That this House notes with disgust that the incidence of bear baiting in the Punjab and Sindh regions is still a problem even though it was declared illegal by the Pakistan Government in 1998; notes the serious damage and suffering that bear baiting inflicts on the bears and the dogs which are used to fight against them; further notes that there are only an estimated 300 bears left in the wilds of Pakistan because of this cruel and barbaric sport; calls upon the Pakistan Government, the United Kingdom Government and other nations to join forces to ensure that this sport is completely eradicated; and also calls upon the Pakistan Government to give its full co-operation to the World Society for the Protection of Animals in confiscating bears and placing them in a purpose-built sanctuary created by WSPA.

That this House notes with disgust that the incidence of bear baiting in the Punjab and Sindh regions is still a problem even though it was declared illegal by the Pakistan Government in 1998; notes the serious damage and suffering that bear baiting inflicts on the bears and the dogs...

That this House welcomes the Government's commitment to 'root and branch' reform of the child protection system if the inquiry following the appalling death of Anna Climbie recommends it; considers that the establishment of independent children's rights commissioners in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales is of fundamental importance in keeping the rights of children to be protected always at the forefront of public concern; applauds the establishment of a Children's Commissioner in Wales; and urges the Government to support the Private Members for Lancaster and Wyre on Wednesday 17th January.

That this House welcomes the Government's commitment to 'root and branch' reform of the child protection system if the inquiry following the appalling death of Anna Climbie recommends it; considers that the establishment of independent children's rights commissioners in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales is of fundamental importance in...

That this House is concerned by the latest report and graphic film evidence published by Animal Aid on the treatment of animals at some livestock markets; notes that despite the Government's 1998 Strategy requiring better enforcement at markets, animals at some markets around the country are still arriving emaciated, diseased and injured, being held in thoroughly unsuitable facilities where the casual use of sticks and electric goads persists and where they are denied water; deplores the stress and suffering this causes; and urges the Government to provide adequate financial resources for the proper enforcement of its Strategy, including attendance by the state Veterinary Service at 25 per cent. of all market days to facilitate the drawing up of a league table of markets, with those markets which are unable to meet a standard consistent with the current welfare requirements being required to upgrade or close.

That this House is concerned by the latest report and graphic film evidence published by Animal Aid on the treatment of animals at some livestock markets; notes that despite the Government's 1998 Strategy requiring better enforcement at markets, animals at some markets around the country are still arriving emaciated, diseased...

That this House welcomes the Government's intention to replace the current system of internal reviews of housing benefit decisions by individual local authorities with a new, more robust, independent appeal mechanism; notes that local authorities will retain the right to reclaim benefit overpayments from third parties, such as landlords, where payments are made directly; is concerned, however, that the practice of allowing these third parties to appeal such decisions will be excluded from the new procedure; calls on the Government to recognise that it is unjust to demand repayment of fraudulently claimed or incorrectly paid benefits direct from landlords, who are unable to know this is taking place, without a right of appeal and asks that such a right be included in regulations when they are laid before the House.

That this House welcomes the Government's intention to replace the current system of internal reviews of housing benefit decisions by individual local authorities with a new, more robust, independent appeal mechanism; notes that local authorities will retain the right to reclaim benefit overpayments from third parties, such as landlords, where...

That this House is alarmed by the increasing evidence of the abuse of the elderly in residential homes; calls for improved independent survillance on instances of physical abuse, neglect and the over-prescription of neuroleptic drugs; and recognises the great value of the campaign by Age Concern to expose the large scale abuse of the defenceless elderly.

That this House is alarmed by the increasing evidence of the abuse of the elderly in residential homes; calls for improved independent survillance on instances of physical abuse, neglect and the over-prescription of neuroleptic drugs; and recognises the great value of the campaign by Age Concern to expose the large...