Research Briefing
Railways: Channel Tunnel Rail Link (HS1)
This note provides information on the financial arrangements for HS1 including the recent sale of London & Continental Railways.
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Research Briefing
The disturbance at HM Prison Ford on 1 January 2011
This note discusses some of the controversy surrounding the recategorisation of prisoners to category D and examines what is known about the disturbance at HM Prison Ford, which is subject to two ongoing investigations.
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Research Briefing
Contracting out of the State Second Pension
This note outlines the arrangements for contracting out of the State Second Pension
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Research Briefing
EU Accession to the European Convention on Human Rights
This Note looks at the background to and issues surrounding EU accession to the European Convention, UK Government views and Parliamentary scrutiny of the draft Council decision on the negotiation of an EU accession agreement.
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Research Briefing
Economic Indicators, Budget update
Recent data show unemployment rose to its highest level since 1994 in the three months to January and CPI inflation increased to 4.4% in February (compared with average earnings growth of 2.3%). Meanwhile, public finance statistics show that for the first 11 months of fiscal year 2010/11 the government borrowed nearly 10% less than in the same period of 2009/10. As a result, full-year borrowing in 2010/11 is likely to be less than the OBR’s November forecast of £149 billion. For more information see the Library’s background briefing to the Budget. Following the Budget an additional Library briefing will be available
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Research Briefing
Health and safety
This note sets out the framework of how the health and safety law operates, with a particular focus on the criminal law established by the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
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Research Briefing
Asbestos: damage, control and policy
This note sets out some of the dangers and illness associated with exposure to asbestos. It also sets out legislative controls of asbestos and possible future policy changes in this area.
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Research Briefing
The Security Council’s “no-fly zone” resolution on Libya
This note looks at the development of a consensus on the United Nations Security Council for a resolution permitting military intervention in Libya. It reproduces the resolution.
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Research Briefing
Labour’s employment legislation from 2005 onwards
This note summarises employment legislation passed by the Labour Government from 2005
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Research Briefing
Wreck Removal Convention Bill 2010-11
This note briefly describes the Wreck Removal Convention Bill 2010-11; a Private Members' Bill sponsored by Dr Thérèse Coffey MP. The Bill provides measures to enable the United Kingdom to ratify and implement the International Convention for the Removal of Wrecks. It would insert new sections and a Schedule into the Merchant Shipping Act 1995.
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Research Briefing
Unemployment by constituency, March 2011
This paper presents labour market data for Parliamentary Constituencies. A summary of the latest national and regional labour market data is given, along with a selection of relevant constituency-level indicators including the latest Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) claimant count data.JSA claimant count unemployment decreased by 10,200 in February 2011 to 1.45 million The wider ILO measure of unemployment rose to 2.53 million in the period November-January 2011, the highest level since 1994. Employment in the public sector fell by 45,000 over the last quarter to 6.2 million (December 2010), while employment in the private sector rose by 77,000 to 23.0 million. This was made up of a 56,000 increase in the number of people aged 65 and over in employment, while for all other age groups (ages 16-64) employment fell by 24,000.This edition of Unemployment by Constituency contains a special section on job vacancy statistics.
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Research Briefing
European Union Bill 106 2010-11: Committee and Report stages
This Note looks at amendments adopted in the Committee of the Whole House concerning the European Union Bill 2010-11.
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Research Briefing
Budget Responsibility and National Audit [HL] Bill: Committee stage report
The Bill establishes the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) on a statutory basis, following its creation after the general election of 2010. It also requires the Treasury to publish a Charter for Budget Responsibility setting out its approach to fiscal policy. The Bill would also confirm a new corporate governance structure for the National Audit Office, under a new paid post of Chair, who would develop a joint strategy with the Comptroller and Auditor General. This Research Paper covers the Bill's House of Commons Committee Stage.
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Research Briefing
EU bibliographies: working time directives
The EC Working Time Directive (93/104/EC of 23 November 1993), was implemented in the UK by the Working Time Regulations 1998, SI No.1833 with effect from 1 October 1998. The Working Time Directive was subject to proposals for further amendment in Europe. The proposals were considered under the codecision procedure. The European Parliament and Council could not reach agreement on the draft directive, and no compromise could be reached in conciliation. The proposal now lapses and the current directive remains in force. This Note brings together documents relevant to legislation and draft directives on the application of Working Time rules.
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Research Briefing
Uprising in Egypt
Egypt's revolt has been greeted as a historic moment that will have enormous consequences throughout the Arab world. This note provides a simple chronological account of events swince 25 January. It looks a the background to the crisis and profiles groups and individuals involved and considers some likely outcomes of the present crisis.
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