The First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Alan West, is to open the 'Trafalgar Garden' at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show on Monday 4 July, as part of the year-long celebration of the sea.   

The Department of Health is today issuing the latest information about the numbers of known cases of Creutzfeldt Jakob disease. This includes cases of variant Creutzfeldt Jakob disease (vCJD) - the form of the disease...

The first North Sea oil fields to be developed since a new UK Norway Agreement was signed in April 2005 to fast track developments across national boundaries are announced by UK Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks today...

Asked for a reaction to Mr Borroso's comparison of the EU to a boxing championship, the PMOS said that all he could talk about was our approach. Our approach to the summit had been to set out what we believed...

Asked if there would be any Prime Ministerial participation in Live 8, the PMOS said that clearly the Prime Minister supported Live 8. The physical manifestation of that was his appearance on MTV yesterday alongside...

Asked where we were on climate change, the PMOS said that we were where we thought we would be. Negotiations were still going on, they were serious negotiations. Precisely because they were serious negotiations ...

The Prime Minister's Official Spokesman (PMOS) said a few words about the UK bid for the 2012 Olympics. He said that we had to recognise that this had been a highly competitive bid. On the other hand it had been...

Briefing from the Prime Minister's Official Spokesman on: Olympic Singapore, Climate Change, Live 8 and EU.

Responses to Consultation on Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Control Rooms

An official Royal Navy DVD, in association with MICE International, is now in production to capture the Royal Navy's recent magnificent events to mark the bicentenary of Trafalgar and the death of Admiral Lord Nelson...

An official Royal Navy DVD, in association with MICE International, is now in production to capture the Royal Navy's recent magnificent events to mark the bicentenary of Trafalgar and the death of Admiral Lord Nelson...

AMENDED VERSION   

Progress has been made at the Harmondsworth Immigration Removal Centre, but some fundamental concerns remain, according to the report of an unannounced inspection published today by Anne Owers, Chief Inspector of...

Gerry Sutcliffe, Minister for Employment Relations and Consumer Affair, has confirmed the re-appointment of Paul Druckman as a director of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC).   

David Blunkett and Commissioner Spidla agree Presidency programme.   

People in the West Midlands who do not speak English as their first language are to have their enjoyment of the wonderful Witley Court greatly enhanced thanks to a new series of interpreted summer tours set up by...

The Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, met the EU Commissioner for External Relations and the European Neighbourhood policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, today as part of the UK's preparations for assuming the Presidency...

Europe has to respond to the concerns of its citizens in order to prosper, the Foreign Secretary said as the UK takes over the EU presidency today. You can read about the UK's priorities for the next six months ...

Tony Blair has spoken about the future of Europe as the UK took over the presidency today. You can read about the UK's priorities for the next six months here.

The findings and statistics for this year's Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Promoters of website schemes offering the latest expensive hi-tech gadgets as a 'free gift' in return for buying a low-value product, have given binding undertakings to the OFT that they will no longer promote the...

Veterans Minister Don Touhig MP has attended a Remembrance Service in France to commemorate the Battle of the Somme.   

IKEA HOSTS ONE OF FIRST EVENTS   

M5 Junction 7 (Worcester South) The northbound exit slip road at M5 junction 7 will be closed overnight from 9.00pm to 5.00am from Monday 4 July 2005 to Tuesday 5 July 2005 for installation of traffic sensors, as...

Defra has launched a consultation on European Commission legislative proposals for reform of the sugar regime.   

Health Minister Jane Kennedy today launched the NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement.   

The following statistics were released today by the Health and Social Care Information Centre.   

Tough new powers to tackle the animal rights extremist campaigns of violence and intimidation aimed at companies and individuals involved in research with animals were implemented today.   

Dr Noel Guckian OBE has been appointed Her Majesty's Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman in succession to Mr Stuart Laing who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Dr Guckian will take ...

Following the adoption of a joint declaration by the Presidents of Croatia, Serbia & Montenegro and Bosnia & Herzegovina in Belgrade, Minister for Europe Douglas Alexander said:   

Europe has to respond to the concerns of its citizens in order to prosper, the Foreign Secretary said as the UK takes over the EU presidency today. You can read the government's priorities for the next six months...

This Green Paper sets out a vision for adult social care over the next 10 to 15 years and how this might be realised. It invites everyone to give their views on the vision and the ideas set out in the document, ...

This guidance has been developed to support local authorities to implement the changes to chief officer portfolios made by the Children Act 2004.

This consultation sets out the Department for Education and Skills' proposals to support a national top-up swimming programme for those school pupils who have difficulty reaching the Key Stage 2 standard.

This consultation deals with proposals to introduce enhanced standards of thermal efficiency in buildings from 4 January 2006 which will bring Northern Ireland into line with England and Wales where similar measures...

The Children's Workforce Strategy sets out the Government's vision of a world-class children's workforce which is increasingly competent and confident, inspiring trust and respect from parents and carers as well...

Consultation on an amendment to the Public Vehicle Service Regulations 1981 that will exempt the chimney stack at the front of vintage steam buses from the requirements for exhaust systems contained within those...

joint consultation by the Department of Health and the Department for Education and Skills on proposals to create a new vetting and barring scheme for people working with children and vulnerable adults, in the light...

Consultation on proposals to create a new centralised vetting and barring scheme for people working with children or vulnerable adults (paid or unpaid) in the light of vetting failures identified by the Bichard ...

The Calder Catchment Flood Management Plan Scoping Report

A consultation paper on the Scottish Executive's proposals for the charity accounts regulations following on from the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Bill currently before Parliament.

The Standard for Headship sets out the key aspects of professionalism and expertise required for effective school leadership and management

The Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister has launched a consultation on proposals for Regulations to amend existing sex discrimination legislation in order to comply with the European Amended Equal...

This consultation invites comments on proposals for a draft revised model code of conduct under section 50 of the Local Government Act 2000

The Health and Safety Commission has published a consultative document setting out proposals for new regulations to consolidate and replace the Construction (Design and Management) and Construction (Health Safety...

This exercise is designed to take the views of consultees on proposed changes to some of the existing ringing and registration requirements and to evaluate the effectiveness of the bird registration scheme as it...

Public consultation on the way the River Thames is developed and cared for in the future.

These guides have been produced by a working group chaired by Steve Woodgate, Technical Director of the European Fat Processors and Renderers Association (EFPRA) with the assistance of the Food Standards Agency, ...

Views and comments are sought on the changes to the operational instructions to Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) authorised officers from 1 January 2006.

The guide has been produced for UK meat plant operators whose premises require approval, and in some cases veterinary control, under the EU Food Hygiene Regulations. This consultation is therefore intended to cover...

This paper contains proposals regarding the arrangements for the transition of those chidlren and young people who are Recorded under the Record of Needs system to the system created under the Education (Additional...

The Executive is committed to developing a reform agenda which builds on the report by the former Justice 1 Committee on the regulation of the legal profession

The paper contains proposals regarding placing request arrangments for children and young people with additional support needs under the Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004.

This paper sets out our proposals for how the new Additional Support Needs Tribunals for Scotland will deal with cases that are referred to them.

This consultation exercise invites comments on the Executive's proposals for implementing Article 3 of European Directive 2003/35/EC (known as the Public Participation Directive) which amends Council Directive 85...

A Commission Proposal to replace the current potato cyst nematode (PCN) Control Directive (69/465) has been published. It will be considered at a Council Working Group for the first time on 24 May 2005, but the ...

This is a consultation by the Government Chief Scientific Adviser which seeks views on the update of the Government Chief Scientific Adviser's Guidelines. The Guidelines were last revised in July 2000 and need to...

The animal health proposals in the Bill will amend the Animal Health Act 1981 and provide additional powers to deal with the most contageous, exotic animal diseases and provide additional powers to deal with Transmissible...

Consultation on replacement for Bull Hire Scheme

We seek your views and comments on proposals to replace the current Code of Practice for England issued under Section 40 of the Food Safety Act, and the associated Practice Guidance, in order to reflect the requirements...

The Scottish Executive Health Department is undertaking a review of the Scottish Health Survey to ensure that the survey continues to meet the needs of its sponsors and users in the most efficient way

The current PCN Control Directive has been in place for over 30 years. During this period more has been learned about the biology of this pest, including the fact that its distribution has changed across the EU

This guidance for Local Authorities (LAs) advises on the collection and recording of data on pupils' ethnic background, first language, faith, Traveller status and disability for local purposes and for the Schools...

Comments are sought on draft Food Safety (General Food Hygiene) (Amendment) Regulations (NI) 2005. These would amend the current butchers' licensing arrangements by removing the requirement that any such licences...

The attached draft regulation continues the application of hygiene inspection charges for direct landings of fish and fishery products into Northern Ireland for the year 2006. Views on similar draft regulations ...

The attached draft regulation continues the application of hygiene inspection charges for direct landings of fish and fishery products into England. Views on similar draft regulations are being sought in Northern...

The attached draft regulation continues the application of hygiene inspection charges for direct landings of fish and fishery products into Scotland for the year 2006. Views on similar draft regulations are being...

The attached draft regulation continues the application of hygiene inspection charges for direct landings of fish and fishery products into Wales for the year 2006. Views on similar draft regulations are being sought...

Comments are sought on draft Food Safety (General Food Hygiene) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2005. These would amend the current butchers' licensing arrangements by removing the requirement that any such licences...

A consultation paper on a Commission proposal for a Regulation on the rights of persons with reduced mobility travelling by air.

This consultation paper sets out proposals for amending the Patents Rules 1995, as part of the process of implementing certain provisions of the Patents Act 2004.

Views and comments are sought on the attached draft Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) (Charges) (England) Regulations 2005, which will allow the current system of Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) charges for meat inspections...

The Agency is seeking comments on the Dairy Hygiene Inspectorate Guide to Farm Inspections Operating Procedure.

This consultation seeks to establish a UK consensus view on specific proposals to amend the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Regulations and Guidance related to the safe transport of radioactive material...

We are seeking your views on the draft Food Safety (General Food Hygiene) (Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2005.

This consultation document seeks views on the proposals to amend Regulation 15 of The Regulation of Care (Requirements as to Care Services)(Scotland) Regulations 2002

We are seeking industry views on techncial and non-controversial changes to Seeds Marketing Regulations required by Directive 2004/117/EC which must be implemented by Member States by 1 October 2005.

A foward planning document that is used to manage flood risk in the long term (over 50 to 100 years).

This draft document for consultation contains expanded and updated guidance for Local Authorities on Major Schemes.

Ordnance Survey has now started a formal consultation which will allow us better to assess the impact of LandLine withdrawal on our customers and partners.

Committment to consultation following the passing of the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004, to afford greater protection to nest sites not in constant use, and identify those species to benefit from communal...

Automated Registration of Title to Land (ARTL) is Registers of Scotland Executive Agency's project to introduce automated, electronic registration of routine property dealings in the Land Register of Scotland

Proposals to amend the Education (Head Teacher's Qualifications) (England) Regulations 2003 to take account of the introduction of the National Professional Qualification for Integrated Centre Leaders (NPQICL).

Consultation on Regulations supporting the new school inspection arrangements, which are due to commence in September 2005.

The Agency is seeking views and comments on the draft Feed (Hygiene and Enforcement) (England) Regulations 2005.

We seek your comments on the draft Feed (Hygiene and Enforcement) (Scotland) Regulations 2005.

The current code updated, consolidated and replaced the previous twenty separate Codes of Practice, which were issued following the introduction of the Act and the implementation of EU Product Specific Hygiene Regulations...

This consultation relates to a proposal for amendments to the list of specified animal pathogens contained in Part 1 of the Schedule to the Specified Animal Pathogens Order 1998.

The Food Standards Agency is an evidence-based organisation that has responsibility for developing and implementing policy on all issues affecting safety, composition, labelling and nutritional value of food. Many...

The Agency is seeking views and comments on the draft Feed (Hygiene and Enforcement) (Wales) Regulations 2005.

A consultation on proposed amendments to electricity regulations

The DTI is seeking the views of UK business, consumers and other organisation's on whether Article 12 to 14 of the Electronic Commerce Directive (which limits the liability of intermediary service providers where...

This consultation seeks views and comments on draft guidance for those supplying wild game and wild game meat for human consumption other than in approved premises. The draft guidance, which has been prepared by...

This consultation seeks comments on guidance for NHS organisations in developing their ability to respond to a major incident or incidents.

Following consultation in 2003 on a revised Directive for the control of Foot and Mouth Disease, the Directive was adopted in September 2003. The UK Government is legally obliged to implement the Directive. This...

The Agency seeks views and comments on the draft Feed (Hygiene and Enforcement) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005.

Consultation Paper on a New Fees Regime.

Stage 2 of consultation on restrictions to apply from 30 October 2005

This consultation seeks views on the draft Regulations transposing the Linking Directive and providing for the collection of data for a national emissions inventory. This will assist the Government in making the...

Consultation on proposed amendments to compulsory seat belt and child restraint wearing requirements in cars and goods vehicles where a restraint is provided, in accordance with Directive 2003/20/EC.

Consultation on proposals to rationalise grant funding for voluntary organisations

Response to the Tourism Strategy dialogue document by the Tourism Innovation Group.

Response by the British Hospitality Association to the refresh of the Tourism Strategy dialogue document.

Full evidence report from industry consultation by the Scottish Tourism Forum.

Dialogue document requesting contributions for the refresh of the Tourism Strategy.

SATURDAY 2 JULY TO FRIDAY 8 JULY   

The Secretary of State, Lord Falconer, in his role as Lord Chancellor, has appointed two new non-executive members of the Legal Services Commission.   

Main Points This Month   

Growth slowdown in first quarter 2005

0.1% rise in first quarter 2005

My right honourable and noble Friend, the Secretary of State and Lord Chancellor, Lord Falconer of Thoroton, has made the following written ministerial statement in the other place today, 30 June 2005:"My Department...

I have today placed copies of the Government's response to consultation on recording practitioner details for potentially sensitive services and recording concern about a child or young person in the Libraries of...

Following the Prime Minister's launch of the UK Government sustainable development strategy "Securing the Future" in March this year, we have today published baseline assessments of the indicators with which we ...

My noble Friend the Minister of State, Lord Warner, has made the following written ministerial statement.The report of the strategic review of ambulance services, led by Peter Bradley CBE, national ambulance adviser...

I am pleased to announce the publication of the Construction Industry Training Board annual report and accounts for the 2003–04 financial year. This document is now available in the Library.

The House will be aware of allegations that have been made in The Times in the last few days about potential fraud in the handling of coal health compensation claims. I wish to make a statement.These schemes are...

I have today given conditional approval to a scheme to refurbish Manchester Metrolink.The scheme put forward by Greater Manchester passenger transport executive includes the renewal of existing tracks on the Bury...

Blunt messages about impotence and bad breath are at the centre of hard-hitting new adverts from the Department of Health.

Europe has to respond to the concerns of its citizens in order to prosper, the Foreign Secretary has said as the UK takes over the EU presidency today.

Follow Up inspection of HMYOI Polmont