timothy Escudier as a Disability Rights Commissioner, following the death of Commissioner Michael Burton...
Don't keep your christmas skills under wraps
seen at 11:30, 19 December in Department for Work and Pensions News - national (Our copy).
Present wrappers, decoration packers and Christmas tree fellers are all jobs available from Jobcentre Plus this winter - and the results of a poll released today show how people often use a range of vocational skills...
Less mini motos, more silent nights this christmas
seen at 11:28, 19 December in Home Office News - national (Our copy).
Local communities around the country will enjoy more silent nights this Christmas thanks to the success of a summer campaign by the Government's Respect Task Force to clampdown on the misuse of mini motos.
Getting it right for every child: Draft Children’s Services (Scotland) Bill Consultation
seen at 11:26, 19 December in The Scottish Government Publications - Latest (Our copy).
Consultation on the draft Children's Services (Scotland) Bill Consultation, which is intended to support the implementation of Getting it right for every child.
Ara secures confiscation of £1,079,644 in prostitution case
seen at 11:24, 19 December in Assets Recovery Agency News - national (Our copy).
Assets Recovery Agency (ARA) Financial Investigators, working in partnership with Thames Valley Police, have secured a Confiscation Order for £1,079,644 against Jonathon Leeming of Stratfield, Basingstoke...
£44.5m cash injection for birmingham and sandwell regeneration
seen at 11:22, 19 December in Department for Communities and Local Government News - national (Our copy).
Renewal in Birmingham and Sandwell is set to move forward thanks to nearly £44.5 million in funding to regenerate some of the region's most deprived areas through the Housing Market Renewal programme.
Improvements to fire safety at the centre of changes to building regulations
seen at 11:21, 19 December in Department for Communities and Local Government News - national (Our copy).
Key improvements to fire safety lie at the heart of a package of measures, including greater recognition of the role of sprinklers and more help for fire fighters to deal with fires in tall buildings, have been ...
Economy: Motor Vehicles
seen at 10:48, 19 December in Latest UK National Statistics releases (Our copy).
Total Production falls in the 3 months to Nov
Tessa jowell announces cost of digital switchover help scheme
seen at 10:47, 19 December in Bank of England News - national (Our copy).
The scheme to deliver help to assist older and disabled people with the switch to digital television will cost around £600 million, Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell announced today.
Cc formally clears pan fish/marine harvest merger
seen at 10:46, 19 December in Competition Commission News - national (Our copy).
The Competition Commission (CC) has formally cleared the anticipated acquisition by Pan Fish ASA of Marine Harvest NV.
Hutton launches wide-ranging welfare review
seen at 10:44, 19 December in Department for Work and Pensions News - national (Our copy).
John Hutton, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, today launched a long-term review of the Government's welfare to work strategy to tackle economic inactivity and promote social mobility.
Oft warns consumers about new 'secret shopper' scam
seen at 10:41, 19 December in Office of Fair Trading News - national (Our copy).
The OFT is warning consumers not to respond to a new employment opportunity scam currently targeting the UK.
Pathfinder (Birmingham Sandwell) (Yvette Cooper, Minister of State (Housing and Planning), Department for Communities and Local Government)
seen at 10:39, 19 December in Written Ministerial Statements (Our copy).

The Government will make available up to £44.41 million in grant to the Birmingham Sandwell pathfinder in 2007-08.

Some £3.2 million will be allocated for the remainder of 2006-07 in...

Building Regulations (Angela Smith, Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Department for Communities and Local Government)
seen at 10:39, 19 December in Written Ministerial Statements (Our copy).

Today I have laid a statutory instrument, "The Building and Approved Inspectors (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2006 (SI 2006/3318)", which amends part B (fire safety) of the building regulations.

The building...

Mineral Permissions (Meg Munn, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Women and Equality), Department for Communities and Local Government)
seen at 10:39, 19 December in Written Ministerial Statements (Our copy).

I have today issued a consultation document on "The application of the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive to 'stalled' Reviews of Old Mineral Permissions and Periodic Reviews of Mineral Permissions in ...

Electoral Administration Act (Bridget Prentice, Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs)
seen at 10:39, 19 December in Written Ministerial Statements (Our copy).

The Electoral Administration Act received Royal Assent on 11 July 2006. The Act aims to tackle four areas at the core of a healthy democracy by improving access, improving confidence, extending openness and transparency...

Oxfordshire Inquests (a) (Harriet Harman, Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs)
seen at 10:39, 19 December in Written Ministerial Statements (Our copy).

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence and I wish to make the following statement to the House about the inquests of servicemen and women who have died overseas which fall within the jurisdiction...

Abro (Adam Ingram, Minister of State (Armed Forces), Ministry of Defence)
seen at 10:39, 19 December in Written Ministerial Statements (Our copy).

In March 2006 I announced to the House that following a number of developments, primarily the decision to extend the depth repair programme for the FV430 fleet of armoured vehicles, the previously contemplated...

Royal Irish (Home Service) (Adam Ingram, Minister of State (Armed Forces), Ministry of Defence)
seen at 10:39, 19 December in Written Ministerial Statements (Our copy).

When I announced the settlement package for the Royal Irish (Home Service) on 9 March this year, I advised the House that a bespoke Royal Irish after-care package would be provided to support former members of...

Patient Safety (Andy Burnham, Minister of State (Delivery and Quality), Department of Health)
seen at 10:39, 19 December in Written Ministerial Statements (Our copy).

We published the following report on Friday, 15 December 2006: "Safety First: A Report for Patients, Clinicians and Healthcare Managers".

The report follows the review of the current organisational arrangements...

Independent Inspectorate for Immigration (Liam Byrne, Minister of State, Home Office)
seen at 10:39, 19 December in Written Ministerial Statements (Our copy).

The House will wish to know that I am publishing today a consultation document on the establishment of an independent inspectorate for immigration. Copies of this consultation document have been placed in the...

Justice and Home Affairs Council (4-5 December 2006) (Joan Ryan, Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Home Office)
seen at 10:39, 19 December in Written Ministerial Statements (Our copy).

The Justice and Home Affairs Council was held on 4-5 December 2006 in Brussels. The Home Secretary, Baroness Ashton and I attended on behalf of the UK.

The Finnish presidency opened the Council with the...

Companies Act 2006 (Margaret Hodge, Minister of State (Industry and the Regions), Department of Trade and Industry)
seen at 10:39, 19 December in Written Ministerial Statements (Our copy).

The Companies Act 2006, which received Royal Assent on 8 November 2006, will bring major benefits to business by modernising and simplifying company law.

Lord Sainsbury made a statement to the House of ...

Wind Farms (Thames Estuary) (Alistair Darling, Secretary of State, Department of Trade and Industry)
seen at 10:39, 19 December in Written Ministerial Statements (Our copy).

I have today granted consents under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 for the construction and operation of the Thanet and London Array offshore wind farms.

The consents have been granted to Thanet...

Post Telcoms Council (11 December 2006) (Margaret Hodge, Minister of State (Industry and the Regions), Department of Trade and Industry)
seen at 10:39, 19 December in Written Ministerial Statements (Our copy).

I represented the United Kingdom at the Telecoms Council in Brussels, on the morning of the 11 December 2006.

The Council began with the presidency asking member states to approve the Council resolution...

EU Transport Council (11-12 December 2006) (Stephen Ladyman, Minister of State, Department for Transport)
seen at 10:39, 19 December in Written Ministerial Statements (Our copy).

I attended the transport session of the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council, held in Brussels on 11-12 December. The Finnish Minister for Transport and Communications, Mrs. Susanna Huovinen, was ...

Local Transport Capital Settlement 2007-08 (Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State, Department for Transport)
seen at 10:39, 19 December in Written Ministerial Statements (Our copy).

Today I am announcing a package of funding of £3 billion to improve local transport outside London. It builds on last year's settlement of £1.6 billion to ensure that 122 local transport authorities...

Rail Franchise (Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State, Department for Transport)
seen at 10:39, 19 December in Written Ministerial Statements (Our copy).

The Department announced last week that it has started a competition to find an operator to run train services on the inter-city east coast main line from London to the north-east and Scotland.

We expect...

Transport Innovation Fund (Productivity) (Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State, Department for Transport)
seen at 10:39, 19 December in Written Ministerial Statements (Our copy).

In June, I announced that the first schemes to be considered for funding from the productivity strand of the transport innovation fund fell into two priority themes which fitted with the key objective of supporting...

Response to nao report on children's centres from children's minister beverley hughes
seen at 10:31, 19 December in Department for Education And Skills News - national (Our copy).
I welcome this report from the National Audit Office. It confirms that children's centres have successfully improved services for families with young children and that parents value children's centres services highly...
Lane v Gloucester Magistrates Court [2006] EWHC 3198 (Admin) (28 November 2006)
seen at 02:53, 19 December in BAILII - Recent Decisions (All cases) (Our copy).
LORD JUSTICE KEENE: On 3rd July 2006, Mr Edward Anthony Lane appeared before Deputy District Judge Hine at Gloucester Magistrates' Court for what was listed, it is said, as an abuse of process argument concerning...
South Gloucestershire Council v Titley & Anor [2006] EWHC 3117 (Admin) (07 December 2006)
seen at 02:53, 19 December in BAILII - Recent Decisions (All cases) (Our copy).
These two appeals are brought by South Gloucestershire Council against decisions of Valuation Tribunals allowing reductions in council tax to the Respondent taxpayers. The jurisdiction of this court arises under...
Richardson & Ors, R v [2006] EWCA Crim 3186 (18 December 2006)
seen at 02:52, 19 December in BAILII - Recent Decisions (All cases) (Our copy).
As they raised common problems arising from the provisions of s285 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 (the 2003 Act) which increased penalties for driving related offences, these appeals and applications for leave...
Brit Syndicates Ltd & Ors v Grant Thornton International & Anor [2006] EWCA Civ 1661 (06 December 2006)
seen at 02:52, 19 December in BAILII - Recent Decisions (All cases) (Our copy).
This is an appeal from the judgment of Langley J given on 3rd March 2006 by which he gave summary judgment in favour of Grant Thornton International (GTI) in an action brought against them and Italaudit S.p.A. (...
Haji-Ioannou v Frangos & Ors [2006] EWCA Civ 1663 (06 December 2006)
seen at 02:52, 19 December in BAILII - Recent Decisions (All cases) (Our copy).
Although this appeal from Lindsay J sitting with two assessors is a second appeal and, moreover, relates only to the assessment of costs, permission to appeal has been granted so that this court can give some guidance...
The Square Mile Partnership Ltd v Fitzmaurice McCall Ltd Rev 1 [2006] EWCA Civ 1690 (18 December 2006)
seen at 02:52, 19 December in BAILII - Recent Decisions (All cases) (Our copy).
The issues in this appeal arise out of a loosely drawn commercial agreement for the sale of shares in a Lloyd's broker, Robert Bruce Fitzmaurice Ltd ("RBF"). The vendor was Robert Bruce Fitzmaurice (Group) Ltd ("...
Alder v The Chief Constable of Humberside Police & Ors [2006] EWCA Civ 1741 (18 December 2006)
seen at 02:52, 19 December in BAILII - Recent Decisions (All cases) (Our copy).
The claimant, Janet Alder, is the sister of Christopher Alder, who died on 1 April 1998 in the custody of the Humberside police, in distressing and still contentious circumstances. A coroner's jury returned a verdict...