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Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of having dual awarding bodies for the teaching of swimming. [HL3263]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communications, Technology and Broadcasting (Lord Carter of Barnes): There is nothing to prevent more than one awarding body from delivering accredited qualifications for the teaching of swimming.
12 May 2009 : Column WA198
The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority is responsible for the status of awarding bodies. Currently, both the Amateur Swimming Association and the Swimming Teachers' Association are approved as awarding bodies for offering qualifications for the teaching of swimming.
Treaties: Parliamentary Scrutiny
Question
Asked by Lord Lester of Herne Hill
To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the comments by Lord McKenzie of Luton on 28 April (Official Report, House of Lords, GC 41), whether they will support the introduction of procedures for enhanced parliamentary scrutiny of treaties without the need for legislation; and, if not, what are their reasons. [HL3265]
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Malloch-Brown): As the noble Lord, Lord McKenzie of Luton, stated on 28 April 2009, the Constitutional Renewal Bill is scheduled for introduction before the Summer Recess. The Bill will include provisions to place the present arrangements for parliamentary scrutiny of treaties on a statutory footing.
The development and operation of mechanisms outside the proposed legislation to enhance Parliament's ability to scrutinise treaties is ultimately a matter for Parliament itself. The Government will endeavour to respond positively to whichever additional methods Parliament wishes to pursue.
Visas
Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether any complaints have been received about the regional administration of visa applications made overseas; if so, how many; and what steps are being taken to monitor and review the system.[HL3286]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord West of Spithead): In April 2008 we appointed regional directors to run the business of the UK Border Agency's international group, including the visa service, through the following regions: Africa, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Euromed and South Asia and the Gulf. No complaints have been received about this restructuring.
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