Newcastle Disease was confirmed in pheasants on an estate in Surrey on Friday 15th July. The Government is continuing to take balanced precautionary action to control the disease.   

Today the Secretary of State for Health announced her decision to make an early referral of two cancer drugs to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in advance of its 12th wave work programme...

This final consultation exercise is being carried out jointly by Defra, the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) and the Scottish Executive on the proposed process guidance note for the local authority air pollution ...

This final consultation exercise is being carried out jointly by Defra, the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) and the Scottish Executive on revised guidance on the best available techniques for minimising pollution...

This consultation is on how businesses can use of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to manage and report their environmental performance. It also sets out which environmental impacts (i.e. which KPIs) are most significant...

The Units of Production Order (UPO) is made annually by the Secretary of State under the Agricultural Holdings Act 1986. The Order is used to calculate assessments of net annual income (NAI) for the purposes of ...

This consultation is seeking views on the draft Code of Practice on the provision of free nursery education. In particular, we are interested in comments on the implementation of the commitments to extend the entitlement...

This consultation seeks comments on the proposal to move Barnet, Enfield and Haringey family proceedings courts to Barnet County Court. The move will initially operate as a pilot but will, if successful, become ...

This consultation exercise seeks comments on European Commission proposals to reform the EU Sugar Regime.

This consultation covers the draft regulations which aim to ensure that the Adoption and Children Act 2002 complies with the EU Directive on E-Commerce

This consultation document provides stakeholders with the opportunity to comment on the Government's proposals for implementing the First Package of EU Rail Directives.

Community and Voluntary Controlled Secondary Schools will be able to follow a streamlined route to Foundation status from 1 August 2005. This consultation proposes to make the streamlined route available to Primary...

This publication is a consultation paper looking at cross-Government proposals to remove five consents from local authorities. This involves changes to the following acts: Cancer Act 1939, Local Government Act 1989...

A guide for practitioners on the funding arrangements for asylum seekers, refugees, migrant workers and EU nationals who wish to study a course of further or higher education in Scotland.

The Treasury today published the Public Expenditure Outturn White Paper (Cm 6639) showing provisional outturn for Departmental Expenditure Limits (DEL) and Annually Managed Expenditure (AME) in 2004-05 including...

Significant progress has been made on the Government's 10-year framework on science and innovation investment, according to the strategy's first annual report published today.   

Defence Secretary John Reid today gave the green light to the Watchkeeper UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) Programme, the UK Armed Forces' new 'spy in the sky'.   

More tenants are reaping the advantages of bank accounts thanks to a radical new scheme that pays Housing Benefit directly to them.   

prepared by the DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS HOUSING RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS DIVISION   

prepared by the DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS HOUSING RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS DIVISION   

Asked for further comments regarding Ken Livingstone's remarks earlier today regarding the London bombs and the relationship between various Western Governments and the Middle East, the PMOS said it would be wrong...

Put to the PMOS that the military were "furious" about the Attorney General's decision to try the British soldiers in the International Criminal Court (ICC), and what were we saying about the reasons, the...

The Prime Minister's Official Spokesman told journalists that this morning, we had reached agreement in principle with the Government of Jordan on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which would regulate the arrangements...

Press briefing from the Prime Minister's Official Spokesman on: Jordanian Memorandum of Understanding, Soldier arrests and Ken Livingstone Comments

This consultation document seeks views on two sets of proposed regulations to be made in exercise of the powers contained within sections 259 to 261 of the Pensions Act 2004. The regulations apply to proposals by...

Consultation on procedure to use when making decisions about action on forestry pests and the disclosure of site information following an outbreak of a forestry pest which is subject to statutory controls

The Environment Agency has published for consultation draft guidance for landfill activities subject to the Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) Regulations

This consultation document seeks views on a set of proposed regulations dealing with cash transfer sums and contribution refunds for early leavers from occupational pension schemes who do not have vested rights ...

This consultation document seeks views on the draft Occupational Pension Schemes (Member-nominated Trustees and Directors) Regulations 2005 which replace the Occupational Pension Schemes (Member-nominated Trustees...

This is the latest progress report by Scottish Local Authorities on Electronic Service Delivery. The report covers the period up to December 2004.

The OFT has stopped the misleading claims and practices of a Dutch genealogist who claimed to produce individualised family trees for UK consumers with unusual family names.   

The Government has confirmed the transfer of ownership of products developed by the National Smartcard Project to Bracknell Forest Borough Council, Minister for Local e-government Jim Fitzpatrick announced today...

Proposals to remove unnecessary bureaucracy in local government have been set out in a consultation paper launched today by the ODPM.   

The Ministry of Defence today published its internal report into the effect military aircraft noise has on the environment.   

A free and up-to-date public library service must be at the heart of Government cultural and social policy in the 21st century, Culture Minister David Lammy said today. And he announced that the funding programme...

Six new members have been appointed to serve on the Veterinary Products Committee from January 2006 until December 2009.   

A consultation about the future of the Sea Fish Industry Authority (Seafish) is launched today (20th July).   

Eleven individuals and teams from NHS and social care organisations in the London region will be progressing to the national final of the 2005 Health and Social Care Awards, it was announced last week (Wednesday...

Fifteen individuals and teams from NHS and social care organisations in the South region will be progressing to the national final of the 2005 Health and Social Care Awards, it was announced last week (Thursday ...

New powers for the General Dental Council (GDC) to protect patients were today announced by Health Minister Rosie Winterton.   

The Department of Health today invited manufacturers to tender for a contract to supply a limited amount of H5N1 vaccine. The move is part of the work to prepare for and reduce the impact of a possible flu pandemic...

An extension to the precautionary measures to reduce the risk of transmitting vCJD through blood transfusion and surgical procedures, began today. Around 100 people who donated blood to three people who later developed...

The New Deal for Disabled People (NDDP) will be extended for a further year, Minister for Employment and Welfare Reform Margaret Hodge said today.   

UNITED KINGDOM REACHES AGREEMENT IN PRINCIPLE WITH THE HASHEMITE KINGDOM OF JORDAN FOR A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING TO FACILITATE DEPORTATION OF SPECIFIED INDIVIDUALS WITH HUMAN RIGHTS ASSURANCES   

The Government's 2004 Annual Report on Strategic Export Controls will be published at 1400 today as a Command Paper. Copies will be placed in the Libraries of the House. The Report includes information on licensing...

Asked about changes to the regulations regarding Special Advisors to the Government, the PMOS referred journalists to the Cabinet Office....

Asked if the Prime Minister viewed the delay in the Comprehensive Spending Review as part of the orderly transition he had spoken of previously, the PMOS said he knew that someone would bring this up. The answer...

The Prime Minister's Official Spokesman (PMOS) outlined to journalists the outcome of the Prime Minister's meeting with Muslim leaders. There was a decision to set up a task force, or network, led by the Muslim ...

Tony Blair answered questions about the Parliamentary cleaners strike, the Muslim 'task force', Pakistan, the use of 'intercept evidence', terror intelligence and GP services during PMQs.

This release provides new estimates of financial year outturns for some key public expenditure series that are complied and published by H M Treasury as National Statistics.   

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) today launched its Corporate Health and Safety Performance Indicator (CHaSPI) and unveiled a third round of case studies highlighting the vital role that directors play in health...

The consultation stage of the Better Regulation Bill was launched today by John Hutton, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.   

The Government is today (20 July) announcing details for the delivery of its Manifesto commitment to establish an Affordable Rural Housing Commission to identify practical ways in which access to affordable housing...

Information Bulletin   

Public Health Minister Caroline Flint today announced a further £15m to help transform sexual health services across the country.   

A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding has been drawn up between the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the Pensions Regulator and the Pension Protection Fund, and is published today on each organisation'...

Press briefing from the Prime Minister's Official Spokesman on: Muslim Leaders Meeting, Comprehensive Spending Review and Special Advisors

Monthly: June £4.7 bn current budget deficit

More must be done to improve the numbers of Muslim graduates moving into work, employment minister Margaret Hodge told a seminar in London.

I have today laid the Government Car and Despatch Agency annual report and accounts 2004–05 before Parliament, copies of which are available in both Libraries of the House.

The Government propose to bring forward legislation in the next available Finance Bill to exempt from tax certain payments made in relation to bank accounts of holocaust victims, as described below.The HM Revenue...

In June 1997, the incoming Government launched a comprehensive spending review (CSR). The CSR was the most fundamental and in-depth examination of Government spending and priorities ever attempted. Moving beyond...

Last week's attack on London was an affront to all democracies. Just as there should be no safe haven for those who perpetrate terrorism, so there should no hiding place for those who finance terrorism. To deliver...

I am today publishing the sixth annual report to Parliament on UK operations at the IMF, "A Stronger Global Economy—The UK and the IMF 2004–05". Copies are available in the Library of the House.

My noble Friend the Baroness Ashton of Upholland, Parliamentary Under- Secretary of State, has made the following written ministerial statement in the other place today:"With the agreement of my right hon. and learned...

As part of the Government's continuing commitment to investigate Gulf veterans' illnesses openly and honestly, data on the mortality of veterans of the 1990–91 Gulf conflict are regularly published. The most recent...

The Government made clear last year on 21 July 2004, Official Report, column 348 of their commitment to maintaining the effectiveness and safety of the nuclear deterrent including making the necessary investment...

I am delighted to announce that today we have launched a four-month consultation on potential changes to the fire safety aspects of the building regulations (part B) which set the design standards for new and altered...

I am pleased to announce the broad outline of how the Government intend to implement three-year finance settlements for local government.The move to three-year settlements will provide greater financial certainty...

The priority goal for Government policy on local government finance is stability and certainty so that Local Authorities, their partners and the public have reasonable expectations of income and expenditure levels...

The 2004–05 annual report and accounts for the Pesticides Safety Directorate will be laid before Parliament today. Copies will be available in the Library of the House.

The General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) will be held on 18–19 July in Brussels. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I will represent the UK.The Foreign Secretary will make a short...

The latest report on the implementation of the Sino-British Joint Declaration on Hong Kong was published today and copies have been placed in the Library of the House. A copy of the report is also available on the...

I have received the annual report of the Medicines Commission for 2004, which has been laid before Parliament today in accordance with the requirements of section 5(2) of the Medicines Act 1968.Bound volumes have...

The 2004–05 annual report and accounts for the Meat Hygiene Service was laid before Parliament today.Copies will be placed in the Library, but formal printing and publication will not take place for another six...

For the health service bodies listed as follows, their annual accounts and any accompanying comptroller and auditor general reports have today been laid before the House of Commons pursuant to section 98(1C) of ...

The Prison Service's latest annual report and accounts, setting out the Service's performance during 2004–2005 will be laid today and copies will be placed in the Library.

In February 2005, the Government published "Controlling our Borders: Making migration work for Britain", a five-year strategy for immigration and asylum. I would like to update the House today on progress in three...

My hon. Friend the Minister of State for Northern Ireland (Lord Rooker) has made the following ministerial statement:"This statement sets out how I intend to take forward a Racial Equality Strategy for Northern ...

I am pleased to announce today the appointment of Bob Collins as the new chief commissioner of the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. I am also appointing four new commissioners—Bryan Johnston, James Knox...

I have placed copies of the Northern Ireland Prison Service's annual report and accounts for 2004–05 in the Libraries of both Houses.The annual report details that the service met nine of its 11 key targets. It...

The annual report of the Serious Fraud Office has today been published and laid before Parliament. Copies have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

I have laid before the House a copy of the Coal Authority report and accounts for 2004–05.

The Highways Agency annual report and accounts for 2004–05 is published today in accordance with section seven of the Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000. Copies of the report have been placed in the Libraries...

As prosperity and the demand for goods grow, efficient freight transport is increasingly vital to the UK economy. The Railways Act 2005 has placed responsibility for rail freight in England with the Department for...

I have today placed in the Libraries of both Houses a report on modelling work commissioned by the Department for Transport to look at the impact of projected levels of development and population and economic growth...

On the 6 July last year the Secretary of State announced a consultation on the issue of building a new expressway to run parallel with the M6 between Birmingham and Manchester as an alternative to the widening proposal...

On behalf of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, the BFI inspection report on Cherwell district council was published today and copies have been placed in the Library.In 2003–04 ...

On behalf of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, the BFI inspection report on Doncaster metropolitan borough council was published today and copies have been placed in the Library....

On behalf of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, the BFI inspection report on Wrexham county borough council was published today and copies have been placed in the Library.In 2004–...

On behalf of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, the BFI inspection report on East Staffordshire borough council was published today and copies have been placed in the Library.In 2003...

The Disability Rights Commission's annual report and accounts 2004–05 have been published today and laid before Parliament. The DRC's annual report of its activities in the last accounting year amply demonstrates...

On behalf of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, the BFI inspection report on Maldon district council was published today and copies have been placed in the Library.In 2004–05 Maldon...

On behalf of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, the BFI inspection report on Shepway district council was published today and copies have been placed in the Library.In 2003–04 Shepway...

On behalf of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, the BFI inspection report on North West Leicestershire district council was published today and copies have been placed in the Library...

On behalf of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, the BFI inspection report on North Norfolk District Council was published today and copies have been placed in the Library.In 2003–...

On behalf of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, the BFI inspection report on Berwick-upon-Tweed borough council was published today and copies have been placed in the Library.In 2003...

Tony Blair will answer questions from MPs in Parliament today. It will be the last PMQs before the summer recess. The broadcast will be shown here live at 1200 BST.

The Gleneagles agreements are a big step forward for developing countries, Tony Blair has said. In an email to subscribers of the Downing Street website, the PM reflected on the meeting of G8 leaders, which was ...

Follow up inpsection of HMP Peterhead