Sitting of 7 November 2002

Preamble
The House met at half-past Eleven o'clock
PRAYERS
[MR. SPEAKER in the Chair]
Oral Answers to Questions
  TREASURY
  The Chancellor of the Exchequer was asked—
  TREASURY

    Stability and Growth Pact
    Mr. John Burnett: What representations have been made in respect of recent changes to the stability and growth pact. [78221]
    Mr. Kelvin Hopkins: What assessment he has made of the economic implications of non-compliance by member states in the euro-zone with the stability and growth pact. [78224]
    The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr. Gordon Brown): I have received no recent representations on the stability and growth pact, but when I attended the ECOFIN meeting in Brussels on Tuesday it was agreed to invoke the excessive deficit procedure with respect to Portugal. Since 1997, the Government have consistently supported a prudent interpretation of the pact that takes into account the economic cycle, sustainability and the important role of public investment. We continue to discuss this with our European Union colleagues.
    Mr. Burnett: Portugal, Germany and France are all in breach, or about to be in breach, of the pact's deficit limit. Does the Chancellor believe that there is an urgent need for reform of the pact and that, until that reform has been implemented and the stalled Lisbon agenda has been satisfactorily concluded, it would be reckless to recommend to the British people that we join the single currency?
    Mr. Brown: I do not know whether the hon. Gentleman is speaking for his party. It is correct that the excessive deficit procedure has been started in relation to Portugal. It is possible that it may be started in relation to Germany, and probable that not an excessive deficit procedure but an early warning procedure may be adopted in relation to France.
    Since 1997, we have always taken the view that the pact contains three elements that need reform. First, it should take more account of the economic cycle. I think that the hon. Gentleman would agree with that. Secondly, countries with a high level of debt should be
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    treated differently from countries with a low level, and a country—there are three of them—with debt above 100 per cent. of gross domestic product should be treated differently from countries such as ours, with debt of less than 40 per cent. of GDP. Thirdly, there is public investment: we believe that, as long as they have a sustainable debt level, those who are investing for the future should be in a position to continue to do so. We continue to discuss those changes with our EU colleagues. I hope that there is consensus in the House that those reforms are needed.
    Mr. Hopkins: My right hon. Friend will know that, following the meeting on Tuesday, some of us were concerned about the decisions that were made. Given that Germany is teetering on the brink of dangerous deflation, would not forcing the Germans to intensify that deflation by further fiscal tightening drive them into recession, and would not that cause a crisis in the euro zone as a whole? What would the implications for Britain be; and does he agree that Romano Prodi's description of the pact as "stupid" is something of an understatement?
    Mr. Brown: Adjectives are widely used these days in a pejorative sense, be it "stupid" or "nasty", or any other such word. I would refrain from using such adjectives. The point of our proposed reforms is to be able to distinguish between structural and cyclical deficit. That is part of the debate about the German position: whether the deficit is structural or cyclical. There is absolutely no doubt that we face a world downturn. This is the first synchronised world downtown for 30 years, seriously affecting every continent. It is also true that we suffer from the fact that, while in the last recession world trade went down by only 1 per cent., and it grew by 13 per cent. two years ago, it has been stagnant last year and this year, creating difficult conditions for all countries.
    On my hon. Friend's point about the stability and growth pact, we should be in a position to distinguish between structural and cyclical deficits, and I hope that he will agree that action is needed for a structural deficit, but that for a cyclical one we can consider the cycle and what is likely to happen over a number of years.
    Mr. John Bercow: Given that the Chancellor has no objection in principle to ceding sovereignty over monetary policy to the European Central Bank, which we do not elect and cannot remove, and which, under the terms of the treaties, it would be illegal to seek to persuade to the view of the British Parliament, why does he think that, when he claims to believe that this country should retain control over tax and expenditure decisions, we should believe a word of what he says?
    Mr. Brown: It is interesting to note that the hon. Gentleman has moved to the Back Benches to say exactly what he said on the Front Bench. I thought that he was going to take a distinct position. It is Parliament that makes decisions on taxation and spending; it is Parliament that made its decision on the Maastricht treaty. The Maastricht treaty contained all the terms under which the stability pact now operates, including the requirement to submit convergence plans and the

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    requirement to avoid excessive deficits, and the measures that might be taken in respect of that. It was Parliament that voted in favour of that—and the House should know that the shadow Chancellor was a member of the Cabinet that put those proposals to Parliament.
    Denzil Davies: Is it not the case that not only the growth and stability pact but the whole Maastricht enterprise, and the common monetary policy established by it, are flawed? Is that not evidenced by what is happening in Germany, where a democratically elected Government have no jurisdiction over the value of the currency, no control, in effect, over public expenditure, and no jurisdiction over interest rates?
    Mr. Brown: My right hon. Friend, who was a Minister in the Labour Government of the 1970s, has at least been consistent in this: he opposed the Maastricht treaty and he continues to oppose it, unlike many Conservative Members, who brought in the Maastricht treaty but now wish to oppose its provisions.
    As for what my right hon. Friend says about the economy, being part of a monetary union involves a number of changes in the way we operate. That is exactly why we have submitted the proposal to the five economic tests. The tests will examine the effect on investment and employment, and the effect that arises from the flexibility of the British and the European economy to deal with problems such as those that we see at the moment, and others that can arise from time to time. They will also examine the sustainability of convergence.
    I hope that my right hon. Friend will agree that this is the most detailed exercise that has been conducted by the Treasury—an exercise that was never conducted when the previous Government took this country into the exchange rate mechanism—[Interruption.] I can find almost no evidence of any work having been done in the Treasury on the economic issues—[Interruption.]I think, Mr. Speaker—
    Mr. Speaker: Order. I always worry when the Chancellor starts to lean on the Dispatch Box, because it means that his reply is getting very long.
    Mr. Michael Howard: Can the Chancellor tell us where in his five tests we find a reference to the difficulties caused by the stability and growth pact?
    Mr. Brown: The five tests look at all those issues. They look at investment, employment and flexibility—and if the right hon. and learned Gentleman reads the submission that I made to the Treasury Select Committee, he will see that we consider specifically the issues of the stability and growth pact, and will publish a paper on the subject as part of the five tests. The question that the shadow Chancellor has to answer is why he once supported the stability and growth pact, yet now, for purely party political reasons, he opposes it.
    Mr. Howard: It is for the Chancellor to answer questions, and he has not been able to point to a single reference to the stability and growth pact in the five tests. Are not the difficulties of the pact caused in large part by the inappropriateness of the "one size fits all"
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    interest rate for so many economies in the euro zone? Has the Chancellor seen the study by the European Commission that showed that the single interest rate was too low for seven countries in the euro zone and too high for another three, which made it about right for just two countries?
    Mr. Brown: The shadow Chancellor is entirely wrong. The evidence that I put to the Treasury Select Committee says specifically—[Interruption.] J The shadow Chancellor is asking for this to be one of the tests—in other words, he wants a sixth test. What I am saying to him is that, as part of the five tests, when we consider employment, investment, flexibility and durability, we will he examining the operation of the stability and growth pact. [Interruption.] If he has any doubt about that, I will send him this afternoon the memorandum that we sent to members of the Treasury Select Committee—I see one member of the Select Committee nodding at that, because he knows it to be the case—saying that we would publish a paper on the stability and growth pact as part of our assessment of the five tests. There are five tests, not six, but as part of the five tests, which include employment, investment and flexibility, we shall look at the macroeconomic issues—[HON MEMBERS: "Order!"] The idea that we have not submitted evidence to the Treasury Select Committee saying that that is part of the review is completely wrong, and the shadow Chancellor will have to withdraw his allegation.
    Mr. Dennis Skinner: Will my right hon. Friend ignore the bleating of the Liberal Democrats, who have been Euro-fanatics from the very beginning? Will he ignore the rants of the shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, who condemned the current Leader of the Opposition when they were uniting and dying over Maastricht? Will my right hon. Friend also keep finding excuses for not going into the euro? He has managed that for five years—good luck to him.
    Mr. Brown: We will publish the assessment that we are making of the five economic tests. It is serious, detailed and rigorous, and the most comprehensive piece of work that the Treasury has done. It will look at all the relevant issues, as the five tests make absolutely clear, and the House of Commons will have the fullest chance to debate the issues.

    Climate Change Levy
    Andrew Selous: What recent discussions he has had with manufacturers about the effect of the climate change levy on UK competitiveness. [78223]
    The Paymaster General (Dawn Primarolo): The Government have regular discussions with business about a wide range of issues, including matters related to tax.
    Andrew Selous: Will the right hon. Lady tell the House whether the Government are considering the proposals of the Engineering Employers Federation, which would not only help the environment more quickly, but would be less burdensome to business? Is

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    she aware of the extreme difficulty caused to Linpac, a manufacturer in my constituency, which has had to move two of its moulding machines to Spain, where neither the climate change levy nor anything similar operates—a move that was demanded by one of its major customers? When the company briefed the Chief Secretary on the matter, he apparently turned to his officials and said, "Oh, it wasn't supposed to operate like this." What does the right hon. Lady have to say about that?
    Dawn Primarolo: I am aware of the report that the hon. Gentleman refers to. As he will know, the initial report on the introduction of a climate change levy was undertaken by Lord Marshall. He recommended, and the levy went on to include, two principles: that the revenues from the levy would be recycled, and should be broadly revenue neutral; and that specific issues should deal with energy-intensive industries where they are subject to international competition. The levy undertakes both of those arrangements.
    The hon. Gentleman will also know that the amount of revenue that is recycled to business—as a result of enhanced allowances, or the Carbon Trust, or directly through the national insurance rebate—is greater than the amount that the levy raises. The suggestions in the recent report confirm, therefore, that the Government are going in the right direction. However, they rightly raise issues that the Government need to scrutinise closely as the climate change levy beds in.
    Mr. Barry Sheerman: Does my right hon. Friend agree that the climate change levy is a very important environmental tax, and that getting it right is important? I was pleased to hear her comments on that point, but does she also agree that we need a range of innovative environmental taxes that help industry to do the right thing, and that have the right touch? Will she continue with the environmental taxation review, and introduce measures in the near future?
    Dawn Primarolo: I can of course confirm that the climate change levy contributes to the Government's programme in committing ourselves to reach our Kyoto targets. I should also remind my hon. Friend that, before the levy's introduction, there were some two years of consultation with business. That consultation continues, but, as he rightly says, climate change is a threat now, and we cannot wait for solutions tomorrow. We need to move forward on these issues, and the climate change levy is an important aspect of that agenda.
    Mr. Michael Howard: Is the Paymaster General proud of the fact that this Government have managed to combine the anticompetitive impact of the climate change levy with an increase in greenhouse gas emissions, as was recently pointed out by Friends of the Earth? Has she read the recent remarks of Digby Jones, Director General of the Confederation of British Industry, who said that the levy is
    "damaging key sectors of the UK economy, driving jobs abroad, [and] has become a great friend to our French and Spanish competitors?"
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    Is that the Government's intended consequence of this bungled tax, or was the Chief Secretary right in what he said during a visit to the constituency of my hon. Friend the Member for South-West Bedfordshire (Andrew Selous)?
    Dawn Primarolo: I am sure that the right hon. and learned Gentlemen will be aware that at least seven other member states in the European Union have comparable measures and that others are moving to introduce them, precisely because we need to address the issue of climate change. As Lord Marshall's report clearly pointed out, the climate change levy includes reductions to assist energy-intensive industries that are subject to international competition. What the right hon. and learned Gentleman has to tell the House is whether he is serious, as the spokesman for the Opposition, about tackling climate change. If he is, how should it be done? Will he tell us whether he is prepared to commit himself now, or will it be another promise for tomorrow?

    Waste Recycling
    Dr. Alan Whitehead: What appraisal he has made of the case for the introduction of an incineration levy to encourage future re-use and recycling of waste. [78225]
    The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (John Healey): The Government announced in the Budget 2002 that they would consider the case for a tax on incineration in the light of the strategy unit waste project, which is due to be completed later this autumn.
    Dr. Whitehead: Will my hon. Friend also appraise the large, long-term contracts being entered into by local authorities that centre on waste incineration? When he considers such a levy, will he address how it might help local authorities move beyond their reliance on such contracts?
    John Healey: I pay tribute to my hon. Friend as one of the House's renowned experts on the subject and I thank him for his question. The need to minimise the production of waste and maximise the re-use and recycling of waste is at the heart of our waste policies. Technologies, including incineration, have a role to play in recovering value from waste, whether through recycling, composting or energy from waste, as my hon. Friend's question suggests. We will consider the specific questions he raises, and also the general questions, in light of the waste report that the Prime Minister's strategy unit is currently completing and which we expect to be able to publish shortly.
    Mr. Mark Prisk: Why is it that whenever the possibility of improving business behaviour arises, the Government's knee-jerk reaction is always to increase the number or rate of taxes? Is not this an opportunity to reduce taxes to encourage behaviour?
    John Healey: We have cut corporation tax, capital gains tax and small business tax. On the incineration tax, I made it clear in my original answer that the

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    Government have agreed to consider the case—no more, no less—for a tax on incineration as part of the long-term waste management policies that we need to put in place.
    Dr. Nick Palmer: Does my hon. Friend agree that important though this issue is, the problem partly arises because of the sheer amount of packaging and unnecessary extra material that is thrust on consumers, whether we want it or not? Will he consider a levy on packaging or other ways to discourage firms from generating unnecessary waste with which consumers have to grapple?
    John Healey: We have no plans to introduce or consider such a tax. The specific questions and the wider long-term aims of our waste policies will be considered in the light of the strategy unit's report, which is currently being completed and which we expect to be able to publish shortly.

    Gross Domestic Product (East Sussex)
    Mr. Charles Hendry: What his latest figure is for the GDP of East Sussex; and what this is as a percentage of (a) the mean GDP across the country and (b) the highest GDP for a county. [78226]
    The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Ruth Kelly): The latest sub-regional GDP data relate to 1998 and show that the GDP of East Sussex at current basic prices was £3,850 million. That represented 0.5 per cent. of total GDP for the UK. It is not meaningful to calculate mean and highest levels of GDP for counties, as counties vary in size.
    Mr. Hendry: The Financial Secretary will be aware that East Sussex's GDP per head is the third lowest in the country, below Liverpool, Newcastle and Glasgow. The Government's plans for local authority spending could result in East Sussex losing £44 million a year, despite its GDP level. Will the hon. Lady therefore have urgent discussions with her ministerial colleagues to make sure that they understand that any system designed to make local government funding fairer—a Government objective—should assist poorer counties rather than penalise them?
    Ruth Kelly: Perhaps I could point out that East Sussex has benefited from this Government's policies: unemployment has fallen by 46 per cent. in the hon. Gentleman's constituency and, as a result of personal tax and benefit measures since 1997, pensioners will be £1,150 better off on average by October of next year.
    I do accept that we are not prepared to ignore pockets of deprivation in areas of prosperity. That is why we are committed to balanced regional economic growth, and why we are funding the regional development agencies at an average rate of 4.5 per cent. in real terms over the next few years. We are working extremely closely with the south-east economic development agency to make sure that East Sussex benefits from a major regeneration programme over the next 10 years.

    HIPC Initiative
    Dr. Jenny Tonge (Richmond Park): If he will make a statement on the outcomes of the World Bank and IMF meeting in September in relation to debt relief and the HIPC initiative. [78227]
    The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr. Gordon Brown): At the recent IMF and World Bank meetings in Washington, we agreed up to $1 billion of further debt relief for poor and indebted countries. I am pleased to announce that the UK has been joined by 16 other donors, which have already made firm commitments totalling $850 million to the HIPC trust fund. European Union member states have called on the Commission to make a contribution through the European development fund. That will benefit 26 highly indebted poor countries. Of the remaining 12 countries that could qualify for debt relief, nine are unfortunately in conflict, one has opted for debt relief, and two are developing their poverty reduction strategies to meet the conditions for debt relief.
    We thank the Churches, faith groups and nongovernmental organisations for the contribution that they have made to the debt relief campaign, but we are determined to build a longer-term solution to the financing of education, health and anti-poverty programmes in the poorest countries.
    Dr. Tonge: I thank the Chancellor for that reply. At the risk of sending Tory Members into orbit, I freely acknowledge that the progress that has been made on this matter has been due largely to his efforts. However, does the Chancellor realise how disappointed people in the country are that more progress has not been made since the millennium? According to the organisation Jubilee 2000, the cancellation of debt for the 26 HIPC' countries would cost around $6.8 billion over five years for the countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. That is probably less than the US spent on bombing Afghanistan. Will the Chancellor put pressure on the World Bank and the IMF at least to suspend debt repayment—[Interruption.]
    Mr. Speaker: Order. The hon. Lady may have been slow to start, but she is certainly making up for it now.
    Mr. Brown: I want to thank all those in the House who have joined us in the campaign to secure debt relief. The figures show that $62 billion of debt will be wiped off as a result of the initiative so far. If other countries join the initiative, that total should amount to $100 billion. That is a very considerable figure, involving 26 countries, and it is yielding money for education, health and anti-poverty programmes. However, I readily accept that there is more to do. That is why we are considering, with other countries, further measures in addition to debt relief that can yield results both in terms of expenditure on education, health and anti-poverty programmes, and in terms of meeting the millennium development goals, which include ensuring that every child has an education.
    Mr. Andy Reed: I am sure that the whole House welcomes the moves that have been made to progress this matter, largely thanks to the moral lead

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    that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor has taken. However, does my right hon. Friend accept that the collapse of commodity prices has caused real problems for many countries already in the HIPC initiative and receiving debt relief? What further measures can he take to ensure that those countries' future levels of sustainable debt are tied into the collapse of commodity prices? Will he assure the House that the $1 billion extra that has been promised will be new money and will not merely replace money that should have come from multilateral creditors such as the IMF and the World Bank?
    Mr. Brown: The extra $1 billion is necessary precisely because of the economic conditions in poorer countries, and because in the first round of the HIPC trust fund we underestimated what would be needed to pay for the debt relief that has been provided. It is new money, and is being allocated by this Government and other Governments. As I said, 16 Governments have joined the initiative, and that is huge progress on where we were a few months ago.
    Again, I readily accept that if we are to deal with the problems of poor countries and their agricultural producers, we need a wider settlement—a wider compact between rich and poor countries that involves not only debt relief but the opening up of trade, tackling agricultural protectionism and help for public and private investment in those countries. We also need Substantially greater resources in overseas development aid.
    Mr. Stephen O'Brien: As the Chancellor well knows, I greatly sympathise with his efforts on the HIPC initiative. Given the Prime Minister's humiliating failure, however, even to know of in advance—let alone to prevent—the French and Germans stitching up a cosy deal between themselves on the common agricultural policy, the right hon. Gentleman will surely agree that that self-serving deal has done, and for years to come will do, much more damage to the economies of the developing world than anything that he might do to relieve poor countries' debt under the initiative. How happy is he that the Prime Minister has not taken any action to remedy the situation when one of his Treasury officials has said that every cow in the EU receives over S2 a day from Brussels, while a fifth of the world's population lives on only a dollar a day?
    Mr. Brown: Those figures have been put out by me and by other people in the past year. We have to get action on the common agricultural policy. At the summit, a ceiling was agreed on the amount of money available for agriculture. Contrary to the wishes of some countries, what was left open was that further progress would be made at Doha and in the mid-term review of agricultural policy. I should have thought that the Conservative party would have supported the Prime Minister's efforts in that respect. These matters are open for Doha. We now need all parties to combine to make a success of Doha and persuade other countries that we must curb agricultural protectionism.
    Ms Julia Drown: What are the Government doing to put pressure on non-participating countries to get involved in the HIPC process—
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    countries such as Romania, Iran and Libya? Are the Government offering support to the HIPCs that face legal challenges from those who are not participating in the HIPC process?
    Mr. Brown: On the legal issue, we are looking into that matter. We had a list of the 37 countries, I think, that would qualify for HIPC debt relief. I have named the countries that have already benefited. Equally, those that are in conflict cannot benefit while they are in conflict. When countries are coming out of conflict, we have measures to enable them to get debt relief quickly if they pursue the necessary policies and if we can be sure that the money is going to poverty reduction. The three remaining countries, which do not include those on the list that my hon. Friend mentioned, are now part of the HIPC process and should be able to get debt relief readily and quite quickly.
    As for adding others to the list, I do not think that that is the way forward; it is a more comprehensive solution to what levels of development aid we can get. That requires us to have policies that link improvements in access to trade, improvements in investment in the poorest countries, an end to the agricultural protectionism that is doing so much damage, and far more overseas aid. That is the way to deal with the problems of the countries that my hon. Friend mentioned.

    Manufacturing Output
    Mr. Archy Kirkwood: What assessment he has made of the change in output of manufacturing industry since January 2001; and if he will make a statement. [78330]
    The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Paul Boateng): The contraction in United Kingdom manufacturing output, which began last year, was due to the sharpest slowdown in G7 industrial activity since 1975, but UK economic fundamentals remain sound and our macroeconomic framework leaves us well placed to respond to those challenges. The Government will publish an updated assessment of prospects for manufacturing in the forthcoming pre-Budget report.
    Mr. Kirkwood: Does the Minister accept that whatever success the Government may have achieved in other parts of the economy, the deep and abiding recession in manufacturing is a matter of continuing concern? Does he also accept that in the past four years, an estimated 500,000 jobs have been lost across the United Kingdom? In my constituency in the Scottish borders, the number of people employed in manufacturing has fallen by 23 per cent. since 1995. Would it not be right for the Treasury team to engage in an onslaught on exchange rate policy rather than on the unemployed, to ensure that there are some manufacturing vacancies in prosperous businesses for job seekers in the future?
    Mr. Boateng: There has undoubtedly been a decline in manufacturing across the G7. We are seeking to ensure that Scotland benefits not only from the macroeconomic measures that we have taken, but from micro-economic measures such as the improvements that we

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    have made in the climate for research and development, and the steps that have been taken with the Scottish Executive to promote enterprise and manufacturing in Scotland. In 2001–02, that led to 61 new inward investment projects being created in Scotland—the equivalent of more than 6,000 new jobs. We intend to continue to work with the Scottish Executive to that end. That is the best hope for the hon. Gentleman's constituents, and for the people of Scotland and the United Kingdom generally.
    Ross Cranston: Manufacturing has taken a knock in the west midlands as well as in Scotland. However, does my right hon. Friend agree that short-term fixes such as fiddling with the exchange rate are not the way to deal with this? The Government have addressed the long-term approach to productivity by improving research and development as well as average skill levels.
    Mr. Boateng: Low inflation, low interest rates and good, solid macro-economic foundations are, as my hon. and learned Friend accepts, the best hope for British industry. However, the important steps that we are taking, not least in relation to research and development and to science and technology, stand in marked contrast to the successive failures of Conservative Members over the years in their stewardship of the economy.
    Matthew Taylor: Does the Chief Secretary accept that manufacturing employment has gone up in the euro zone since 1997 while plummeting by 500,000 in this country since 1997? Does the Chief Secretary think that that is simply down to bad British business or that it might relate to Government policy, which has seen exchange rates remain uncompetitive, investment at record low levels and the longest manufacturing recession since 1981? As the Monetary Policy Committee has not been able, in a two-track, two-speed economy, to cut interest rates today, what do the Government plan to do with the rest of the policy armoury to help them?
    Mr. Boateng: I do not think that the hon. Gentleman's figures will stand up in Germany or bring much comfort there. Comparing our performance with that of the rest of the G7 shows that we have the highest employment rates and the lowest unemployment rates. That is a direct result of the policy of this Government and of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
    Mr. Peter Pike: Does my right hon. Friend agree that aerospace is a crucial, high-skill and high-value industry to Lancashire, the north-west and the country as a whole? It has been hit particularly hard since 11 September last year. Will my right hon. Friend stress to the industry that the Government will give the maximum support possible to encourage research and development and training? They are crucial and, at a time when the industry is being squeezed, they should not be squeezed. In that way, we will ensure the future of the industry to the benefit of the country.
    Mr. Boateng: My hon. Friend's interest in the aerospace and high-tech industries in his constituency
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    and throughout the north-west is well known. We meet regularly with the aerospace industry. Recently, I visited the north-west and spoke with the vice-chancellors of the three major universities there. They are all working in close contact with the industry and the regional development agency. They are benefiting from our proposals not only on science and technology but on the additional funding for the RDA and the important bedrock that we have put in place for long-term research and development, particularly in large companies, and they will continue to benefit.
    Bob Spink: Is the Chief Secretary aware of the importance of the construction products industry, which is a full 20 per cent. of the total British manufacturing sector? Will he ensure that the Government deliver their promises in the public sector by building the schools, hospitals and road infrastructure that they promised in their public spending review and are way short on delivering, so that the construction products industry can benefit?
    Mr. Boateng: I take that as a request from the hon. Gentleman for yet more investment in the public sector, but that rings pretty hollow given the Conservatives' record. They failed to invest in our infrastructure and in our schools and hospitals. While they are talking about it, this Government are doing it.
    Mr. Bill O'Brien: Does my right hon. Friend agree that the large manufacturing losses in the Yorkshire region occurred because the mining machinery industry there has declined considerably? Will he favourably consider help for the mining industry to maintain its current output, which in turn will help to sustain the manufacture of mining equipment and machinery in the Yorkshire area, thereby saving jobs? Will he also accept my appreciation for the work that he and my right hon. Friend the Chancellor have done to help manufacturing in the Yorkshire region?
    Mr. Boateng: I am grateful to my hon. Friend. I know that he takes a keen interest not only in mining but in manufacturing, research, development, science and technology throughout his region. Our best hope for maintaining and developing the manufacturing base of his region lies in the encouragement of IT and innovation. That is the Government's commitment, and it will endure.

    Pensions Taxation
    Mr. Andrew Robathan: What assessment he has made of the impact of recent changes in pensions taxation. [78232]
    The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Ruth Kelly): From April 2002, as a result of the Government's personal tax and benefit changes, pensioner households are, on average, £840 a year better off than in 1997.
    Mr. Robathan: But is it not the Chancellor's policies that have so badly harmed people's private pensions and indeed their future in retirement, especially the fact that

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    more than £25 billion has been taken out of pension funds—£5 billion a year since the abolition of advance corporation tax relief?
    Can the Minister confirm leaked reports from the Labour spin machine that the Chancellor plans further harm to people's pensions and futures by ending higher-rate tax relief on pension contributions and by taxing lump-sum payments on retirement, which are currently tax free?
    Ruth Kelly: The hon. Gentleman wholly misrepresents the situation. As he knows, and as has often been pointed out to the House, the abolition of payable tax credit was an essential part of wider corporation tax reforms, which included cutting both main and small company corporation tax rates. Since 1997, cuts in corporation tax have been worth more than £3.5 billion a year to companies, and pension funds benefit from that as well.
    In relation to some of the measures that the hon. Gentleman cites, about which there has also been much speculation in the press, the Treasury has said repeatedly on numerous occasions that no proposal for the abolition of higher-rate tax reliefs has even been considered by Treasury Ministers, never mind agreed.
    John Robertson: My hon. Friend will be aware of the high number of pensioners in my constituency, where there are well over 13,500 pensioner households. I thank my right hon. Friend the Chancellor for the work that he has done to alleviate pensioner poverty, but will he reconsider the winter fuel allowance that people in my constituency receive in wintertime when it is needed the most? Will he consider upping it by £50 to £250 as soon as possible?
    Ruth Kelly: I thank my hon. Friend for his support. Unlike the Conservatives, the Government have made tackling pensioner poverty a priority. We introduced not only the £200 winter fuel allowance, but also free eye tests for the over-65s. Furthermore, next year, we shall introduce the pension credit, which will reward the savings of low-income pensioners. I take my hon. Friend's question as a Budget representation and as my eight hon. Friend the Chancellor is here, I am sure that he will have listened to it.
    Mr. Stephen O'Brien: How can the Minister claim that the pension dividend tax has nothing to do with pension scheme closures? When Labour came into office, no large company schemes were closed to new entrants, but only five years later—a short time in the long-term business of pension provision—we have moved to a situation where the main pension schemes of fewer than half our largest companies are open to new entrants. How can the Chancellor and the Minister claim that those two events—the Chancellor's largest-ever stealth tax and the rapid closure of schemes—are not related? Is he the only person in the country who does not understand that if one takes £25 billion from pension funds and continues to take money at the rate of £5 billion a year it will have an effect on pension funds and schemes?
    Ruth Kelly: Let me take this opportunity to put the facts that the hon. Gentleman mentions in context. The
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    abolition of payable tax credits, for example, was equivalent to the difference of a tenth between the best and worst pension fund providers. I hardly think that he can criticise that measure when he knows that it is also being offset by a huge package of corporation tax cuts. He points to the closure of final salary schemes. Clearly, changes are taking place right across the world, partly as a result of changing work patterns, which mean that the structure is changing, but what really matters to people is the level of pension contributions going into pension funds. That is why we are working in partnership with the industry, employers and individuals to ensure that people can have the security of knowing that they have secure income in retirement.

    Tax Credits (Publicity)
    Mr. Russell Brown: What steps he is taking to publicise the new tax credits. [78233]
    The Paymaster General (Dawn Primarolo): We carried out a series of national road shows from 16 September to 11 October to highlight the launch of the tax credits campaign and to publicise the new tax credits. That includes the Inland Revenue sending out claim forms automatically to all existing claimants of working families tax credit and disabled person's tax credit. It also includes a national advertising campaign, which started on 16 September, including television, radio, press and online advertising and specific measures to ensure that minority groups are aware of the new tax credits. That involves planning publicity specifically for ethnic minority radio stations and publications.
    Mr. Brown: I thank my right hon. Friend for what she has done until now and, obviously, for what she will do in the coming weeks and months, but may I draw her attention to the current tax credits? Undoubtedly, hundreds of thousands of families have benefited from the working families tax credit, but I have some concerns about the uptake of the child care tax credit. I feel that more families should have become involved in it because not only is it an opportunity to provide finance to assist with child care costs, but I firmly believe that it is an opportunity to develop child care services in many places, particularly rural areas. May I ask her to put more emphasis on developing child care services and the support that the Government offer for that?
    Dawn Primarolo: I am sure that my hon. Friend is aware that about 170,000 families who currently receive working families tax credit are benefiting specifically from the support to assist in the payment of child care expenses, but I also know, because he has raised this before in the House, that he shares my concern about the inflexibility of the current arrangements. The new tax credits will ensure that we will be able to respond as child care needs and costs change, rather than fixing things for a specific period.
    With regard to the supply of child care professionals, my hon. Friend will also have noted that, in this year's spending review, my right hon. Friends the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Chief Secretary have allocated

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    substantial funds for future expenditure on child care to train, employ and provide new child care centres for working parents.
    Mr. David Laws: What action is the Minister taking to end the subtle pressure that seems to be being applied to many people to receive their tax credits through bank accounts, rather than over the counter at post offices?
    Dawn Primarolo: There is no subtle pressure. The new tax credit legislation, supported by the Liberal Democrats, specifically included an arrangement whereby the new tax credits could be paid directly into families' bank accounts. That is a very useful way, first, to ensure that the right person gets the right amount of money and, secondly, to assist in reducing the fraud that, unfortunately, has been causing considerable difficulties with giros and order books. Having completed the entire legislation on tax credits, I am surprised to hear the hon. Gentleman now say that, apparently, the Liberal Democrats will change their minds on that principle.
    Mr. Frank Roy: Is my right hon. Friend aware that the working families tax credit form is fundamentally flawed and therefore open to abuse? Is she aware, for example, that to receive money for a year, claimants need only insert the registration number of an after-school care project, often without the knowledge of that provider? Will she investigate that abuse before it spreads throughout the country?
    Dawn Primarolo: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his comments. I know that he is keenly aware of the difficulties in ensuring that payment of child care tax credits is made to the right people. I reassure him that applications for payment of child care expenses will be rigorously scrutinised to ensure that the expenditure has been incurred and that the payment goes to the child care providers.
    Dr. Julian Lewis: Will the statement on the pre-Budget report, which is eagerly anticipated, be an opportunity to clarify, if not modify, the situation on tax credits? Will the Minister therefore tell the House when the statement is finally to be made?
    Dawn Primarolo: If the hon. Gentleman has seen the TV advertising campaign or taken the opportunity to read the pack that I sent him, he will be fully familiar with the tax credits, and he will be actively campaigning in his constituency to ensure that people receive those resources. As the advertising says, this is money with families' names on it, and I hope that the hon. Gentleman will help his constituents to get it.

    Tax Credits (Publicity)
    Helen Jackson: What proposals he has to reduce the tax liabilities of pensioners. [78235]
    The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Ruth Kelly): We will increase the age-related personal allowances above inflation. As a result, from 2003–04, no pensioner aged 65 or over will pay tax unless their income reaches £127 a week.
    Helen Jackson: I am grateful to the Minister for her answer. Does she recognise that pensioners who have saved throughout their working life or paid into an occupational pension fully support the proposal for a pension tax credit, which may reduce many pensioners' tax liability, but the level of awareness about what the proposal may mean for them in the next tax year is very low? What will my hon. Friend do to ensure that there is a significant increase in that awareness over the next six months?
    Ruth Kelly: I thank my hon. Friend for her question. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions is fully aware of the need to promote the eligibility for the pension credit as widely as possible. That will be done, first, by ensuring that people know in good time that they may be entitled to it. Secondly, to ensure maximum take-up, the Government will run a wide-ranging campaign in which we will not only work with the media but avail ourselves of the knowledge of local agencies and partners.
    Mr. David Cameron: Given that interest rates and annuity rates are very low and that the Government have made a raid on pension funds, does the Minister think that there is any merit in cutting the tax rate on pensioners' savings, particularly as it is usually money that they saved during their working life and on which they have paid tax?
    Ruth Kelly: Most pensioners pay no income tax at all. Indeed, this Government introduced the 10p tax band, which was raised above the rate of inflation in the last Budget, taking another 3 million pensioners out of tax. I have already explained to the House that we are increasing the age-related personal allowances, and, next year, bringing in the pension credit to reward low-income pensioners. We are maximising the incomes of pensioners, particularly those on low incomes. Unlike the Conservative party, the Government are putting the abolition of pensioner poverty at the forefront of our efforts to increase pensioner incomes.
    Fiona Mactaggart: Does my hon. Friend agree that there is widespread confusion among pensioners and the rest of us, who will be pensioners one day, about how pensions are paid for? I refer, for example, to the deferred taxation on pension contributions and the working of the pension tax credit. Will she run a public education campaign designed to inform not only current but future pensioners about the

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    financing and taxing of pensions so that people can plan properly for their future, which many currently do not do?
    Ruth Kelly: My hon. Friend makes an excellent point. At the moment, the complexity of the pension regime—not just in the rules for operation of pension funds but in the taxation system—makes it extremely difficult for low-income people to access financial advice, and even for those who can access financial advice to be fully aware of their opportunities and obligations in the future. We are determined to simplify the system to maximise the information available to individuals and employers to exercise their responsibilities. That is why we shall publish later this year a Green Paper that will open up broad discussion about how people can achieve a secure and adequate retirement income. That is also why, in that Green Paper, we will report on the three reviews that we have commissioned: the Ron Sandler review, which looks at the role of saving in general; the Pickering review from the Department for Work and Pensions, which looks at pension simplification and the rules attached to that; and the review of pension taxation that has been undertaken by the Inland Revenue.

    Small Businesses
    Gregory Barker: What recent representations he has received on how his policies are affecting small businesses; and if he will make a statement. [78236]
    The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (John Healey): The Chancellor regularly meets small business leaders and receives a large number of written representations on small business concerns.
    Gregory Barker: Can the Economic Secretary tell the House what are the latest indicators for business startups in the United Kingdom?
    John Healey: We have published this week the latest figures for business start-ups, nationally and in every part of the country. If the hon. Gentleman wants to complete the briefing that he normally uses, may I also point him to independent international studies that consistently show that the UK now has one of the most enterprise-friendly environments in the world and one of the best business tax regimes in the European Union? As Minister with responsibilities for Customs, may I also point him to some of the measures introduced
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    recently in my area to relieve the costs in time and money for small businesses in complying with taxation legislation and responsibilities?
    Mrs. Anne Campbell: Is my hon. Friend aware that small businesses in my constituency are very supportive of the moves that have been made in recent years to increase the science and technology budgets and the innovation budgets? If he would like to consider how that has affected small business in practice, I would encourage him to visit some of the small manufacturing companies in my constituency, especially those doing innovative work with digital printing, which have a great future in front of them.
    John Healey: I am grateful for the welcome that small companies in my hon. Friend's area have given, particularly to the new measures that the Government have put in place to support long-term investment in research and development and science and technology. That will be a crucial part of meeting the productivity gap and the challenge that the UK faces to close the gap with our competitor countries and to ensure that small business start-up rates, not just in my hon. Friend's constituency but across the country, are boosted, so that the survival rates of those small firms are boosted, too. I welcome her kind invitation to visit firms in her constituency, and I shall consult my diary manager on possible dates.
    Mr. John Baron: Given that the Institute of Directors has recently calculated that the annual cost of employment regulations has risen by £6 billion during the last five years, what is the Economic Secretary's response to small businesses in my constituency that say that it is becoming increasingly difficult to do business and that they are having to move their manufacturing base abroad?
    John Healey: The real cost of administering employment and other regulations is a fraction of the figure that the hon. Gentleman cites. We are ready to have a serious debate about regulation, but that debate must be based on fact and not on rhetoric. We have demonstrated since 1997 that we are ready to cut regulation when there is a good case for that. For example, we have raised the threshold for statutory audit, saving small companies £180 million a year, and we have cut and simplified the regulations on the minimum wage, saving small firms £100 million a year.
    However, the reality is that there is an important role for regulation. It is part of ensuring that this country has fair competition and fair protection for employees. I take it from what the hon. Gentleman said that he is against the national minimum wage, against paid holidays and against the right for people to attend to family crises. However, provisions for all that have been introduced under this Government.

Iraq (Security Council Resolution)
12.30 pm
The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. Jack Straw): With permission, Mr. Speaker, I should like to make a statement about negotiations on a new United Nations Security Council resolution in respect of Iraq.
A revised draft resolution was circulated to all members of the UN Security Council yesterday. The council is now discussing the text and will vote on it shortly. A vote could come as early as tomorrow night. As we will prorogue later today, I wanted to update the House now as the negotiations are entering their final stage. I have placed a copy of the joint United Kingdom-United States draft in the Libraries of both Houses.
As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister reminded the House yesterday, our overriding objective is to disarm Iraq of its weapons of mass destruction through an effective inspections regime. The Prime Minister and I have made the case for UN action here in the House, to our allies and to the wider world. On 10 September, my right hon. Friend told the Trades Union Congress conference that the UN had to be the means of dealing with this problem, not of avoiding it. Two days later, President Bush, in his historic speech to the General Assembly, said that the UN had either to enforce the writ of its own resolutions or risk becoming irrelevant. On 14 September, in the same forum, I called on the UN to meet the challenge posed by Iraq and to defend its own authority.
As one of the five permanent members of the Security Council, the UK has been determined to ensure that the UN emerges from this crisis with its credibility enhanced. During the negotiations, our aim has been to secure consensus on a tough resolution that leaves Iraq under no illusions about the need for disarmament. The text currently before the Security Council is the product of eight weeks of intensive negotiations. The United Kingdom and the United States began to circulate elements of a draft resolution to fellow Security Council members on 25 September, and a draft full text on 23 October.
Throughout these two months, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has spoken to President Bush and other Heads of Government at regular intervals. I have been in daily contact with the US Secretary of State, Colin Powell, and I have had detailed discussions on numerous occasions with my French, Russian and Chinese counterparts and with Foreign Ministers of the elected 10 of the Security Council. Our UN ambassador, Sir Jeremy Greenstock, and his team have worked tirelessly in New York.
The draft resolution uses the full powers of the UN under chapter 7 of its charter. The architecture of the draft has been extensively discussed between the permanent members, and I would like now to set out for the House the key points.
First, the text makes it clear in operative paragraph 1 that Iraq has been and remains in material breach of its obligations under previous Security Council resolutions. Secondly, in operative paragraph 2, the text affords Iraq a final opportunity to comply with its disarmament obligations. Thirdly, it stipulates that false
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statements or omissions in Iraq's declaration of its weapons of mass destruction holdings and failure by Iraq to comply with the resolution shall constitute a further material breach of Iraq's obligations, and provides that this will be reported to the council for assessment. Fourthly, the text gives significantly enhanced powers to the United Nations Monitoring Verification and Inspection Commission and the International Atomic Energy Agency to conduct effective, intrusive inspections.
Right hon. and hon. Members may be surprised by the level of detail in the resolution, but our experience with Saddam Hussein has made that necessary. I draw particular attention to the following aspects of the resolution: the provision for conducting interviews with Iraqi citizens inside or outside Iraq, without the presence of Iraqi Government minders; the explicit setting aside of previous arrangements that restricted inspectors' access to so-called presidential sites; provisions for freezing a site to be inspected so that nothing is changed within it nor taken from it while it is being inspected; and making legally binding the "practical arrangements" set out by the inspectors themselves and covering issues such as regional bases, the right to encrypted communications, and so on. In sum, it is a basis for an inspection regime designed not to go through the motions, but to achieve disarmament.
The text sets out the procedure to be followed in the case of failure by Iraq to comply: it requires in operative paragraph 4 that any further material breach of Iraq's obligations should be reported to the Security Council. It directs in operative paragraph 11 the executive chairman of UNMOVIC and the director general of the IAEA to report immediately to the council any interference by Iraq with their inspection activities or failure to comply with its disarmament obligations. It provides in operative paragraph 12 that the council will convene immediately on receipt of a report of noncompliance in order to consider the situation.
On timing, the text provides that within seven days of adoption of the resolution Iraq must confirm its intention fully to comply; that within 30 days Iraq must submit a full and accurate declaration of all aspects of its WMD programmes; that within 45 days inspections should resume; and that within 105 days of the passing of the resolution UNMOVIC and IAEA should report to the Security Council. The text concludes by underlining that Iraq has been repeatedly warned that it will face serious consequences as a result of continuous violations of its obligations.
I emphasise again that the detailed wording may change further in negotiation; discussions will resume this afternoon in New York. However, this draft resolution meets the United Kingdom's objectives. It takes into account many points raised in the Security Council by other member states and by the chief inspectors, Mr. Blix and Mr. El Baradei. We are now seeking unanimous support for the resolution in order to send the strongest message to Saddam Hussein.
Britain wants a peaceful resolution to this crisis, and the United States has shown by its engagement in the long negotiations over past weeks that it too is committed to using the UN route in order to resolve this problem. At this point, I should like to pay my own

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tribute to President Bush and to United States Secretary of State Powell for their great patience and great statesmanship.
History tells us that if diplomacy is to succeed it must be combined with the credible threat of force. As Kofi Annan has said, with direct reference to Iraq:
"We have learned that sensitive diplomacy must be backed by the threat of military force if it is to succeed."
It is that threat which, in recent weeks, has forced Saddam to concede the prospect of readmitting weapons inspectors. The more credible the threat, the more likely it is that Iraq will respond to the demands of the UN.
As the negotiations at the Security Council enter their final stage, we are approaching a critical moment for the whole of the international community and for the integrity of our system of international law. By adopting the resolution, the Security Council will send the clearest possible signal of its determination to uphold the authority of the United Nations, and we will be one step closer to resolving a problem that has undermined the security of Iraq's neighbours, and the wider world, for more than a decade. The task of the inspectors is to find and to destroy the weapons of mass destruction. The choice for Saddam Hussein is to comply with the UN or face the serious consequences.
Mr. Michael Ancram (Devizes): I thank the Foreign Secretary for his statement and for giving me sight of it in advance.
We congratulate the United States and United Kingdom Governments on the resolution, and I recognise the Foreign Secretary's contribution to it. We hope it will secure the support of the Security Council and not be vetoed by any permanent member. This is a test of the determination of the United Nations to deal with the threat of weapons of mass destruction in the hands of unstable, undemocratic, despotic and aggressive regimes. If the resolution were to fall because of the veto of permanent members with political or commercial interests in so vetoing it, the integrity of the United Nations would be seriously damaged.
The resolution sets out clearly the requirements that Saddam Hussein must fulfil if he is to rectify what the resolution describes as the
"material breach of its obligations under relevant Resolutions".
Those resolutions, which together would achieve the central objective of the elimination of his weapons of mass destruction, are already in place. The resolution stipulates the timetables within which the various requirements must be met and rightly indicates serious consequences for non-compliance. We also strongly welcome the commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq.
Does the Foreign Secretary agree that the resolution must leave no room for doubt or manoeuvring in the mind of Saddam Hussein? There are a number of matters on which the resolution could be still clearer, which I hope he will clarify. Do the words in paragraph 2—
"a final opportunity to comply with its disarmament obligations"—
mean that in the event of non-compliance no further resolutions will required before appropriate action can be taken? Is it implicit in the resolution that action is
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already justified by the existing and continuing material breach of Iraq's obligations? What happens if, after seven days, Saddam Hussein has not unambiguously confirmed his intention to comply with the resolution? That does not seem to be covered in paragraph 12.
Who judges under paragraph 3 whether any disclosure of weapons and missiles is full and final given that previous disclosures by Iraq have subsequently been admitted to have been inaccurate? What account has been taken of the use of the past eight weeks by Saddam Hussein to hide his weapons of mass destruction, which was alluded to in the dossier published in September, and what measures are being taken to counter that? What happens if, after the 105 days to which the Foreign Secretary referred in paragraph 5, no weapons of mass destruction have been found but there remain indications that they exist?
Will the Foreign Secretary confirm that the reference in paragraph 12 to restoring "international peace and security" must be read in conjunction with article 42 of chapter VII of the United Nations charter, which states:
"action can be taken by air, sea or land forces as may be necessary to … restore international peace and security"?
What will the Government do if the resolution is vetoed? What preparations is the right hon. Gentleman making to have a full debate on the subject in Government time when the House returns?
The message of resolution and, I hope, the message of the House to Saddam Hussein must quite simply be:
"Your weapons of mass destruction must go. You can do it yourself or it will be done for you."
Mr. Straw: May I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his generosity in what he said about the work done in the United States and here, including by me?
The right hon. Gentleman asked about a veto. We are not anticipating a veto of the resolution, and I do not want to anticipate that. Nothing is certain until the matter is put to a vote, but we have worked hard over the past eight weeks to bring our colleagues in the P5 and the elected 10 to a clear consensus not on a mushy resolution, but on a clear-cut resolution that sets out the clearest possible obligations on Saddam Hussein. Every Foreign Minister to whom I have spoken in the past eight weeks agrees that the best chance of resolving Saddam Hussein's defiance of the international community lies in the international community showing the greatest degree of unanimity—and toughness.
The right hon. Gentleman asks a series of questions about the "final opportunity" mentioned in operative paragraph 2. The draft resolution is structured to tell Saddam Hussein, in operative paragraph 1, that
"Iraq has been and remains in material breach";
operative paragraph 2 states that this is "a final opportunity"; operative paragraphs 3 to 10 set out how Iraq has to fulfil what is described euphemistically as an
"opportunity to comply with its … obligations";
under operative paragraph 11, the inspectors are under a duty to report to the Security Council if they come across any breach; and under operative paragraphs 4 and 11, the Security Council can—and will—resume its meetings to consider the circumstances if there is a breach.

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I do not want to anticipate what will happen if there is a breach, except to say that although we would much prefer decisions to be taken within the Security Council, we have always made it clear that within international law we have to reserve our right to take military action, if that is required, within the existing charter and the existing body of UN Security Council resolutions, if, for example, a subsequent resolution were to be vetoed. However, I do not believe that it will come to that.
The right hon. Gentleman asks about the 105 days. There is a clear requirement on the inspectors to report within 105 days, but that, as Sir Jeremy Greenstock made clear yesterday, does not mean that the inspections end when the 105 days have elapsed.
The right hon. Gentleman asks about article 42 of the UN charter. The whole resolution, if it is passed, has to be read against the background of the UN charter.
Finally, the right hon. Gentleman asks whether I am making arrangements for a full debate in Government time. The answer is yes, and we hope that it will be on a substantive motion.
Mr. A. J. Beith: May I offer apologies on behalf of my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for North-East Fife (Mr. Campbell)? He had an unavoidable appointment in Scotland today.
I welcome the Foreign Secretary's statement about a debate on a substantive motion, which would lead to a vote in the House of Commons on this matter.
I welcome the progress that the Foreign Secretary and British officials have made on the resolution. I share the hope for a successful outcome leading to inspection getting under way with the clear intention of removing Iraq's programme for weapons of mass destruction.
Recognising that it was Kofi Annan who referred to the threat of force being essential to the success of diplomacy, which we know to be true in the case of Saddam Hussein, will the right hon. Gentleman confirm that the Security Council remains central to the consideration of whether the use of force is required; and that the inspectors and, indeed, interested states are required to report any breaches by Iraq to the Security Council for its consideration?
Although it is welcome that US spokesmen appear in the past few days to have backed away from the idea that regime change can be the objective of or justification for military action, does the Foreign Secretary recognise that there is still widespread anxiety across a broad range of opinion in this country that, fortified by the Republicans' electoral success, those elements in the US Administration who favour unilateral action may again come to the fore? Will he maintain Britain's commitment to an approach that has UN Security Council backing and the best prospects of securing continued international support?
Mr. Straw: I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for his opening remarks.
The United Nations remains central to consideration of this issue. We have been working hard to ensure that the UN stays involved and enhances its credibility and effectiveness. I repeat: any decisions that we make in
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respect of military action will be made within the context of the body of international law, of which Security Council resolutions form a part, but not the whole.
The resolution does not deal with regime change: it deals with Saddam Hussein's flouting of Iraq's obligations in respect of its weapons of mass destruction. However, we need to be aware that the Iraqi regime is one of the most revolting regimes in the world.
Mr. Beith: That is not justification for military action.
Mr. Straw: It is one of the most revolting regimes in the world. I look forward to the international community being more effective than it has been in, for example, dealing with the flagrant violation of human rights within Iraq, which has been going on for the past 12 years.
Mr. Bruce George: At the risk of being seen as sycophantic, which I am not, may I express my delight and relief that the United States has been prepared to persevere through the Security Council route, which may minimise the risk of a military solution?
I ask my right hon. Friend to give us a little more information about what he thinks the phrase "serious consequences" may be. Has that been discussed? Is there some form of continuum of potential serious consequences that may run from a slap on the wrist, to a fine or military action?
Mr. Straw: My right hon. Friend should not worry about being sycophantic for a second. It is a perfectly honourable position to adopt.
I know that there is some scepticism about this among some of my right hon. and hon. Friends, but it is right to applaud the work of President Bush and his colleagues in the US Administration. They had the power to go down the unilateralist route, and there was nothing that the international community could have done about that. They made a choice to stick with the multilateralist UN route, and we should applaud them for that and for what President Bush has done to enhance the system. As for my hon. Friend's specific question, "serious consequences" means serious consequences up to and including military force.
Mr. John Maples: The Foreign Secretary has brought us welcome news, but I think that the House should face the high probability that military action will be needed to enforce the resolution. Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that those who oppose military action should recognise that the risks of doing nothing in these circumstances probably outweigh the risks of doing something? However, there are risks involved in military action of exacerbating the terrorist threat that we face. It seems to me that there are two things that we could do to reduce that threat. One is to put renewed efforts behind getting a solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict. I realise that Israeli politics make that difficult but we need to be seen to be doing more. Secondly, whatever interim Government are imposed on Iraq after military action is taken should be not just a western Government but should involve as wide an international coalition as possible.
Mr. Straw: The hon. Gentleman speaks with great wisdom. The resolution is good news but I emphasise

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that it has not yet been passed. I am making a statement today rather than after the Security Council resolution has been passed because the House will be prorogued and there will not be another opportunity this Session.
As for military action, we are working on the basis that the resolution will prove effective. I have always said that the best chance of a peaceful solution to the crisis is through unanimity of the international community and a clear and credible threat of force if there is not compliance. Of course we must plan for the possibility of military action, but I remain quite optimistic that if we get unanimity, or near unanimity, the process can work. I entirely agree with the hon. Gentleman about the need to push forward with the middle east peace process.
Dr. Stephen Ladyman: I am absolutely delighted that the work of the Government whom I support has given the world at least an opportunity to remove peacefully what I regard as a serious threat. However, for the avoidance of doubt, will my right hon. Friend assure me that under paragraph 3 Saddam Hussein is required to make a complete disclosure? If, subsequently, inspectors prove that he lies in making that disclosure, will that be taken as indicating serious intent to deceive the international community, requiring further action?
Mr. Straw: The simple answer is yes. The words mean what they say.
Mr. Edward Garnier: I join the Foreign Secretary in his warm remarks about the United States Administration. I hope that the United Kingdom Government will continue to act constructively with the United States irrespective of the criticism that they may receive from those on the Government Back Benches. I have not yet seen the text. Does it define precisely what is meant by "material breach"? Who, in the event of a discussion about what is or is not a material breach, will have the final say?
Mr. Straw: The text does not define "material breach", because it is a term of art familiar in international law, equivalent to the breach of a fundamental term, which the hon. and learned Gentleman and I are familiar with from English law of contract. It amounts to what it says: a material breach. There has been some discussion about who is to decide. It will become patent whether there has been a material breach, and what follows will in the first instance be a matter for discussion inside the Security Council.
Ms Oona King: I welcome the fact that Saddam Hussein is being given a final chance to disarm through the United Nations route. Will my right hon. Friend consider the situation facing the Iraqi people? No one has done more than Saddam Hussein to visit misery upon misery on them. Will the Foreign Secretary comment on reports that the resolution holds out some prospect that sanctions might eventually be removed? Under what circumstances might that happen?
Mr. Straw: Of course we have very great concern for the plight of the Iraqi people—a concern not shared by
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Saddam Hussein. Millions of people are in poverty and worse as a result of his totalitarian, fascist dictatorship. As my hon. Friend suggests, the resolution provides the last best hope of a peaceful solution. The position on sanctions remains as in UNSCR 1284, which sets out procedures for the lifting of sanctions and the resumption of normal commercial and social relations, provided that Saddam Hussein complies with all his obligations under Security Council resolutions. It is very simple. It remains to be seen whether he will accept those obligations.
Mr. George Osborne: I, too, congratulate the Government and the American Government on the work that they have done on the resolution. Will the Foreign Secretary be clear about the process? If Iraq is in material breach of the resolution, will UN-authorised military action require a new resolution?
Mr. Straw: The processes set out in the resolution are complicated, because this is a complicated matter and we have had to try to nail down all kinds of possibilities of what the Iraqi regime might do, bearing in mind how it has twisted and wriggled out of its obligations in the past. False statements or omissions or failure to comply, as set out in operative paragraph 4, will amount to a material breach, and any reporting by the inspectors may turn out to show a material breach. Then, under operative paragraph 12, the Security Council will meet to discuss the matter. Any member of the Security Council can table a resolution, and it remains to he seen whether the Security Council or individual members judge that a further resolution is necessary to deal with the material breach that is presented to them. It is complicated, but it is clear.
Mr. George Howarth: I, too, congratulate my right hon. Friend, the Government and the American Government on providing a realistic prospect of a tough Security Council resolution being passed in the near future. Will he confirm that the time for Saddam Hussein to play games is now rapidly running out?
Mr. Straw: Yes, time is running out. If the resolution is passed unanimously, there will be clear deadlines for compliance, and that will serve the interests of the Iraqi people, as much as those of the security of the international community.
Mr. Alex Salmond: Does the Foreign Secretary accept that the issue that previously divided the United States from other members of the Security Council and the UK Government from many Members of Parliament is whether action in the name of the United Nations can be explicitly sanctioned by the Security Council alone? Will he tell us, clearly and unambiguously, whether the proposed resolution is a mandate for weapons inspections and a report back to the Security Council on non-compliance, or whether it is in itself a mandate for war—and does the American Administration share his interpretation?
Mr. Straw: I ask the hon. Gentleman to read through the resolution. We have always made it clear that any action that we take will be taken within the context of

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each of our obligations in international law, and the same applies to the United Nations. That remains the position. I have already said to the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed (Mr. Beith) that the Security Council resolutions form part of international law but not the total corpus, and whether military action is justified in international law, with or without a second resolution, depends on the circumstances. I cannot predict those circumstances; moreover, I do not particularly want to, because what I want to see is a peaceful resolution of the crisis. The best way of getting such a peaceful resolution is, yes, by threatening force—we have to, because of the nature of Saddam Hussein—but also by backing that threat of force with a credible effective weapons inspection regime of the kind laid down in the draft resolution. If we do those two things, as we in the United Kingdom and the United States Government have been doing, we can have a peaceful outcome to the crisis.
Mrs. Alice Mahon: It is clear to many commentators, and I too believe it, that this is a war resolution. The United States, with the help of our Government, shamefully, appears to have bullied and intimidated people into coming on line, and, perhaps, also promised the spoils of war—oil. The resolution is mined with trip wires to trigger a war. It should be named after the film "Wag the Dog", because if Iraq does not trip up soon, I am pretty certain that the United States will make sure that it does.
I have two questions for when we go to war. First, can we have an absolute assurance that our Government will have nothing to do with the use of nuclear weapons, bunker busters or depleted uranium? Secondly, can we be told the truth about civilian casualties this time? Whenever there is a statement on Afghanistan, nobody in the Government seems willing to tell us how many civilians have died there.
Mr. Straw: I am sorry that my hon. Friend takes that view, and I have to say that I profoundly disagree with everything she has said. The very intensive discussions that I have been involved in over the past eight weeks with Foreign Ministers and Governments—those of Mauritius, Cameroon, Ireland, Syria, Mexico, Norway, Bulgaria, Singapore, Colombia and Guinea, as well as those of the Russian Federation, France, China and the United States—are not discussions between people who are not equal. The P5 and the elected 10 are all equals, because we have a similar vote within the Security Council. It strains credibility to suggest that if there is, as I hope there will be, a 14:1 or 15:0 vote on the resolution, it has come about only because of bullying. That is not the case. The reason why it has come about—or rather, will have come about, if it does—and the reason why there is now a great emerging consensus, is that everybody in the civilised world recognises that Saddam Hussein has been in the most terrible breach of international obligations under Security Council resolutions, and that the time has come to require that awful, terrible regime to put right those breaches of obligations. Sadly, we have to do so by threatening force, but backing it in this way with such an inspection system. There are no trip wires in the resolution; we have been extremely careful to ensure that there is none. For
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example, it gives realistic time scales. If he wishes, Saddam Hussein can comply with every dot and comma of it. It is what it says it is: a final opportunity.
Sir John Stanley: Will the Foreign Secretary give an assurance that in the event of non-compliance by Iraq with the terms of the resolution, and the future commencement of large-scale military operations, the Government will at that point come to the House and make it clear whether the objective of those operations is disarmament alone or disarmament plus regime change?
Mr. Straw: I shall not speculate about the circumstances in which military action may or may not operate, but I will tell the right hon. Gentleman, as I said in my statement, that there will be the fullest possible discussion in the House as things develop. For example, I am arranging with my right hon. Friends the Chief Whip and the Leader of the House for an early debate on the substantive resolution so that the House has a full opportunity to debate the matter.
Mike Gapes: Is my right hon. Friend aware of the remarks of Tim Trevan, the former United Nations inspector, who referred to Saddam's consistent policy of "cheat and retreat"? Does he agree that the real crunch point is likely to come not now or even before Christmas, but some time in the spring of next year, if the Saddam regime—as has always been the case—carries out a policy of lying and misleading, and cheating on its obligations? Can my right hon. Friend be sure that the international inspectors will be given the fullest possible support, so that they can really reveal what is going on in Iraq?
Mr. Straw: I do not think that we can yet be sure of anything so far as Saddam Hussein is concerned. We work on the basis that this man is a liar and a cheat. We spent a long time drafting the resolution to ensure that it covers every possibility that we can conceive of; and that is why, annexed to the resolution but being made into Security Council law, is a very detailed letter from Mr. Blix and Mr. El Baradei to the Iraqi regime, setting out further very important conditions on the operation of the inspection regime. We cannot be sure that Iraq will comply—it is in its interests to do so—but we can be sure that if it fails to do so, it will be in material breach. That will then be reported to the Security Council, and serious consequences will follow.
Mr. Andrew Tyrie: I am not sure that my right hon. Friend the Member for Tonbridge and Mailing (Sir John Stanley) got a full answer to his question, so perhaps I might try to put it this way. If Saddam complies in full with this resolution and remains in power, will that, in the Government's view, constitute regime change?
Mr. Straw: Well, if he is still there, it will not constitute regime change.
Mr. Kevin McNamara: In the event of Saddam Hussein's failing to meet the terms of this resolution, do the British Government intend to table a resolution to the United Nations, seeking its support for

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the use of force, whether or not that resolution will be supported by the Security Council? Furthermore, will he confirm that the draft resolution will not anticipate a carte blanche for British troops to intervene in Iraq without the obtaining of further permission from the House?
Mr. Straw: I have already sought to explain to Members how the procedure set out in the resolution would operate. If there is a further material breach, meetings of the Security Council will be called, and there will be discussions. It is open to any member of the Security Council—including, obviously, the United Kingdom—to put forward a resolution or resolutions about the circumstances that will then obtain. We of course reserve the right to do so, but I cannot at this stage anticipate what could happen in a series of hypothetical situations. I have already given undertakings on the issue of matters being debated, discussed and determined by this House. I am strongly in favour of this House playing a full role whenever the Issue arises of military action being taken by forces on behalf of this country.
Norman Lamb: Like others, I warmly welcome the progress made by the United Nations towards achieving compliance. The Foreign Secretary talked about the need to progress the middle east peace process, which is clearly essential. The Prime Minister proposed the setting up of a new conference on that process, but little progress seems to have been made. In the light of the imminent election in Israel and the possibility of an even more right wing Israeli Prime Minister, does the Foreign Secretary see matters progressing beyond mere words? Such developments are essential to getting the process moving.
Mr. Straw: The hon. Gentleman raises a serious and important issue. As I said in response to an earlier question, we have to push forward with the middle east process with even greater firmness and determination precisely because of the situation with Iraq. We must not allow it to hold us back. The hon. Gentleman mentioned the various obstacles. Intensive discussions have taken place between the quartet—the United Nations, the Russian Federation, the United States and the European Union—about the so-called road map. I gave an interim progress report during Foreign Office questions on Tuesday. I am hoping for progress, not least now that there is some political space in the United States.
Mr. Peter Kilfoyle: A few minutes ago the Foreign Secretary said that, internationally, we are all equal. I do not doubt, however, that some are more equal than others. Given the atrocious nature of the regime in Baghdad—but also given what many believe to be the incontrovertible fact that the United States Administration have browbeaten the United Nations in an unedifying spectacle, on the basis that might is right—can the Foreign Secretary
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explain to me and to people of a like mind how it serves our wider national interest to be associated with such diplomatic tactics?
Mr. Straw: I cannot offer my hon. Friend an explanation because the assumption behind his question is simply untrue.
Mr. Andrew Mitchell: I welcome what the Foreign Secretary has said today, which underlines the tremendous skill shown by our diplomats in New York and elsewhere in working to achieve what he describes. I wish to underline a point that has been made only twice today so far. If international action follows, as I fear it will, the widest possible coalition of international support in the middle east should be sought, so that we receive, if not the active support, at least the passive acquiescence of those countries that will suffer most from the fallout of that action.
Mr. Straw: By the process of intensive discussion that has taken place over the past eight weeks—and through this whole calendar year—the United States and this country have shown that we fully recognise the need for a broad coalition of opinion behind such a use of the international community's power. That intent will continue.
Mr. Stuart Bell: I wish to build on the question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Bethnal Green and Bow (Ms King), and remind the House that the Iraqi people would be the greatest beneficiaries from the removal of sanctions if Saddam Hussein complied with the resolution. If a time of crisis is a time of opportunity, is not this a great and unique opportunity for Saddam Hussein to return to the international community, to live by the rule of international law, to ease tension in the Gulf and to benefit his people by full compliance with the 17th United Nations resolution?
Mr. Straw: I agree entirely with my hon. Friend.
Mr. John Gummer: Will the Foreign Secretary accept that the motion before the United Nations is a considerable improvement on the previous motions, and that this process—in which he has played an important part—has been vital in obtaining a consensus internationally and among many who are concerned about the legality and the way in which any action might be viewed in future? Will he emphasise to the United Nations how important it is that the motion is not a compromise but something better? Will he also bring home to the United States the necessity of using the same efforts to solve the problems between Palestine and Israel at the same time?
Mr. Straw: I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for his comments. All of us who have been involved in the process are aware of the anxieties of the public, which I share—as do the Prime Minister and the United States—about the prospect of military action being used. Military action should never be used except as a last resort when all other possibilities have been exhausted. It should not be used because innocent people get killed in military action, because unintended

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consequences may occur and because we put the lives of our troops and the future of their families on the line. Those are serious responsibilities that we have to shoulder and ensure that they are reflected in our work. They have been so reflected here and, I believe strongly, in the United States. All my reading suggests that public opinion in the United States, and in the Administration, is no different in almost all particulars from that here or elsewhere.
As for the resolution of the Palestine-Israel question, I agree that that is viewed slightly differently across the Atlantic. As I have said, we must work closely with our American friends, as well as with those in the Russian Federation, the EU and the P5 group to secure justice for Israelis and Palestinians.
Glenda Jackson: If Iraq fails to comply and military action—the most serious of consequences—ensues, would that require a mandate from the UN? Would this country support a coalition of nations undertaking that military action if such a mandate were not forthcoming? Under what legal verification would that be possible?
Mr. Straw: As I have said on a number of occasions in answer to questions, we would prefer to stay with the UN Security Council route. However, we must reserve the right, within our obligations under international law, to take military action if we deem that necessary, outwith a specific Security Council resolution being passed in the future.
I repeat that the UN charter, Security Council resolutions and customary international law are the basis of international law. They have to come together. Judgments about whether military action is necessary and justified in international law must be made on that totality.
Mr. Andrew Mackay: If Iraq fails to comply with the resolution and we then deem it necessary to take military action with our American allies, does the Foreign Secretary share my concern that public opinion in this country does not support that? That is especially true of people with previous military experience, despite the publication of the dossier by the Prime Minister last month. In those circumstances, I urge the Foreign Secretary to reveal further information that would satisfy the British people about the very real threat that Iraq poses, and about its close links with international terrorism. To date, he has failed to do that.
Mr. Straw: I do not accept the burden of the right. hon. Gentleman's question. The fairest thing to be said is that, although there is a wide spectrum of public opinion in this country, in Europe and in the US, there is no doubt that there is a much higher level of support for firm action within the UN route than outwith it. That is one of the many reasons why we have been determined, as far as humanly possible, to follow the UN route and to stay with it.
David Winnick: The UN resolution is tough, and I hope that it will be adopted by the Security Council, but does my right hon. Friend accept
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the criticism that it should have been adopted after the liberation of Kuwait in 1991? If that had happened, the matter would have been resolved one way or the other.
We all hope that military action can be avoided. However, if it cannot be avoided, and action is taken, will it be made absolutely clear that there will be no foreign occupation of Iraq? There have been stories in the press and elsewhere to the effect that the US would remain in occupation for some years. That would be unacceptable to the international community, and especially to the Arab world. Will my right hon. Friend clear that matter up now?
Mr. Straw: I do not want to get drawn too far into hypothetical situations. We want the matter to be resolved peacefully. If the resolution is agreed by the UN, it will provide a means to resolve it peacefully, without any need to speculate about foreign occupation. If military action is taken, a range of possibilities will open up, but we would also seek to ensure that the government of Iraq was in better and more representative hands than at present. The history of countries all over the world, and not just in the Arab world, shows that Governments are better when they are run by the peoples of their countries, and not by dictators or foreign occupiers.
Dr. Julian Lewis: Does the Foreign Secretary agree that, whereas the plant needed to make nuclear weapons can be detected fairly easily by an efficient inspection regime, the plant required to make chemical and biological weapons is much more difficult to detect? Saddam Hussein has had since 1998 to build up stocks of chemical and biological weapons and even to dismantle the plant that produced them. Does the right hon. Gentleman accept that there is a danger that it will be very difficult indeed for an inspection regime to discover those stocks, which could be hidden anywhere in the vast area that is Iraq? Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that, even under the most rigorous inspection regime, we can have confidence that Saddam Hussein will not be able to maintain such stocks and, if he wishes, supply to them terrorist groups abroad?
Mr. Straw: The hon. Gentleman makes an important point about the greater ease with which one can hide chemical and biological weapons and facilities for developing nuclear weapons. That is true and it has had to be factored in to the powers being given to the weapons inspectors. No one can guarantee what is going to happen now. We cannot predict the future. The powers that the resolution will give to the weapons inspectors are the toughest possible powers to secure the best outcome73x2014;we hope—but the resolution also requires compliance and co-operation by the Saddam Hussein regime. It needs to know that if it fails to comply with any of the particulars, it will be in material breach and serious consequences will follow.
Lynne Jones: I hope and pray that my right hon. Friend is right when he says that the draft resolution represents a genuine wish by the United States authorities to bring about effective weapons inspection by peaceful means. Will he give the House further details of the enhanced powers that the

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resolution gives to UNMOVIC and the International Atomic Energy Agency? Which provisions of resolution 1154 does the resolution override? Has the chief of the weapons inspectors requested that they should be accompanied by security guards? How many such guards would he expect to be dispatched and which countries are they likely to come from?
Mr. Straw: The third tiret of operational paragraph 7 overrides the provisions of resolution 1154 in respect of presidential sites. The fifth tiret states:
"Security of UNMOVIC and IAEA facilities shall be ensured by sufficient UN security guards".
They will come from a number of countries.
Chris Grayling (Epsom and Ewell): The Secretary of State will be aware that discussions on the resolution are taking place against the background of increasing reports of international terrorist threats. Is he aware of any indicators that suggest that there are links between Saddam Hussein's regime and those threats? I do not expect him to be able to give details of the intelligence that he might have, but are there any indications of a linkage?
Mr. Straw: There is clear evidence of linkage between the Iraqi regime and terrorist organisations of a very pernicious kind operating in Israel and the occupied territories. I have seen no evidence to link the Iraqi regime to al-Qaeda in respect of what happened before 11 September, but as I told the House on Tuesday, if such evidence is produced I would not be surprised.
Ann Clwyd: I recognise the efforts that my right hon. Friend has made to bring about an acceptable wording for the resolution. We all hope that it will avoid war. What progress has he made on another matter that I have raised many times in the Chamber—using international law and calling on the United Nations to set up a war crimes tribunal on Iraq, which would be the best way to bring about a regime change without military action? What progress is he making in indicting leading members of the regime, using international law, which can be used in this country, for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide?
Mr. Straw: I thank my hon. Friend for her generous remarks and place on record my admiration for her work for the Kurdish people and the other oppressed peoples of Iraq. She has undertaken that work at times when it has not been popular as well as when it has become more noteworthy.
We have been making as much effort as we can in respect of indicting the war criminals in Iraq. I recognise my hon. Friend's feeling that that is not sufficient and I will continue to pursue indictment in the United Kingdom. As she knows, I speak to my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General about this from time to time. I shall be seeing him again this afternoon for a further discussion. We certainly do not rule out an international tribunal trying Saddam Hussein and others in his Government for war crimes.
Gregory Barker: As welcome as this resolution will be, we all nevertheless recognise that
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its time scale moves us closer to the possibility of conflict. In the light of a possible large-scale conflict in the middle east, can the Foreign Secretary tell the House what Government and cross-departmental contingency plans have been made to deal with the huge humanitarian disaster that could follow as a result of an exodus from the conflict zone?
Mr. Straw: I do not believe that if the resolution is passed it will advance the prospect of war. I think that the prospect of military action will recede. I have always been clear about that. We cannot put a mathematical number on the possibilities, but I have always been clear that the more unanimous we are in the international community and the tougher we are at first, the less likelihood there is of us having to use military action, but we may have to use it.
All sorts of contingency plans are of course being prepared.
Mr. Bernard Jenkin: What are they?
Mr. Straw: If the hon. Gentleman thinks that I am going to disclose these to the House, and therefore to Saddam Hussein, he needs to think again.
Mrs. Anne Campbell: What will my right hon. Friend say to the hundreds of my constituents who have written to me because they are concerned that the United States and the United Kingdom are hell bent on war, whatever the actions of the Iraqi leader? Can he give me an assurance that, should Saddam Hussein fully comply with the UN resolution, there will be no military conflict?
Mr. Straw: The answer to my hon. Friend's second question is that I do not anticipate any circumstances in which there would be military action in which we would participate regarding Saddam Hussein's defiance of his obligations under United Nations Security Council resolutions if he suddenly decided to comply. Operative paragraph 2 spells out very clearly that this is a final opportunity for Saddam to comply.
Of course I understand the anxieties of my hon. Friend's constituents. We all share them. They believed that the United States and the United Kingdom would go it alone to be unilateral. That has not happened, and now that we have chosen to use the United Nations route—I hope successfully—those who have been calling for it must not now call for something different. I am afraid that one or two colleagues in the House—not my hon. Friend—are changing their tune because the first one has not worked.
Mr. Ernie Ross: I congratulate my right hon. Friend on securing the resolution. In the debate held during the recall of Parliament. I said that I would find it difficult to imagine a resolution that would be so specific. As an avid reader of UN resolutions, I have never read one as specific as this, and I hope that it goes through in its entirety in New York.
I agree with right hon. and hon. Members on both sides of the House who have reminded my right hon. Friend of the need to reassure people in the middle east

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that not only are we determined to be firm about this but to set a road map and resolve the Israel-Palestine question as speedily as possible.
Mr. Straw: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his remarks. He has already heard what I said about the middle east, and I share his opinion on that. The UN resolution is very specific—that is one reason why it has taken such intensive discussions to negotiate. However, we are not there yet. We hope to be, but we have to get the other 14 members of the Security Council to vote for it.
Mr. Hilton Dawson: Will my right hon. Friend confirm that all the work that he and Government colleagues have done over the past many weeks and months has been in the interests of international peace and law, and that it has not been a question of the countries of the west getting their hands on Iraq's oil? Will he also confirm that the action being taken at the United Nations could strengthen its authority and standing? Does he hope that other countries in the middle east that are in breach of UN resolutions will take careful note of the work that has been done to achieve compliance with these resolutions?
Mr. Straw: Yes, I agree with my hon. Friend. The issue was the authority of the United Nations and thus the authority of the whole international community. We want Saddam Hussein's compliance with this resolution. We also want compliance with all UN Security Council resolutions. By definition, the United Kingdom, as a permanent member with a veto, has always supported, or at least not opposed, those resolutions, although we have particular responsibilities to see that they are subject to full compliance.
Linda Gilroy: I congratulate my right hon. Friend and our right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on their work in bringing about this multilateral UN approach, which many people would not have thought possible a few months ago. It will come as a huge relief to my constituents, who all express the view not only that this is a last chance for peace but that it affects the credibility of the United Nations.
In respect of that credibility, although I realise that my right hon. Friend does not want to anticipate a situation whereby there has to be an immediate recall if there is action under paragraph 4, and bearing it in mind that in 1991 Saddam Hussein failed to declare any biological weapons, will my right hon. Friend comment in general terms on whether he thinks there is seriousness fully to support the disarmament work of the weapons inspectors rather than the ambivalence that was too often displayed by the Security Council between 1991 and 1998?
Mr. Straw: I hope and believe that there is that seriousness. Under the leadership provided by President Bush, the UN recognised that it faced a serious moment in its history, when its own credibility was at stake. My hon. Friend is right to refer to the fact that Saddam Hussein was able to play games with the international community because the international community was
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not united in its resolve to secure the disarmament of Iraq. I hope and believe that the new arrangements indicate a new approach by the international community, but we must ensure that all its members and the Security Council fully back the resolution if, as I hope, it is passed.
Mr. Harry Barnes: Although it was a long time ago, I lived in Iraq for two years, so I have great concern for the well-being of the Iraqi people. Is it not the case that, under Saddam Hussein's regime, the people of Iraq have suffered considerably—from the Iraq-Iran war, the Gulf war, economic sanctions, economic collapse, hyperinflation and Saddam Hussein's internal oppression? Should Anglo-American invasion or attack on Iraq be added to that devastating list?
Mr. Straw: I have already said that we do not want military action. I know of my hon. Friend's concern for the plight of the Iraqi people, but everything that he listed was caused by one man—Saddam Hussein.
Mr. Malcolm Savidge: As someone who has expressed concern about Government policy, may I welcome the general terms of the resolution and, in particular, the provision that compliance should be determined by the inspectors and that non-compliance should be reported to the Security Council? Will my right hon. Friend recognise that for many of us it is vital that the appropriate response to any breach is decided by the United Nations and we rely on the Prime Minister's assurances that war will be regarded as a last resort?
Mr. Straw: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for those remarks, which I greatly appreciate.
Yes, the Prime Minister was right when he said that we see the prospect of military action very much as a last resort. I repeat that if we can pass the resolution in its current form, or close to it, the prospect of military action will recede.
Mr. John Smith: May I take this first opportunity to thank personally my right hon. Friend and his Department for securing the release of my constituent, Peter Shaw, yesterday? We all hope that the resolution is passed and we understand what the phrase "serious consequences" means, but is my right hon. Friend confident that the Iraqis and the Arabic-speaking world know what it means?
Mr. Straw: I am very grateful to my hon. Friend for what he said about the work of our diplomats in London and in the region in securing Mr. Peter Shaw's release from the terrible incarceration that he has suffered and, through my hon. Friend, I should like to pass on to Mr. Shaw and his family my very good wishes. I heard him on the radio late last night, and he and his daughter were remarkably phlegmatic given the most appalling situation in which he had been.
As for Iraq, I do not think that Saddam Hussein has any doubt at all about the phrase "serious consequences"; he knows what it means. However, he faces a clear choice: whether to continue down the road of deception and double dealing, which is second nature

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to him, or whether to recognise that the words in the resolution mean what they say. This is a final opportunity for Iraq to comply.
Mr. Mark Hendrick: Does my right hon. Friend believe, as I do, that the resolution in its current form constitutes a test for the United Nations of its relevance in the 21st century?
Mr. Straw: Yes, it does. That is why we have said throughout that this is not just a matter of our showing faith in the UN; in turn, the UN has to take responsibility for such a flagrant breach of its own obligations.
Mr. Win Griffiths: Like all hon. Members, I hope that the UN will pass the resolution later today or tomorrow and that the Security Council will give it its full support. It is much more preferable that the will of the Prime Minister and people such as Colin Powell has prevailed in Washington, rather than that of people such as Rumsfeld and Wolfowitz, who, at one time, seemed intent on our going to war straight away. Countries such as Indonesia, the largest Muslim country in the world, will be very pleased that it seems as though things will be resolved peacefully through the UN.
Can my right hon. Friend tell us what will happen to the no-fly zones if everything goes ahead as the resolution indicates? What lessons will there he for the role of the UN in dealing with other hot spots? The middle east has already been mentioned, but what about the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the half dozen other nations involved in that struggle, very much to the detriment of their own peoples?
Mr. Straw: First, I hope that the resolution will be passed by tomorrow, but I would rather the vote were delayed if the result of that delay was that we gained unanimity or a larger vote. I would personally be very happy to wait until the beginning of next week if by doing so we get 14 or 15 signed up to the resolution rather than a lower number.
On the no-fly zones, decisions will have to be taken about them in the light of circumstances. Self-evidently, they operate not under this resolution but under previous resolutions, but neither we nor the United States have an interest in continuing to operate the no-fly zones longer than necessary.
On the DRC, my hon. Friend will know that a UN peacekeeping force—MONUC—is already there, and we want MONUC to have an enhanced role in the emerging peace process.
Harry Cohen: Although I acknowledge the work put into the resolution, are not the Russians right in saying that it still contains ambiguities? For example, would not inspection teams under the resolution be likely to be US-dominated? Why have UNMOVIC and the IAEA got the right to destroy any records at will? Why has Iraq got to justify everything that is not related to weapons production or materials? That could include any pharmacy shop. Why cannot the Secretary of State explicitly say that economic sanctions will be lifted if Iraq complies with the final UN resolution?
Mr. Straw: With great respect, on the last point, I have already said that resolution 1284 lays out the
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circumstances for lifting economic sanctions, which are not directly dealt with by this resolution. The sanctions could be lifted tomorrow by the Security Council if Saddam Hussein complied with his obligations; it is his failure to do so that causes the sanctions to continue. Moreover, let us be clear that it is not the economic sanctions that have plunged the Iraqi people into poverty but Saddam Hussein's decisions. He could feed every man, woman and child in Iraq today, under sanctions, if he chose to do so.
So far as the Russians are concerned, there has been a lengthy iterative process of discussion and negotiation with all five permanent members of the Security Council which has resulted in a meeting of minds with the Russian Federation and others. The Russians' view is a matter not for me but for President Putin and his Foreign Minister, Igor Ivanov. A few issues remain to be discussed, but just before I came to the House I had a good conversation with Mr. Ivanov about aspects of the resolution, and I believe that these matters can and will be resolved.
Mr. Jon Owen Jones: As it seems likely that, one way or the other, there will be regime change in Baghdad within six months or a year, do the Government have a clear view about whether the interests of Iraq's neighbours in ensuring the integrity of Iraq are more or less important than a possible conflict with the democratic wishes of the Iraqi people?
Mr. Straw: All the neighbours are clear about the importance of maintaining the territorial integrity of Iraq. One of the preliminary paragraphs of the draft resolution reaffirms
"the commitment of all Member States to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq, Kuwait and the neighbouring states".
Mrs. Louise Ellman: I thank the Foreign Secretary for his work in bringing us to this point. Does he agree that the special status of this resolution under chapter VII of the United Nations charter, which deals with acts of aggression, puts special responsibility on the United Nations to secure its enforcement?
Mr. Straw: Yes, which is why I drew the attention of the House to the fact that this is a chapter VII resolution. That does not mean that other resolutions should not be enforced, but this resolution places categorical obligations on one member state. Other resolutions, such as 242 and 338, are more complex because they place obligations on a number of member states and on the Palestinian Authority, and we have therefore to enforce them through a different route.
Roger Casale: I welcome the resolution, which offers us the best hope of achieving what we all want—a peaceful resolution of the crisis. I know that my right hon. Friend will accept, however, that while we all hope for the best, it is the Government's special responsibility to prepare for the worst. I know that he will pursue the United Nations route to the end, but he is right to emphasise that if it is not possible to resolve the crisis in that way, we must retain the right to act in the face of the threat posed by the Iraqi regime. Will he confirm that, in the future as now, it is in this country's

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best defence interests to have a strong multilateral, international system, but we will not achieve that by failing to stand up to dangerous, aggressive dictators such as Saddam Hussein?
Mr. Straw: I thank my hon. Friend for his remarks, and I agree with every word.
Mr. Ancram: The Foreign Secretary will agree that it is important that we and our American allies interpret the resolution and its outcome in the same way. My hon. Friend the Member for Chichester (Mr. Tyrie) asked him whether he would regard full compliance as a regime change, and his answer was that if Saddam Hussein is still there, the regime has not changed. He may remember that yesterday Richard Armitage, the US Deputy Secretary of State, when asked the same question, said that if there were full compliance, the American Government would consider that the regime had changed. I hope that the Foreign Secretary is not trying to take a harder line than the American Government, and I offer him the chance to reconsider his answer.
Mr. Straw: Richard Armitage is a great man. I would not dream of disagreeing with him—no one who had seen his size would do so. This is a question of ambiguity, and an important issue is involved. There is an issue of regime change and of removing the current regime under Saddam Hussein from office. Is that the purpose of the resolution? No. It is not mentioned once in the resolution. As a matter of interpretation, if Saddam Hussein has his weapons of mass destruction removed, does that, in turn, change the nature of the regime? Yes.

Orders of the Day

  Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Bill
  Consideration of Lords message.
  Mr. Speaker: I draw the House's attention to the fact that a paper containing a Government motion to disagree and amendments in lieu is available in the Vote Office. I also remind the House that proceedings on the Lords message are limited to one hour.
  Lords Amendment: 17B, in page 9, line 8, at end insert—
  "( ) In determining the location of premises provided under this section the Secretary of State shall have regard to the needs of the persons to be accommodated therein."
  1.46 pm
  The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. David Blunkett): I beg to move, That this House disagrees with the Lords in the said amendment.
  I offer my thanks to Members on both sides of the House who have contributed to the debates and the improvements that have been made during the passage of the Bill through both Houses. It is a better Bill for the changes that have been made, and, on the whole, people have contributed very constructively to it. I do not pretend for a moment that I can satisfy every Hampstead liberal in every party, although I might go some way towards satisfying the shadow Home Secretary, the right hon. Member for West Dorset (Mr. Letwin), who was described by one of his former shadow Cabinet colleagues as a Hampstead liberal, which I am not sure was a term of endearment.
  Mr. Desmond Swayne: Shocking.
  Mr. Blunkett: Absolutely. Terribly shocking. I also want to put on record my thanks to the Minister of State, my noble Friend Lord Filkin, and our Whips, advisers and officials for all their tremendous hard work.
  Glenda Jackson: Will my right hon. Friend give way?
  Mr. Blunkett: I could do nothing else to a Hampstead liberal.
  Glenda Jackson: I merely want to point out to my right hon. Friend that my constituents surely have a right to have their views expressed on the Floor of the House, regardless of whether they voted for me or any other political party, especially when their feelings with regard to the segregated education of asylum-seeking children are so deeply and passionately held.
  Mr. Blunkett: I am absolutely clear that my hon. Friend has every right to express her view, to do so as vehemently as she did in the debate on Tuesday—to which I listened with considerable interest—to have it taken into account and to receive a response. I heard all sorts of adjectives such as "outrageous" and "abominable" that did not take us much further in

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  persuading each other of the case. Throughout the Bill, it is persuasion that has led me to make concessions on amendments that have improved the Bill.
  Glenda Jackson: I accept my right hon. Friend's point with regard to persuasion, which is why many of my constituents are bemused that, on the issue to which I have referred, he seems not to have taken into consideration at all the opposition to segregated education from every teaching union and association that deals with the welfare of children and from many others.
  Madam Deputy Speaker (Sylvia Heal): Order. The amendment under discussion relates to accommodation centres rather than education.
  Mr. Blunkett: In dealing with the broad issue of accommodation centres, I will seek to deal with my hon. Friend's comments. Terminology that describes open centres as prisons has not exactly helped to persuade me that she and those of her constituents who have approached her have fully understood the nature of the centres that we are providing nor their comparators in some of the most liberal countries in the world, including Scandinavia. In the short time that I have available, I will seek to make a case in respect of the amendments in the context of the overall policy that we are trying to pursue. I want to put the issue in context so that the House and those outside understand what we are doing.
  The Bill develops a careful balance between our human rights and convention obligations—which we accept readily and openly—and a streamlined and robust process to build trust with the British people. This balance entails the development of new routes of entry for economic migration, which we believe is necessary for our economy and welcome in terms of diversity and culture in Britain. In doing that, we have sought to deter those who use clandestine asylum processes to seek economic rather than refugee status. That is highly relevant to what we are doing today.
  We have sought, and will put in place, a new gateway for those desperately seeking refugee status, and who live in circumstances and regions so poor that they are unable to pay organised criminal traffickers. Our proposal means that such people will he able to obtain refugee status in this country. The reality is that many—but not all—of the people trafficked across Europe into the United Kingdom come here only because they or their families have paid large sums of money to the worst kind of organised criminals who exploit the needs of the most deprived. However, the people who need refugee status most cannot gel out of the circumstances in which they find themselves. At some point in the future, that may be the subject of a further debate—but I hope not legislation—in the House.
  Above all, we accept what has been restated throughout our consideration of the Bill. There is a need dramatically to improve the performance of our immigration, nationality and asylum processes and the directorate that oversees them. My hon. Friend the Member for Hampstead and Highgate (Glenda Jackson) has intervened on me twice, and I hope that she will accept that that was one of the central points that she made on Tuesday. I listened and I accept the point,
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  because I believe that is relevant. All sides have said that it does not matter what legislation we put in place if we do not dramatically improve the administration of the system. Unless we do that, even our best intentions will come to nothing.
  Mrs. Louise Ellman: Does my right hon. Friend recall that I have raised particular concerns about accommodation centres and the lack of control over those running them? One of my greatest fears is that the new isolated centres could be run by people who do not treat the people in them properly. Is he able to offer me any reassurance on that given my past experience in Liverpool?
  Mr. Blunkett: I am offering that in terms of both the provision in the Bill for a monitor and the amendment that deals with the role of the monitor. There will also be direct accountability and oversight of the centres by Ministers in a way that has been difficult to achieve in the early stages of dispersal and in the appalling conditions—including in my hon. Friend's constituency in Liverpool—to which people have drawn attention. It is precisely because we wish to avoid a continuation of that situation that we want a system that is better, not worse. Here is the rub, and it is highlighted by an interesting debate—not a debate that I necessarily wish to enter into—that started in Birmingham yesterday. Interest was shown on the radio and in an interview this morning about the nature of what is happening in the inner cities where the largest number of asylum seekers are currently housed and where they seek services.
  Let us take the issue of education in accommodation centres, for instance. The faster, more efficient, more improved the administration, the greater the speed with which those resident in accommodation centres will move through the process. If we were to achieve that in dispersal, alongside such improvement in accommodation centres, we would enormously increase the pressure on services—in respect of throughflow in GP practices or turnover—which already exercises the teaching unions and hon. Members, particularly in London, where population turnover is already very high and impacts on both children who are placed and those already there, and on the ability of teachers to do their jobs properly. As a trained teacher, I know that it is a fact that the greater the turnover, the greater the difficulty in managing stability, consistency and teaching of all children who require special attention.
  So here is the paradox: the more efficient the system, the more we need accommodation centres. If the system were working as I wished, turnover in schools, GP practices and accommodation would be such that the logistics would be very difficult to manage and problems for pupils, asylum seekers and service providers would be very great.
  Mr. Jon Owen Jones: My right hon. Friend is making an important point. Does he recognise that, because rapid turnover makes it much more difficult to organise accommodation, teaching and so on, there are all sorts of understandable vested interests in ensuring that the system works as slowly as possible? That cannot be in the overall interests of the country or asylum seekers.
  Mr. Blunkett: I agree entirely. After some useful debates, we are getting to the nub of what we are trying

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  to do. The official Opposition want us to speed up the process through accommodation centres even further. I promise all hon. Members that we will do our best in trying to ensure that the administration responds and that there is proper accountability to us as Ministers and through us to Parliament. We will try to achieve the substantial improvement that one section of the immigration and nationality directorate has made in first decisions, for which I commend it.
  In April 1997, it took an average of 20 months for a first decision to be made. In December last year, it took an average of 13 months. Now, three quarters of first decisions are made within two months: a dramatic improvement that we need to match in every part of the process.
  Annabelle Ewing: The Home Secretary referred to the need for general improvement in the administration of the asylum and immigration system. What time scale has been envisaged and what targets are being set for such improvement?
  Mr. Blunkett: This Bill sets in train the targets that we have set the service in respect of those going through accommodation centres. We have debated whether such targets should be two, four, six, nine or 12 months, and we have hit on and now agreed as part of the Bill—that part is not under debate this afternoon—the time scales on which I hope to be able to improve, accelerating the processes. I hope to be able to lay orders before Parliament for still further improvement.
  Simon Hughes: The Home Secretary is rightly talking about the improvements that have been made to the Bill. The final Division in the other place last night was on the education issue, and, as he knows, the Government's view in the end prevailed. Given that that is now fixed, will he clarify whether it will still be possible for the local education authority to have prior right to run the education service in the accommodation centre, which I know was always an option and was under consideration when I last spoke to his colleagues?
  Mr. Blunkett rose—
  Madam Deputy Speaker: Order. I have reminded hon. Members that the amendment deals with accommodation centres and their location, not education.
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  Mr. Blunkett: I take your strictures, Madam Deputy Speaker. I merely observe, however, that I would say "collaboratively" rather than "prior" given the fact that education authorities no longer run schools as they did 15 or 20 years ago. That is emblazoned on my heart because I dealt with it for four years before I took on this job.
  We are dealing with end-to-end reform of the process once people reach our shores, from new induction centres through accommodation centres and, where appropriate, dispersal and reporting, to integration or speedy removal. The task is clear: to provide a fairer and
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  more effective service. When people reach our shores, we must make it clear that we expect them to claim asylum at that point and port of entry unless they have a good reason for not doing so. Once they have claimed asylum, the new induction centres, which will be crucial to assessing their needs, will come into play. For the foreseeable future, the vast majority will continue to be in an improved dispersal system. Trial accommodation centres are a crucial part of the process. We intend to ensure that we learn the lessons rapidly. They offer an option, which we must explore, dramatically to speed up the process, and I think the Conservatives agree that that is the way to proceed.
  I have tabled an amendment to enable the new independent monitor of accommodation centres to consider
  "whether, in the case of any accommodation centre, its location prevents a need of its residents from being met."
  In doing so, we emphasise the needs of the resident. We should not be diverted by the argument about whether all asylum seekers should be accommodated in urban locations. Indeed, it has been implied that that would be in the most deprived urban areas that have the space or the facilities. We reject that. There should be a plurality. It should not be a case of one or the other. We need an experimental approach when deciding on the most appropriate location. The emphasis is on whether a site meets a need of the individual.
  Tony Baldry: By implication, surely we are talking about a proposed location. The Government will not go to the expense of building an accommodation centre before they ask the independent monitor whether it meets the needs of asylum seekers. Clearly, the Government will have to ask the independent monitor to express that view on a proposed location before an accommodation centre is built. Otherwise, there will be considerable nugatory expenditure.
  Mr. Blunkett: We want to ensure that we have thought the matter through and have an evidence-based approach. My hon. Friend the Minister for Citizenship and Immigration said on Tuesday that different needs will have to be met in different types of centre. Some centres will be appropriate for single individuals. Others will be designed to meet the needs of those from a particular region who have a particular language requirement. That will help us to deal with the adjudication process, which requires not only legal advice but interpretation of that advice. If an identified need cannot be met, the other parts of the process will kick into play. The measure is an addition, an underpinning and a reinforcement of the process with regard to, for instance, education, on which we said that a special or specific need might have to be met in a different way. We now accept that that might be dealt with in a broader context, with the monitor offering a view.
  We have listened and we expect others—in particular, the other House—to listen to what we have said.
  Mrs. Ellman: Will my right hon. Friend commit the Government to assessing in the experimentation that is now to go ahead the model proposed by the Refugee Council as one possible way in which to run the centres?
  Mr. Blunkett: Some bodies, organisations and agencies have taken what they would regard as a

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  principled stand and they have opposed our proposals, full stop. Others—the Refugee Council is one of them—while disagreeing fundamentally with the Government have been prepared to engage in dialogue, which is a two-way process of listening and responding. We have responded: my hon. Friend the Minister for Citizenship and Immigration said on Tuesday that we were prepared to continue to work with the Refugee Council on the configuration of the smaller centre, and we will respond to its other ideas, not least core and cluster.
  We are continuing that process of dialogue. I mention the Refugee Council in particular because it has had slightly more impact on us than others, not because it has been less vigorous, but because it has been more reasonable. When it has been given assurances, it has been prepared to accept them, and when an argument is put to it, it has been prepared to listen.
  Let me conclude by making one thing absolutely clear, and I hope that those in the other House will hear my words: we are now at the last throw of the dice. I will make no more amendments to the Bill. I hope that the other House will allow us to pass the legislation and so enable us to do what we all want to do, which is to establish a more effective, reasonable, sensitive and sensible system in which the British people have trust and which people throughout the world will know offers them a better opportunity to come to this country legitimately, to work here legitimately, or to seek sanctuary here in a more effective fashion.
  Mr. Oliver Letwin: I echo the Home Secretary's thanks to my colleagues, my hon. Friend the Member for Woking (Mr. Malins) and my noble Friends Lord Kingsland and Baroness Anelay of St. Johns, for their splendid work on the Bill as it has proceeded through its parliamentary stages.
  I thought that the Home Secretary made both an ingenious and an elegant little Third Reading speech, which skilfully avoided any direct reference to the matter in hand—the Government amendment. That is understandable, given that it would not have been conducive to his having a good morning were he to have admitted that it echoes extremely closely an amendment first suggested by my noble Friend Baroness Anelay on 10 October—at which time the Government denied that it was in any way possible to accommodate the problems of accommodation centres by doing what they now suggest should be done. However, it would be churlish of me not to welcome what the Government have done, because they have done what needs to be done.
  The amendment creates an independent arbiter who will be required, as well as requested, to look into whether the place in which a particular accommodation centre is put is appropriate from the point of view of its residents. To make that judgment, the monitor will need to look both at the nature of what is being put in that place, and at the place in which it is being put. That was the intent of the original amendment, No. 17, and it is far from our intention to cavil at the replacement of one amendment proposed by Conservative Members in the Lords by an amendment that is, in effect, another of our amendments. It is an excellent result, which we welcome.
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  I have two observations and one request to make. The first observation is that amendment No. 37, which underlies the amendment that is before us, makes it clear that the
  "Monitor shall report … at least once in each calendar year".
  My hon. Friend the Member for Banbury (Tony Baldry), who has played so notable a part in our proceedings, asked the Home Secretary whether it would be the case that the monitor would report before the centres in question were established. That was for him a particularly important question because my hon. Friend represents one of the places where, at present, it is intended to establish one of the centres.
  The Home Secretary gave one of the most masterly pieces of obfuscation as a reply that I have yet been privileged to hear, even from his mouth in this place. I do not think that I could have matched in any way the efforts that he made to avoid answering that question, but I can answer it for him. Unless the right hon. Gentleman intends—I am sure that he does not—to delay unreasonably the appointment of a monitor, it will be the case that a year from now the monitor will report on this issue. I will lay an extremely large wager that the accommodation centre in my hon. Friend's constituency will not have been built one year from now. I suspect that it will not have been given planning permission a year from now. I suspect that the monitor will have reported long before the centre is built. Therefore, the answer to my hon. Friend's question is yes. That does not require any obfuscation.
  Secondly, so far as we can see, if the monitor is to report to Parliament as amendment No. 37 dictates specifically that he shall, the monitor will need to explain to Parliament what depositions he has sought and what depositions he has received from experts. That is necessary to avoid judicial review of his process. I am sure, therefore, that he will seek the views of the various groups that concern themselves with and have expertise in relation to the needs of those who are to be housed in accommodation centres. We know which groups these are because 10 of them wrote to the Home Secretary not long ago to make their views known on these matters. We can reasonably accurately predict what they will say to the monitor about the proposed large rural locations. The monitor will clearly need to take their views into account.
  The monitor will obviously have to take into account what the Home Secretary says to him. None of us is in a position to determine what the monitor will take as his view in the light of the two sets of depositions from the Home Secretary and from other bodies. However, it seems likely that if the monitor concludes that the needs of those who are to be housed are not properly to be met in large rural accommodation centres, that will at least provide a prima facie basis for a judicial review of the original decision. It is a different thing for the monitor to conclude on the merits and for a judge to conclude on whether the Home Secretary's view was reasonable. We have always accepted that the reasonableness test is a harsher test than the merits test. In other words, the monitor might conclude that the place was not a good one. Yet a judge might take the view that the Home Secretary, in reaching the opposite conclusion, was reasonable. We accept that.
  In fact, the Home Secretary is replicating the effect of that which the Minister of State said was impossible to replicate and which the Government would never accept

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  replication of, either the day before yesterday or yesterday. The circumstances of the Conservative party are such that I have lost track of time in the past 48 hours.
  Finally, I have a request. It is that following the passage of the amendment—I shall be asking my right hon. and hon. Friends not to oppose it, and similarly my noble Friends in the other place—and therefore the Bill, I hope that we shall move forward and discover what is likely to lead to the rapid processing of claims. I believe that that is the aim of everyone in the House. The Home Secretary made that clear in his remarks. It is certainly the aim of the hon. Member for Southwark, North and Bermondsey (Simon Hughes) and of every Member who has spoken in these debates.
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  That processing will be better for asylum seekers who have gone through dreadful circumstances and are refugees. It will be better for those who are economic migrants who are seeking to use the system. If they are to be refused, it is better that they should be refused sooner rather than later. It will be better by far for those of our electors who are concerned about the abuse of the system. Finally, it will be better by an enormous proportion for the Home Secretary and his hard-pressed officials if they are not searching round the country for people who have taken a long time to process. It is our joint aim to process fast, fairly and well
  I hope that the Home Secretary will look again at something that we have said throughout these debates and which does not reflect on the proposed legislation. As he rightly said, it reflects on the administration of the process, which is the be-all and end-all, however good the legislation. I refer to the human reality that underlies the current chaos. It is that no one of us in the House will be placed in the current position of the decision makers, who are asked to make decisions about people from a dizzying array of different places at great speed, through days and, in some instances, through early evenings. That is done on the basis of abstracts. Thank goodness, as a result of amendments, the abstracts will come under the guidance of independent advice.
  None of us, if we were decision makers, could possibly make accurate and compelling decisions about a person from Somalia at 9 o'clock, from Bosnia at 10 o'clock and from Zimbabwe at 11 o'clock. In human terms, that is not doable. I hope and pray for the Home Secretary's sake as much as ours and for the sake of all those who are involved in the process that the right hon. Gentleman will reconsider how it can be so arranged that within the accommodation centres, and more generally outside them before they become the norm, decision makers are asked to make decisions in respect of matters that they actually know about because they relate only to a particular place with which they have a genuine familiarity. That is the crux of turning the system back from a nightmare into a process that operates.
  Mr. Neil Gerrard: When my right hon. Friend spoke about Hampstead liberals, I hope that he did not have me in mind. If he did, he may be
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  setting out to ruin my reputation. I warmly welcome what he said about administration, which is important, but it is not the key issue of this debate.
  I take a rather cynical view of the length of time that we have spent on the question of accommodation centres. I do not consider it an unimportant question, and the principle about education was an important one, but other parts of the Bill, such as those that will change the support system for in-country applicants and the significant changes to appeals, have not had the attention that they deserve. We would not have spent so long on accommodation centres if none of the sites proposed had been in Tory constituencies—in fact, I doubt that we would have been here this afternoon. I see some heads shaking, but it will be interesting to see what the reactions are when the trials go ahead.
  It is a pity that we have spent so long on what is not the most important part of the Bill. The other evening, not a single Back Bencher was able to speak on the vital issue of cutting off support to, potentially, thousands of asylum seekers, because of the way in which the timetable operated.
  I none the less welcome an amendment that gives a role to the monitor and clarifies the issues that he can take into account. It recognises that different asylum seekers will be in different situations. Asylum seekers are not a homogeneous group. The monitor will be able to consider whether people are being placed into accommodation centres in a way that suits their individual needs. I do not know how far it will be possible for him to do that for individuals, rather than looking at the broader picture, but the wording of the amendment suggests that he may be able to examine in some detail whether people were being placed appropriately, relative to their needs.
  I shall ask two or three specific questions, and I hope that if my right hon. Friend does not have time to answer in detail now, he will be able to put the answers in writing to me later. In the context of location and need, I do not understand why an urban location is seen as suitable for a trial of smaller centres for single people only, but not as somewhere where families might be placed, where, irrespective of the issue of education, children might benefit from community links. What is being proposed seems at odds with that idea.
  I want to ask about where people who make "late" applications will be placed, and whether location and need will match. I assume that in general, people who make late applications—that is the term used in the Bill—will be in a situation different from that of somebody newly arrived. Obviously, such people will have been living somewhere within the UK already, but presumably they may still be offered places in accommodation centres. If such a person said that they intended to refuse a placement because the location was unsuitable and did not meet their needs, would that have any implications for the decision on whether their late claim for support would be considered?
  In the previous debate we had no opportunity to consider the terms of the decision on late application, so it would help if at some point, if he cannot do so this

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  afternoon, the Home Secretary set out some of the criteria, and told us about any codes of guidance that may be used in making that critical decision.
  Mr. Blunkett: I promise that we will write to my hon. Friend with answers to his questions, but I make it clear now that the in-country claim—the late claim—does not disqualify people from having their asylum claim tested.
  Mr. Gerrard: I fully appreciate that, but the arrangement introduces a new hurdle before people can qualify for support and accommodation, does it not? Rather than there being only the one hurdle, of proof of destitution, to clear, there will be a second hurdle—whether the application has been made in time. Presumably, unless the timing hurdle is cleared the question of support, and the test of destitution, will not arise. It would be helpful if we could be given more detail about that, because in the previous debate there was no opportunity to discuss it.
  I have another question about need in connection with late applications. One of the categories of people who will still be supported even if they make a late application is defined in the Bill as people with special needs. I assume that if someone has a special need, the location of their accommodation could be critical. Would factors such as the availability of specialist health care be considered? I assume that if an applicant were HIV-positive and would therefore require specialist help, or someone had mental health needs, those special needs would be taken into consideration when determining the location.
  It would help us to get a clearer picture if the Secretary of State spelled out some details; again, he can do this later if there is not time this afternoon. This will affect us all when we have to deal with individuals who come to see us because they have been refused support, and it will help if we understand more clearly what "special needs" means, what conditions will be treated as special needs, and how that will affect the location of any accommodation centre in which people may be placed.
  We should welcome the change to establishing a monitor with wider powers, and I echo the comments about getting the monitor in place sooner, rather than later. It would also be helpful to know whether there is scope for individuals who feel that they have been located somewhere unsuitable for their needs to ask the monitor to consider their case.
  Simon Hughes: I thank the Home Secretary for his tone, and for the way in which he introduced what I anticipate is this House's last debate on the Bill. Quite properly, it has occupied many of us for a considerable time in recent months, and I make no criticism of the time spent on such matters. In fact, there is much agreement among us, as there was in respect of many elements of the original Bill, such as nationality law reform. The view was correctly reflected that we spent a disproportionate amount of time on accommodation centres, compared with other parts of the Bill.
  The Home Secretary, however, was a bit mischievous, as he often is. He said that he is always open to persuasion, and that he responds to arguments not of opposition and rudeness, but of persuasion. I do not
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  doubt that, but it always helps, of course, if one has been persuaded because part of Parliament blocked one's own suggestions. One of the great consolations of a two-Chamber Parliament is that it provides better scrutiny than a one-Chamber Parliament. A paradox about which the Home Secretary and I doubtless share a view is that it is in the unelected Chamber that Labour's share of the vote is much closer to its share of the vote in the country at the last election. It has 28 per cent.—
  Madam Deputy Speaker: Order. May I please remind the hon. Gentleman of the limits of the debate on this amendment?
  Simon Hughes: I shall try to keep very close to those limits, Madam Deputy Speaker. Labour's share of the vote in the unelected Chamber reflects its election result much more accurately than does its share of the vote in this Chamber, whatever the differences between us. The House of Lords has been able fairly regularly to say to the Government, "No, you cannot go down that road." The issue of accommodation centres was, as recently as yesterday, an example of that.
  This exercise has already produced many changes on accommodation centres, four of which have been welcomed, and one of which gave rise to today's opportunity. A monitor of accommodation centres was not proposed at the beginning of our deliberations on the Bill. Because we now have a monitor, the Government were able to use that new institution and individual to come to the rescue today. We welcome that, and the fact that persuasion and a bit of political pressure has led not only to a monitor, but to a normal time limit of six months, which even the Government now want to reduce. Legal advice will also be provided, and we know who the dependants are, so a lot of progress has been made.
  As the Home Secretary knows, my colleagues and I have argued from the beginning for some form of reception centres. We entirely share the view that the more that we can speed up processing of claims, the better the system will be for all concerned, compatible with justly looking at them all. As I have said before, there is no theology concerning size or location. However, according to all the advice, and to the instincts of those of us on the Liberal Democrat Benches, centres of 750 people and above are much more like camps than accommodation centres. If we place such people away from the services that they need to be linked to, we are also not providing them with the best service.
  My final important point about the change is that there is a good case for having people together, with services that are close to each other. As the right hon. Member for West Dorset (Mr. Letwin) said, there is a very good case for trying to make life easier by getting officials who know about a particular part of the world to deal with those who come from there. My understanding is that that is the intended use for Oakington after the Bill is passed. Certain groups of people, perhaps those from EU applicant countries, will go there. I hope that we are all united in saying that if that is the argument we should make it, and should not let it by implication—not in this House, but elsewhere—be acceptable that asylum seekers are to be dealt with only in places where they are out of sight and, therefore, out of mind, in the way that lepers and mentally ill

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  people were treated in the past. That is not the approach to take. We have an international obligation to look after people and we should do so.
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  We accept that the Government's amendments are a substantial improvement on the view that they have taken before, in that some scrutiny will take place. I add my voice to the point made by the hon. Member for Banbury (Tony Baldry), and by the right hon. Member for West Dorset from the Conservative Front Bench, that the monitor should be requested to consider the proposals in advance. That is the logical approach. It is no good spending time on planning, design or planning applications unless the monitor says that the location is good. I hope that that is what will happen in practice. It would be helpful if the Home Secretary could confirm at the first available opportunity that from now on all the sites that he may have in mind—large or small, mixed or single sex, for families or single people—will be the subject of prior consultation with the Local Government Association, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and the equivalent organisations in Wales and Northern Ireland, if the Government have those places in mind.
  We would have preferred the original wording, under which the decisions would have been open to judicial scrutiny and we could have been satisfied that a particular location was suitable. That was not possible, so we would have preferred the wording added by the other place last night, which provided that the Home Secretary should have regard to the needs of the people to be accommodated. We may not win that argument either, although we will vote for the Lords amendment. However, I have talked to my colleagues in the other place and they accept that if the Government prevail in the House this afternoon, they will not further obstruct the passage of the Bill and it will pass into law before the end of the Session.
  The Liberal Democrats have sought to put their case on the Bill, and we therefore divided the House nine times on Tuesday. We were grateful to colleagues from all parties for joining us on many of those occasions. The last three attempts at legislation in this area have not been hugely successful. We hope that this Bill will be more successful, but not everything will be right. Our job is to be vigilant at local government level, Government level and Parliament level, and to take up matters with Ministers if we are not doing the right job by asylum seekers. We must seek to change the things that turn out to be wrong.
  In dealing with those who come to Britain seeking asylum, humanity and decency are as important as efficiency. Our international reputation is as much affected by how we treat the strangers at our gates as it is by how we treat our own. That is why this has been an important debate. We are glad to have been able to influence the Government to make significant changes so that the Bill is now in much better form than when we started.
  Glenda Jackson: We have little time and I know that other hon. Members wish to participate. I am also mindful of your strictures, Madam Deputy Speaker, on entering the no-go area of the separate education of refugees' children and of the sensibilities of my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary to a too passionate advocation, using certain adjectives, of deeply held feelings in my constituency.
  I took some hope from what my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary said about the system. He said that the Government would concentrate on making it firm, fast or fair, and acknowledged that it is none of those things at present, despite the claims that have been made.
  I shall come to the question of location in a moment, but first I shall deal with accommodation centres. Running them will require lots of money and people, and they will take no small period of time to bring into being. They will deal with a comparatively small number of asylum seekers, compared with the numbers already in this country and the numbers who will arrive before the centres open.
  When I speak about the failures in the system, I mean no criticism of the incredibly dedicated and hardworking people in the IND. The right hon. Member for West Dorset (Mr. Letwin) spoke pertinently about the decisions that they have to make every day. The IND requires additional support, finance and staff. The system also needs to be streamlined, so that staff do not have to deal with so many cases at the same time. Often those cases are at different stages of processing. I hope that the Government are looking at that matter now, as it is no exaggeration to say that many people—my constituents among them—have been waiting an unconscionable time for their cases to be prosecuted.
  Madam Deputy Speaker: Order. The hon. Lady is going somewhat wide of the amendment.
  Glenda Jackson: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. I turn now to the location of the accommodation centres. The proposal is that the numbers involved will be much smaller than first advocated, and that the centres will deal only with single men. I do not expect my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary to answer now, but I should be grateful if he would write to me with answers to the questions that I want to ask.
  What will be the age range of men in accommodation centres? In my constituency, it is not unusual for a member of a family to arrive in this country who is then followed by the rest of the family at a later date. A single man coming into this country may not understand that the word "single" in this context means unmarried, in our lexicon. If asked whether he is a single man, he may well say that he is, even though he has a wife—or a common law wife—and children. What will happen if his family succeeds in gaining entry to this country? Would that man have to stay in the accommodation centre? Where would the rest of his family go? When the monitors assess locations, will they also assess the changes that the presence of asylum seekers undoubtedly cause?
  I am also worried about the facilities that will be provided in the accommodation centres. We have heard about the need for the centres to provide everything that

  465
  asylum seekers might need. However, concerns have been expressed about the proper provision of health services. I shall not go down the road of asking whether every school in the country has its full complement of teachers, but serious questions remain—for instance, about the services provided by members of the legal profession into processing asylum cases. It seems to me that there will be an unavoidable conflict between what will be provided in the areas where the accommodation centres will be located, what will be provided for the centres, and what will be provided to improve the system that is provided by the IND.
  The hon. Member for Southwark, North and Bermondsey (Simon Hughes) spoke about the image that this country will present when we make clear our approach to people fleeing from a justified fear of persecution. I agree with what he said, and believe that this country will retain its reputation for offering asylum to people who are frail and often very vulnerable. It is surely an indication that a country is civilised when most of its people want asylum seekers to be treated speedily and effectively.
  Tony Baldry: On Second Reading, I said that everyone in the House must share the responsibility of trying to get this legislation right. As a consequence of the work that Parliament has done—by persevering throughout the passage of the Bill, with the help of the House of Lords—the legislation is substantially better. We have an independent monitor for accommodation centres, which was not included in the Bill to start with.
  Today, the Home Secretary announced a substantial concession, because the monitor will effectively be able to determine whether a location meets the needs of asylum seekers. Realistically, before any accommodation centre can be built, the Home Office will have to announce a proposed location and the monitor of accommodation centres will have the opportunity to hear views on whether that location would prevent any of the needs of the proposed residents from being met. In so doing, the monitor will obviously want to take evidence not only from local people but from all the organisations that wrote to the Home Secretary on 3 May—the Refugee Council, Immigration Advisory Service, National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux, Commission for Racial Equality, and others.
  As I am sure the Home Secretary will appreciate, one reason why the House of Lords so persistently returned the Bill to this House—in particular, this part of the Bill—was that the Government had not found a single supporter among the organisations most concerned about the welfare of refugees. In the letter of 3 May and subsequently, every organisation that was concerned about the welfare of refugees opposed the suggestion that accommodation centres should be large and in rural locations.
  In the proposed amendment—the concession that the Government are making—the Home Secretary is giving all organisations the opportunity to express their concerns rationally to the independent monitor, supporting them with such evidence as they have. I
  466
  should have thought, therefore, that it must be in everyone's interests, not least the Treasury, for the right hon. Gentleman to announce as soon as it is convenient that he is going to postpone the planning applications for Bicester and the proposed site in Nottinghamshire until the independent monitor has had the opportunity to consider those locations. Otherwise, the planning application will go ahead and it will involve much public spending—not only for the Home Office, but for the local authorities concerned. That could result in a ludicrous situation—all that money might be spent and then the independent monitor of accommodation centres might be of the opinion that the location would not meet certain needs of the asylum seekers.
  Mr. Blunkett: I do not want to mislead the hon. Gentleman. I spoke to him before we came into the Chamber and I reinforce what I told him then, which is that we will not be withdrawing the planning applications. We are talking about an assessment of need, not whether there is a need for accommodation centres in a particular location or setting. We ought to be absolutely clear about that.
  Tony Baldry: I am grateful to the Home Secretary and the Minister for Citizenship and Immigration for their courtesy throughout our proceedings on the Bill. I understood very clearly what he said before I came into the Chamber, which is why I am making these points.
  Under the Bill, the independent monitor of accommodation centres will have to decide whether the location of any centre
  "prevents a need of its residents from being met."
  I think that the courts will effectively construe "a need" as any need. Therefore, if an independent monitor has to consider whether "any need" can be properly met, that adjudication and decision would be far better taken before money is spent on a planning application for a proposed accommodation centre. If the Home Secretary wants to persevere with the two proposed sites at Bicester and just outside Nottingham, it would be better to refer that matter now or as soon as possible to the independent monitor of accommodation centres so that evidence can start to be taken from the various organisations that I have mentioned. I appreciate that the Home Secretary has had to reflect a lot over the past two days and I hope that he will reflect further upon this in the days to come, otherwise a considerable amount of public money could be wasted.
  I would like to thank Baroness Anelay, my right hon. Friend the Member for West Dorset (Mr. Letwin) and my hon. Friend the Member for Woking (Mr. Malins) for all that they have done. This House and the other place have made this a substantially better Bill. I hope that it will now enable—
  It being one hour after the commencement of proceedings, MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER, put the Questions necessary for the disposal of of proceedings to be concluded at that hour, pursuant to Order [5 November].

  467
  Question put, That the House disagrees with the Lords in the said amendment:—
  The House divided: Ayes 248, Noes 38.

  Division No. 360]

  [2:46 pm

  AYES

  Ainger, Nick

  Dismore, Andrew

  Armstrong, rh Ms Hilary

  Dobbin, Jim (Heywood)

  Atkins, Charlotte

  Dowd, Jim (Lewisham W)

  Austin, John

  Drew, David (Stroud)

  Baird, Vera

  Drown, Ms Julia

  Banks, Tony

  Eagle, Angela (Wallasey)

  Barnes, Harry

  Efford, Clive

  Barron, rh Kevin

  Ellman, Mrs Louise

  Battle, John

  Ennis, Jeff (Barnsley E)

  Bayley, Hugh

  Farrelly, Paul

  Beard, Nigel

  Fitzpatrick, Jim

  Benn, Hilary

  Flynn, Paul (Newport W)

  Bennett, Andrew

  Follett, Barbara

  Benton, Joe (Bootle)

  Foster, Michael (Worcester)

  Betts, Clive

  Foster, Michael Jabez (Hastings & Rye)

  Blackman, Liz

  Blears, Ms Hazel

  Foulkes, rh George

  Blunkett, rh David

  Gapes, Mike (Ilford S)

  Borrow, David

  Gardiner, Barry

  Bradshaw, Ben

  George, rh Bruce (Walsall S)

  Brennan, Kevin

  Gerrard, Neil

  Brown, rh Nicholas (Newcastle E Wallsend)

  Gibson, Dr. Ian

  Gilroy, Linda

  Brown, Russell (Dumfries)

  Goggins, Paul

  Browne, Desmond

  Griffiths, Win (Bridgend)

  Bryant, Chris

  Grogan, John

  Buck, Ms Karen

  Hall, Mike (Weaver Vale)

  Burgon, Colin

  Hall, Patrick (Bedford)

  Burnham, Andy

  Hamilton, David (Midlothian)

  Cairns, David

  Harris, Tom (Glasgow Cathcart)

  Campbell, Alan (Tynemouth)

  Havard, Dai (Merthyr Tydfil & Rhymney)

  Campbell, Mrs Anne (C'bridge)

  Campbell, Ronnie (Blyth V)

  Healey, John

  Caplin, Ivor

  Henderson, Doug (Newcastle N)

  Casale, Roger

  Henderson, Ivan (Harwich)

  Caton, Martin

  Hendrick, Mark

  Challen, Colin

  Hepburn, Stephen

  Chaytor, David

  Heppell, John

  Clapham, Michael

  Heyes, David

  Clark, hon. Dr. Lynda (Edinburgh Pentlands)

  Hill, Keith (Streatham)

  Hodge, Margaret

  Clark, Paul (Gillingham)

  Hoey, Kate (Vauxhall)

  Clarke, rh Tom (Coatbridge & Chryston)

  Hope, Phil (Corby)

  Hopkins, Kelvin

  Clelland, David

  Howarth, George (Knowsley N & Sefton E)

  Clwyd, Ann (Cynon V)

  Coffey, Ms Ann

  Howells, Dr. Kim

  Cohen, Harry

  Hughes, Beverley (Stretford & Urmston)

  Coleman, Iain

  Colman, Tony

  Hughes, Kevin (Doncaster N)

  Connarty, Michael

  Humble, Mrs Joan

  Cook, Frank (Stockton N)

  Hutton, rh John

  Cook, rh Robin (Livingston)

  Iddon, Dr. Brian

  Cox, Tom (Tooting)

  Ingram, rh Adam

  Cranston, hon. Ross

  Irranca-Davies, Huw

  Cruddas, Jon

  Jackson, Glenda (Hampstead & Highgate)

  Cryer, John (Hornchurch)

  Cummings, John

  Jackson, Helen (Hillsborough)

  Cunningham, rh Dr. Jack (Copeland)

  Jamieson, David

  Jenkins, Brian

  Cunningham, Jim (Coventry S)

  Johnson, Miss Melanie (Welwyn Hatfield)

  Cunningham, Tony (Workington)

  Davey, Valerie (Bristol W)

  Jones, Jon Owen (Cardiff C)

  David, Wayne

  Jones, Kevan (N Durham)

  Davidson, Ian

  Jones, Lynne (Selly Oak)

  Davies, rh Denzil (Llanelli)

  Jones, Martyn (Clwyd S)

  Dean, Mrs Janet

  Joyce, Eric (Falkirk W)

  Dhanda, Parmjit

  Keen, Alan (Feltham)

  468

  Keen, Ann (Brentford)

  Robinson, Geoffrey (Coventry NW)

  Kelly, Ruth (Bolton W)

  Kemp, Fraser

  Ross, Ernie (Dundee W)

  Kennedy, Jane (Wavertree)

  Roy, Frank (Motherwell)

  Kidney, David

  Ruddock, Joan

  Kilfoyle, Peter

  Russell, Ms Christine (City of Chester)

  King, Ms Oona (Bethnal Green & Bow)

  Sarwar, Mohammad

  Knight, Jim (S Dorset)

  Sawford Phil

  Ladyman, Dr. Stephen

  Shaw, Jonathan

  Laxton, Bob (Derby N)

  Sheerman, Barry

  Lazarowicz, Mark

  Sheridan, Jim

  Linton, Martin

  Shipley, Ms Debra

  Love, Andrew

  Simon, Siôn (B'ham Erdington)

  Luke, Iain (Dundee E)

  Singh, Marsha

  McAvoy, Thomas

  Skinner, Dennis

  McCafferty, Chris

  Smith, rh Andrew (Oxford E)

  McDonagh, Siobhain

  Smith, Jacqui (Redditch)

  MacDonald, Calum

  Smith, John (Glamorgan)

  MacDougall, John

  Smith, Llew (Blaenau Gwent)

  McFall, John

  Soley, Clive

  McGuire, Mrs Anne

  Southworth, Helen

  McIsaac, Shona

  Spellar, rh John

  McKechin, Ann

  Squire, Rachel

  McNamara, Kevin

  Steinberg, Gerry

  Mactaggart, Fiona

  Stewart, Ian (Eccles)

  McWalter, Tony

  Stinchcombe, Paul

  Mahmood, Khalid

  Stoate, Dr. Howard

  Mahon, Mrs Alice

  Strang, rh Dr. Gavin

  Tami, Mark (Alyn)

  Mandelson, rh Peter

  Taylor, Dari (Stockton S)

  Mann, John (Bassetlaw)

  Taylor, Dr. Richard (Wyre F)

  Marris, Rob (Wolverh'ton SW)

  Thomas, Gareth (Clwyd W)

  Marsden, Gordon (Blackpool S)

  Thomas Gareth (Harrow W)

  Marshall, David (Glasgow Shettleston)

  Tipping, Paddy

  Todd, Mark (S Derbyshire)

  Marshall, Jim (Leicester S)

  Trickett, Jon

  Martlew, Eric

  Truswell, Paul

  Meale, Alan (Mansfield)

  Turner, Dennis (Wolverh'ton SE)

  Merron, Gillian

  Turner, Dr. Desmond (Brighton Kemptown)

  Michael, rh Alun

  Milburn, rh Alan

  Turner, Neil (Wigan)

  Miliband, David

  Twigg, Derek (Halton)

  Mole, Chris

  Twigg, Stephen (Enfield)

  Morgan, Julie

  Tynan, Bill (Hamilton S)

  Morley, Elliot

  Walley, Ms Joan

  Mullin, Chris

  Ward, Claire

  Munn, Ms Meg

  Watson Tom (W Bromwich E)

  Murphy, Denis (Wansbeck)

  Watts, David

  Murphy, Jim (Eastwood)

  White, Brian

  Naysmith, Dr. Doug

  Whitehead, Dr. Alan

  O'Brien, Bill (Normanton)

  Wicks, Malcolm

  O'Hara, Edward

  Williams, rh Alan (Swansea W)

  Perham, Linda

  Williams, Mrs Betty (Conwy)

  Winnick, David

  Picking, Anne

  Winterton, Ms Rosie (Doncaster C)

  Pickthall, Colin

  Pike, Peter (Burnley)

  Wood, Mike (Batley)

  Plaskitt, James

  Woodward, Shaun

  Pollard, Kerry

  Woolas, Phil

  Pope, Greg (Hyndburn)

  Wray, James (Glasgow Baillieston)

  Pound, Stephen

  Prosser, Gwyn

  Wright, David (Telford)

  Purchase, Ken

  Wright, Tony (Cannock)

  Rapson, Syd (Portsmouth N)

  Reed, Andy (Loughborough)

  Tellers for the Ayes:

  Robertson, John (Glasgow Anniesland)

  Joan Ryan and

  Mr. Gerry Sutcliffe

  NOES

  Allan, Richard

  Cotter, Brian

  Barrett, John

  Davey, Edward (Kingston)

  Beith, rh A. J.

  Doughty, Sue

  Bruce, Malcolm

  Ewing, Annabelle

  Burnett, John

  Foster, Don (Bath)

  Cable, Dr. Vincent

  George Andrew (St Ives)

  Calton, Mrs Patsy

  Gidley, Sandra

  469

  Green, Matthew (Ludlow)

  Sanders, Adrian

  Harvey, Nick

  Spink, Bob (Castle Point)

  Heath, David

  Stunell, Andrew

  Hughes, Simon (Southwark N)

  Thomas, Simon (Ceredigion)

  Jones, Nigel (Cheltenham)

  Tonge, Dr. Jenny

  Kirkwood, Archy

  Tyler, Paul (N Cornwall)

  Lamb Norman

  Williams, Hywel (Caernarfon)

  Öpik, Lembit

  Williams, Roger (Brecon)

  Willis, Phil

  Price, Adam (E Carmarthen & Dinefwr)

  Wishart, Pete

  Younger-Ross, Richard

  Pugh, Dr. John

  Rendel, David

  Tellers for the Noes:

  Russell, Bob (Colchester)

  Tom Brake and

  Salmond, Alex

  Mrs. Annette L. Brooke

  Question accordingly agreed to
  Lords amendment disagreed to.
  Mr. Paul Tyler: On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. I know that it has been drawn to your attention that Whitehall was closed for a large percentage of the time when we were voting. It would seem from the figures that a large number of Conservative Members were unable to vote. I wonder whether the Serjeant at Arms has been able to indicate to you whether all right hon. and hon. Members who wished to vote were able to participate in the Division.
  Madam Deputy Speaker (Sylvia Heal): I was advised that Whitehall was closed, and therefore allowed additional time for hon. Members to reach the Lobbies. I am advised that Whitehall is now open.
  Amendments proposed: (a) and (b) in lieu of Lords amendment No. 17B.—[Mr. Kemp.]
  Question put, That the amendments be made:—
  The House divided: Ayes 251, Noes 37.

  Division No. 361]

  [3:00 pm

  AYES

  Ainger, Nick

  Campbell, Ronnie (Blyth V)

  Armstrong, rh Ms Hilary

  Caplin, Ivor

  Atkins, Charlotte

  Casale, Roger

  Austin, John

  Caton, Martin

  Baird, Vera

  Challen, Colin

  Banks, Tony

  Chaytor, David

  Barnes, Harry

  Clapham, Michael

  Barron, rh Kevin

  Clark, hon. Dr Lynda (Edinburgh Pentlands)

  Battle, John

  Bayley, Hugh

  Clark, Paul (Gillingham)

  Beard, Nigel

  Clarke, rh Tom (Coatbridge & Chryston)

  Benn, Hilary

  Bennett, Andrew

  Clelland, David

  Benton, Joe (Bootle)

  Clwyd, Ann (Cynon V)

  Betts, Clive

  Coffey, Ms Ann

  Blackman, Liz

  Cohen, Harry

  Blears, Ms Hazel

  Coleman, Iain

  Boateng, rh Paul

  Colman, Tony

  Borrow, David

  Connarty, Michael

  Bradshaw, Ben

  Cook, Frank (Stockton N)

  Brennan, Kevin

  Cook, rh Robin (Livingston)

  Brown, rh Nicholas (Newcastle E Wallsend)

  Cranston, hon. Ross

  Cruddas, Jon

  Brown, Russell (Dumfries)

  Cryer, John (Hornchurch)

  Browne, Desmond

  Cummings, John

  Bryant, Chris

  Cunningham, rh Dr. Jack (Copeland)

  Buck, Ms Karen

  Burgon, Colin

  Cunningham, Jim (Coventry S)

  Burnham, Andy

  Cunningham, Tony (Workington)

  Cairns, David

  Davey, Valerie (Bristol W)

  Campbell, Alan (Tynemouth)

  David, Wayne

  Campbell, Mrs Anne (C'bridge)

  Davidson, Ian

  470

  Davies, rh Denzil (Llanelli)

  Kennedy, Jane (Wavertree)

  Dean, Mrs Janet

  Kidney, David

  Dhanda, Parmjit

  Kilfoyle, Peter

  Dismore, Andrew

  King, Ms Oona (Bethnal Green & Bow)

  Dobbin, Jim (Heywood)

  Dowd, Jim (Lewisham W)

  Knight, Jim (S Dorset)

  Drew, David (Stroud)

  Ladyman, Dr. Stephen

  Drown, Ms Julia

  Laxton, Bob (Derby N)

  Eagle, Angela (Wallasey)

  Lazarowicz, Mark

  Efford, Clive

  Liddell, rh Mrs Helen

  Ellman, Mrs Louise

  Linton, Martin

  Ennis, Jeff (Barnsley E)

  Love, Andrew

  Farrelly, Paul

  Luke, Iain (Dundee E)

  Fitzpatrick, Jim

  McAvoy, Thomas

  Flynn, Paul (Newport W)

  McCafferty, Chris

  Follett, Barbara

  McDonagh, Siobhain

  Foster, Michael (Worcester)

  MacDonald, Calum

  Foster, Michael Jabez (Hastings & Rye)

  MacDougall, John

  McFall, John

  Foulkes, rh George

  McGuire, Mrs Anne

  Gapes, Mike (Ilford S)

  McIsaac, Shona

  Gardiner, Barry

  McKechin, Ann

  George, rh Bruce (Walsall S)

  McNamara, Kevin

  Gerrard, Neil

  Mactaggart, Fiona

  Gibson, Dr. Ian

  McWalter, Tony

  Gilroy, Linda

  Mahmood, Khalid

  Goggins, Paul

  Mandelson, rh Peter

  Griffiths, Win (Bridgend)

  Mann, John (Bassetlaw)

  Grogan, John

  Marris, Rob (Wolverh'ton SW)

  Hall, Mike (Weaver Vale)

  Marsden, Gordon (Blackpool S)

  Hall, Patrick (Bedford)

  Marshall, David (Glasgow Shettleston)

  Hamilton, David (Midlothian)

  Harris, Tom (Glasgow Cathcart)

  Martlew, Eric

  Havard, Dai (Merthyr Tydfil & Rhymney)

  Meale, Alan (Mansfield)

  Merron, Gillian

  Healey, John

  Michael, rh Alun

  Henderson, Doug (Newcastle N)

  Milburn, rh Alan

  Henderson, Ivan (Harwich)

  Miliband, David

  Hendrick, Mark

  Mole, Chris

  Hepburn, Stephen

  Morgan, Julie

  Heppell, John

  Morley, Elliot

  Hewitt, rh Ms Patricia

  Mullin, Chris

  Heyes, David

  Munn, Ms Meg

  Hill, Keith (Streatham)

  Murphy, Denis (Wansbeck)

  Hodge, Margaret

  Murphy, Jim (Eastwood)

  Hoey, Kate (Vauxhall)

  Naysmith, Dr. Doug

  Hope, Phil (Corby)

  O'Brien, Bill (Normanton)

  Hopkins, Kelvin

  O'Hara, Edward

  Howarth, rh Alan (Newport E)

  Perham, Linda

  Howarth, George (Knowsley N & Sefton E)

  Picking, Anne

  Pickthall, Colin

  Howells, Dr. Kim

  Pike, Peter (Burnley)

  Hughes, Beverley (Stretford & Urmston)

  Plaskitt, James

  Pollard, Kerry

  Hughes, Kevin (Doncaster N)

  Pope, Greg (Hyndburn)

  Humble, Mrs Joan

  Pound, Stephen

  Hutton, rh John

  Prosser, Gwyn

  Iddon, Dr. Brian

  Purchase, Ken

  Ingram, rh Adam

  Quin, rh Joyce

  Irranca-Davies, Huw

  Rapson, Syd (Portsmouth N)

  Jackson, Glenda (Hampstead & Highgate)

  Reed, Andy (Loughborough)

  Robertson, John (Glasgow Anniesland)

  Jackson, Helen (Hillsborough)

  Jamieson, David

  Robinson, Geoffrey (Coventry NW)

  Jenkins, Brian

  Johnson, Miss Melanie (Welwyn Hatfield)

  Ross, Ernie (Dundee W)

  Roy, Frank (Motherwell)

  Jones, Jon Owen (Cardiff C)

  Ruddock, Joan

  Jones, Kevan (N Durham)

  Russell, Ms Christine (City of Chester)

  Jones, Lynne (Selly Oak)

  Jones, Martyn (Clwyd S)

  Sarwar, Mohammad

  Joyce, Eric (Falkirk W)

  Sawford, Phil

  Keen, Alan (Feltham)

  Shaw, Jonathan

  Keen, Ann (Brentford)

  Sheerman, Barry

  Kelly, Ruth (Bolton W)

  Sheridan, Jim

  Kemp, Fraser

  Shipley, Ms Debra

  471

  Simon, Siôn (B'ham Erdington)

  Turner, Neil (Wigan)

  Singh, Marsha

  Twigg, Derek (Halton)

  Skinner, Dennis

  Twigg, Stephen (Enfield)

  Smith, rh Andrew (Oxford E)

  Tynan, Bill (Hamilton S)

  Smith, Jacqui (Redditch)

  Vis, Dr. Rudi

  Smith, John (Glamorgan)

  Walley, Ms Joan

  Smith, Llew (Blaenau Gwent)

  Ward, Claire

  Soley, Clive

  Watson, Tom (W Bromwich E)

  Southworth, Helen

  Watts, David

  Spellar, rh John

  White, Brian

  Squire, Rachel

  Whitehead, Dr. Alan

  Steinberg, Gerry

  Wicks, Malcolm

  Stewart, Ian (Eccles)

  Williams, rh Alan (Swansea W)

  Stinchcombe, Paul

  Williams, Mrs Betty (Conwy)

  Stoate, Dr. Howard

  Winnick, David

  Strang, rh Dr. Gavin

  Winterton, Ms Rosie (Doncaster C)

  Tami, Mark (Alyn)

  Wood, Mike (Batley)

  Taylor, Dari (Stockton S)

  Woodward, Shaun

  Taylor, Dr. Richard (Wyre F)

  Woolas, Phil

  Thomas, Gareth (Clwyd W)

  Wray, James (Glasgow Baillieston)

  Thomas, Gareth (Harrow W)

  Tipping, Paddy

  Wright, David (Telford)

  Todd, Mark (S Derbyshire)

  Wright, Tony (Cannock)

  Trickett, Jon

  Wyatt, Derek

  Truswell, Paul

  Turner, Dennis (Wolverh'ton SE)

  Tellers for the Ayes:

  Turner, Dr. Desmond (Brighton Kemptown)

  Joan Ryan and

  Mr. Gerry Sutcliffe

  NOES

  Allan, Richard

  Öpik, Lembit

  Barrett, John

  Price, Adam (E Carmarthen & Dinefwr)

  Beith, rh A. J.

  Bruce, Malcolm

  Pugh, Dr. John

  Burnett, John

  Rendel, David

  Cable, Dr. Vincent

  Russell, Bob (Colchester)

  Calton, Mrs Patsy

  Sanders, Adrian

  Cotter, Brian

  Spink, Bob (Castle Point)

  Davey, Edward (Kingston)

  Stunell, Andrew

  Doughty, Sue

  Thomas, Simon (Ceredigion)

  Ewing, Annabelle

  Tonge, Dr. Jenny

  Foster, Don (Bath)

  Tyler, Paul (N Cornwall)

  George, Andrew (St. Ives)

  Williams, Hywel (Caernarfon)

  Gidley, Sandra

  Williams, Roger (Brecon)

  Green, Matthew (Ludlow)

  Willis, Phil

  Harvey, Nick

  Wishart, Pete

  Heath, David

  Younger-Ross, Richard

  Hughes, Simon (Southwark N)

  Jones, Nigel (Cheltenham)

  Tellers for the Noes:

  Kirkwood, Archy

  Tom Brake and

  Lamb, Norman

  Mrs. Annette L. Brooke

  Question accordingly agreed to.
  3.11 pm
  Sitting suspended, pursuant to order [29 October].
  4.10 pm
  On resuming—

  Animal Health Bill
  Lords Reasons for insisting on certain of their amendments to which the Commons have disagreed, considered.
  Mr. Deputy Speaker (Sir Alan Haselhurst): I have to acquaint the House that a message has been received from the House of Lords relating to the Animal Health Bill. A paper setting out the Lords Reasons for insisting on certain of their amendments is available in the Vote Office. There is also a separate paper containing the motions and amendments in lieu to be moved by the Government. Under the Order of 6 November, any message received from the Lords relating to that Bill must be considered forthwith.
  I remind the House that proceedings on the Lords message must be concluded in one hour from now.

  Animal Health Bill
    Clause 6

      TREATMENT: POWER OF ENTRY
      Lords Reason 14B.
      The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mr. Elliot Morley): I beg to move, That this House insists on its disagreement with the Lords in their amendment.
      Mr. Deputy Speaker: With this it will be convenient to take Government amendment (a) in lieu, Lords Reason 22B, the Government motion to insist and Government amendment (a) thereto, Lords Reason 35B, the Government motion to insist and Government amendment (a) thereto and Lords Reason 65B, the Government motion to insist and Government amendment (a) thereto.
      Mr. Morley: We held a detailed debate on the issuing of warrants, and I made it clear that we understood the arguments of Opposition Members and some of my hon. Friends, especially in Committee, on representations.
      I made it very clear that it was impossible for the Government to accept the Lords amendment because of the difficulties with legal precedents that it would create for the process of issuing warrants. However, I took the point made by Members from both Opposition parties and by my hon. Friends that we should give some reassurance to people who choose to make representations to the divisional veterinary manager. Their case might be accepted or rejected. I explained to the House that many hundreds of applications to the DVM in relation to contiguous culling and other issues had been accepted and exemptions had been made. However, it is not impossible that, for the purposes of disease control, the Department would apply for a magistrate's warrant to enter private property.
      I followed the debate in the other place, where a few people still seemed to be obsessed with the culling issue, so I must emphasise that the Bill is not just about culling, as I think this House accepts. There will be cases—as there have been in the past—where people will refuse access for serology and even for vaccination. I stress that point.

      473
      In cases where representation to the DVM has been made and turned down, a magistrate's warrant is sought. I repeat again that the magistrate has an obligation to take into account the representation made by the Department and to grant a warrant for such application only if there is a reasonable case to do so. I am sure that magistrates will take that obligation seriously.
      Mr. David Drew: During the last foot and mouth outbreak how many powers-of-entry cases did the Government lose?
      Mr. Morley: I think that there were four cases and the Government lost two, although I am not sure that all of them involved powers of entry—there was a range of issues. I can give my hon. Friend the details. In fact, in one case that we lost, the premises were subsequently found to be infected.
      Our proposals would speed the process and ensure that people have opportunities to make representations to the DVM. As I pointed out, the magistrate's obligation is only to grant a warrant when there is a reasonable case to do so. The intention of the amendment was to allow the farmer to ensure that his or her side of the story is taken into account by the magistrate.
      We cannot concede the idea of having a High Court-type hearing in front of a magistrate because it is impossible to move one legal procedure to a magistrates legal procedure, and there would be all sorts of difficulties relating to precedent. However, what we propose is that the information that the Department will make available to the magistrate must include a statement on whether any representation has been made by the occupier of the land or premises to an inspector about the purpose for which the warrant is sought. First, the magistrate will need to know whether an objection has been made. Secondly, there will be a summary of any such representation.
      Obviously, the Department will put its side of the case in the application and say why it seeks a warrant, but it will also provide a summary of the objections made by the occupier of the land or premises, so that the magistrate can consider both sides of the argument in deciding whether to grant the warrant. Those are the principal points that Opposition Members made, and I understand them, so I am trying to respond in a way that reflects not only the legal process, but the concerns that have been expressed.
      Andrew George (St. Ives): The Minister will understand that the primary reason why the amendment was tabled was to ensure that both sides of the story are fully presented to the magistrate. Can the hon. Gentleman assure the House that the summary will be a fair representation of what the farmer or landowner has put to the DVM? Will the farmer or landowner have an opportunity to inspect that summary before it is forwarded to the magistrate?
      Mr. Morley: Of course we will issue internal guidance on the details of the summary and the way that our Department, vets and DVM will proceed. Of course that internal guidance will be open to parliamentary scrutiny by asking parliamentary questions, and we have no reason to keep it secret.
      474
      The arrangements must not be too bureaucratic and complicated, but there is a legal obligation on any member of the Department to be truthful and honest in his or her submission when applying for a warrant. Therefore, there is a legal obligation on the Department to ensure that the principal points are fairly and accurately represented in relation to the submissions that the farmer, occupier or landowner may make to the DVM, so I give the hon. Gentleman that assurance. Of course, the work of the Department will be open to normal parliamentary scrutiny.
      I return to the fact that I accept the point, which has been made on several occasions, that trust is an issue. We understand that and want to ensure that there can be trust in relation to what the Department is doing. In the end, we want to control disease effectively, minimise the impact on the livestock sector and, if there is a disease outbreak, control it while keeping the number of animals culled to a minimum and causing minimum disruption to the livestock industry, the countryside and the rural economy. That is our priority. That is why we are developing the contingency arrangements and the animal health and welfare strategy, all of which will be public documents and open for consultation and scrutiny in the parliamentary process. We very much welcome such participation; it is part of the trust-building process.
      I acknowledge the constructive role of all parties and parliamentary spokespeople in both Houses in relation to the quite significant changes made during the proceedings on the Bill, and we have tried to acknowledge the genuine concerns and perfectly reasonable points that have been made by my hon. Friends and Opposition Members. That is reflected in relation to these amendments.
      I very much hope that the House will agree to the motion and accept the amendments in the spirit in which they are offered to complete the passage of the Bill.
      Mr. John Hayes: The Minister's gracious and generous approach is a healthy sign of the Government's recognition that the amendments made throughout the Bill's progress in the other place and the comments made in this Chamber were designed to be helpful. The amendments have been largely non-partisan, although they were of course pioneered principally by the Conservative party with help from Cross Benchers and the minor parties, including the Liberal Democrats. It is in that spirit that the Minister has come to the House with a helpful amendment to allow us to make progress.
      I shall, however, briefly rehearse why the matter is significant. I want to amplify the point acknowledged by the Minister, which is that warrants are important. Magistrates should make a balanced and reasonable judgment based on a full understanding on each side of the argument, so that the landowner or farmer knows that his case has been heard, and the magistrate can be confident that he has all the facts at his disposal before he issues a warrant. That is important because most of these warrants will result in the culling of healthy animals. Obviously, that will always be done for proper purposes, but we must remember that dramatic events will ensue from the process.

      475
      Warrants are important also because they are emblematic of the trust mentioned by the Minister. Yesterday I repeatedly made the point that the trust of farmers and the industry in the Government's approach to important matters of animal health will be fundamental if we are to put together an effective strategy for dealing with these events cohesively. That trust was damaged by the foot and mouth outbreak.
      I understand why the problems arose and I know that the circumstances were not easy, and one could make several points in mitigation, but trust was damaged. In that knowledge, we have to proceed with great caution, and in a spirit of generosity and co-operation, to rebuild the trust that predicates the right approach to dealing with any future such problems. Warrants are the salient issue, and the House of Lords has made such a great issue of warrants because they are at the apex of the concerns about trust, partnership and the rebuilding of relationships.
      The issue boils down to people's ability to make their case to magistrates. The Government have said that the method suggested by the Lords is not legally possible. I am not qualified to make a judgment about the law, so we must take the Minister's statement at face value. We have been presented with a solution that is reasonable, although not perfect—the House would hardly expect me to say that it is perfect.
      I am also reassured by the Minister's response to the intervention by the hon. Member for St. Ives (Andrew George), in which he said that representations would, of necessity, be made in a balanced and fair manner. That clearly answers many of the points made by Baroness Byford, who, with Lord Plumb and others, has played a remarkable role in framing so much of the important content of the Bill alongside—I will not say ahead of—those in the Government, who have also done their best. In those circumstances, it would be inappropriate for Conservative Members not to acknowledge that considerable movement and the splendid victory on the part of all Members on this side of the House, who have, by the force of their persuasive argument, encouraged the Minister to offer this generous settlement.
      Andrew George: Like the hon. Member for South Holland and The Deepings (Mr. Hayes), I appreciate the concession that the Minister has brought to the House, and the graciousness with which he has handled it. We have had a proper debate, which has resulted in effective scrutiny of the relevant clause of the Bill. Although the measure does not go as far as we would like, we have reached a satisfactory concessionary position, which at least takes us considerably further forward in respect of making sure that the two sides of the story are clearly and transparently presented to magistrates.
      Mr. Drew: May I pose one issue that worries me? If a warrant is issued, and, for whatever reason, the people concerned do not want the vaccination or cull, but a third party does want it, will they also be mentioned in the warrant, or will it be left to the divisional veterinary manager to take up their part?
      Andrew George: Perhaps the hon. Gentleman is directing his question through me to the Minister. I shall
      476
      happily act as a conduit on this occasion if he so wishes. If he is thinking of an example in which a landowner takes a particular view, but a tenant farmer takes a different view, that matter needs to be resolved. Perhaps the Minister will ponder on that before I conclude.
      The Minister was gracious in acknowledging—the hon. Member for South Holland and The Deepings was almost as gracious, although he did not properly reflect this fact—that the concession under discussion is the result of amendments tabled by Liberal Democrats in another place. My noble Friend Lord Greaves has been particularly assiduous in pursuing this matter to a rightful, better and more positive conclusion than might otherwise have been the case. Some issues still need to be clarified, however, and I shall quickly refer to four.
      First, farmers need to know about their right to appeal to the DVM. Will the Minister make it clear—because it is not clear in the Bill—that when the farmer or landowner is informed of the intention to seek a warrant, a right of appeal is available to them at that stage? At the same time, will the Minister also address the question of what other information and transparency this process will be afforded? In particular, will it be made clear to the farmer or landowner what time scale is available in which to respond to any suggested application for warrant? What procedure must they follow, and in what form do they make that appeal? Will he ensure, too, that the procedure is clear and transparent?
      Mr. Hayes: I do not want to prolong the debate or test the patience of the House by continuing too long. The hon. Gentleman may be mindful of the comments made by my hon. Friend the Member for Tiverton and Honiton (Mrs. Browning) last night, however, and it is important to point out that, in these circumstances, a landowner or farmer will often be in some difficulties. They may be trapped on their farm, and bewildered and confused by what they face. It is particularly important in those circumstances that clear and comprehensible information is made available to them, and that they are given every support in making their case as the Minister has described.
      Andrew George: The hon. Gentleman is right. I am sure that the Minister fully appreciates that much trauma and emotion is associated with the process. As throughout the Bill's passage, I know that he understands that clarity and transparency are essential, because farmers and landowners might not think quite as straight in such circumstances as they would do on other occasions. That is why they need to be helped through the process.
      4.30 pm
      Farmers must be clear about their rights, the time scale and the procedure to be used. The Minister dealt with my earlier question about whether the farmer would be assured that the summary statement made to the magistrate would be a fair reflection of the message that the farmer intended to send. Therefore, on the basis of the Minister's clear and reassuring response to questions, I again make it clear that we think this is a

      477
      helpful concession that goes some way to addressing the genuine concerns that were properly articulated in yesterday's debate and in the debates in another place.
      Mr. Richard Bacon: Following the comments of my hon. Friend the Member for South Holland and The Deepings (Mr. Hayes), far be it from me to be anything other than gracious. However, I want to consider two or three points briefly.
      The Minister said that Conservative Members appear to be obsessed with culling. That is not the case. We all recognise that the Bill is about many different issues. However, I merely point out that part 1 is entitled "Slaughter", so the issue is at the heart of the Bill. Therefore, it is not unreasonable to want to discuss that point in relation to the powers of entry, the misuse of which caused so much concern to farmers.
      My second point is about whether the warrants would entail a novel legal principle. A moment ago, I was reading Hansard and the Minister's response to my second intervention when I said that it would surely be possible to distinguish between different kinds of warrants issued for different purposes. His only answer was:
      "I am not a legal expert".—[Official Report, 6 November 2002; Vol. 392, c. 384.]
      Therefore, everything will depend on the quality of the legal advice that he receives from his departmental lawyers.
      Mr. Morley: It is first class.
      Mr. Bacon: I am sure that it is first class, but the Ministry went around merrily slaughtering perfectly healthy animals without either a legal or scientific basis for doing so until the case of MAFF v. Upton. At that point, the court had the full scientific information before it and MAFF stopped doing what it was doing and did not contest the action any further. That suggested that it had been wrong all along. The Minister did not address that point yesterday.
      That brings me to my next point. The Minister is determined to avoid the creation of novel legal principles, but the creation of a situation in which the Government go into a magistrates court and effectively bat for both sides—they make the case for a warrant while carrying statements from the farmer saying why there should not be a warrant—will be nothing other than a novel legal principle. The Government will bat for both sides, but the farmer will not be allowed to act in his own interest or have a solicitor acting for him. That seems to be a novel principle.
      However, it would be wrong to be graceless. My hon. Friend the Member for South Holland and The Deepings assures me that we have achieved a valuable victory, and if he is right, that can be due only to the work of the fine and noble Baroness Byford who is probably the heroine of the hour.
      Mr. Morley: I am grateful for the comments of hon. Members. On the question raised by the hon. Member for South Norfolk (Mr. Bacon), the important point about the warrants is the procedure under which they will be issued. The magistrate must consider whether the request is reasonable, whoever applies for a warrant,
      478
      and must also take account of why someone should want to resist a warrant. We are going a little further by providing information to the magistrate, who has an obligation to take into account all the arguments when making the decision.
      In response to the hon. Member for South Holland and The Deepings (Mr. Hayes), I very much hope that applying for a warrant will be an act of last resort—that it will not be common, a standard procedure or something that we would want in the normal course of any disease-control strategy. Sadly, as with a range of issues and not only those relating to disease control, there will always be times when we might need such a power, especially in disease control when facing a national emergency. We accept that this is a major issue, which is why the power should be used only as a last resort. It is important that we engage stakeholders in considering disease control and management in a way that minimises any need for such a measure. That is the Government's declared objective.
      Bob Spink: Will the Minister clarify whether the magistrate would if he thought it necessary be able to offer a hearing to the farmer or tenant farmer against whom the warrant had been issued?
      Mr. Morley: That was the intention of the original Lords amendment, but as a Government we cannot concede that. All our legal advice suggests that it would be unprecedented to allow, in effect, a court hearing in front of a magistrate. As we debated yesterday, if that concession were made, we would have to allow the individual time to find a solicitor to seek legal advice or secure legal aid. The time taken would expand and the situation would become so complex that it would negate the idea of moving quickly. I am trying to retain the facility to move quickly on disease control in an emergency while respecting people's right to put an alternative point of view. The procedure will be to make representations to the DVM, who can decide to support them. The next step would he to apply for a warrant—now with the guarantee of a written submission on the other side of the argument.
      It is true that when the Prime Minister met Cumbrian farmers during the last epidemic, they told him not that there was too much slaughter but that there was not enough and that culling needed to be speeded up. For whatever reason, people might argue that animals should be culled—I assume that that is the point that my hon. Friend the Member for Stroud (Mr. Drew) was making—but the decision whether to do so must be taken only on veterinary grounds, and that depends on the veterinary and scientific advice at the time.
      We want to support alternative approaches as part of engaging the industry and relevant stakeholders in future contingency plans for a range of diseases, and in the longer term strategy on animal health and welfare. That is all part of building confidence and trust and involving the industry—giving it a say in the strategies and helping it to understand the reasons and arguments behind them. That must be a priority. I very much hope that the measures in the Bill will be of last resort.
      Mr. Roger Williams: Does the Minister agree that it is essential that magistrates receive training in the exercise of these powers and

      479
      duties? Although we all hope that the need to use them would never arise, if it did, there would be no time to instruct them on their nature.
      Mr. Morley: Magistrates already receive training, and part of it is to take into account reasonableness.
      The hon. Member for St. Ives (Andrew George) raised an important point about how farmers and landowners would become aware of the procedures. I reassure him that one of the changes that we have introduced as part of the lessons learned is that, should there be a decision to cull, the first thing that will be done is to send a note to the farmers concerned informing them of that fact and why the decision had been taken. We can include information on such procedures in those notes, so that they will be aware of their rights.
      The whole idea of the slaughter note, which is part of the slaughter protocol, is to explain why a measure is being applied. The need to explain in certain circumstances why culling may be necessary is an improvement and marks a step forward in communication. Even with the greater prominence of vaccination, which I welcome, we have to accept that it is likely that culling will be used for different reasons, depending on the epidemic and the advice given. We need to understand that.
      I thank my colleague, Lord Whitty, and my parliamentary colleagues for their contributions. I also thank my officials for their hard work. They have been very much involved in the Bill. I am also grateful for the guidance from the Chair on procedural matters.
      The Bill is not about looking back. I hope that its measures allow us to look forward to future disease control strategies, which I have no doubt will be very different from earlier strategies. There will be greater involvement in the process. There are new opportunities, new technologies, new methods of working, improved communications and better contingency arrangements for a range of risks that threaten the livestock industry. I hope that the Bill is seen not as a threat to the industry, but as part of a range of measures designed to engage it, to give people a say and, above all, to ensure that we have a first-class livestock industry equipped to deal with the various threats that it faces from a variety of sources.
      Question put and agreed to.
      Government amendments in lieu of subsequent Lords amendments agreed to.
      4.43 pm
      Sitting suspended, pursuant to order [29 October].
      6.30 pm
      On resuming—
      Message to attend the Lords Commissioners:
      The House went; and, having returned:

  Royal Assent
  6.58 pm
  Mr. Speaker: I have to acquaint the House that the House has been to the House of Peers, where a Commission under the Great Seal was read, authorising the Royal Assent to the following Acts:

  Copyright (Visually Impaired Persons) Act 2002

  Employee Share Schemes Act 2002

  Public Trustee (Liability and Fees) Act 2002

  Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act 2002

  Private Hire Vehicles (Carriage of Guide Dogs etc.) Act 2002

  Adoption and Children Act 2002

  Commonwealth Act 2002

  Enterprise Act 2002

  Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002

  Animal Health Act 2002

  HSBC Investment Banking Act 2002

  Barclays Group Reorganisation Act 2002

  Milford Haven Port Authority Act 2002

  City of London (Ward Elections) Act 2002

  Prorogation

    Her Majesty's Most Gracious Speech
    Mr. Speaker: I have further to acquaint the House that the Lord High Chancellor, one of the Lord Commissioners, delivered Her Majesty's Most Gracious Speech to both Houses of Parliament, in pursuance of Her Majesty's Command. For greater accuracy, I have obtained a copy and also directed that the terms of the speech be printed in the Journal of the House. Copies are being made available in the Vote Office.
    The Gracious Speech was as follows:

    My Lords and Members of the House of Commons
    My Government has taken action in support of economic stability and sound public finances, and has continued to increase investment in public services and tackle child poverty.
    Education is my Government's top priority. An Act has been passed to promote diversity, choice, innovation and higher standards in schools. The Act provides new opportunities for school partnerships, improved support for teachers, more options for tackling weak and failing schools and greater freedom for successful headteachers and governors.
    Legislation has been passed to reform health services and strengthen regulation of the health professions.
    An Act has been passed to increase powers against money laundering, establish a Criminal Assets Recovery Agency and make it easier to recover the proceeds of crime and drugs.
    Legislation has been passed to modernise and reform the police service and to establish a new complaints system.
    Legislation has been passed to reform and streamline the system for dealing with immigration and applications for asylum.
    Legislation has been passed to reform employment dispute resolution procedures and to introduce new employment rights, including measures to balance work and parental life.
    Legislation was also passed which introduced a new system of tax credits and a new pension credit for pensioners.
    An Act was passed to improve productivity and enterprise through reform of the competition, insolvency and consumer protection regimes.
    Draft legislation has been brought forward on a number of matters including on Communications, Local Government and Extradition.

    Members of the House of Commons
    I thank you for the provision you have made for the work and dignity of the Crown and for the public service.

    My Lords and Members of the House of Commons
    In Northern Ireland, my Government continued to work closely with the political parties and the Irish Government to secure the full implementation of the Belfast Agreement.
    Acts have been passed to maintain the arrangements on decommissioning and to reform the criminal justice system, both part of the Belfast Agreement. Provision has been made for new measures to combat electoral fraud in Northern Ireland.
    My Government has continued to co-operate with the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in the interests of all of the people of the United Kingdom. A White Paper was published outlining proposals for devolution to the English regions.
    My Government invited Parliament to set up a joint committee of both Houses to enable Parliament to reach a view on the second phase of House of Lords reform. Legislation was passed to allow political parties to make positive moves to increase the representation of women in public life.
    An Act was passed to reform the system of land registration. Legislation was also passed reforming residential leasehold law and improving leaseholders' rights and to create commonhold.
    My Government brought forward legislation to make the age of entitlement for concessionary fares the same for men as it is for women.
    An Act has been passed to reform adoption law to make children's welfare paramount, encourage more adoption and strengthen regulation of overseas adoptions.
    Other important measures have been enacted.

    My Lords and Members of the House of Commons
    The Duke of Edinburgh and I were pleased to receive the state visit of the King and Queen of Jordan last November.
    We recall with pleasure our visits to Jamaica and New Zealand in February and our subsequent visit to Australia on the occasion of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. The Duke of Edinburgh and I were also delighted to pay a visit to Canada in October.
    Following the shocking events of 11 September, my Government has taken decisive action to help combat terrorism around the world and support the reconstruction of Afghanistan.
    My Government has continued to play a leading role in efforts to improve the competitiveness of Europe's economies and bring the European Union closer to its people. Legislation has been enacted enabling the United Kingdom to ratify the Treaty of Nice and implement decisions on the Union's future funding.
    My Government has played a key role in agreeing a timetable for enlargement of the European Union and in identifying practical ways to strengthen the Union's foreign and security policy, particularly its support for peace building in the Balkans.
    My Government has worked to strengthen NATO, equip it for the challenges of the future and develop its growing partnership with Russia.
    My Government has worked for a more effective global effort to reduce poverty, including initiatives on debt relief and HIV/AIDS, and has enacted legislation to strengthen the poverty focus to Britain's development work.
    My Government ratified the Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change along with other EU partners, as well as the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
    In the United Nations, the Commonwealth and other fora my Government has been active in promoting human rights and tackling the causes of conflict, including support for UN efforts in newly independent East Timor.
    My Government enacted legislation to grant British citizenship to British Overseas Territories citizens in qualifying territories.

    My Lords and Members of the House of Commons
    I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may attend you.
    A Commission was also read for proroguing this present Parliament, and the Lord Chancellor said:
    "My Lords and Members of the House of Commons: by virtue of Her Majesty's Commission which has now been read, we do, in Her Majesty's name, and in obedience to Her Majesty's Commands, prorogue this Parliament to Wednesday the thirteenth day of this instant November, to be then here holden, and this Parliament is accordingly prorogued to Wednesday the thirteenth day of this instant November."
    End of the First Session (opened on 13 June 2001) of the Fifty-Third Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, in the Fifty-First Year of the Reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second.

CABINET OFFICE

  Correspondence
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office when he will reply to the hon. Member for New Forest West's letter of 24 September regarding Mr. Douglas Alexander [80218]

  Mr. Alexander
  My officials wrote to the hon. Member on the 7 October 2002, explaining that the subject matter raised was better suited to the Department for Works and Pensions and had been transferred. I understand that they will be responding shortly.

  Public Consultations
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what public consultations have been commenced by his Department in each month since 10 July; and what the(a) start date, (b) closing date and (c) website address of each were. [80263]

  Mr. Alexander
  The information for formal national public written consultations by the Cabinet Office is as follows:In the Service of Democracy: a consultation paper on a policy for electronic democracy

  (a) 16 July 2002

  (b) 31 October 2002

  www.edemocracy.gov.uk
  Better Policy Making and Regulatory Impact Assessment: Consultation on draft guidance for policy makers

  (a) 2 August 2002

  (b) 25th October 2002

  www.cabinet-office.gov uk/regulation/scrutiny/consultation.htm
  Private Action, Public Benefit: A review of charities and the wider not for profit sector—a consultation

  (a) 25 September 2002

  (b) 31 December 2002

  www.strategy.gov.uk/consultation/consultation.shtml
  National Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy—A Consultation Document

  (a) 15 October 2002

  (a) 15 January 2003 and website address:

  www.strategy.gov.uk/consultation/consultation.shtml

PRIME MINISTER

  Honours Scrutiny Committee
  Ms Bridget Prentice
  To ask the Prime Minister, what the responsibilities are of the Honours Scrutiny Committee. [80386]
  452W
  The Prime Minister
  The membership of the Honours Scrutiny Committee and its responsibilities are set out in an Order of Council dated 18 October 2002. I am placing copies of the Order in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Royal Prerogative
  Mr. Graham Allen
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his Answer of 17 October,Official Report, column 78W, on royal prerogative, if he will make a fuller statement of the reasons for his statement that the House is already given the opportunity to debate such decisions. [78884]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer the hon. Member to the statement I gave to the House on Tuesday 24 September,Official Report, column 7.

  Prime Ministerial Visits
  Norman Baker
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the towns in the UK he has visited in his official capacity during this Parliament. [79025]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 6 November 2002]: Records of my official visits are not categorised in this way. My visits cover a range of matters including health, education, and tourism. I also travel regularly to my constituency.

  I travel making the most efficient and cost-effective arrangements. My travel arrangements are in accordance with the arrangements for official travel set out in chapter 7 of the Ministerial Code, and the accompanying guidance document, Travel by Ministers.

  My Office's records show that I have undertaken the following visits in the UK since June 2001:

  Date

  Destination

  22 June 2001

  Newton Aycliffe

  26–27 July

  Carlisle

  Penrith

  Keswick

  Hull

  1–2 September

  Edinburgh

  Aberdeen

  7–8 September

  Hartlepool

  11 September

  Brighton

  2 October

  Brighton

  30 October

  Bristol

  Cardiff

  5 November

  Birmingham

  22–23 Nov

  Birmingham

  Redcar

  27 November

  London

  3 December

  London

  6 December

  London

  6 December

  Reading

  10 December

  Hockley

  20–21 December

  Sunderland

  24 January 2002

  Darlington, Newcastle, Newton

  Aycliffe

  12 February

  London

  20 February

  London

  21–22 February

  Newcastle

  Wallsend

  Durham

  Dundee

  453W

  Date

  Destination

  21–22 March

  Manchester

  Bolton

  25 March

  London

  11–12 April

  Newton Aycliffe

  Darlington

  18 April

  London

  2 May

  Belfast

  7 May

  Glasgow

  9 May

  London

  23 May

  Brentford

  30 May

  Norwich

  Shotley

  Ipswich

  1–3 June

  Durham

  10 June

  Streatham

  20 June

  Glasgow

  4 July

  Belfast

  12 July

  Middlesborough

  Thornley

  Easington

  25–27 July

  Oldham

  Manchester

  Durham

  Billingham, Stockton

  1–4 August

  Wigton

  Whitehaven, Manchester

  30 August

  London

  3 September

  Sedgefield

  8 September

  Balmoral

  9–10 September

  Preston

  Blackpool

  18 September

  London

  28 September–3 October

  Beswick

  Blackpool

  14 October

  London

  17 October

  Belfast

  18 October

  Durham

  Newton Aycliffe

  Darlington

  24 October

  Nottingham

  31 October

  London

  European Council
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Prime Minister what discussions he has had with the German Chancellor on proposals for reform of the European Council; and whether it is his policy to pursue a joint position on these matters. [80043]

  The Prime Minister
  I wrote a joint letter with Chancellor Schröder in February on proposals for Council reform. These ideas were taken forward in the agreement reached at the Seville European Council.

  We are now further developing these ideas with all our European partners.

  India
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on his recent meeting at Chequers with the Prime Minister of India; and when he next plans to visit India. [79930]

  The Prime Minister
  I met the Indian Prime Minister on 12 October 2002. We had a wide-ranging discussion of international and bilateral issues. I stressed the importance of the bilateral relationship and welcomed the progress made on implementing the New Delhi Declaration signed during my visit to India in January 454W
  this year. I also reiterated the UK's support for India's permanent membership of the UN Security Council. I congratulated Mr. Vajpayee on the successful Jammu and Kashmir elections. We discussed next steps in the region. I also raised the consular cases of Ian Stillman, Peter Bleach and the British citizens killed in Gujarat earlier this year.

  I also refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent (Llew Smith) on 28 October 2002, Official Report, column 604W.

  I currently have no plans to visit India.

  London Mayor
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Prime Minister when he last met the Mayor of London in an official capacity. [79926]

  The Prime Minister
  I have meetings with a wide range of organisations and individuals, including the Mayor of London. As with previous Administrations it is not my practice to provide details of all such meetings, under exemption 2 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  European Convention on the Future of Europe
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the European Convention on the Future of Europe. [79929]

  The Prime Minister
  The convention is making good progress. President Valery Giscard d'Estaing's outline constitutional treaty, published last week, provides a useful framework for the next stage in the discussions. The convention is expected to conclude in June 2003.

  Swaminarayan Hindu Mission
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Prime Minister what representations he has received from the Swaminarayan Hindu Mission concerning their dispute with Brent Council. [80053]

  The Prime Minister
  As far as I am aware I have received two letters from the Swaminarayan Hindu Mission on this issue.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Prime Minister how many(a) Parliamentary Questions and (b) letters to him from hon. Members in this session remain unanswered, broken down by those which are (i) one month old, (ii) two months old, (iii) three months old, (iv) four months old and (v) over six months old. [79948]

  The Prime Minister
  No parliamentary questions remain unanswered.

  Since June 2001 I have received approximately 3,638 letters from Members of Parliament including invitations and requests concerning constituency matters which were dealt with as appropriate.

  I have received about 800,000 items of post since June 2001, and my office has worked hard to deal with them as efficiently as possible.

  Missile Defence Programme
  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Prime Minister what discussions took place during his most recent meeting with President Bush about the United Nations national missile defence programme; what agreements were reached; and if he will make a statement. [79653]

  The Prime Minister
  President Bush and I did not discuss missile defence when we met on 7 September. It remains the case that there has been no formal US request for the use of UK facilities for missile defence purposes. If a request is received, the Government will consider it. But the Government would only agree to the use of UK facilities if satisfied that the overall security of the UK and NATO would be enhanced.

  House of Lords Appointment Commission
  Mr. Grieve
  To ask the Prime Minister what consideration the House of Lords Appointment Commission has been asked to give to increasing the representation of Sikhs in the House of Lords. [80368]

  The Prime Minister
  The criteria for assessing nominations for the House of Lords are set by the House of Lords Appointment Commission. These include outstanding records of personal success and achievement in their own chosen fields; independence and integrity; commitment to the highest standards of public life and the ability to contribute effectively to the work of the House of Lords. While the Appointment Commission has not been asked to consider increasing the representation of any faith group, clearly individuals from the different faith groups who meet the criteria will be considered in the usual way.

  Sikh Community
  Mr. Grieve
  To ask the Prime Minister, which Government Departments have put in place mechanisms to monitor the provision of public services to the British Sikh community. [80371]

  The Prime Minister
  As I have indicated in reply to earlier questions, as part of the Government's commitment to diversity a number of Departments employ diversity and equality advisers. These liaise with various communities on policy, operational and employment matters. Some of these, for example in the Department for Work and Pensions and the Ministry of Defence, focus specifically on issues relevant to the Sikh community.

  The Government are committed to the provision of public services for all. Areas of specific concern to the Sikh community can be raised in a range of fora, including Race Equality Councils and with the appropriate Minister.

  Ministerial Assessment
  David Winnick
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the procedures under which he receives reports from civil servants on the performance of junior ministers. [79904]

  The Prime Minister
  Section 1 of the Ministerial Code sets out the procedures relating to the accountability of Ministers. Civil servants do not provide me with
  456W
  performance reports on junior Ministers although there is provision for issues to be raised with me through the Cabinet Secretary.

TRANSPORT

  Aviation Fuel
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 22 October 2002,Official Report, column 158W, on aviation fuel, if he will estimate the total United Kingdom air passenger demand in 2030 if agreement is reached in ICAO to impose an international tax on aviation fuel equivalent to the current rate of duty on unleaded petrol and to impose a sales tax of 17.5 per cent on all airline tickets. [78548]

  Mr. Jamieson
  [holding answer 31 October 2002]: Imposing a tax on aviation equivalent to the current rate of duty on unleaded fuel in the UK has not been considered in ICAO and the Government has given an undertaking not to remove existing zero rating for VAT purposes of air transport. Imposing such tax increases on aviation would go well beyond what is justified on the basis of evidence of its environmental costs.

  Cliffe Airport
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport for what reason residents of South Essex with homes falling under the Cliffe Airport 5th runway, were not consulted on the Cliffe Airway proposal. [78590]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Government are consulting very widely across the UK on the future of air transport.

  The consultation documents published in July are available to everyone at no cost. They can be found on a special website, www.airconsult.gov.uk, or by contacting our distribution centre either by writing to DfT Free Literature, PO Box No 236, Wetherby LS23 7NB or by telephoning 0845 100 5554. In addition, my department sent complementary copies of the summary consultation papers to those local residents who would be most directly affected by any of the possible options.

  We want to receive as many responses as possible from the public. We will take all views into account before any decisions are taken and announced in the air transport White Paper next year.

  The White Paper will set out a framework for proposed airport development. Before any development could proceed it would be subject to the land use planning system and all interested parties would have a further opportunity to represent their views as part of that process.

  Car Sharing
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions he has had with agencies of Local Agenda 21 on the subject of car sharing. [79336]
  457W
  Mr. Jamieson
  [holding answer 5 November 2002]: The review of the UK Sustainable Development Strategy, which involves Departments across Whitehall, will include consultation with key stakeholders including Agenda 21 groups.

  Potters Bar Rail Accident
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what progress has been made in addressing the findings and recommendations of the Health and Safety Executive concerning the Potters Bar derailment; what steps have been taken in respect of nuts on the adjustable stretcher bars of points in the Potters Bar area; and if he will make a statement. [79918]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The progress report published by the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE's) Potters Bar Investigation Board on 4 July 2002 made a number of recommendations to improve the safety of railway points on Railtrack (now Network Rail), its maintenance contractors and HSE's HM Railway Inspectorate (HMRI).

  The Investigation Board was informed by Railtrack of measures it was taking to improve safety, including the provision of guidance on good practice for safely setting up and maintaining adjustable stretcher bars.

  Network Rail has also promised to complete by next month an in-depth design review of railway points using adjustable stretcher bars as recommended by the Investigation Board. It has also given a commitment to lead a workshop with its contractors to promote a determined and consistent approach to progressing the Investigation Board's recommendations.

  The Investigation Board has considered the initial responses from Railtrack and its contractors and will consider the more detailed responses once Network Rail has completed the in-depth design review.

  HMRI inspectors will be carrying out further spot checks on a sample of points as a follow-up exercise to the one carried out in June.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when he expects to receive the next interim report from the Health and Safety Executive on the Potters Bar rail accident. [79472]

  Mr. Jamieson
  [holding answer 5 November 2002]: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have advised that, subject to the completion of all necessary technical inquiries, the Potters Bar Investigation Board expects to publish its next progress report in the first quarter of 2003. However, consistent with its published terms of reference, the Board will consider putting into the public domain beforehand any information it judges to be in the interests of furthering the cause of improved rail safety. The Board meets regularly and reviews this question very carefully.

  Air Transport
  Tom Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many copies of the(a) main document and (b) summary of the (i) National and (ii) regional consultation documents on Future Development of Air
  458W
  Transport in the United Kingdom have been issued in hard copy as a result of each exhibition which has taken place to promote the consultation. [78810]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Department has issued to date, in total, around 111,000 copies of the main consultation documents and 156,000 copies of the summary documents for the seven areas of the UK. These figures include the documents distributed at the exhibitions across the country. We do not have a breakdown for the number of documents issued at individual exhibitions.

  Tom Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the cost to his Department has been of(a) the exhibitions promoting the consultation documents on the Future Development of Air Transport in the United Kingdom and (b) the printing costs relating to the publication of the consultation documents. [78811]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The cost of the exhibitions which have taken place at the major airport sites across the UK during the consultation period is around £1.1 million to date. The programme of exhibitions is not yet complete, due to high public demand. The printing costs relating to the publication of the consultation documents are around £480,000.

  Tom Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many responses had been received by 28 October in response to(a) the consultation document, Future Development of Air Transport in the United Kingdom: A National Consultation (b) each of the regional consultation documents on the Future Development of Air Transport in the United Kingdom, for each region (i) in total and (ii) for each region. [78812]

  Mr. Jamieson
  To date we have received over 7000 responses to the NOP questionnaire and over 23,000 letters in total across the UK. This is set out by region in the table.

  Region

  NOP Responses

  Letters received

  Scotland

  464

  29

  South East

  3949

  8700

  Midlands

  1786

  15000

  North of England

  983

  39

  South West

  546

  24

  Wales

  29

  7

  Northern Ireland

  51

  8

  Total

  7808

  23801

  Tom Blake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many copies of the(a) main document and (b) summary of the consultation documents (i) Future Development of Air Transport in the United Kingdom: A National Consultation, (ii) Future Development of Air Transport in the United Kingdom: North of England, (iii) Future Development of Air Transport in the United Kingdom: South West, (iv) Future Development of Air Transport in the United Kingdom: Midlands, (v) Future Development of Air Transport in the United Kingdom: Wales and (vi) Future Development of Air Transport in the United Kingdom: South East have been (A) issued in hard copy and (B) downloaded from the website. [78813]
  459W
  Mr. Jamieson
  We have so far distributed around 105,750 main consultation documents and 145,700 summary consultation documents. The figures by region for distribution and website downloads are shown in the table.

  Region

  Hard copy

  Website downloads

  Main

  Summary

  Main

  Summary

  North of England

  11,500

  27,500

  11,000

  5,800

  South West

  5,150

  13,700

  7,100

  7,000

  Midlands

  33,400

  42,600

  31,100

  25,300

  Wales

  4,000

  5,200

  2,000

  1,500

  South East

  47,600

  48,000

  54,500

  56,600

  Northern Ireland

  4,100

  8,700

  2,400

  1,700

  Total

  105,750

  145,700

  108,100

  97,900

  Dual-use Pathogens
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what mechanisms there are to allow the Government to monitor, regulate and ensure the security of the transport of dual-use pathogens(a) within the UK, (b) within the EU and (c) from the UK to third countries. [79197]

  Mr. Spellar
  The land transport of infectious substances within Great Britain is regulated by the Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail Regulations 1996 (SI 1996 No 2089) (as amended), the Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road Regulations 1996 (SI 1996 No 2095) (as amended) and the Carriage of Dangerous Goods (Classification, Packaging and Labelling) and Use of Transportable Pressure Receptacles Regulations 1996 (SI 1996 No 2092) (as amended). These regulations are made under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and enforced by the Health and Safety Executive, with support from the police and the Vehicle Inspectorate. Mirror arrangements apply in Northern Ireland. Council Directives 96/49/EC (for rail transport) and 94/55/EC (for road transport) apply to transport between EU Member States, respectively, the provisions of the RID and ADR Agreements governing the international transport of dangerous goods, including infectious substances. Transport between the UK and third countries who are contracting parties to RID or ADR is governed by the detailed requirements set out in those Agreements. The Agreements are reviewed biennially in response to technical progress. Similar provisions apply in air and sea transport through application of the ICAO Technical Instructions and the IMO IMDG Code respectively.

  The United Kingdom is at the forefront of an international initiative to draft provisions to enhance the security of dangerous goods in transport, which will apply particularly to the more dangerous infectious substances. We hope that by the end of the year we will see these provisions adopted in the UN's global multi-modal Model Regulations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods and by the European Commission, and included in due course in the provisions of the aforementioned Directives.

  Congestion Charging
  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what information is collated by his 460W
  Department on average traffic speed in central London between 07.00 and 18.30 in each of the past five years: and what estimates he plans to make on the impact of congestion charging from February 2003. [79637]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Surveys of average traffic speeds were carried out in London until the year 2000 by the Department for Transport. Central, Inner and Outer London were surveyed in turn, and Central London was covered in 1997 and 2000. Figures are not held specifically for the period 07:00 to 18:30. However, in Central London the average morning peak (07:45 to 09:15) speed during 1997 was 10.0 mph and in 2000 it was 9.9 mph.

  Since 3 July 2000, Transport for London have taken over responsibility for running the London speed surveys, as well as estimating the impact of congestion charging on traffic speeds in London from February 2003.

  Matlock-Buxton Railway Line
  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to re-open the railway line from Matlock to Buxton; and if he will make a statement. [79632]

  Mr. Jamieson
  A feasibility study, funded by Derbyshire County Council, the East Midlands Development Agency, the Countryside Agency and the Strategic Rail Authority, is currently considering the potential for re-opening the line. No decisions have yet been made.

  Bletchley-Bicester Railway Line
  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to bring into use the railway line from Bletchley to Bicester; and if he will make a statement. [79631]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The East-West Consortium has submitted a Rail Passenger Partnership bid to the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) for the re-opening of this section of line. The SRA is currently evaluating this bid and anticipates that a decision will be made shortly.

  Cycling (London)
  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimates he has made of the(a) number of regular cyclists and (b) number of cycle miles travelled in Greater London in each year since 1997. [79633]

  Mr. Jamieson
  In our National Travel Survey over the period 1999–2001, about 10 per cent. (700,000) residents of Greater London said they cycled at least once a week and about a further 7 per cent. (500,000) said they cycled at least once a month. Figures are not available for single years.

  Estimates for pedal cycle traffic in London for the years 1999 to 2001 are estimated to be 340, 320 and 320 million vehicle kilometres respectively. Estimates for 1997 and 1998 will be available by mid-2003.

  Rail Franchises
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what plans he has to change the number of trains operating companies in the South West; [80313]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the status of the Wessex franchise, with particular reference to its interaction with the Great Western franchise; [80311]

  (3) what discussions he has had with members of the South Western Assembly on the subject of (a) the Wessex franchise and (b) the Great Western franchise. [80312]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) announced on 6 November its intention to create a new Greater Western rail franchise by no later than 2006. The new franchise will combine the current Great Western Trains, Thames Trains and Wessex Trains franchises into a single franchise. This decision follows extensive consultation with key stakeholders including the South Western Assembly. The SRA also announced a way forward to 2007 for the South West Trains franchise.

  Central Railways
  Mr. Malins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to(a) complete and (b) publish his response to the Central Railways proposed freight line. [79823]

  Mr. Jamieson
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 23 October 2002,Official Report, column 304W, to the hon. Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs. Gillan).

  Better Public Buildings Initiative
  Ms Shipley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will name the projects the departmental design champion has sponsored as part of the Better Public Buildings initiative; and if he will make a statement on the extent of his personal input in respect of each. [80334]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The sponsored projects are the New Government Building, Leeds and the Highways Agency's Stonehenge Improvement Project.

  Motorway Accidents
  Helen Southworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what data is collated by his Department on the incidence of motorway traffic accidents involving left-hand drive heavy goods vehicles; and what proportion of accidents involved the vehicle changing lanes. [80210]

  Mr. Jamieson
  This information is not available.

  Helen Southworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will commission research on safety aspects of the use of left-hand drive heavy goods vehicles on motorways, with particular reference to resolving problems resulting from their blind spots. [80209]

  Mr. Jamieson
  UK research into heavy goods vehicle visibility was used in preparing an amendment to the EU Directive on Rear View Mirrors. This will require new heavy goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes registered 462W
  within the EU to be fitted with a "close proximity" blind spot mirror on the passenger side. We believe that this will go a long way towards addressing safety concerns over blind spots with left-hand-drive HGVs operating on UK roads.

  Uckfield Railway Line
  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will place in the Library a copy of the B003 Allen Report on the electrification of the Uckfield line through Edenbridge. [79910]

  Mr. Spellar
  A summary of this report has been placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, on how many occasions between 31 March 2001 and 31 March 2002(a) departmental and (b) non-departmental special advisers have travelled abroad in an official capacity; what places were visited; and how much each visit cost. [80360]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Department for Transport was only set up on 29 May 2002.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for ransport, how many(a) parliamentary questions and (b) letters to him from hon. Members in this Session remain unanswered, broken down by those which are (i) one month old, (ii) two months old, (iii) three months old, (iv) four months old and (v) over six months old. [79946]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The information provided is in respect of the period since the formation of my Department on 29 May 2002.

  No parliamentary questions remain unanswered.

  The Cabinet Office publishes a report to Parliament on an annual basis, setting out the volume of Members' correspondence received by Departments. The Report for 2001 was published on 24 May 2002, Official Report, column 677W. Copies of previous reports are available in the Library of the House.

  At 6 November 2002, my Department had received 3,649 letters from hon. Members, of which 23 remain unanswered after one month from date of receipt, where (i) 12 were between 1 and 2 months old from the date of receipt and (ii) 11 were between 2 and 3 months old from the date of receipt.

  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what public consultations have been commenced by his Department in each month since 20 July; and what the(a) start date, (b) closing date and (c) website address of each were. [80276]

  Mr. Jamieson
  A list of the public consultations by the Department since 20 July 2002 is listed below, including the closing dates for responses and the website address of each document. The list is based on central records and reflects the public consultations undertaken within the areas for which the Department is currently responsible.
  463W

  Subject

  Title

  Start date

  Closing date

  Web site

  Aviation

  The Future Development of Air Transport in the United Kingdom: A National Consultation

  23 July 02

  30 Nov 02

  http://www.aviation.dft.gov.uk/consult/airconsult/index.htm.

  Aviation

  Proposals for implementing European Directive 2002/30/EC on rules and procedures for introducing noise-related operating restrictions at Community airports

  31 July 02

  31 Oct 02

  http://www.aviation.dft.gov.uk/consult/noise/index.htm.

  Railways

  Creating a regulatory board for railways

  2 Oct 02

  6 Nov 02

  http://www.railways.dft.gov.uk/consult/regboard/index.htm.

  Road, Vehicles and Road Safety

  Restructuring and increase in fees for PSV international operations

  29 Oct 02

  10 Jan 03

  http://www.roads.dft.gov.uk/consult/psv/index.htm.

  Road, Vehicles and Road Safety

  Mobile Phones and Driving—Proposal for an offence of using a handheld mobile phone while driving

  20 Aug 02

  25 Nov 02

  http://www.roads.dft.gov.uk/consult/mobiles/index.htm.

  Road, Vehicles and Road Safety

  Retreaded and Part Worn Tyres Proposed Amendment to the Motor Vehicle Tyres (Safety) Regulations 1994

  23 Aug 02

  25 Nov 02

  http://www.roads.dft.gov.uk/consult/retreaded/index.htm.

  Road, Vehicles and Road Safety

  Amendment to the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 to permit the use of longer buses in the UK in accordance with EC Directive 2002/7/EC

  23 Aug 02

  15 Nov 02

  http://www.roads.dft.gov.uk/vehicle/ria/road/vehicles/index.htm.

  Local Transport

  Bus Lane Enforcement—Public Consultation on the Proposed Bus Lane Contraventions

  24 July 02

  6 Sept 02

  http://www.local-transport.dft.gov.uk/consult/buslanes/index.htm.

  Local Transport

  The Flexible Future A consultative paper on changes to local bus service registration and bus service operators grant requirements to allow more flexibly routed services

  9 Aug 02

  1 Nov 02

  http://www.local-transport.dft.gov.uk/consult/flexibus/index.htm.

  Local Transport

  Review of Bus Subsidies: consultation Paper

  6 Aug 02

  25 Oct 02

  http://www.local-transport.dft.gov.uk/consult/busubsid/index.htm

  Street Work

  Diversionary Works Code Consultation

  25 July 02

  18 October

  http://www.street-works.dft.gov.uk/consult/divworks/index.htm.

DEFENCE

  Nato Deployments
  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what UK facilities have been made available to NATO forces for out of area activities during the past year. [79646]

  Mr. Hoon
  No United Kingdom facilities have been made available to NATO forces for out of area activities during the past year.

  Nuclear Tests
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of pensions offered to service personnel of other states who participated in UK nuclear tests. [80287]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of financial support from the New Zealand Government for the nuclear test veterans of that country to support research into the health impact of UK nuclear tests. [80286]
  464W
  Mr. Ingram
  The Ministry of Defence has made no assessment of financial support provided by the New Zealand Government to New Zealand test veterans to support research into the health impact of British nuclear tests. Such funding is a matter for the New Zealand Government.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) parliamentary questions and (b) letters to him from hon. Members in this Session remain unanswered, broken down by those which are (i) one month old, (ii) two months old, (iii) three months old, (iv) four months old and (v) over six months old. [79940]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  A400M
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with his French counterpart about the future of the A400M programme. [80016]
  465W
  Mr. Hoon
  I last met my French counterpart on 4 October when we discussed a number of issues including the A400M programme. We agreed on the importance of that programme and the need to launch it as soon as possible.

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what indications he has received that Germany will order fewer than(a) 73 and (b) 60 A400M aircraft; [80014]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the increasing costs of the A400M programme, based on a reduced number of German orders; and if he will make a statement; [80015]

  (3) when he last met the Defence Minister of Germany to discuss the A440M programme; and if he will make a statement; [80017]

  (4) what the minimum number is of A400M aircraft that Germany must order, for the UK to continue supporting the A400M programme; and how long he is prepared to wait for the minimum number of German orders. [80013]

  Mr. Hoon
  I had a meeting with my German counterpart on 5 November when we discussed a range of defence topics, including the A400M programme. We both recognised the importance of the A400M programme and the need to launch it as soon as possible.

  The German government has made no final decision on whether it will need to change its previously stated requirement for 73 aircraft. It would therefore be premature to speculate on the impact of a reduced German order on the cost of the programme.

  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if she will make a statement on what progress is being made on the delivery of the A400M; and what discussions she has had with the German Government to discuss the contractual situation. [41127]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Ballistic Missile Defence
  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his statement in the debate on defence in the world on 17 October 2062,Official Report, columns 503–04W, how he plans to facilitate (a) public and (b) parliamentary discussion of ballistic missile defence and the future uses of RAF Fylingdales. [80366]

  Mr. Hoon
  As I said in the debate on 17 October, I intend to make available to Parliament and the public in the coming months some analytical and discussion material. We will be ready to discuss the issues in Parliament at the appropriate time.

  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his Department spent on technological and other appraisals of ballistic missile defence options, in each year since 1997. [80356]

  Mr. Hoon
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 26 March 2002,Official Report, columns 849W–50W to the hon. Member for North Essex (Mr. Jenkin).
  466W
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will answer the question of 22 July from the hon. Member for Lewisham, Deptford. [79868]

  Mr. Ingram
  The information requested is still being collated. Once this is available, I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Gulf War
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many requests by service personnel for access to their medical records there have been since the Gulf War; and if he will make a statement; [78280]

  (2) how many requests by service personnel for access to their medical records since the Gulf War have been granted; what reasons have been given for refusing service personnel access to their military medical records; and if he will make a statement. [78281]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the incidence of reduced blood levels of the paraoxenase enzyme in Gulf War veterans. [78606]

  Mr. Ingram MP
  A non-Ministry of Defence funded study published in September 2000 showed that when compared to a control group of some selected civilians who were well, self-selected ill United Kingdom Gulf veterans had:(a) a lower concentration of paraoxonase and (b) its activity was less than 50 per cent. of that found in the control group. The level of paraoxonase found showed little variation among the Gulf veterans studied and no link to the severity of symptoms or to genetic composition was identified. The Ministry of Defence has since part-funded a study to confirm, or otherwise, the earlier findings which includes United Kingdom Gulf veterans, Bosnia veterans and non-deployed veterans. The study is complete and it is expected that the results will be published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the use of magnetic resonance spectroscopy brain scanning as applied to UK Gulf War veterans. [78605]

  Mr. Ingram
  Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) is a non-invasive radiological technique. It measures intracellular concentrations of specific abundant chemicals in small areas of the brain and is used to examine brain activity patterns and to identify very localised areas of damage within the brain.

  MRS has not been used in Gulf veterans' illnesses research funded by the Ministry of Defence. Some patients who attended the Gulf Veterans' Medical Assessment Programme have been referred to specialist neurologists who may have used this procedure. Gulf veterans also may have had MRS scans during investigations carried out during their health care under the National Health Service or Defence Medical Services.
  467W
  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the rate of death of(a) UK Gulf War veterans and (b) other members of the public by motor vehicle accidents was in each year since 1992. [78604]

  Dr. Moonie
  The mortality rates per 10,000 personnel to Gulf veterans due to motor vehicle accidents during the ten-year period 1992–2001 are given below. For comparison purposes the data for a similar sized cohort randomly sampled from United Kingdom armed forces personnel in Service on 1 January 1991 who were not deployed to the Gulf, stratified according to age, gender, Service, Officer status, regular/reservist status and a proxy marker for fitness are also given. Data from the Office for National Statistics for the general population of England and Wales with the same age and gender profile, taking into account the ageing of the Gulf cohort, is also provided.

  Year

  Gulf

  Era

  England and Wales

  1992

  3.4

  1.9

  1.7

  1993

  2.1

  1.1

  1.3

  1994

  1.5

  1.9

  1.2

  1995

  2.4

  0.6

  1.1

  1996

  3.2

  1.5

  1.1

  1997

  1.3

  2.2

  1.1

  1998

  1.5

  1.7

  1.0

  1999

  1.5

  1.5

  1.0

  2000

  0.9

  1.3

  1.0

  2001

  1.3

  0.4

  0.9

  Ten-year mean

  1.9

  1.4

  1.2

  A number of possible explanations have been put forward to explain the excess mortality rate above for Gulf veterans. These include that the veterans may have had some sort of neurological impairment caused by an exposure in the Gulf, that their perception of risk may have been altered by the experience of conflict or that this may have been a disguised form of suicide. We are discussing with the scientific community how best to conduct an analysis of the factors underlying the figures.

  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of the armed forces have retired from their employment on medical grounds in each year since their service in the Gulf war; and what the average annual rate of medical retirements has been in the last 10 years. [79530]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Army Regiments
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many Army regiments are running at more than five per cent. below their recommended complement of enlisted men; and if he will make a statement; [78275]

  (2) how many Army regiments are running at more than 10 per cent. below their recommended complement of enlisted men; and if he will make a statement. [78283]
  468W
  Mr. Ingram
  The information requested is not held by Regiment, but by Arms/Corps. Those Arms/Corps running at more than five per cent below their recommended compliment of enlisted men are shown in the table below:

  Percentage

  Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps

  -37.79

  Army Air Corps

  -15.81

  Royal Army Veterinary Corps

  -13.99

  Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers

  -11.99

  Army Physical Training Corps

  -10.72

  Royal Logistic Corps

  -10.06

  Royal Army Medical Corps

  -8.50

  Corps of Army Music

  -7.87

  Royal Engineers

  -7.62

  Adjutant General's Corps (Staff and Personnel Support)

  -6.47

  Royal Signals

  -6.12

  Those Arms/Corps running at more than ten per cent. below their recommended compliment of enlisted men are shown in the table below:

  Percentage

  Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps

  -37.79

  Army Air Corps

  -15.81

  Royal Army Veterinary Corps

  -13.99

  Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers

  -11.99

  Army Physical Training Corps

  -10.72

  Royal Logistic Corps

  -10.06

  Enlisted men are taken to be all other ranks. All figures are as at 1 September 2002 and for trained personnel only.

  Medical Reservists
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many medical specialists, and in which specialisations, there are in the Reserves. [78319]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to include medical staff in a call up of reservists in respect of planned military action against terrorism. [78577]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 31 October 2002]: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence on 4 November 2002, Official Report, column 5W, to my hon. Friend the Member for Leyton and Wanstead (Mr. Cohen). A decision to call-out medical reservists for any future military operations would be made at that time.

  UK-owned Equipment
  Harry Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions his Department has had with the governments of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate of Oman concerning the operation of UK-owned and operated equipment of Israeli origin from their territories. [78465]

  Dr. Moonie
  No such discussions have taken place.

  Armed Forces' Equipment
  Sir Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list by country the manufacturing supply source of(a) boots and (b) berets used by United Kingdom armed forces; and if he will make a statement. [78574]

  Dr. Moonie
  There are currently 12 companies manufacturing boots (ranging from safety boots to combat boots and uniform dress boots) of which ten are United Kingdom based, one Spanish and the other Italian. Our existing stocks of berets were procured from two United Kingdom based companies. We are currently evaluating tenders from a number of UK and overseas-based companies for a new contract to supply berets for UK Armed Forces.

  Warships
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when each of the Type 42 destroyers will decommission. [78657]

  Dr. Moonie
  On current plans the operational decommissioning dates of each Type 42 Destroyer in the Royal Navy are as follows:

  Type 42 Destroyer

  HMS

  Planned Operational Decommissioning date

  Batch 1

  Cardiff

  2008

  Newcastle

  2007

  Glasgow

  2010

  Batch 2

  Exeter

  2011

  Southampton

  2012

  Nottingham

  2012

  Liverpool

  2010

  Batch 3

  Manchester

  2013

  Gloucester

  2013

  Edinburgh

  2014

  York

  2014

  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost of HMS Portland, HMS Kent and HMS St. Albans was. [78662]

  Dr. Moonie
  The costs of HMS Portland, HMS Kent and HMS St. Albans, including construction and installation of on-board systems, such as weapons and communications are shown in the table below:

  Ships

  £ million

  HMS Kent

  128.062

  HMS Portland

  124.918

  HMS St. Albans

  125.659

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to make a decision on the Warship Modernisation Project; how the announcement will be made; and if he will make a statement. [44735]

  Mr. Ingram
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Joint Strike Fighter
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the new STOVL Joint Strike Fighter aircraft. [78973]

  Dr. Moonie
  We announced on 30 September 2002 that the Short Take-Off/Vertical Landing (STOVL) variant of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) has been selected to meet our Future Joint Combat Aircraft (FJCA) requirement. This decision represents a major step forward for the United Kingdom's future expeditionary air power capability, and builds on our unique and valuable knowledge of STOVL aircraft acquired during nearly four decades of operations with Harrier on land and at sea.

  The announcement has also been welcomed by British industry, which is playing a key role in the JSF programme and will help ensure that the UK retains its leading position in a major area of aerospace technology. Indeed, industry estimates that its involvement could be worth up to £27 billion over the whole life of the programme, creating or securing some 8,500 jobs.

  Future Integrated Soldier Technology
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress on the Future Integrated Soldier Technology programme. [78979]

  Dr. Moonie
  The final stage of a competition to choose a Prime Contractor for the Assessment Phase of the Future Integrated Soldier Technology programme is currently underway, involving BAE SYSTEMS Ltd and Thales Optronics Ltd. Selection of a single Prime Contractor is planned for early 2003.

  Rotorcraft
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the Royal Navy's Surface Combatant Maritime Rotorcraft requirement. [78978]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Surface Combatant Maritime Rotorcraft (SCMR) requirement is to deliver a surveillance and attack capability in open ocean and littoral areas in support of maritime, joint or combined operations using a maritime helicopter operating from assigned frigates and destroyers. The requirement will include targeting, Anti-Surface and Anti-Submarine weapon delivery, and battle damage assessment. In addition, it will provide Search and Rescue (SAR), humanitarian support and constabulary capabilities.

  SCMR will succeed and enhance the capability currently provided by the Maritime Lynx Mk3 and Mk8 helicopters. These have, for decades, provided excellent service on our frigates and destroyers, but are nearing the end of their useful life. SCMR will be capable of operating from Type 23 frigates, the Future Surface Combatant, and Type 45 destroyers. SCMR is currently in its Assessment Phase and is planned to be phased into service during the second half of the decade.

  Harassment
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many members of the Army indicated when last questioned that they believe that(a) harassment, (b) discrimination and (c) bullying are problems in (i) their immediate area of work and (ii) the Army as a whole; what percentage of those responding this represents; what percentage of actual strength this represents; and if he will make a statement. [78634]

  Mr. Ingram
  In response to the latest Army Continuous Attitude Survey, 197 members of those surveyed indicated they believed that harassment, discrimination or bullying are problems within their immediate work area; this represents 11 per cent. of those who responded and 5 per cent. of those surveyed. In addition, 878 members of the Army indicated, in the same survey, that they believed harassment, discrimination and bullying are problems within the British Army; this represents 43 per cent. of those who responded and some 22 per cent. of those surveyed.

  The latest survey was undertaken in March-April 2002 and sent to a 4 per cent. random sample of the trained Army (excluding Gurkhas and Full Time Reserve Service); 3,978 questionnaires were sent out and 2,037 were returned.

  Future Aircraft Carrier Programme
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when an announcement will be made as to the successful tender for the Future Aircraft Carrier programme. [79271]

  Dr. Moonie
  Stage 2 of the CVF Assessment phase completes on 20 November. We then intend to select a preferred contractor not on the basis of a traditional bid analysis but through an assessment of the contractors' performance and output since the start of the Assessment phase in November 1999. An announcement on the preferred contractor is scheduled for early next year.

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the Future Aircraft Carrier programme. [79268]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Future Aircraft Carrier (CVF) programme is progressing well and the recent announcement of the innovative adaptable design is evidence of this. Risk reduction and design work is continuing and we remain on course to select our preferred contractor early next year and approve investment in the build programme at the end of 2003. The In Service Dates of the two ships remain 2012 and 2015 respectively.

  Under 50

  50 and over

  Total

  % Over 50

  Financial Year 2001–2002

  Ministry of Defence

  4,443

  1,289

  5,732

  22.5

  Trading Funds

  1,141

  223

  1,374

  16.2

  Total

  5,584

  1,512

  7,106

  21.3

  472W
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many jobs he estimates will be created through the design and manufacture of the Future Aircraft Carriers in the UK. [79270]

  Dr. Moonie
  It is still too early in the Future Aircraft Carrier (CVF) programme to make an accurate forecast of the number of jobs that will be created or sustained by the CVF programme. Much will depend on the shipbuild strategy adopted by the preferred prime contractor and the split of work between the participating construction and final assembly facilities. However, taking into account the supply chain, the programme may involve around 10,000 jobs throughout the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what aircraft will be for the Future Aircraft Carrier programme. [79269]

  Dr. Moonie
  The primary aircraft for the Future Aircraft Carrier (CVF) will be the Joint Combat Aircraft. The Lockheed Martin Joint Strike Fighter has been identified as the aircraft with the best potential to fulfil that role and this was reinforced by the announcement on 30 September that we had selected the Short Take Off Vertical Landing variant to operate from CVF. The ships will also carry Maritime Airborne Surveillance and Control aircraft and helicopters from all three services in a variety of roles.

  Ageism
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what strategies his Department has to ensure that there is no ageism in recruitment and retention processes. [79289]

  Dr. Moonie
  Equality of opportunity for all staff is a key feature of Civil Service employment. The Ministry of Defence's personnel and employment policies and procedures have been subject to equality-proofing, including the removal of any unfair discrimination on the basis of age. To underpin this, the MOD has a programme of action on equality and diversity involving the training and development of line and personnel managers, and the monitoring of recruitment, selection and performance management statistics. Training in equal opportunities is mandatory for all recruitment panel members.

  In addition, the MOD, like other Departments, has conducted a thorough review of its age retirement policy in light of the Government's commitment to tackle ageism in the workplace as set out in the Code of Practice for Age Diversity in Employment published in 1999.

  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of new recruits to his Department in the past two years were aged 50 and over. [79301]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 4 November 2002]: The information requested is shown in the tables:
  473W

  Under 50

  50 and over

  Total

  %Over 50

  Financial Year 2000–2001

  Ministry of Defence

  5,200

  1,348

  6,548

  20.6

  Trading Funds

  1,134

  116

  1,251

  9.3

  Total

  6,334

  1,464

  7,799

  18.8

  Notes:

  1. Figures exclude casual and Royal Fleet Auxiliary staff.

  2. The following methods of recruitment have been included recruitment by CSC, by Department, Re-instatement/Re-employment and unknown.

  3. Where the parts do not equal the sum a number of staff with "unknown" age were identified.

  4. Financial years run from 1 April to the 31 March.

  Invincible Class Carriers
  Mr. Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the steps being taken by the Government to ensure that bids to build the replacement for the Invincible Class Carriers take account of UK dry dock facilities; and if he will make a statement. [78989]

  Dr. Moonie
  In line with Government policy on warship construction the Royal Navy's two new Future Aircraft Carriers (CVFs) will be built in the United Kingdom. This is clearly understood by both of the candidate prime contractors for CVF—BAE SYSTEMS and Thales—and as part of their work to date they have assessed the capabilities of a number of sites throughout the United Kingdom that have the potential to participate in the build (construction and outfitting of modules or blocks of the vessel) and assembly (the joining together of the blocks into a whole ship in a suitable dry dock). No final decisions have yet been made.

  Recruitment
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much has been spent in recruiting staff to his Department in(a) London and (b) the south east in each year since 1997. [78562]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 4 November 2002]: The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Aircraft Landings
  Mr. Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many civilian aircraft landings and take-offs were recorded at RAF Machrihanish during each of the last five years. [78734]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Ministry of Defence does not hold records of civilian aircraft movements. The Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd lease part of the RAF Machrihanish site, known as Campbeltown Airport, and are not able to provide the information sought.

  Research Projects
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list research projects his Department(a) has funded in the last five years and (b) is funding into the health outcomes of (i) service personnel who participated in UK nuclear tests and (ii) their offspring. [79188]

  Dr. Moonie
  In the last five years the Ministry of Defence has funded a study by the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) into the 474W
  incidence of multiple myeloma, other cancers and other causes of death amongst nuclear test veterans. This study follows on from two earlier studies, the results of which were published in 1988 and 1993. The results of this third study are expected to be published early next year. Funding is also provided to the NRPB for the maintenance of a database that has been used during the compilation of these studies.

  No funding has been provided for health studies of the offspring of nuclear test veterans. Current information on radiation health effects suggests that studies of cancer among people exposed to radiation are likely to prove a more sensitive means of detecting such effects than studies of their children. There is no scientific or medical evidence that shows that the health or other physical problems suffered by the offspring of nuclear test veterans can be attributed to their father's or grandfather's participation in the test programme.

  Afghanistan
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the total cost to date is of maintaining British troops in Afghanistan. [79985]

  Mr. Ingram
  The cost of Operations in Afghanistan for 2001–2002 was estimated to be £261 million and this was published in Spring Supplementary Estimates.

  I will write to my hon. Friend shortly concerning expenditure in 2001–2002 and 2002–2003 and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost of UK operations in Afghanistan has been since 11 September; and if he will make a statement. [57603]

  Mr. Hoon
  [holding answer 21 May 2002]: I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Diversification Council
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the Defence Diversification Council has been established; and if he will make a statement. [79874]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Defence Diversification Council is currently being set-up. It will be chaired by my hon. Friend, the Under Secretary of State for Defence, and will include representation from the Department of Trade and Industry, the Regional Assemblies, Trade Unions and Industry.

  Defence Export Services
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when Mr. Tony Edwards resigned as Head of Defence Export Services. [79875]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Gates of Remembrance
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with representatives of the Gates of Remembrance Appeal; and what discussions he has had with the(a) Royal British Legion, (b) Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association, (c) Army Benevolent Fund, (d) RAF Association, (e) Royal Navy Association and (f) War Widows Association of Great Britain about that appeal. [79839]

  Mr. Ingram
  Although no specific discussions have taken place with representatives from the Gates of Remembrance Appeal numerous wide ranging discussions have taken place with those other bodies mentioned. In accordance with the long established policy of successive Governments, the cost of erecting war memorials or their subsequent maintenance is not met from public funds but from private donations or public subscription.

  Scientific Advisory Council
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the members of the Defence Scientific Advisory Council, and in each case his or her employer. [79829]

  Project Name

  Contract signed

  Service start date

  Contract end year

  i

  Materials Handling Equipment

  May 2002

  August 2002

  2010

  Ii

  TAFMIS

  August 1996

  August 1996

  2006

  Iii

  Defence Fixed Telecommunications Service (DFTS)

  July 1997

  June 19981

  2007

  Iv

  Hawk Simulator

  December 1997

  December 1999

  2015

  V

  Attack Helicopters Training-Apache Simulator

  July 1998

  January 2002

  2028

  Vi

  Defence Intelligence System

  June 1999

  October 1999

  2006

  Vii

  Tornado GR4 Simulator

  June 1999

  Not yet started

  2031

  Viii

  Royal Navy Fleet Communications Service

  June 2000

  Not yet started

  2027

  Ix

  RAF Sentry E3D Aircrew—(E3D Simulator)

  August 2000

  February 2002

  2030

  X

  ASTUTE Training Service

  November 2001

  Not yet started

  2031

  Xi

  Heavy Equipment Transporters

  December 2001

  Not yet started

  2024

  Xii

  Strategic Sealift (Ro-Ro Ferries)

  June 2002

  Not yet started

  2024

  Xiii

  Field Electrical Power Supplies

  July 2002

  Not yet started

  2022

  Note:

  1 The exact Service Start date for DFTS cannot be specified as the contract was subject to a one year Transition Period whilst the existing Networks where transferred to BT.

  Deepcut Barracks
  Mr. Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what professional mental health assistance is given to recruits at the Deepcut barracks; and if he will make a statement. [79995]
  476W
  Mr. Ingram
  The Defence Scientific Advisory Council is a Non-Departmental Public Body; it consists of an Independent chairman and eight other independents. In addition a number of senior Ministry of Defence officials are members of the Council.

  Independent Chairman

  Professor A Ledwith

  Retired

  Independent Members

  Professor R Needham

  Microsoft Research Ltd (Cambridge)

  Dr. D J Price

  Rolls Royce—Marine

  Mr. P J Stein

  Roke Manor Research Ltd

  Dr. A L Mears

  QinetiQ plc

  Dr. L V Bennett

  Risk Solutions

  Professor P G Blain

  University of Newcastle upon Tyne

  Professor A J Kinloch

  Imperial College, University of London

  Professor R Voles

  R V Consultancy

  Official Members from MoD and OGDs

  Air Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup

  Lt Gen R C Menzies

  Mr. G H B Jordan

  Mr. M Earwicker

  Mr. P Roper.

  Mr. P D Ewins

  Professor D King CSA to the Government

  Dr. A Keddy Department of Trade & Industry

  PFI Projects
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the(a) start and (b) end dates are of the

  (i) material handling equipment, (ii) TAFMIS, (iii) defence fixed telecommunications service, (iv) hawk simulator, (v) attack helicopters training-Apache simulator, (vi) defence intelligence system, (vii) Tornado GR4 simulator, (viii) naval communications, (ix) RAF Sentry E3D aircrew, (x) ASTUTE training service, (xi) heavy equipment transporters, (xii) strategic sealift (ro-ro ferries) and (xiii) field electrical power supplies PFI projects and contracts. [78361]

  Mr. Ingram
  The start and end dates for the specified PFI projects are shown below:

  Mr. Ingram
  The medical centre at Deepcut barracks provides recruits with primary health care. The medical centre's establishment comprises a Civilian Medical Practitioner and full time practice nurse who look after patients' medical problems, both physical and mental. Should further referral for diagnosis and/or
  477W
  management of a mental health problem be considered necessary, referral would normally be to the Community Psychiatric Department in Aldershot, where Consultant Psychiatrist and Community Psychiatric Nursing services are available. At weekends, urgent cases would be referred to the Duchess of Kent Psychiatric Hospital at Catterick.

  Nuclear Weapons Tests
  Mr. Llewellyn Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what papers have been published(a) in referred journals and (b) as departmental monographs on the health impact on observers of British atmospheric nuclear weapons tests since 1990; and if he will place copies of each in the Library. [79967]

  Dr. Moonie
  In December 1993 the report was published of a study carried out by the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) on behalf of the Ministry of Defence entitled Mortality and Cancer Incidence 1952–1990 in UK Participants in the UK Atmospheric Nuclear Weapon Tests and Experimental Programmes. Findings from the study were published after peer review in the British Medical Journal, Volume 307, pages 1530–5, dated December 1993. A copy of the NRPB report is already available in the Library of the House.

  The MOD has not published any monographs on this subject.

  European Rapid Reaction Force
  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assistance his Department has provided foreign countries to develop tank ammunition and weaponry composed of depleted uranium, and depleted uranium components; and if he will make a statement. [65043]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Wiggin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent progress has been made toward the establishment of a European Rapid Reaction Force; and what recent discussions he has had with his European counterparts regarding the issue. [79972]

  Mr. Hoon
  There is no standing European Rapid Reaction Force. Under the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP), the EU will undertake crisis management operations where NATO as a whole is not engaged. Forces for these operations will be provided voluntarily by Member States, and in some cases by others. (The same arrangement applies for NATO and UN crisis management operations.)

  I discuss ESDP with European counterparts frequently. EU Defence Ministers last met collectively to discuss ESDP and other matters on 4–5 October.

  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much depleted uranium was used in bombing campaigns by UK forces in(a) Kosovo during the recent conflict, (b) Serbia during the conflict over Kosovo and (c) Afghanistan in 2001–02. [79695]

  Mr. Ingram
  None.

  Depleted Uranium
  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what stocks of weapons containing depleted uranium are held in(a) United Kingdom bases and (b) by United Kingdom forces operating in Iraq. [79654]

  Mr. Ingram
  I am withholding details in accordance with Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much depleted uranium was used in bombing campaigns by United Kingdom forces in(a) the 1990–91 Gulf War and (b) bombing campaigns over Iraq since 1991. [79741]

  Mr. Ingram
  No depleted uranium was used in bombing campaigns by United Kingdom forces in the 1990–1991 Gulf Conflict or in bombing campaigns over Iraq since 1991.

  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has collated on the effects of depleted uranium exposure on the(a) military personnel and (b) civilian population in Iraq since 1991; and if he will make a statement. [79655]

  Mr. Ingram
  Many independent reports have been produced that consider the battlefield effects of using depleted uranium (DU) munitions, but none has found widespread DU contamination sufficient to affect the health of the general population or deployed personnel.

  The Ministry of Defence has no information on exposure of Iraqi military personnel or civilians to DU. We support proposals by the World Health Organisation to carry out studies to address public health issues in Iraq, including a proposal to explore health effects of environmental risk factors, including DU. The proposals were sent to the Iraq Ministry of Public Health in October 2001 but there has been no response.

  3,339 United Kingdom military personnel who served in the Gulf Conflict have now been seen by the Gulf Veterans' Medical Assessment Programme (GVMAP). Physicians at the GVMAP examine all those attending for signs of ill health that could be attributed to exposure to DU, but no such evidence has been found to date.

  Under the auspices of the independent Depleted Uranium Oversight Board a test for DU in urine is currently being developed and we hope to be able to make it available to all those who wish to be tested in the first half of next year. In parallel with this, we will also carry out an epidemiological study which will examine the link between exposure to DU and health.

  No UK troops who served in the Gulf experienced the highest level of DU. However, 33 United States soldiers were exposed to DU when their vehicles were accidentally hit by DU rounds of whom 17 have embedded DU shrapnel. Their health is closely monitored by the US Government and so far has shown no signs of health problems attributable to DU.

  Nuclear Test Veterans
  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what negotiations have been undertaken with the representatives of nuclear test veterans; what compensation has been offered; what agreement has been reached; and if he will make a statement. [79656]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Ministry of Defence has had no recent negotiations with representatives of nuclear test veterans. There are no grounds for general compensation for those who participated in the British atmospheric nuclear tests in the 1950s. Veterans who believe that their health has been affected by participation in the tests may apply for a War Pension.

  Volunteer Reservists
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many volunteer reservists have enlisted as sponsored reserves since the programme's inspection; and what the recruitment targets were for sponsored reserves when the programme was introduced. [80293]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Nuclear Installations
  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the meaning of the phrase"strengthen the arrangements for consequence management,"
  in paragraph 27 of the Government response to the Defence Select Committee report on Defence and Security in the UK, HC 1230, Session 2001–02, in respect of the vulnerability of nuclear installations to terrorist attack. [80365]

  Mr. Ingram
  Discussions have taken place involving several Government Departments, the Office for Civil Nuclear Security, the Health and Safety Executive, local authorities, the police and other emergency services, to review the roles and capabilities of those authorities likely to be required to respond to a nuclear incident. Specific importance has been attached to improving co-ordination, communication and the provision of specialist capabilities.

  Missile Defence
  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimates have been made of the cost of United Kingdom participation in national missile defence; and if he will make a statement. [79652]

  Mr. Hoon
  No precise estimates can be made at this stage. The United States itself has made no decision on the final shape of its overall missile defence architecture and its final costs have yet to be determined. There are no specific options for the deployment of missile defences for the United Kingdom to assess, and no decision has been made on the acquisition of missile defences.

  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations have been received from research bodies on peace campaigns concerning national missile defence; and if they will be published by his Department. [79657]
  480W
  Mr. Hoon
  The Ministry of Defence has received numerous representations from various bodies and individuals concerning missile defence; publication of their letters is a matter for them.

  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions have been held with other NATO member states on the cost, timescale and purpose of national missile defence. [79658]

  Mr. Hoon
  NATO is studying the options for missile defence specifically for the protection of deployed forces, in addition to discussions on a wider range of missile defence issues. The United Kingdom participates in these NATO discussions, and also engages NATO allies bilaterally on missile defence issues as part of our regular contacts.

  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what expenditure has been incurred at(a) RAF Fylingdales and (b) Menwith Hill in connection with National Missile Defence; and if he will make a statement. [79694]

  Mr. Hoon
  We have not received a request from the United States to site elements of missile defence in the United Kingdom, and have not incurred expenditure on any works at RAF Fylingdales or RAF Menwith Hill in preparation for, or anticipation of, any such request.

  Iraq
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the total cost to date is of maintaining the British force in support of the no-fly zone in Iraq. [79986]

  Mr. Ingram
  Our records do not separately identify expenditure incurred in maintaining the no fly zones. However, the table below sets out the overall additional expenditure incurred by the Ministry of Defence as a direct result of operations in the Gulf from 1992–1993 onwards.

  Year

  £ Million

  1992–93

  551

  1993–94

  179

  1994–95

  58

  1995–96

  14

  1996–97

  6

  1997–98

  16

  1998–99

  35

  1999–2000

  28

  2000–01

  25

  2001–02 (estimate)

  221

  2002–03 (estimate)

  261

  Note:

  1 denotes figure calculated on a resource basis; all previous figures are cash-based.

  I will write to my hon. Friend concerning expenditure in 2001–2002 and 2002–2003 and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations have been received from the government of Cyprus or members of the Cypriot public concerning the use of United Kingdom sovereign bases in Cyprus in preparation for a future conflict with Iraq; and if he will make a statement. [79650]
  481W
  Mr. Hoon
  No decision regarding the commitment of United Kingdom Armed Forces to any potential conflict in Iraq has yet been taken. Military action is neither imminent nor inevitable.

  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many RAF sorties over Iraq there have been(a) north of 30th parallel and (b) south of 30th parallel not covered by the no-fly zone in the last year and what the total volume of explosives dropped in each area was. [79649]

  Mr. Hoon
  The northern no-fly zone covers the area of Iraq lying north of the 36th parallel. The southern no-fly zone covers the area lying south of the 33rd.

  The RAF takes part in Coalition patrols within the no-fly zones. There have been no sorties by the RAF in the free-fly area between the two zones in the last year.

  Enron
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what meetings(a) he and (b) his senior departmental officials have had with Enron and its subsidiaries in the last two years. [32431]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Volunteers
  Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of his staff in each of the past two years have been granted a day's paid leave to work as a volunteer; and if he will make a statement. [39741]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Television Sets
  Nick Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) analogue and (b) integrated digital television sets his Department has purchased in each of the last 24 months; and if he will make a statement. [38173]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Capita
  Mr. Boris Johnson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many contracts the Department has with Capita. [38393]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Criminal Damage
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the cost has been of criminal damage to his Department's buildings in each of the last four years. [44849]
  482W
  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Thematic Networks Programme
  Mr. Harry Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures are taken to ensure that EU funding provided to Israel under the Thematic networks programme is not used for projects which could have military applications. [45186]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Saville Inquiry
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what costs have been incurred since 19th December 2001 by his Department in connection with the Saville Inquiry; and what his estimate is of the final cost to his Department. [46027]

  Mr. Ingram
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Radio Spectrum
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 16 November 2001,Official Report, column 917W, on the radio spectrum, if the review has reported to Ministers; if he will publish the review and any conclusions he has made as a result; and what discussions he has had with (a) the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and (b) the Chancellor of the Exchequer regarding his findings. [47739]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 10 April 2002]: I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Entertainment
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much was spent by Ministers in his Department on food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for entertainment purposes in each of the last five years. [47052]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the cost was of the Department's 2001 staff Christmas Party; and how many people attended. [61667]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many times special advisers have accompanied Ministers on overseas visits in each of the last five years; which countries were visited; and what the total cost of each individual visit was. [47142]
  483W
  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 10 April 20021]: I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much was spent by departmental special advisers on food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for entertainment purposes in each of the last five years. [46838]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many special advisers were employed by him(a) between 1 May and 31 December 1997 and (b) in each year from 1998 to 2001 inclusive; and what the total amount spent on special advisers by the Department was for each of those years. [41248]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the number and expected cost to his Department of special advisers in(a) 2001–02 and (b) 2002–03. [43283]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) on how many occasions between 31 March 2001 and 31 March 2002(a) departmental and (b) non-departmental special advisers have travelled abroad in an official capacity; what places were visited; and how much each visit cost; [58730]

  (2) when he will answer the question from the hon. Member for Chichester, tabled on 22 May, on the official travel of departmental and non-departmental special advisers; [72682]

  (3) on how many occasions between 31 March 2001 and 31 March 2002 (a) departmental and (b) non-departmental special advisers have travelled abroad in an official capacity; what places were visited; and how much each visit cost. [80363]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Accommodation
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many service personnel are paying(a) nothing or (b) a discounted rate for accommodation on the ground of its being below standard; and if he will provide the information for each service. [80330]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 10 April 2002]: I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) service family accommodation and (b) single living accommodation units were of
  484W
  (i) grade one, (ii) grade two, (iii) grade three and (iv) grade four standard in each year between 1997 and 2001; and if he will make a statement. [80283]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Reserves
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the latest figures are for both establishment and strength for each service and their respective reserve forces. [48326]

  Mr. Ingram
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what the cost in 2001–02 was of the pay increase to staff in his Department, agencies and the non-departmental public bodies for which he is responsible; and what the cost of the forthcoming increase will be in 2002–03; [50412]

  (2) how many staff have been employed by his Department in each of the last 10 years; [42463]

  (3) how many and what proportion of the staff of his Department are (a) job sharing, (b) term working and (c) engaged in another form of flexible working. [42414]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of his departmental budget he estimates is spent on staff pay; and if he will make a statement. [66366]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 4 July 20021]: I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Armed Forces (Health Care)
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many armed forces personnel have been treated in the private sector under(a) the ATRA secondary health care initiative, (b) the Waiting List Initiative, (c) the Rapid Treatment Initiative and (d) psychiatric care in each month in 2002; and what the total cost was of that treatment; [80296]

  (2) how many (a) officers and (b) personnel from other ranks received medical treatment in the private sector in (i) 2000, (ii) 2001 and (iii) 2002. [80297]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  32 (The Royal) Squadron
  Mr. Prisk
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much per hour the RAF charges other Government departments for flying with 32 (The Royal) Squadron;
  485W
  and what proportion of this charge represents the operational costs of the Squadron at Northolt. [79464]

  Dr. Moonie
  The hourly charge for 32 (The Royal) Squadron aircraft for the current financial year is:

  BAe 146

  £1,574 (VAT not applicable)

  BAe 125

  £740 (plus VAT for United Kingdom internal flights)

  Twin Squirrel

  £988 (plus VAT for United Kingdom internal flights)

  It has been assumed that by "operational costs" the hon. Member is referring to the operating cost of 32 (The Royal) Squadron. As such I can confirm that the charges quoted comprise entirely of the variable cost of operating the aircraft and no fixed operating costs of the Squadron are included. The charges include engineering and airframe support costs, costs incurred for handling and landing at civil airports, fuel and travel and

  Departments

  1997–1998

  1998–1999

  1999–2000

  2000–2001

  2001–2002

  2002–2003*

  FCO

  2

  6

  10

  34

  35

  2

  Treasury

  0

  0

  2

  0

  0

  2

  Ministry of Defence

  2,317

  1,991

  1,602

  1,831

  2,006

  881

  Home Office

  0

  0

  8

  6

  0

  0

  Culture Media and Sport

  0

  1

  2

  6

  0

  0

  Total

  2,319

  1,998

  1,624

  1,877

  2,041

  885

  Notes:

  1. Government Department figures do not include Ministers travel.

  2. Ministry of Defence use reflects the fact that MOD personnel of all ranks/grades (as necessary) utilise these aircraft in times of crisis and war for operational purposes. Additionally, in peacetime, when not engaged in these tasks, MOD personnel use the resultant irreducible spare capacity for other communication flying tasks.

  *Figures to 30 September.

  Defence Exports
  Angus Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the financial and organisational support provided by the Defence Export Services Organisation to UK industry attending the(a) Aid and Trade International, Switzerland, (b) Pacific 2002, Australia, (c) Asian Air, Singapore, (d) DEFEXPOL, India, (e) FIDEA, Chile, (f) DSA Malaysia, Malaysia, (g) Eurosatory, France, (h) Africa Aerodef, South Africa, (i) Defendory, Greece, (j) Sofex, Jordan, (k) Euronaval, France and (l) Euronaval, Chile arms fairs. [76531]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Combat Helmets
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to provide a combat helmet of the same standard of ballistics protection as the rest of NATO forces. [78462]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.
  486W
  subsistence. Unlike the BAe 125 and 146, the Twin Squirrel is a wholly leased aircraft and the charge applied represents the contracted cost of the aircraft.

  I also refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him yesterday by my hon. Friend the Member for Paisley, South (Mr. Alexander).

  Mr. Prisk
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many flight hours Government ministers have flown during each year since 1997–98 using the jets of 32 (The Royal) Squadron based at Northolt; and how many flight hours each Government department has utilised each year with the jets of 32 (The Royal) Squadron since 1997–98. [79465]

  Mr. Ingram
  For information relating to Ministerial use of RAF aircraft, I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him yesterday by my hon. Friend the Member for Paisley, South (Mr. Alexander).

  The information requested regarding flight hours is set out in the table.

  C-17 Aircraft
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many C-17 aircraft are being leased; what plans he has to alter that number; and if he will make a statement. [80295]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Nimrod MRA 4
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the compensation due from BAE Systems for the slippage in the in-service date of the Nimrod MRA4. [80294]

  Mr. Ingram
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Missiles
  Mr. Liddell-Grainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many missiles were fired out to sea in the UK in(a) 1999, (b) 2000 and (c) 2001. [41875]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Coalfield Constituencies
  John Mann
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many and what proportion of his Department's establishments are located in coalfield constituencies. [41801]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Accountancy Contracts
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the contracts agreed by his Department with the five largest accountancy firms since May 1997; and what was the total value of contracts with each. [42103]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Public Appointments
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many appointments to public bodies have been made through his Department(a) from April 2000 to March 2001 and (b) since 31 March 2001; and how many of these were (i) men and (ii) women. [42161]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Market Testing
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the functions of his Department that have been(a) market tested and (b) outsourced in each of the last five years, specifying the (i) money saving and (ii) percentage saving in each case. [43004]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Timber
  Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the companies from which his Department have obtained timber and wood products and the total spent with each firm over the last five years. [43413]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Departmental Contracts
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the 30 largest contracts awarded by his Department from(a) May 1997 to April 1998, (b) May 1998 to April 1999, (c) May 1999 to April 2000, (d) May 2000 to April 2001 and (e) May 2001 to the latest date for which figures are available, stating in each case the values of the contracts and the companies with which the contracts were placed. [43672]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Royal Irish Regiment
  Mr. Donaldson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what differential there is between the statutory employment rights enjoyed by(a) personnel serving with the Royal Irish Regiment and civilian staff employed by his Department and (b) other employees in the United Kingdom. [43566]

  Mr. Ingram
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Army Utilities Management
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what savings have accrued from the improvements to the Army's utilities management in Germany. [44221]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 18 March 2002]: I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Justices of the Peace
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of staff at his Department are justices of the peace; and if he has a strategy for his Department to encourage members of staff to become justices of the peace. [44548]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Private Finance Initiative projects have been subject to refinancing after the contracts have been signed; and what has been the financial effect in each case. [50286]

  Mr. Ingram
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the products of PFI projects will be used by private companies and hired out to the armed services when they are needed; and what arrangements will exist for control by the armed forces of such projects. [72915]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Non-departmental Public Bodies
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what have been the total salary costs of each of the non-departmental public bodies for which he is responsible in each of the last five years. [50301]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the target has been in each of the last five years for efficiency savings as a percentage of total running costs
  489W
  for each of the non-departmental public bodies for which he is responsible; and if the target was met. [49632]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  UN Peacekeeping
  Mr. Lazarowicz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his written answer of 20 March 2002,Official Report, column 558W, on UN peacekeeping, how many students have to date attended the Army's 10-day international peace support briefing programmes; and from what countries. [50596]

  Mr. Ingram
  I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Smart Cards
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the use of smart card technology in his Department and in the areas for which it is responsible; and what discussions he has had with private companies about the use of smart card technology within his Department. [50486]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Water Coolants
  Jane Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will list the building projects under construction; and what coolant will be used for the building services water chilling system for such projects. [52053]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Defence Missions
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the operations that have been undertaken under each of the defence missions outlined by the Strategic Defence Review in each year since 1998; and if he will make a statement. [51495]

  Mr. Hoon
  [holding answer 25 April 2002]: I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Departmental Jobs (Scotland)
  Annabelle Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many and what percentage of(a) Civil Service, (b) executive agencies and (c) non-departmental public body jobs under the remit of his Department are located in Scotland; and how many of each have been relocated to Scotland since May 1997. [56310]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Law Enforcement
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what law enforcement agencies and prosecuting authorities designated with legislation there are within the responsibility of his Department; and what complaints procedure is available for each. [57104]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Anglo-Italian Ministerial Meetings
  Mr. Weir
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions in the last six months(a) he and (b) his officials have met their Italian counterparts; and what subjects were discussed. [56887]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 16 May 2002]: I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Pensions
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much was spent by his Department on paying pensions to retired employees of his Department in 2001–02; if he will estimate the corresponding amounts to be spent in(a) five years' time, (b) 10 years' time, (c) 20 years' time and (d) 30 years' time; if he will estimate in each case the proportion of such liabilities which will arise from (i) unfunded pension schemes and (ii) pre-funded pension schemes; and in the case of pre-funded schemes, if he will estimate the value of the corresponding pre-funded funds in each of these years. [57366]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 20 May 2002]: I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much money was spent by the relevant pension fund on paying pensions to retired members of the armed forces in 2001–02; if he will estimate the corresponding amounts to be spent in(a) five years' time, (b) 10 years' time, (c) 20 years' time and (d) 30 years' time; if he will estimate in each case the proportion of such liabilities which will arise from (i) unfunded pension schemes and (ii) pre-funded pension schemes; and in the case of pre-funded schemes, if he will estimate the value of the corresponding pre-funded funds in each of these years. [66562]

  Mr. Ingram
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Gorden Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many applications for war disablement pensions were made by(a) members of the Mercantile Marine and (b) other eligible branches of the armed forces in respect of skin cancer and other associated conditions have been (i) upheld and (ii) rejected by tribunals in each of the past 20 years, for which figures are available. [79491]
  491W
  Mr. Ingram
  The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Work-related Illness
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many claims for work-related illness were settled by his Department in the last year for which records are available; and what the cost was in compensation;[56081]

  (2) how many employees of his Department retired through work-related ill-health in the last year for which records are available; and what the cost was to the Department; [56082]

  (3) how many days of sick leave were taken by employees in his Department in the last year for which records are available; what proportion of those were due to work-related illness or injury; and what the cost was to the Department. [56083]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 20 May 2002]: I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Redundant Nuclear Warheads
  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what opportunities exist for United Kingdom defence companies and research bodies to assist Russia in(a) the dismantling of its redundant nuclear warheads and (b) immobilization of surplus plutonium from dismantled warheads, arising from the new nuclear weapons reduction agreement between Russia and the United States; [57989]

  (2) what opportunities exist for British technology and defence companies to assist the United States in the immobilization of surplus plutonium from dismantled redundant nuclear warheads arising from the new nuclear weapons reduction agreement between Russia and the United States. [57988]

  Mr. Hoon
  I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Luton, South
  Margaret Moran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what monies have been provided(a) directly and (b) via agencies for which the Department has responsibility to the Luton, South constituency since 1997. [58587]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Tax Refunds
  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence why calculations of tax refunds being made to individuals identified as having been taxed incorrectly on retired pay awarded since 1952 does not take into account negative Treasury interest rates applied throughout the 1970s; and if he will make a statement. [59288]
  492W
  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reason calculations of tax refunds being made to individuals identified as having been taxed incorrectly on retired pay awarded since 1952 have been based on simple interest; and if he will make a statement. [59289]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Written Questions
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of ordinary written Questions for his Department were answered within a week of tabling in each month since June 2001; and what proportion of questions for named day received a substantive answer on that day in each month since June 2001. [58986]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Staff Training
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much the Department has spent on staff training and development in each of the last five years. [61070]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Performance Targets
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what has been the(a) cost and (b) saving from the pursuit of the Department's Public Service Agreement targets in each year since they were introduced; [60890]

  (2) what the (a) cost and (b) saving has been from the Department's pursuit of Service Delivery Agreement targets in each year since they were introduced. [61630]

  Mr. Ingram
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Grants
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which organisations which were in receipt of a grant from him in 1997–98 no longer are; what the annual saving is; which organisations which were not in receipt of a grant in 1997–98 now are; and what the annual cost is. [61396]

  Mr. Ingram
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Ministerial Meetings
  Mrs. Claire Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which Ministers and officials had
  493W
  meetings with representatives of (a) the Confederation of British Industry, (b) the Engineering Employees Federation, and (c) the Engineering Marine Training Authority during the last year; who they met; and what the subjects and outcomes of their discussions were. [62211]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Official Photographers
  Mr. Collins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, on how many occasions during the last 12 months an official photographer has accompanied(a) him and (b) other Ministers in his Department on official visits (i) overseas and (ii) within the UK; what (A) travel expenses, (B) costs of equipment and processing, (C) staff payment and (D) other costs were incurred; what publications official photographs have appeared in during the last 12 months and what terms and conditions were attached to the publication of such photographs; and whether photographs taken on official visits are available for use in non-governmental literature. [62831]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Competitive Tendering
  Mr. Collins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions in the last 12 months the requirement to engage in a competitive tendering process has been waived by his Department due to national security obligations under paragraph 6(h) of the supply regulations. [62815]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Statutory Instruments
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many statutory instruments have been(a) introduced, (b) removed and (c) amended by his Department since 1st January; and what the (i) cost and (ii) saving has been in each case. [64612]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Energy Costs
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the estimated(a) level and (b) cost of energy use in his Department and associated agencies was in each year since 1997; what proportion of energy was generated from renewable sources; and if he will make a statement. [65950]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Public Inquiries (Phone Lines)
  Mr. Randall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on using 0870 telephone numbers for inquiries by the public to the Department and its agencies. [66199]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Buildings Insurance
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost of buildings insurance to his Department was(a) before and (b) after 11 September 2001. [66923]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Public Service Agreements
  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many and what proportion of the public service agreements of his Department set out in the document Public Services for the Future 1998 have been met; and if he will make a statement. [68711]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 10 July 2002]: I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Empty Properties
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the empty residential properties in each London borough in the ownership of his Department and its agencies, giving(a) the type of accommodation, (b) how long each property has been vacant and (c) what the intended future use is of the property. [69494]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Aircraft Carriers
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many jobs will be created in Portsmouth by making it the home for new aircraft carriers; and if he will make a statement. [70758]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed the Library of the House.

  Sustainable Development
  Norman Lamb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the interdepartmental discussions on Criterion 8 of the Consolidated Criteria relating to sustainable development. [71539]

  Mr. Ingram
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Education and Training
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the annual cost of education and training in each service in each year since 1997. [71662]

  Mr. Ingram
  I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Employment Costs
  Mr. Prisk
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the employment costs, including benefits, of(a) all ministers representing his Department and (b) special advisers and their support staff retained by his Department. [80159]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Anglo-French Discussions
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what recent discussions ministers and officials have had with the French Government about French participation in the United Kingdom aircraft carrier programme; [76568]

  (2) whether the possibility of France joining in the United Kingdom aircraft carrier programme will be a factor to be taken into account in the decision to award the contract to Thales or BAe Systems. [76567]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  SA80 Rifles
  Mr. Harry Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if SA80 rifles have been withdrawn from his Department's stocks for export. [77371]

  Mr. Ingram
  No. However, we are currently considering options for dealing with the expected excess of SA80 Al weapons that do not require upgrading to the A2 version.

  HMS Albion
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what technical difficulties have been encountered in the construction of HMS Albion; and if he will make a statement. [78660]

  Dr. Moonie
  HMS Albion is the first of a new class of Landing Platform Dock vessels. She is being constructed by BAE Systems Marine Ltd at their Barrow in Furness shipyard. Technical difficulties encountered during her construction have been largely due to the use of a computer aided design tool that was new to the shipyard, immature design information being released for production, the use of modern build techniques and some novel warship design features such as the diesel/electric propulsion system. It is not unusual for technical issues to arise during the design and construction of the first of such a complex warship class and BAE Systems are working hard to overcome each of the issues. A revised programme for Albion has been agreed with BAE Systems Marine and she is expected to 496W
  enter service in July 2003. The company is making stringent efforts to recover up to seven weeks of that slippage.

  Bullying
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of the Army indicated when last questioned that they believe that(a) harassment, (b) discrimination and (c) bullying are problems in (i) their immediate area of work and (ii) the Army as a whole; what percentage of those responding this represents; what percentage of actual strength this represents; and if he will make a statement. [78634]

  Mr. Ingram
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Medical Specialists
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many medical specialists, and in which specialisations, there are in the Reserves; [78319]

  (2) what plans he has to (a) call up and (b) put on notice members of the defence medical services reserve forces; whether this will include former TA field hospitals; which specialities are being put on notice for call up in order to supplement regular defence medical services field hospitals and other facilities; and if he will make a statement. [78638]

  Mr. Ingram
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Military Equipment (Gifts)
  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what items of military equipment have been given as a gift to another state, and when, since June 1997; and what the estimated value of the gift was in each case. [78650]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Eurofighter
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many orders have been received for the Eurofighter (Typhoon). [79272]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Mercantile Marine
  Mr. Gordon Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many applications for war disablement pensions were made by members of the Mercantile Marine, in each of the last 20 years for which figures are available; and how many of these were(a) accepted and (b) rejected; [79462]
  497W
  (2) how many applications were made for war disablement pensions by members of the eligible branches of the armed forces, other than members of the Mercantile Marine, in each of the past 20 years for which figures are available; and of these, how many were (a) accepted and (b) rejected. [79492]

  Mercantile Marine

  2001–2002

  2000–2001

  1999–2000

  1998–1999

  1997–1998

  1996–1997

  Received

  83

  98

  97

  97

  187

  265

  Cleared1

  78

  113

  115

  138

  225

  403

  Awarded

  37

  42

  43

  32

  34

  185

  Rejected or withdrawn

  41

  71

  72

  106

  191

  218

  Armed Forces

  2001–2002

  2000–2001

  1999–2000

  1989–1999

  1997–1998

  1996–1997

  Received

  9,620

  10,799

  11,599

  13,807

  16,778

  26,842

  Cleared1

  11,106

  10,809

  13,128

  13,286

  22,352

  34,385

  Awarded

  9,696

  9,335

  11,187

  11,231

  18,729

  29,315

  Rejected or withdrawn

  1,410

  1,474

  1,941

  2,055

  3,623

  5,070

  Note:

  1 May include claims uncleared from the previous year.

  Mr. Gorden Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many applications for war disablement pensions were made by(a) members of the Mercantile Marine and (b) other eligible branches of the armed forces in respect of skin cancer and other associated conditions have been (i) upheld and (ii) rejected by tribunals in each of the past 20 years, for which figures are available. [79491]

  Mr. Ingram
  The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Unexploded Ordnance
  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what changes there have been to the British Army's practice in clearing unexploded ordnance in foreign training grounds used by our forces since his Department's payment of compensation to the victims of British munitions in Kenya; [80291]

  (2) whether his Department has adopted guidelines to ensure that all unexploded munitions are cleared from foreign military training grounds used by British forces. [80289]

  Mr. Ingram
  The British Army employs the same robust procedures for clearing unexploded ordnance overseas as it does in the United Kingdom. In Kenya there has been an increase in Explosive Ordnance Clearance (EOC) in the last two years, in order to minimise the risk to local civilians. This work includes the location and destruction of unexploded munitions irrespective of which nation's armed forces have fired them. No change in practice have been made subsequent to compensation payments.

  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to contract clearance of unexploded ordnance at foreign military training sites used by British forces to specialist firms with appropriate expertise. [80290]
  498W
  Dr. Moonie
  The tables set out the figures available relating to applications for war disablement pension, from members of the Mercantile Marine and eligible members of the Armed Forces. A separate figure for rejected claims is not available. Information on applications before 1996 is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Ingram
  There are currently no plans for the Ministry of Defence to contract out ordnance clearance on foreign military training sites.

  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Kenyan nationals are locally employed in assisting the British Army to clear unexploded ordnance at the Archer's Post training ground in Kenya; and how much of the training ground has been cleared. [80219]

  Mr. Ingram
  The British Army employs two Locally Employed Civilians (LECs) as Range Officers on behalf of the Kenyan Department of Defence (DoD). These LECs do not participate in the destruction of munitions, as this is the responsibility of Army personnel. The British Army conducts clearance operations on all areas of ranges that it uses for live firing.

  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what provision the British Army has made to educate Kenyan civilians who live and work near the military training ground at Archer's Post about associated dangers. [80292]

  Mr. Ingram
  Each year, the British Army conducts an education programme for the local civilians regarding the hazards of unexploded munitions. This informs people in the Archer's Post area, including the nomadic farmers, of the different types of Kenyan and other munitions that they might find in the area.

  John Bredenkamp
  Paul Farrelly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what contacts his Department's officials have had in the last three years with(a) John Bredenkamp and (b) companies controlled by or associated with John Bredenkamp. [80331]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Ministry of Defence has extensive contact with industry and individuals. It would therefore entail disproportionate costs to establish what contacts the Department's officials have had with particular individuals or companies in the last three
  499W
  years. The Government is aware of the allegations made against the named individual in the UN Panel Report, and the appropriate authorities are looking into them.

  State Opening of Parliament
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many armed forces personnel took part in the ceremony for the State Opening of Parliament in 2001; and how many he estimates will take part in 2002. [79842]

  Mr. Ingram
  The number of Armed Forces personnel who took part in the ceremony for the State Opening of Parliament in 2001 was 1,121. Five hundred and twenty personnel will participate in 2002. This reduction is the result of preparatory deployments against the contingency of industrial action by the Fire Brigade Union.

  Servicemen (Absenteeism)
  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many servicemen are absent without leave from their units; and what the figure was on 1 October 2001. [76667]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 24 October 2002]: I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what public consultations have been commenced by his Department in each month since 10 October; and what the(a) start date, (b) closing date and (c) website address of each were. [80265]

  Mr. Ingram
  None.

  Eurofighter Typhoon
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Eurofighter Typhoons will be ordered by the armed forces; and when the armed forces will take delivery of the Eurofighter Typhoon. [78632]

  Dr. Moonie
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave on 10 July 2002,Official Report, column 878W to the right hon. Member for Fylde (M r. Jack). There has been no change in the Government's commitment to the Eurofighter Typhoon. The Royal Air Force expects to take delivery of its total fleet of aircraft during the next 12 years.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will answer the question of 22 July from the hon. Member for Lewisham, Deptford. [79868]

  Mr. Ingram
  The information requested is still being collated. Once this is available, I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Public Consultations
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what public consultations have been commenced by his Department in each month since 10 October; and what the(a) start date, (b) closing date and (c) website address of each were. [80265]
  500W
  Mr. Ingram
  None.

  Royal Ordnance (Bishopton)
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the NAO report on the Royal Ordnance factory at Bishopton will be published. [46425]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

HEALTH

  GP Lists
  Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the average general practitioner list in Worthing West. [74766]

  Ms Blears
  The information requested is not available centrally.

  NHS Staff (Confidentiality)
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to publish his Department's new code of practice on confidentiality and consent for people working in the National Health Service. [73753]

  Mr. Hutton
  "Confidentiality: A Code of Practice for NHS Staff" is expected to be published in spring 2003 following a public consultation exercise running from 22 October 2002 to 31 January 2003.

  Obesity
  Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many representations he has received in the past 12 months about obesity matters from(a) hon. and right hon. Members, (b) organisations and (c) members of the public. [74463]

  Ms Blears
  Over the past year the Department has received 31 Parliamentary Questions, 34 letters from hon. and right hon. Members, and 15 letters from organisations and the general public directly concerning obesity matters.

  NHS Lists
  Mr. Etherington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the average NHS patient list size for(a) general practitioners and (b) dental practitioners, broken down by each primary care trust in England. [74257]

  Mr. Hutton
  The information requested has been placed in the Library.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his Department is doing to improve its performance in providing replies to(a) letters and (b) questions from hon. Members. [74867]

  Ms Blears
  Following the events and review of procedures described in the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the
  501W
  Member for Ellesmere Port and Neston (Mr. Miller) on 25 March 2002 Official Report, column 751W, we have made many improvements to our parliamentary unit, including additional staff, better accommodation, setting up a new electronic tracking system, and enhanced monitoring and oversight of work flows and working practices. We envisage that these measures will lead to faster response times in the Department's handling of Members' questions.

  Change programmes are being established in all Government Departments, designed to build capacity for high performance. The expectation is that departments will achieve a step change in performance in line with the four principles set out in Reforming Our Public Services: Principles into Practice, published in March 2002.

  In terms of correspondence, a customer service project has been set up under the Department's change programme with the following objectives:

  To improve significantly the Department's performance in handling telephone, written and e-mail enquiries from members of the public and their representatives; and,
  To maximise the potential of the Department's website and other forms of communication media as a source of information to the public.
  This project will give further impetus to improving performance in the timeliness and quality of responses to correspondence.

  PSA Testing
  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what processes are in place to inform men that they can ask their general practitioner about the PSA test and the issues that surround it. [75745]

  Ms Blears
  Evidence-based primary care resource packs were sent to all general practitioners (GPs) in England in September 2002, meeting a National Health Service Cancer Plan commitment to ensure that all men considering a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test are given information concerning the benefits, limitations and risks associated with receiving a test.

  The packs are primarily aimed at GPs and practice nurses to use in counselling men with no symptoms who are worried about prostate cancer. A leaflet is available for men to take home to read in their own time, to enable them to make an informed choice on whether or not to have a PSA test. If they do decide to go ahead with the test, they can have it free on the NHS.

  Nuclear Installations
  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations his Department has received concerning the health implications of working and living in the vicinity of a nuclear power station. [75793]

  Ms Blears
  Since the mid 1980s the Department has received many representations about the possible health effects of nuclear installations in the United Kingdom.

  The committee on medical aspects of radiation in the environment (COMARE) was established in November 1985 in response to the final recommendation of the report of the independent advisory group chaired by Sir
  502W
  Douglas Black. Its remit is to look at the possible health effects of all source of radiation whether natural or man made, including radioactive materials discharged from nuclear installations. The committee's terms of reference are "to assess and advise Government and the Devolved Administrations on the health effects of natural and man-made radiation in the environment and to assess the adequacy of the available data and the need for further research". COMARE has now published seven reports and has also published several statements into allegations of health effects around nuclear installations. The committee has also made many recommendations for further investigations and examines these studies as they become available. Details of the committee's reports can be found on its web site at www.open.gov.uk/doh/comare.htm.

  Cancer Care
  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that every cancer patient within the NHS receives treatment from surgeons and physicians who are specialists in their field; and by when he expects this target to be met. [75774]

  Ms Blears
  All doctors must work within the limits of their professional competence, as required by General Medical Council (GMC) guidance,Good Medical Practice, Doctors should not therefore be given or take on responsibility for patients if they are not competent to do so. This is to ensure that patients receive the highest quality of care and have the best chances of making a full recovery.

  The National Health Service in England employs doctors in training grades who are not yet qualified to work independently and staff grade doctors, some of whom are trained specialists. NHS Consultants supervise the work of all of these doctors and are responsible for the care patients receive. Consultants are all trained specialists included on the Specialist Register held by the GMC.

  The Department and more recently the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), has produced Improving Outcomes Guidance (I0G) on how services should be organised for specific types of cancer. The guidance includes recommendations on areas including the establishment of specialist multidisciplinary teams. Targets for the implementation of IOG form part of the priorities and planning framework.

  The NHS Cancer Plan set out a target of providing nearly 1,000 extra cancer specialists by 2006. The NHS is on track to meet this target with an extra 500 cancer consultants between 1999 and 2002.

  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations his Department has received concerning delays in obtaining NICE guidance on cancer treatments. [75799]

  Ms Blears
  The Department has received numerous letters and other representations regarding delays in obtaining guidance from the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) on cancer treatments.
  503W
  The appraisal process, from referral to completion, has been designed to allow the full participation of patients, clinicians, companies and stakeholders. NICE is fully aware of the need to ensure that the process is as streamlined as possible, without losing any of the important safeguards it contains, in order to publish guidance soon after the treatments are launched.

  It is not acceptable for funding authorities to refuse to fund a newly licensed treatment just because it is awaiting appraisal by NICE. Decisions on funding should be based on local consideration of the available evidence when NICE appraisals are awaited.

  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of non-listed cancer patients require—(a) diagnostic—X-ray—examinations, (b) ultrasound investigations for gynaecological and obstetric problems, (c) mammograms for breast cancer and (d) CT scans; and what plans he has to introduce these patients to the national cancer waiting lists published by his Department. [75766]

  Ms Blears
  Data are not collected centrally on diagnostic tests for cancer patients. The National Health Service Cancer Plan set out waiting time targets for cancer. These targets aim to reduce the amount of time patients have to wait from urgent referral to beginning treatment, which will include the diagnostic phase, and from diagnosis of cancer to first treatment. We have no plans to include waiting times for individual diagnostic tests in cancer waiting times monitoring.

  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures are in place to ensure uniform reporting standards in cancer care; and if he will make a statement on cancer care data reporting standards. [78929]

  Ms Blears
  Centrally collected information on cancer services is limited to the collection of data to monitor the waiting times targets in the NHS Cancer Plan and the collection of data on coverage for the National Health Service screening services.

  All of the definitions relating to these processes are nationally standardised and are made available in advance to enable local organisations to ensure that all data are formatted to the required standard.

  The Manual of Cancer Service Standards, published 2 January 2001, provides a framework to enable local cancer networks to assess the quality of services they provide.

  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what mechanisms he has in place to ensure the efficacy of cancer care data gathering measures. [78927]

  Ms Blears
  Data on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with cancer are gathered locally, in accordance with data definitions which have been widely consulted on and agreed. The data definitions are published on the NHS Information Authority website, in dataset change notices (DSCNs). The National Health Service is responsible for ensuring the efficacy of the data.

  NHS Trust Land
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list for each NHS trust, the value of land 504W
  and buildings disposed of in the last three years; what targets he has set for the next three years; and what proposals he has to amend the guidance on disposals so that more affordable housing can be provided for low paid employees in the NHS. [76389]

  Ms Blears
  A list of National Health Service trust disposals by value during the last three years has been placed in the Library.

  The Department does not set targets for NHS trust disposals of land and buildings. Guidance on the disposals of surplus NHS property is contained in Estatecode which is continually kept under review.

  All NHS trusts have to prepare an estates strategy. As part of that strategy the need for residential accommodation for NHS staff has to be assessed before any assets are declared surplus. However, in some instances it may be more appropriate for the land or asset to be developed in a wider context of sustainable communities of which a component could be housing for NHS staff.

  The Department is keen to ensure that an adequate provision of affordable housing for NHS employees is available. Since publication of the NHS Plan agreements have been reached and/or accommodation made available for over 2,000 additional residential units in London. Fifty per cent, of the £250 million starter homes initiative has been allocated to nurses and health care workers.

  Health Professions Council
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans his Department has to allow more representatives from the professional advisory committees onto the Health Professionals Council; and if he will make a statement. [76795]

  Mr. Hutton
  The membership of the Health Professions Council is set out by statute in the Health Professions Order 2002 and the Government has no plans to change that. The Health Professions Council has power to establish professional advisory committees to obtain advice on professional matters for the council and its statutory committees. The size, format and composition of any such committees are a matter for the Health Professions Council to determine.

  Out-Patient Consultations
  Dr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many out-patient consultations with private patients were held in NHS hospitals in each NHS region in each of the last six years. [76608]

  Mr. Hutton
  The information requested will be placed in the Library.

  Seroxat
  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what investigation he has made into the(a) side effects associated with and (b) general safety of Seroxat; [76966]

  (2) what representations he has received regarding the safety of the anti-depressant drug Seroxat; and if he will make a statement. [76965]
  505W
  Ms Blears
  The Medicines Control Agency (MCA) has received a range of representations including parliamentary questions, letters from hon. and right hon. Members, patients and health care professionals about the safety of Seroxat.

  Seroxat (paroxetine) is a member of a group of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Before a product is granted a licence for use in the UK it must meet appropriate standards of safety, quality and efficacy. After licensing the safety of all medicines including SSRIs is continually monitored by the MCA and the independent expert advisory body, the committee on safety of medicines (CSM) and any new evidence which emerges is carefully reviewed.

  The MCA/CSM carried out a major review of all side effects associated with SSRIs, which was completed in 2000 and resulted in product information for all SSRIs including Seroxat being updated and harmonised to reflect the common safety profiles of these medicines. An article in "Current Problems in Pharmacovigilance" in 2000 informed prescribers about this review and reminded them about the risk of withdrawal reactions.

  Withdrawal reactions are an important and well-recognised side effect of Seroxat and also occur with the other SSRIs. The MCA/CSM warned prescribers about the possibility of withdrawal reactions associated with Seroxat via an article in the bulletin "Current Problems in Pharmacovigilance" in 1993. The CSM re-reviewed the issue of withdrawal reactions and possible dependence with Seroxat and the other SSRIs in 1998–99. From detailed review of all available data, the CSM concluded that all SSRIs may be associated with withdrawal reactions on stopping but on current evidence they are not associated with dependence. As a result of this review product information for all SSRIs was updated in relation to withdrawal reactions. This issue was also reviewed at a European level by the committee on proprietary medicinal products which reached similar conclusions.

  The product information for Seroxat which includes the summary of product characteristics for prescribers and the patient information leaflet, contains full details of side effects and warnings about withdrawal reactions. Doctors are advised to consider gradual tapering of dose when Seroxat is discontinued rather than abruptly stopping to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

  Teenage Pregnancy Strategy
  Jim Dobbin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many abortions have been performed on girls(a) under the age of 16 and (b) under the age of 18 since commencement of the Teenage Pregnancy Strategy; and what these figures are, expressed as a percentage of (i) those girls to whom contraception, including emergency contraception, has been provided through the strategy and (ii) the total number of girls in each age range. [78065]

  Ms Blears
  The Government's teenage pregnancy strategy was launched in June 1999.

  The following table provides abortion numbers and rates for resident women of England and Wales, aged under 16 and 16–19, for the years 1999, 2000 and 2001.
  506W
  Rates for under 16s are based on the population of women aged 13–15. The information requested is not available for under 18s.

  Under 16s Number

  Under 16s Rate

  16–19 Number

  16–19 Rate

  1999

  3600

  3.8

  32800

  26.0

  2000

  3700

  3.8

  33200

  26.7

  2001

  3600

  3.7

  33400

  26.1

  Source:

  Health Statistics Quarterly, No. 15

  Information on abortion data as a percentage of those girls to whom contraception, including emergency contraception, has been provided through the strategy, is not available as requested.

  Jim Dobbin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many sexually transmitted infections have been recorded in girls(a) under the age of 16 and (b) under the age of 18 since commencement of the Teenage Pregnancy Strategy; and what these figures are, expressed as a percentage of (i) those girls to whom contraception including emergency contraception, has been provided through the strategy and (ii) the total number of girls in each age range. [78066]

  Ms Blears
  The Government's teenage pregnancy strategy was launched in June 1999. The table shows numbers of females diagnosed with the following sexually transmitted infections: infectious syphilis, uncomplicated gonorrhoea, uncomplicated chlamydial infection, first attack genital herpes simplex virus and first attack genital warts, for the years 1999, 2000 and 2001. Rates per 100,000 13–15 year olds and 16–19 year olds in the population are in brackets. Data for the under 18 age band is not collected.

  Condition

  (All)

  1999

  2000

  2001

  Region

  England

  Sex

  Female

  Age group

  Under 16

  1404(156)

  1510(164)

  1765(192)

  16–19

  21612(1822)

  23712(2023)

  25345(2163)

  Source:

  A joint publication between PHLS (England, Wales and Northern Ireland), DHSS and PS (Northern Ireland) and the Scottish ISD (d) 5 Collaborative Group (ISD. SCIEH and MSSVD). 2002.

  Information on sexually transmitted infections data as a percentage of those young women to whom contraception, including emergency contraception has been provided through the strategy, is not available as requested.

  Jim Dobbin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which(a) pharmacies and (b) supermarkets in England and Wales are authorised to provide emergency contraception, including the so-called morning after pill, to teenagers under the age of 16 years; since when each business has been authorised to do so; and on what terms the provision of emergency contraception is authorised. [78070]

  Ms Blears
  Information on independent, chain or supermarket pharmacies providing emergency contraception is not collected centrally. The involvement of pharmacies in the National Health
  507W
  Service provision of emergency contraception is a local decision taken by the primary care trusts in liaison with local pharmacies.

  Pharmacists providing emergency contraception under NHS arrangements do so under patient group directions (PGD). A PGD is a written instruction for the supply or administration of medicines to groups of patients without an individualised doctor's prescription. The supply of medicines under PGDs remains under medical supervision.

  PGDs are drawn up locally under regulations and guidance issued in August 2000. They apply to pharmacists, nurses and other designated health professionals and are authorised by the clinical governance lead in the primary care trust or community NHS trust.

  Pharmacists providing emergency contraception to under 16s do so under the established legal framework for all health professionals. This involves assessing the young person's competence to understand the choices they are making and encouraging them to talk to their parents. Pharmacists are trained to ensure that young women are informed about and encouraged to visit local services that provide regular forms of contraception and condoms to protect against sexually transmitted infections.

  All health professionals, including pharmacists, are bound by their professional code of confidentiality. A young person's request for confidentiality is respected unless there are serious child protection issues.

  Jim Dobbin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many conceptions have been recorded in girls(a) under the age of 16 and (b) under the age of 18 since the commencement of the Teenage Pregnancy Strategy; and what these figures are expressed as (i) a percentage of those girls to whom contraception, including emergency contraception, has been provided through the strategy and (ii) a percentage of the total number of girls in each age range. [78005]

  Ms Blears
  The Government's teenage pregnancy strategy was launched in June 1999.

  The table shows conception numbers and rates by age of woman at conception for residents of England for 1999 and 2000. Rates for under 16s and under 18s are based on the population of women aged 13–15 and 15–17 respectively. The data for 2000 remains provisional.

  1999 Number

  1999 Rate

  2000 Number

  2000 Rate

  Under 16

  7408

  8.2

  7617

  8.3

  Under 18

  39,247

  44.7

  38,690

  43.6

  Source:

  Office for National Statistics

  Information on conception data as a percentage of those girls to whom contraception, including emergency contraception, has been provided through the strategy, is not available as requested.

  Jim Dobbin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which schools in England and Wales are authorised to provide(a) contraception and (b) emergency
  508W
  contraception to their pupils; since when each school has been authorised to do so; and in which schools and on what terms (i) contraception and (ii) emergency contraception is available to girls and boys under the age of 16 in these schools. [78067]

  Ms Blears
  Information on the number of schools providing contraception as part of a school based health service is not collected centrally.

  The provision of school based health services is a decision for the governing body of the individual school, where the governing body and school community identify a need. Services should be developed in consultation with parents and information clearly provided as part of the school's sex and relationship education policy.

  Within a school based service, contraception, including emergency contraception, is only provided to young people under 16 by health professionals under medical supervision. This includes the supply by school nurses, working to patient group directions. A patient group direction is a written instruction for the supply or administration of medicines to groups of patients without an individualised doctor's prescription. There are no circumstances where teachers provide contraception.

  Health professionals can provide contraception to young people under 16 provided they are satisfied that the young person is competent to understand fully the implications of any treatment and to make a choice of the treatment involved. Health professionals work within an established legal framework which involves assessing the young person's competence to understand the choices they are making and encouraging them to talk to their parents. All professionals are bound by their professional code of confidentiality. A young person's request for confidentiality is respected unless there are serious child protection issues.

  School based health services provide advice on a wide range of health and emotional issues. The benefits of providing pupils with easy access to one to one advice from a health professional are recognised in a recent OFSTED report "Sex and Relationships" (2002), which cites a school based clinic as an example of best practice.

  Hospital Chaplain
  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to his answer of 15 October 2002,Official Report, column 795W, what access to information on a patient's religious affiliation a hospital chaplain will have in the event of needing to administer the last rites to an unconscious persion in extremis. [78301]

  Ms Blears
  Where a patient is incapable of providing consent, perhaps through serious or terminal illness, it is possible for hospital staff to disclose their religious affiliation to a hospital chaplain, as this may in the circumstances be in the best interests of the patient concerned.

  Ghana
  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what meetings Ministers have had with representatives of the Ghanaian Government in 2002. [77994]
  509W
  Ms Blears
  There have been no meetings between Ministers and representatives of the Ghanaian Government in 2002.

  NHS Direct
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if nurses operating on NHS Direct are able to give only pre-set answers to queries. [77604]

  Ms Blears
  NHS Direct nurse advisors use their experience and expertise alongside a computerised decision support system (algorithms), as part of the National Health Service clinical assessment system (CAS) to enable them to identify the nature of the call and assess the needs of the caller.

  NHS Direct defines what it requires of its nurses through a set of competency statements. Nurses can be recruited from any specialty provided they meet these competencies, although they must have between three to five years post-qualification experience.

  There is a need to maintain a balance between using CAS to support the clinical decision whilst allowing scope for professional judgement by the nurse.

  Jams Regulations
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the organisations being consulted by the Food Standards Agency about the revision of the Jams Regulations. [77821]

  Ms Blears
  On 1 August this year, the Food Standards Agency wrote to approximately one hundred interested parties to seek preliminary views on the drafting of new Jams and Similar Products Regulations. This letter was also placed on the Agency's website. A copy of the letter, together with a list of recipients, has been placed in the Library.

  The draft Regulations will be the subject of a further full public consultation in the new year.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reasons the Government did not secure reserved descriptions in the EC Jams Directive (2001/113/EC) for(a) curd, (b) flavour curd, (c) lemon cheese and (d) mincemeat. [77822]

  Ms Blears
  The purpose of the EC Jams Directive is to harmonise Community provisions relating to Jams and similar products.

  Since fruit curd and mincemeat products are not produced in any significant quantities in other Member States, it is more appropriate for the composition of these products to be controlled in national, rather than European Union, legislation.

  Poultry Meat
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about the incidence and the levels of nitrofurans detected in poultry meat imported from Brazil. [77823]

  Ms Blears
  Between 1 January 2002 and 14 October 2002, the United Kingdom is aware that 19 rapid alerts, sent via the EU's rapid alert system for food and feed, have been issued regarding the detection of nitrofurans 510W
  in 28 samples of Brazilian poultry meat. The average level of nitrofuran metabolites in the samples was 26µg/kg. Five samples exceeded 50µg/kg with the highest level being 120µg/kg for the nitrofuran metabolite AMOZ. Residues of nitrofurans should not be present at any level in food. No conclusion can be drawn regarding the frequency of contamination, as there is no data on how many samples of Brazilian poultry meat have been the subject of testing.

  PET Scanners
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many PET scanners there are in England and at which hospitals; [77945]

  (2) What the cost is of a PET scanner to the National Health Service. [77946]

  Ms Blears
  There are five positron emission tomography (PET) scanners in National Health Service hospitals in England used for routine clinical assessments. They are situated at Guys, St. Thomas', Middlesex, Mount Vernon and Hammersmith Hospitals. An additional private scanner is situated in Harley Street. Four other PET scanners are used primarily for research and are located in dedicated research facilities in London, Cambridge and Manchester.

  The initial capital outlay for a fully equipped PET Scanner and associated facilities is approximately £4.2 million, with annual running costs of approximately £1.02 million.

  Hospital Visits
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many hospitals(a) he and (b) his Ministers visited since June 2001. [77964]

  Ms Blears
  Since 1 June 2001, Ministers in this Department have visited 117 hospitals. Fifteen of these visits were made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State.

  Hormone Replacement Therapy
  Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effect of taking HRT long term on(a) the incidence of (i) breast cancer and (ii) osteoporosis and (b) the quality of life of women. [78570]

  Ms Blears
  The Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) and its Expert Working Group on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) have reviewed the long-term safety of HRT as new information has become available. In 2001, the United Kingdom was actively involved in a European-wide review of all available evidence relating to HRT use in order to provide consistent core product information throughout Europe. Following the publication of further studies relating to the long-term effects of HRT earlier this year, the CSM re-convened its Expert Working Group (EWG) on HRT to examine in detail all the latest evidence. In light of the findings of its EWG, CSM has made further recommendations for product information to ensure that the advice for women and doctors accurately reflects current knowledge.
  511W
  A very small increase in the risk of developing breast cancer in women on long-term HRT was first recognised in 1997. Women and health professionals were warned of this risk through an article in the drug safety bulletin "Current Problems in Pharmacovigilance" and product information was updated. Among women aged 50 who do not use HRT, approximately 45 in every 1000 will develop breast cancer by the age of 70. Recently published studies have confirmed that this number will increase to about 47 per 1000 women who take HRT for 5 years, about 51 per 1000 women who take HRT for 10 years, and about 57 per 1000 women who take HRT for 15 years.

  In the UK, HRT products are indicated for the treatment of menopausal symptoms, and some products are also licensed for the prevention of osteoporosis. Data relating to the effectiveness of HRT in preventing bone fractures were reviewed by CSM at the time of licensing and were judged to support "the prevention of osteoporosis" as an indication for HRT. Further evidence was provided in studies published earlier this year for a significant reduction in the number of hip fractures with long-term HRT use.

  A recent trial in women with pre-existing heart disease examined cardiovascular effects of long-term HRT and also considered "quality of life" indicators. Although the findings of this trial were mixed, the women suffering from post-menopausal symptoms experienced an overall improvement in "quality of life". Based on all currently available evidence, the benefits of short-term use of HRT for the relief of menopausal symptoms are judged to outweigh the risks. The decision to use HRT should be discussed by a woman with her doctor on an individual basis and the risks and benefits regularly reappraised with continued HRT use.

  Prescription Dispensary Systems
  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made on developing a national specification for automated prescription dispensary systems. [78958]

  Ms Blears
  Automated dispensing systems are seen as part of the Integrated Care Record Service (ICRS). The ICRS implementation will run up to 2008 by which time a unified patient record system will exist for all National Health Service patients. This will include the functionality of electronic prescribing, pharmacy systems and, where appropriate, robotic dispensing systems. Funding for this programme over the next three years will be announced in the autumn.

  In this context the Department is considering the recommendation from the Audit Commission that a national specification for automated dispensary systems should be commissioned and that earmarked funds should also he considered for the introduction of these systems.

  Reporting Rates
  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the reporting rates are to the Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre by(a) public health laboratories and (b) NHS microbiology laboratories. [78788]
  512W
  Ms Blears
  Information on reporting rates from Public Health Laboratory Service and National Health Service laboratories is not available. However, information available from the communicable disease surveillance centre shows that a total of 157,499 reports were received from NHS laboratories in 2001 and 180,503 reports from PHLS laboratories. It is estimated that the PHLS carries out over 40 per cent. of the NHS microbiology testing requirements.

  Public Health Laboratory Service
  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the preparedness of systems to replace the Public Health Laboratory Service. [78783]

  Ms Blears
  In the Chief Medical Officer's strategy for combating infectious diseases,Getting ahead of the Curve, he proposed subsuming the Public Health Laboratory Service (PHLS), the centre for applied microbiology and research, the national radiological protection board and the national focus for chemical incidents into a single new body, the Health Protection Agency (HPA).

  The specialist and reference functions of the PHLS, mostly the Central Public Health Laboratory, and the communicable disease surveillance centre are to enter the HPA in their entirety, retaining their existing systems.

  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the impact on the existing effectiveness of the National Network of Microbiology Laboratories of the proposed changes to the Public Health Laboratory Service. [78785]

  Ms Blears
  We are aware of the informal microbiology networking arrangements currently managed by the Public Health Laboratory Service (PHLS). We intend to strengthen and enhance the current PHLS arrangements in the process of transferring the routine microbiology laboratories to National Health Service trusts and to build on their example of good practice.

  The Chief Executive of the NHS has written to the chief executives of the receiving NHS trusts emphasising the need for the transfer process to be as smooth and efficient as possible. Maintenance and enhancement of the he existing functional arrangements between laboratories currently in the PHLS is clearly an important part of the efficiency of the transfer process.

  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when new replacement managed pathology networks are proposed to be established and effective to replace the Public Health Laboratory Service. [78784]

  Ms Blears
  As outlined in the recently published document,Future arrangements for microbiology laboratory services, all Public Health Laboratory Service (PHLS) laboratories, except for those designated as Health Protection Agency (HPA) laboratories, will transfer into the management of National Health Service trusts on 1 April 2003.
  513W
  The Department of Health document, Pathology—The Essential Service, Draft guidance on modernising pathology services, supported the development of managed pathology networks as an effective means of delivering improved pathology services.

  The consultation period for this document ended on 30 September 2002. The results of the consultation are currently being considered. It is anticipated that new guidance will be released to the NHS in the new year.

  Phsyical Activity Pilot Projects
  Patsy Calton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will publish further details of the physical activity pilot projects announced in May; and when the £2.5m funding for the projects is to be made available. [79184]

  Ms Blears
  Primary care trusts based in neighbourhood renewal fund areas were invited to submit expressions of interest by their regional directors of Public Health last month. These are currently being sifted by regional panels. The short-listed applicants will be asked to submit full applications by 20 December 2002. Awards will be announced in Spring 2003.

  Alcohol Abuse
  Sue Doughty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to reduce the waiting time for treatment for alcohol abuse; and if he will make a statement. [79375]

  Ms Blears
  Data on waiting times for alcohol treatment are not collected centrally as a matter of routine.

  The Cabinet Office Strategy Unit and the Department of Health are currently conducting a joint consultation exercise on the national alcohol harm reduction strategy. The consultation exercise will run until 15 January 2003 and the strategy itself is due to be published in Summer 2003. The consultation exercise will seek the views of a wide range of stakeholders on a broad spectrum of alcohol misuse issues, including alcohol treatment. Copies are available in the Library or at: www.strategy.gov.uk/2002/alcohol/consultationdoc.shtml or, www.doh.gov.uk/alcohol/alcoholstrategy.htm

  Sue Doughty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many deaths from alcohol abuse of(a) women and (b) men there were in each year from 1997 to 2001. [79376]

  Ms Blears
  Information collected centrally about the cause of deaths does not systematically record whether a death is attributable to alcohol misuse. A number of health and lifestyle factors can contribute to diseases such as cancer, stroke and coronary heart disease, and it can be difficult to isolate alcohol consumption as the most important of these factors.

  A research review commissioned by the Department in 1997 concluded that between 5,000 and 40,000 deaths are attributable to alcohol misuse each year in England and Wales.

  Drug and Alcohol Abuse
  Sue Doughty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the results of the separation of support for drug and alcohol reduction strategies; and if he will make a statement. [79374]

  Ms Blears
  In 1998 the United Kingdom Anti-Drug Co-ordination Unit (UKADCU) developed the national drug strategy. The focus of this strategy was illegal drugs, crime reduction and enforcement. Key planks of the strategy centred upon availability and supply issues that would clearly not have been applicable to legal substances. As alcohol is not illegal it was decided it would be inappropriate to include it in this strategy.

  The Government are committed to implementing the national alcohol harm reduction strategy by 2004, and work on developing the strategy is currently being taken forward by the Cabinet Office Strategy Unit, the Department of Health and other Government Departments. The strategy is due to be published in Summer 2003, and it will contain recommendations on the most effective ways of implementation across Government, including any links to be made with the implementation of the drugs strategy.

  Hospices
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to increase funds to hospices(a) in the UK and (b) in Lancashire. [79577]

  Ms Blears
  The NHS Cancer Plan, published in September 2000, pledged that the National Health Service contribution to the costs of specialist palliative care (including hospices) would increase by £50 million by 2004.

  Progress to date has been slow. We have therefore asked Professor Mike Richards, the National Cancer Director, to work with the NHS and the voluntary sector to develop proposals for a new approach to specialist palliative care funding that will ensure delivery of the £50 million increase and develop a mechanism to secure long term investment. Professor Richards has been asked to report to Ministers later this Autumn.

  To support this initiative, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health announced on 2 October that we are making available an extra £10 million for specialist palliative care services in 2002–03. It will be for local health communities, with their voluntary sector partners, to decide how this funding should be deployed in support of the Cancer Plan objectives.

  Funding for specialist palliative care services in Scotland and Wales is the responsibility of the devolved administrations, and whilst the institutions in Northern Ireland are dissolved, responsibility rests with Ministers in the Northern Ireland Office.

  Emergency Care
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps are being taken to implement the recommendations of the Reforming Emergency Care document in respect of addressing the recruitment and retention difficulties in accident and emergency departments. [79266]
  515W
  Ms Blears
  Reforming Emergency Care recommended breaking down over rigid demarcation barriers to enable more flexible ways of working throughout National Health Service emergency care provision. This included separating patients into "streams" according to need and enabling nurse practitioners to take a much greater role in dealing with patients. Central investment of £40 million has already enabled the recruitment of 600 additional accident and emergency (A&E) nurses to support the separation of services for patients with minor injuries or illness from those with more serious conditions.

  The access care group workforce team has been set up to take forward the recommendations of Reforming Emergency Care on workforce planning and development to help ensure for the longer term we have the right number of staff, with the right skills, in the right place.

  Infection Risk Assessment
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to adopt similar proposals to those introduced in Scotland on the development of training packages for NHS staff groups on healthcare-associated infection risk assessment and management; and if he will make a statement. [79697]

  Mr. Hutton
  The National Health Service University (NHSU), the organisation set-up by the Department to establish a university for the National Health Service, is leading a pilot project to deliver training programmes in cleaning, at NVQ Level One, and infection control, leading to a college certificate. It is expected that at least 4,000 NHS staff will have benefited from this initiative by the end of the pilot project in May 2003. The project will be evaluated and if successful, these or similar programmes will form part of NHSU's ongoing portfolio of courses.

  Our strategy to combat infectious disease, Getting Ahead of the Curve, aims to reassert control over serious infectious disease problems and identified healthcare associated infection (HCAI) as a priority area. A new targeted action plan to address HCAI is being developed and this will consider training. The plan should be ready around the end of the year.

  Nursing Courses
  Dr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information his Department collates on how many applications for pre-registration nursing courses are rejected on the ground that the supply of places cannot keep up with demand; and if he will make a statement. [79712]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Department does not collect or collate information on the number of applications to nursing programmes that are rejected. Applications for entry to nurse education are processed by the nursing and midwifery admissions service who operate a clearing system for those individuals who are not immediately placed with a university. The number of undergraduate pre-registration training places available each year are determined through work force planning processes led locally by work force development confederations.

  Beef Assurance Scheme
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will list abattoirs in the South West and South East of England which will slaughter animals over the age of 30 months but less than 42 months under the Government's Beef Assurance Scheme; and if he will make a statement on the Government's support of organic farming; [78919]

  (2) what legislation prevents abattoirs from slaughtering cattle over the age of 30 months under the Beef Assurance Scheme. [78920]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answers 5 November 2002]: I am advised by the Food Standards Agency that licensed abattoirs are free to slaughter animals reared under the beef assurance scheme, but only a number choose to do so. There is no legislation to prevent abattoirs from slaughtering such cattle, but there are controls in place relating to the removal of vertebral column from animals over 30 months of age.

  Organic farming is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

  Community Health Councils
  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, when he expects community health councils to be abolished. [79892]

  Ms Blears
  Community Health Councils (CHCs) will be abolished once the new arrangements for patient and public involvement are functioning. There is no abolition date for CHCs as yet, but we will make an announcement as soon as a date is set.

  Heart Operations
  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 23 October to the hon. Member for East Worthing and Shoreham, column 400W, whether NHS patients will have a choice of all the listed hospitals for their heart operations. [79964]

  Ms Blears
  Each referring hospital has identified a number of core options which are most likely to meet the individual needs of local patients.

  If a patient would prefer to go to a local hospital that is not included in these options for the treatment their patient care advisor will have up to date information on all the hospitals in this country or elsewhere in Europe that are suitable for the patient and should seek to arrange their treatment according to their wishes.

  The choices will depend on the nature of the patient's illness. For some patients who are very ill or who have other illnesses as well, it may be that some of the options on offer do not have the facilities or expertise needed to treat them.

  Abortion
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) NHS and (b) private clinics are licensed to perform abortions up to birth; and if he will list them. [79815]
  517W
  Ms Blears
  Abortions undertaken after 24 weeks gestation can only be performed in a National Health Service hospital.

  Under Section 1(3) of the Abortion Act 1967, as amended, NHS hospitals do not need the Secretary of State for Health's approval to perform abortion, at any gestation. However, a pregnancy may only be terminated if two registered medical practitioners are of the opinion, formed in good faith that an abortion is justified within the terms of the Act, in the light of their clinical judgement of all the particular circumstances of the individual case.

  Beyond 24 weeks gestation, an abortion can only be performed when:
  the termination is necessary to prevent grave permanent injury to the physical or mental health of the pregnant woman; or
  the continuance of the pregnancy would involve risk to the life of the pregnant woman, greater than if the pregnancy were terminated; or

  All General Medical Practitioners (Excluding GP Retainers)1 Of Which NHS Plan GPs2 And Unrestricted Principle & Equivalents (UPEs)3 In England As At 1 October 1997 to 1999 30 September 2000 to 2001 And 31 March 2002 By Strategic Health Authority4

  1997

  1998

  1998

  1999

  1999

  2000

  2000

  2001

  2001

  March 2002

  DHSC

  Strategic Health Authority

  All Practitioners Excl GP Retainers

  Of Which NHS Plan

  UPEs

  All Practitioners Excl GP Retainers

  Of Which NHS Plan

  UPEs

  All Practitioners Excl GP Retainers

  Of Which NHS Plan

  UPEs

  All Practitioners Excl GP Retainers

  Of Which NHS Plan

  UPEs

  All Practitioners Excl GP Retainers

  Of Which NHS Plan

  UPEs

  All Practitioners Excl GP Retainers

  Of Which NHS Plan

  UPEs

  North

  Cheshire & Merseyside

  1,421

  1,338

  1,316

  1,413

  1,337

  1,316

  1,458

  1,381

  1,318

  1,458

  1,366

  1,334

  1,481

  1,375

  1,328

  1,485

  1,385

  1330

  County Durham & Tees Valley

  648

  621

  614

  650

  620

  614

  656

  626

  621

  661

  634

  617

  696

  662

  627

  685

  658

  640

  Cumbria & Lancashire

  1,134

  1,066

  1,070

  1,147

  1,109

  1,081

  1,158

  1,106

  1,083

  1,152

  1,105

  1,079

  1,174

  1,118

  1,087

  1,194

  1,120

  1091

  Greater Manchester

  1,485

  1,424

  1,393

  1,484

  1,433

  1,397

  1,510

  1,452

  1,407

  1,523

  1,480

  1,408

  1,518

  1,441

  1,391

  1,520

  1,443

  1,400

  North & East Yorkshire & Northern

  Lincolnshire

  999

  944

  921

  991

  944

  925

  1,011

  950

  926

  1,021

  948

  932

  1,039

  970

  941

  1,082

  902

  953

  Northumberland Tyne & Wear

  836

  811

  789

  856

  806

  785

  864

  820

  794

  875

  819

  802

  907

  852

  830

  928

  861

  832

  South Yorkshire

  758

  718

  716

  758

  723

  715

  772

  731

  721

  778

  733

  723

  794

  739

  725

  788

  740

  723

  West Yorkshire

  1,264

  1,197

  1,177

  1,279

  1,206

  1,186

  1,309

  1,230

  1,204

  1,324

  1,234

  1,209

  1,358

  1,278

  1,238

  1,380

  1,291

  1257

  Midlands & Eastern

  Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire

  915

  883

  870

  944

  902

  883

  948

  903

  886

  955

  903

  887

  985

  907

  888

  985

  904

  888

  Birmingham & the Black Country

  1,327

  1,293

  1,261

  1,343

  1,301

  1,265

  1,357

  1,313

  1,263

  1,380

  1,317

  1,273

  1,391

  1,315

  1,267

  1,411

  1,322

  1255

  Coventry, Warwickshire Herefordshire & Worcestershire

  907

  859

  832

  901

  867

  840

  906

  873

  844

  924

  870

  847

  941

  894

  857

  971

  891

  861

  Essex

  849

  821

  810

  862

  830

  819

  860

  831

  826

  857

  829

  819

  851

  816

  810

  862

  824

  818

  Lancastershire, Northamptonshire & Rutland

  908

  843

  826

  902

  843

  830

  896

  829

  811

  877

  823

  806

  894

  833

  821

  895

  827

  817

  Norfolk, Suffolk & Cambridgeshire

  1,316

  1,263

  1,226

  1,335

  1,276

  1,238

  1,348

  1,283

  1,244

  1,371

  1,293

  1,265

  1,388

  1,302

  1,259

  1,397

  1,323

  1288

  Shropshire & Staffordshire

  782

  762

  747

  813

  778

  765

  830

  799

  786

  838

  795

  775

  825

  765

  768

  827

  785

  773

  Trent

  1,430

  1,370

  1,353

  1,459

  1,392

  1,376

  1,471

  1,413

  1,393

  1,507

  1,438

  1,409

  1,543

  1,445

  1,412

  1,513

  1,441

  1411

  London

  North Central London

  788

  744

  671

  802

  750

  687

  786

  747

  880

  819

  789

  694

  804

  751

  682

  809

  755

  864

  North East London

  888

  849

  768

  896

  848

  800

  894

  848

  802

  925

  874

  809

  899

  855

  794

  913

  849

  798

  North West London

  1,209

  1,164

  970

  1,188

  1,128

  969

  1,134

  1,091

  972

  1,125

  1,081

  958

  1,150

  1,093

  976

  1,121

  1,070

  967

  South East London

  868

  833

  774

  962

  830

  794

  901

  866

  807

  886

  855

  807

  904

  875

  817

  894

  867

  828

  South West London

  779

  734

  666

  767

  717

  681

  781

  725

  686

  793

  728

  685

  788

  727

  681

  812

  744

  683

  South

  Avon, Gloucestershire & Wiltshire

  1,325

  1,262

  1,235

  1,374

  1,298

  1,280

  1,404

  1,312

  1,282

  1,424

  1,324

  1,296

  1,442

  1,133

  1,312

  1,447

  1,352

  1322

  Hampshire & Isle of Wight

  1,080

  1,011

  998

  1,070

  1,020

  1,005

  1,089

  1,027

  1,012

  1,099

  1,034

  1,021

  1,122

  1,034

  1,024

  1,130

  1,035

  1024

  Kent & Medway

  904

  870

  548

  916

  873

  842

  918

  675

  853

  901

  866

  847

  915

  864

  648

  812

  868

  848

  Dorset & Somerset

  794

  748

  731

  820

  762

  747

  843

  774

  757

  845

  786

  767

  867

  792

  771

  869

  794

  770

  South West Peninsula

  1,066

  1,004

  993

  1,063

  1,011

  1,001

  1,060

  1,010

  1,002

  1,093

  1,019

  1,008

  1,121

  1,034

  1,023

  1,112

  1,036

  1028

  Surrey & Sussex

  1,486

  1,412

  1,367

  1,518

  1,432

  1,383

  1,522

  1,431

  1,385

  1,531

  1,442

  1,400

  1,571

  1,455

  1,408

  1,588

  1,470

  1414

  Thames Valley

  1,232

  1,182

  1,159

  1,264

  1,215

  1,186

  1,301

  1,243

  1,218

  1,308

  1,247

  1,227

  1,335

  1,267

  1,246

  1,382

  1,285

  1257

  England

  Total

  29,389

  28,046

  27,099

  29,897

  28,251

  27,392

  29,397

  28,467

  27,581

  30,252

  28,583

  27,704

  30,685

  28,802

  27,843

  30,858

  28,950

  27,956

  Notes

  1 All General Medical Practitioners (excluding GP Retainers) include GMS Unrestricted Principal. PMS Contracted GPs. Restricted Principles. Assistants. GP Registers. Salaried Doctors (para 52 SFA) and PMS Other

  2 NHS Plan GPs include GMS Unrestricted Principles. PMS Contracted GPs. PMS Salaried GPs. Restricted Principle, Assistants. Salaried Doctors (Para 52 SFA) and PMS Others

  3 UPEs include GMS Unrestricted Principles PMS Contracted GPs and PMS Selected GPs

  Date has been converted to match boundaries as at April 2002

  Source:

  Department of Health General and Personal Medical Services Statistics
  518W
  there is a substantial risk that if the child were born it would suffer from such physical or mental abnormalities as to be seriously handicapped; or
  to save the life or to prevent grave permanent injury to the physical or mental health of the pregnant woman.

  General Practitioners
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many GPs were practising in England and Wales in each of the last five years, broken down by region. [75525]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 21 October 2002]: The information requested for England is shown in the table. The information relating to Wales is a matter for the devolved Administration.

  The numbers of general practitioners (GPs) and trainee GPs continue to grow, with GP registrar numbers at their highest ever level. In March 2002 there were 1,910 GP registrars. These are the GPs of the future.
  519W
  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many salaried(a) general practitioners and (b) dentists are employed in the Camden and Islington area. [79643]

  Mr. Hutton
  These figures are on a headcount basis rather than whole time equivalent (wte) and take no account of part-time working. Dentists working in more than one dental service are included in each service.

  These figures exclude self employed principal dentists working in the general dental service (GDS) and their assistants.

  Salaried General Medical Practitioners in Camden & Islington Health Authority, London RO and England as at 31 March 2002

  numbers (headcount)

  England

  London RO

  Camden & Islington HA

  Total of which Salaried

  Total of which Salaried

  Total of which Salaried

  All Practitioners

  32,011

  4,452

  4,674

  764

  275

  54

  of which

  Unrestricted Principals and Equivalents (UPEs)1

  27,956

  4892

  3,970

  842

  224

  52

  Restricted Principals

  92

  0

  24

  0

  2

  0

  Assistants

  476

  476

  173

  173

  9

  9

  GP Registrars

  1,908

  1,908

  264

  264

  27

  27

  Salaried Doctors (Para 52 SFA)

  100

  100

  35

  35

  6

  6

  PMS Other

  326

  326

  83

  83

  1

  1

  GP Retainers

  1,153

  1,153

  125

  125

  6

  6

  Notes:

  1 Unrestricted Principals and Equivalents (UPEs) includes GMS Unrestricted Principals, PMS Contracted GPs and PMS Salaried GPs.

  2 Salaried UPEs data are to be treated with caution Salaried PMS Principals data were not submitted by the majority of Health Authorities. This is likely to be an underestimate.

  Source:

  General and Personal Medical Services Statistics

  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his Department's estimate is of the average number of patients allocated to each general practitioner in the Camden and Islington area. [79645]

  Mr. Hutton
  The information requested is shown in the table.

  Unrestricted Principals And Equivalents (UPEs)1 And Average List Size As At 30 September 2001

  numbers (headcount)

  UPEs

  Average List Size

  England Total

  27,843

  1,841

  of which:

  London RO

  3,962

  1,985

  of which:

  Camden & Islington HA

  225

  2,039

  Note:

  1 UPEs include GMS Unrestricted Principals, PMS Contracted GPs and PMS Salaried GPs.

  Source:

  General and Personal Medical Services Statistics

  Nurses
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of nurses starting work in the NHS in the last year were trained overseas. [75527]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 21 October]: The Department does not collect information on the number of nurses working in the National Health Service who were trained overseas.
  520W

  Number of salaried dentists working in the NHS at 30 September 2001 Camden and Islington Health Authority

  Health Authority

  Salaried service of General Dental Service

  Personal Dental Service

  Community Dental Service1

  Hospital Dental Service1

  Total1

  Camden and Islington

  1

  1

  20

  110

  130

  Notes:

  1 Figures are rounded to the nearest ten.

  The table below shows data for salaried general practitioners which as been taken from the latest mini census (31 March 2002).

  Foundation Trusts
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether his Department has established a foundation trust consultative group. [76864]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 24 October 2002]: The Department has not established a foundation trust consultative group. However, the initial framework for policy on National Health Service foundation trusts was developed through consultation with the first cohort of three-star NHS trusts as part of a series of national events on earned autonomy. In addition, Departmental officials have been seeking views from a number of chief executives from several different NHS trusts, primary care trusts, strategic health authorities and from other sources. These discussions have provided an important sounding board for our proposals.

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether his formulation of foundation status for hospitals has involved consideration of a voucher system for patients or GPs. [79246]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 4 November 2002]: We have not considered any form of voucher system for patients or general practitioners in developing our proposals for the creation of National Health Service foundation trusts. NHS foundation trusts will provide free care for NHS patients according to NHS principles, based on clinical need and not ability to pay.

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many three star trusts have indicated an interest in becoming foundation trusts. [79247]
  521W
  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 4 November 2002]: Thirty-one of the acute National Health Service trusts that were awarded three stars in the previous NHS performance ratings announced in 2001 submitted expressions of interest in becoming NHS foundation trusts. We have not however asked for expressions of interest since publication of the new NHS performance ratings in July 2002.

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to announce which 12 NHS trusts have been chosen to be foundation trusts. [79248]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 4 November 2002]: We expect to announce a list of trusts that have been successful in their applications to become first-wave National Health Service foundation trusts later next year.

  Angiograms
  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many hospitals(a) include and (b) exclude angiograms from (i) inpatient and (ii) outpatient waiting lists; and if he will make a statement. [75993]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 24 October 2002]: This information is not centrally available at present as waiting times are collected by specialty not procedure. We are investing £65 million New Opportunities Fund money and £15 million Treasury Capital Modernisation Fund money to expand angiography facilities. When completed, this should allow an extra 14,000 angiograms to take place each year. The planning and priorities framework for 2003–06 sets the National Health Service a target to reduce waiting times for angiography and we plan to monitor progress against this target.

  Job Vacancies
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many job vacancies there were at(a) administrative assistant or equivalent, (b) administrative officer or equivalent, (c) administrative executive officer, (d) higher executive officer, (e) senior executive officer, (f) grade 7 principal and (g) all positions above grade 7 level in his Department for jobs located in (h) London and (i) the South East between 1st April 2001 and 31st March; and what is the total employment for each Civil Service grade. [76550]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 28 October 2002]: The information requested is contained in the table below.

  Table Showing Position as at 1 April 2001

  Responsibility Level

  London Region

  South East Region

  Vacancies*

  Total Staff

  Vacancies*

  Total Staff

  Grades 6 and above

  21

  120

  2

  6

  Grade 7

  42

  436

  1

  41

  Senior Executive Officer

  55

  385

  6

  38

  Higher Executive Officer

  33

  326

  5

  22

  Executive Officer

  88

  630

  1

  39

  Administrative Officer

  70

  470

  9

  34

  522W

  Table Showing Position as at 1 April 2001

  Responsibility Level

  London Region

  South East Region

  Vacancies*

  Total Staff

  Vacancies*

  Total Staff

  Administrative Assistant

  9

  110

  —

  8

  Total Non-Industrial Staff

  318

  2,477

  24

  188

  Source:

  * Expressed as numbers of staff recruited—we have no information on numbers of unfilled vacancies

  Waiting List Targets
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to extend waiting list targets to psychologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists. [77841]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 29 October 2002]: The NHS Plan outlined that the maximum inpatient wait will be reduced in stages from 18 months to six months by the end of 2005. The maximum wait for a first outpatient appointment with a consultant will be three months by the end of 2005.

  Sheep Meat
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make it his policy to ban from the food chain meat from the breeds of sheep that are susceptible to scrapie. [78362]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 31 October 2002]: Scrapie is not known to be transmissible to humans. Nonetheless there is a theoretical risk that the occurrence of apparent scrapie cases may be concealing BSE in sheep. The question of appropriate precautionary and advisory action to protect and inform consumers about this risk has been extensively considered and publicised by the Food Standards Agency in recent times.

  The European Commission has meanwhile issued proposals for action amongst other things to prevent certain susceptible sheep from entering the food chain. These proposals relate only to those holdings where scrapie has been confirmed as present.

  Ambulance Response Times
  Mr. Alan Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of ambulance response times to category A calls by the East Midlands Ambulance Trust in(a) the county of Rutland and (b) the Melton Borough Council area were achieved within eight minutes in the last period for which figures are available; for those responses which took longer than eight minutes, how long it took for the ambulance to respond; and if he will make a statement. [78752]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 4 November 2002]: Information on Category A 999 response times for the County of Rutland or the Melton Borough Council area is not available. The activities for these two areas are monitored as part of the East Midlands Ambulance Service.

  The latest information about the proportion of emergency calls resulting in an ambulance arriving at the scene of the reported incident within the

  523W
  Government's target response times for the East Midlands Ambulance NHS Trust, and all other ambulance trusts, is contained in the Department of Health Statistical Bulletin "Ambulance Services, England 2001–02".

  During that period, East Midlands Ambulance Service responded to 73.1 per cent. of Category A 999 calls within the East Midlands area within 8 minutes.

  I understand that since 1 September 2002, ambulance service cover has been increased in Melton, Oakham and Market Harborough by an additional 81 vehicle hours per day.

  Vitamin B6
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the strength of Vitamin B6 when used for(a) countering heart disease and (b) female hormone control, in the light of the Food Standards Agency's report on safe maximum dosages; and if he will make a statement. [79330]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 4 November 2002]: There is epidemiological evidence that homocysteine is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and increasing levels of some B vitamins, including B6, may reduce blood levels of homocysteine. However, there is not yet conclusive evidence that reducing blood homocysteine—through increased intake of B vitamins—has a direct impact on the incidence of CVD. There are on-going randomised controlled trials assessing the impact of lowering homocysteine levels on the incidence of heart disease.

  The evidence to date suggests that B6 may have a positive effect on pre-menstrual symptoms, but this is based on limited information from poor quality trials. Further trials are required to confirm an association.

  The expert group on vitamins and minerals (EVM) was asked to advise on the safety of intakes of vitamins and minerals in food supplements and fortified foods. The EVM was not asked to consider the beneficial effects of the vitamins and minerals under consideration, although nutritional need was taken into account to ensure that safe upper levels were not set at a level below dietary requirements.

  The EVM draft report is the work of an independent advisory group, currently out to public consultation and available on the Food Standards Agency website.

  Over-30-Months Scheme
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to review the Over-30-Months Scheme; and if he will make a statement. [79239]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 4 November 2002]: I am advised by the Food Standards Agency that it is currently undertaking a review of the over thirty months rule, under which the sale for human consumption of meat from cattle aged over thirty months at slaughter is prohibited. The Agency is being assisted in the review by a joint Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee/FSA risk assessment group and a stakeholder group, and will issue regular information
  524W
  about the review as it proceeds. The Agency is expecting to report its findings from the review in the first half of next year.

  Health Care Assistants
  Dr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will estimate how many health care assistants work in the NHS and list the titles they work under; and if he will make a statement. [79732]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 6 November 2002]: Healthcare assistants and other health care support workers work across the range of clinical National Health Service services. The Department and the NHS have developed titles used to identify them over a period of time. Groups identified in the table comprise the total group of clinical health care support staff working in the NHS.

  NHS Hospital and Community Health Services (HCHS): "Healthcare Assistants" by area of work in England as at 30 September 2001

  whole-time equivalents

  headcount

  All staff

  152,893

  204,925

  Healthcare assistants1

  25,170

  29,764

  Nursing assistant/auxiliary

  89,063

  123,617

  STT Helper/assistant

  19,300

  25,298

  Support staff1

  19,360

  26,246

  Note:

  Figures are rounded to the nearest whole number Due to rounding totals may not equal the sum of component parts

  1 Includes staff in Acute, elderly & general, paediatrics, maternity, psychiatry, learning difficulties, community services, chiropody, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, radiography, speech and language therapy, pathology and other STT.

  Source:

  Department of Health non-medical workforce census

  Imported Meats
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the effectiveness of the Food Standards Agency in terms of assessing the safety of imported meat. [79279]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 4 November 2002]: Department of Health Ministers have regular discussions with the Food Standards Agency (FSA). I am satisfied that the FSA is making use of the best available science in assessing the safety of imported meat, and is applying proportionate controls on declared meat imports. The Meat Hygiene Service, which is an executive agency of the FSA, has been particularly effective in checking consignments of imported carcass beef for the presence of specified risk material. The FSA is also playing a full part in the Government's programme of action against illegally smuggled meat.

  Professional Qualifications
  Dr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the proposal for a Directive on the recognition of professional qualifications, with reference to its impact on(a) the regulation of health professionals and (b) patient safety. [79731]
  525W
  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 6 November 2002]: The draft Directive has been the subject of consultation and continuing negotiation. A number of specific concerns have been expressed about the need to ensure patient safety and service quality, which we will take into account as discussions progress.

  Birthweight
  Mr. Chris Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will list the incidence of low birthweight by county in descending order, for the most recent year for which available figures exist. [76155]

  Area of usual residence

  Number

  Percentage3

  West Midlands (Metropolitan County)

  3,137

  9.5

  West Yorkshire (Metropolitan County)

  2,254

  8.8

  Lancashire, former county of

  1,349

  8.6

  Tees Valley less Darlington

  513

  8.5

  Greater Manchester (Metropolitan County)

  2,491

  8.3

  Bedfordshire, former county of

  608

  8.3

  Staffordshire, former county of

  884

  8.2

  Greater London (Metropolitan County)

  8,425

  8.1

  South Yorkshire (Metropolitan County)

  1,104

  8.0

  Nottinghamshire, former county of

  849

  8.0

  Leicestershire, former county of

  835

  8.0

  Merseyside (Metropolitan County)

  1,131

  7.8

  The Humber

  694

  7.8

  Berkshire, former county of

  755

  7.5

  Wales

  2,288

  7.5

  Herefordshire and Worcestershire, former county of

  529

  7.4

  Tyne and Wear (Metropolitan County)

  820

  7.4

  Buckinghamshire, former county of

  609

  7.3

  Derbyshire, former county of

  733

  7.3

  Warwickshire

  382

  7.3

  Durham, former county of

  422

  7.2

  Wiltshire, former county of

  493

  7.2

  Northamptonshire

  528

  7.2

  Shropshire, former county of

  322

  7.2

  Cambridgeshire, former county of

  563

  7.1

  Hampshire, former county of

  1,224

  7.0

  Kent, former county of

  1,222

  6.9

  West Sussex

  532

  6.9

  Lincolnshire

  413

  6.9

  Cumbria

  317

  6.8

  Oxfordshire

  479

  6.8

  Gloucestershire

  394

  6.8

  Norfolk

  499

  6.7

  Dorset, former county of

  414

  6.7

  Bristol/Bath area

  727

  6.7

  East Sussex, former county of

  482

  6.5

  Somerset

  307

  6.5

  Cheshire, former county of

  678

  6.5

  Cornwall (and Isle of Scilly)

  289

  6.5

  Suffolk

  449

  6.5

  Hertfordshire

  797

  6.3

  Devon, former county of

  618

  6.3

  Isle of Wight, former county of

  69

  6.2

  Surrey

  729

  6.2

  Essex, former county of

  1,101

  6.2

  Northumberland

  176

  6.1

  North Yorkshire, former county of

  425

  5.9

  Notes:

  1. Low birthweight babies are defined as those weighing under 2,500 grams

  2. Data are presented for English counties, and former counties, based on boundaries as at 1 April 2002.

  3. Low birthweight babies as a percentage of all livebirths with a stated birthweight.

  Source:

  Office for National Statistics
  526W
  Ruth Kelly
  I have been asked to reply.

  The information requested is the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Mr. Len Cook to Chris Ruane, dated 7 November 2001
  As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your parliamentary question on incidence of low birthweight babies by county in descending order, for the most recent year for which available figures exist. [76155]
  The number and percentage of low birthweight live births that occurred in 2001 are given in the table below, for each county in England, and for the whole of Wales, in descending order.
  Number and percentage of low birthweight1 live births by English counties2 and Wales in descending order, 2001
  527W
  Mr. Chris Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what the percentage incidence was of low birth weight babies, by local authority; for each of the last 20 years. [75881]

  Ruth Kelly
  I have been asked to reply.

  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Mr. Len Cook to Chris Ruane, dated 7 November 2001
  As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent question on what the percentage incidence was of low birthweight babies, by local authority; for each of the last 20 years. [75881]
  The percentages for local authorities from 1990 to 2001 have been tabulated and I am placing copies in the House of Commons Library. Figures for comparable areas prior to 1990 are not readily available because of local government reorganisation.

  Epilepsy
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many neurologists and paediatric neurologists with a specialism in epilepsy there are in the UK. [74051]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Department's workforce censuses do not collect information on the number of neurologists or paediatric neurologists with a specialism in the treatment of epilepsy.

  As at 31 March 2002, the numbers of consultants working in neurology was 372 and the number of paediatric neurologists was 30. This represents increases in consultant numbers of 34 per cent. and 30 per cent. respectively since 1997.

  Ms Atherton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) neurologists, (b) paediatric neurologists and (c) nurses with a specialism in epilepsy there are in the UK. [72659]

  Dr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many neurologists and paediatric neurologists with a specialism in epilepsy there are in the UK; [72764]

  (2) what plans there are to increase the number of neurologists and paediatric neurologists with a specialism in epilepsy. [72765]

  Mr. Hutton
  pursuant to his reply, 24 July 2002, column 1415W and 1408W: I regret my previous answers were incorrect.

  The second paragraph should read,
  "As at 31 March 2002, the numbers of consultants working in Neurology was 372 and the number of paediatric neurologists was 30. This represents increases in consultant numbers of 34 per cent. and 30 per cent. respectively since 1997."

  Diagnostic Testing
  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations his Department has received concerning the cost of repeating diagnostic tests unnecessarily. [75752]

  Ms Blears
  We have not received any representations about the costs of repeating diagnostic tests for cancer patients. The cancer services collaborative is working in 528W
  every cancer network to modernise cancer care by streamlining and redesigning the care pathway ensuring patients receive speedy diagnosis and treatment.

  Cancer Care
  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what plans he has to(a) adopt on-call arrangements, (b) extend working hours during the week and (c) operate a 24-hour service for cancer services within the NHS; [75754]

  (2) what representations his Department has received concerning cancer departments (a) adopting on-call arrangements, (b) extending working hours during the week and (c) operating a 24-hour service. [75753]

  Ms Blears
  Commissioners and providers need to consider the needs of their population when planning services. This may involve access to some services out of normal working hours, such as general practitioner and community nurse advice, palliative care support and for some patients, access to other specialist advice.

  To date, the Department has received no representations concerning cancer departments adopting on-call arrangements, extending working hours during the week and operating a 24 hour service for cancer services within the National Health Service.

  Travel Assistance
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assistance is made available by each health authority to patients travelling for treatment. [75200]

  Jaqui Smith
  Where a patient has a medical need for transport as determined by the clinician in charge of their case, then transport should be provided free of charge, as part of National Health Service treatment. Where patients need financial assistance the hospital travel cost scheme has been established as part of the NHS low income scheme. This provides financial assistance to the patients who do not have a medical need for ambulance transport, but who nevertheless, require assistance in meeting the cost of travel to hospital for transport.

  Spinal and Orthopaedic Surgeons
  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the number of additional spinal and orthopaedic surgeons that will be needed within the next 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [77225]

  Mr. Hutton
  As at March 2002, there were 1,303 consultants in trauma and orthopaedic surgery. This represents an increase of 23 per cent. since September 1997.

  The NHS Plan workforce numbers targets identify the staff needed to meet overall needs up until 2008. By this time, the latest forecasts for growth expect the National Health Service to have net increases over a 2001 baseline, of at least 15,000 doctors—consultants and GPs. This expectation is for total numbers of doctors and is not specialty-specific.
  529W
  The NHS is currently working on local delivery plans for a three-year period, which will identify the demand for additional trauma and orthopaedic consultants up until 2005–06. The NHS will continue to plan, for three-year periods, its future workforce requirements and steps will be taken to address the identified need.

  We continually review future requirements for trained specialists as part of the NHS's new multi-disciplinary workforce planning processes. These will look at the requirements for doctors alongside other staff focusing on the potential for new ways of working and developing new roles.

  Breast Cancer
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the impact of the patents on breast cancer genes owned by Myriad Inc on testing for hereditary breast cancer; and what negotiations his Department is involved in with Myriad on this issue. [77878]

  Ms Blears
  The Department is still in discussion with Myriad and the discussion is confidential at this stage.

  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his policy is on objections made to the European patent office to the patents on breast cancer genes owned by Myriad Inc. [77877]

  Ms Blears
  A number of European genetics research institutes have filed objections in the European Patents Office (EPO). We await the outcome of the hearings before the EPO with interest.

  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the target population for breast cancer screening was changed; and what percentage of the target population was screened in(a) 2000–01 and (b) 2001–02 in (i) England, (ii) each NHS region and (iii) each health authority. [79799]

  Ms Blears
  The National Health Service breast screening programme has been inviting women aged 50–64 to be screened every three years. The NHS Plan, published in July 2000, announced the extension of the programme to women aged 65 to 70. This extension is being rolled out over the three year period from 2001–2004.

  Data for 2000–01 are in the Department's statistical bulletin which is available in the Library. Data on the number of women screened between the age of 65 and 70 are not yet available as the extension began in 2001–02. Data for 2001–02 will be available in the Department's next statistical bulletin, which is due to be published early 2003.

  MRI Scanner (Pembury Hospital)
  Mr. Norman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to announce whether to site a replacement permanent MRI scanner at Pembury hospital. [77559]

  Ms Blears
  At this time I cannot give the hon. Member any information on an announcement. I will write to him on this matter as soon as possible.

  Dental Services
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what further steps he plans to take to increase provision of NHS dental services in Lancashire; and if he will make a statement. [77937]

  Jacqui Smith
  In East Lancashire the Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Personal Dental Service has brought five whole time National Health Service dentists into the area together with a part-time dental therapist. The personal dental service (PDS) pilot provides NHS dental care for non-registered patients and for people finding difficulty in registering with a general dental practitioner. PDS pilots in the Preston, Blackpool and Chorley areas are also exploring new ways of providing NHS dentistry in their localities. A new NHS dental access centre will also open in Lancaster next year.

  Three bids have also been made against the "Options for Change" funding to try and improve dental access and waiting times in Lancashire. A decision on these bids as well as other bids will be made in the near future.

  Speech Therapy
  Sue Doughty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many children with severe learning difficulties received help from a speech therapist in each year from 1997 to 2001; [78369]

  (2) how much money was allocated from health to education services to provide speech therapy to children with (a) moderate learning difficulties and (b) severe learning difficulties in each year from 1997 to 2001; and if he will make a statement. [78371]

  Jacqui Smith
  Information on the number of children with severe learning difficulties who receive help from speech and language therapists (SLTs) is not collected centrally.

  It is very important that children with speech and language difficulties access appropriate intervention as soon as a problem is identified. The majority of SLTs are employed by the National Health Service and deliver services relating to children's health need. They are often based in the community and may work in health, education or local authority settings.

  No money was transferred from the Department of Health to the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) specifically to provide speech therapy to children with learning difficulties. For the two years between 1999 and 2001, DfES made grant support available under the standards fund to a number of local education authorities for speech and language pilots.

  This support was extended to all English local education authorities in 2001–02 to help them enhance speech and language therapy services for children in conjunction with the NHS and the voluntary sector. It is one of a number of sub heads on which LEAs can spend their special educational needs allocation.

  Meningitis
  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what the measures to increase awareness of meningitis and their allocated funding have been for each year since 1997; [78945]
  531W
  (2) what measures are in place to ensure the vaccination for meningitis of all students in state and public education and for a detailed breakdown of the cost of these measures; [78946]

  (3) what representation his Department has received concerning (a) raising public awareness and (b) education in schools of meningitis. [78943]

  Ms Blears
  Since 1997, information about meningitis and septicaemia has been included in both the Guide to Childhood Immunisations and the Guide to Pre-school Immunisations. These leaflets are made available to all parents of every new baby and all parents of every preschool child. They are distributed largely via primary care and the Guide to Childhood Immunisations is given to all new parents by the health visitor at the ten day visit. More than one million of these leaflets are distributed, on an annual basis, in England.

  The immunisation website www.immunisation.nhs.uk also contains information about meningitis and septicaemia.

  A targeted campaign, Look out for your mate, has been running in all higher education establishments since 1995. The resources alert new students to the signs and symptoms or meningitis and septicaemia and suggest appropriate action. The cost of this work has been approximately £15,000 per annum. During the introduction of the MenC vaccine we worked closely with the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service to ensure that all students had this important information.

  In addition the Department also works with a number of meningitis charities, for example the meningitis research foundation, that produce guidance on the diagnosis and early management of meningococcal disease. This work is published as leaflets and information packs and is also available on the charities' web-sites.

  Cancer
  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of cancer patients are comorbid; and(a) how many and (b) what proportion of cancer patients there were in each year since 1998. [78950]

  Ms Blears
  The Department does not centrally hold information on co-morbidity of cancer patients. In some instances this information will be held locally for research and/or public health purposes though it is not generally published.

  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what instruments have been developed to classify different comorbid diseases; and whether a comorbidity index is a cancer registry requirement. [78951]

  Ms Blears
  There are several methods of monitoring co-morbidity currently available: these include the Kaplan-Feinstein Index, the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS) and the Adult Comorbidity Evaluation (ACE 27). However, not all methodologies are appropriate to all tumour types.
  532W
  Due to the complexities of applying a co-morbidity standard to all cancers there are no current plans to incorporate a co-morbidity index into registry datasets.

  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the data reporting standards for cancer, broken down by stage. [78949]

  Ms Blears
  Collected information on cancer services is restricted to aggregate returns to measure performance against the waiting times targets in the NHS Cancer Plan and data collected to monitor National Health Service screening services. The Department does not collect data on cancer patients broken down by stage of disease.

  Some information on stage is collected by cancer registries but not for all cancer types, although coverage for this data is incomplete and as such it is not therefore published.

  Fragile X Syndrome
  Sue Doughty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what consultation has been undertaken with people with Fragile X syndrome and their families in connection with the Valuing People White Paper. [79373]

  Jacqui Smith
  The White Paper Valuing People sets out our proposals for improving services for people with learning disabilities, their families and carers. The strategy takes a cross-Government, cradle to grave, approach to a wide range of services—social care, health, education, employment, benefits, housing, transport, leisure—for people with every kind of learning disability, including Fragile X syndrome. We have made good progress in putting in place the framework for delivery promised in the White Paper.

  We involved a large number of individuals and organisations, including people with learning disabilities and their carers, when developing the White Paper: we have continued that approach by including all these parties in the learning disability task force and learning disability partnership boards, which are overseeing its implementation. We have not consulted specifically on each type of learning disability or condition, but the approach we have taken makes clear that Valuing People includes everyone with a learning disability.

  Nursing Care Payments
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what conditions are applied to payments of(a) attendance allowance and (b) payments towards nursing care; [79456]

  (2) what right of appeal care home residents have against funding decisions taken by (a) the NHS and (b) Social Services. [79455]

  Jacqui Smith
  The guidance and directions on free nursing care describe the eligibility, review and appeal arrangements, copies of which are in the Library. These are also are available at www.doh.gov.uk/jointunit/nhsfundednursingcare/index.htm. The National Health Service and social services have complaint procedures that people can follow if they are dissatisfied with aspects of their care.
  533W
  The eligibility of anyone in receipt of attendance allowance is not affected by NHS funding, though councils will need to take account of the receipt of this and other benefits if they carry out a financial assessment.

  A and E Departments
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps are being taken to ensure that funding, made available to ease the burdens in accident and emergency departments, is reaching the front-line to(a) allow innovative schemes to continue and (b) give all accident and emergency departments the opportunity to introduce new ways of working. [79267]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Reforming Emergency Care strategy was launched in October 2001, supported by £118 million investment, to improve the local organisation of emergency services to ensure that patients get a consistent and appropriate response based on national clinical standards. The strategy will be delivered through the formation of emergency care networks (ECNs), which will co-ordinate all aspects of local emergency care through the local leadership of emergency care leads (ECLs) appointed in all acute trusts and primary care trusts.

  The Government places a very high priority on improving delivery of emergency care. The NHS Plan set challenging targets for strategic health authorities and trusts to cut waiting times in accident and emergency (A&E). The new devolved funding arrangements mean that local managers are able to target funding, in line with national guidelines, on local areas of need. Local managers and clinicians are being supported to develop and maintain innovative ways of delivering care through the Modernisation Agency emergency services collaborative, launched on 8 October 2002. The first wave of the collaborative is now underway and by September 2004, every trust with an A&E in England will have completed the programme.

  Sight Loss
  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what additional investment is planned for(a) prevention, (b) detection and (c) rehabilitation of sight loss. [79761]

  Jacqui Smith
  The National Health Service is receiving unprecedented growth for investment across health services. We have set a new target for the NHS to improve diabetic retinopathy screening. We have also invested £20 million to modernise cataract services. Furthermore, free NHS sight tests for everyone aged 60 and over were reintroduced from April 1999, at an annual cost of £50 million.

  The Department is also contributing a grant of more than £120,000 over three years to a group of voluntary organisations to set up local low vision services committees. These bring together the NHS, social services, opticians and voluntary organisations to promote best practice and improve co-ordination in the commissioning and delivery of services for the blind and partially sighted.
  534W
  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people in each of the nations of the UK have a sight problem. [79762]

  Jacqui Smith
  The information shown in the table relates to the number of people registered blind and partially sighted.

  Number of people registered as blind and partially sighted

  No. registered blind

  No. registered partially sighted

  As at 31 March 2000

  England

  158,000

  149,000

  Scotland

  24,839

  13,287

  As at 31 March 2001

  Wales

  9,902

  9,905

  This information is not currently collected in Northern Ireland.

  Laming Report
  Ms Debra Shipley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reasons the Laming Report has not yet been published; and when and how it will be published. [79743]

  Jacqui Smith
  We expect to receive Lord Laming's report into the circumstances that led to the death of Victoria Climbié later this year or early next year. However, neither we nor Lord Laming have set a timetable. The report will be published by my right hon. Friends, the Secretaries of State for Health and the Home Department soon after its receipt and will be made widely available.

  Waiting Times
  Paul Farrelly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people are waiting for assessment for(a) homecare aids, (b) adaptations and (c) equipment in each social services department area in the UK; and what the average waiting time for assessment in each area was in the last 12 months. [79976]

  Jacqui Smith
  This information is not available centrally and may be possible to obtain only by approaching individual social service departments.

  The government is investing in services for community equipment and minor adaptations over the years 2001 to 2006. The funding will help these services reduce waiting times in line with the targets set by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health, in a statement to the House on 23 July 2002 that, as part of the single assessment process, assessments will be complete with one month of referral and equipment then delivered within seven working days.

  Breast Feeding
  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on Government policy on encouraging breastfeeding. [79890]

  Ms Blears
  The Government are fully committed to the promotion of breastfeeding, which is accepted as the best form of nutrition for infants. The National Health Service priorities and planning framework for 2003–2006 includes a challenging new target to deliver
  535W
  an increase of two percentage points per year in breastfeeding initiation rate, focusing especially on women from disadvantaged groups. The Infant Feeding Survey 2000 showed that the incidence of breastfeeding in England and Wales increased from 68 per cent. in 1995 to 71 per cent. in 2000, but varied between different social classes and the incidence of breastfeeding in social class v. increased from 50 per cent. in 1995 to 59 per cent. in 2000.

  We have recently published for consultation proposals to replace the war-time welfare food scheme with a new programme which would provide better nutrition and greater choice for over 800,000 people in low income families. The current scheme may act as a disincentive for women to breastfeed.

  The infant feeding initiative was launched in 1999 to tackle health inequalities with the aim to increase the incidence and duration of breastfeeding amongst those groups of the population where breastfeeding rates are the lowest. To date, 79 local projects have been funded to identify "best practice" to increase breastfeeding rates. The best start project is a randomised control trial looking at an intervention into midwives practice and the impact on breastfeeding duration. The results will be disseminated later this year.

  The national breastfeeding awareness week (NBAW) was held in May 2002 with a theme on normalising breastfeeding. NBAW will also be held in May 2003.

  Shared Financial Services
  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the timing of NHS trust moving over to using shared financial services centres. [79894]

  Mr. Hutton
  The National Health Service is currently developing two shared financial service centres, in Leeds and Bristol. Approximately 40 NHS organisations will be moving over, in waves, to use these centres from April 2003 through October 2003.

  If these pilot centres successfully deliver the proof of concept of shared financial services in the NHS consideration will be given to roll-out to the wider NHS.

  Mental Health
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of health authorities have complaints procedures for mental health patients. [80000]

  Jacqui Smith
  The National Health Service complaints procedure exists to deal with complaints from any patient using the NHS (including users of mental health services) who wishes to make a complaint about the service or treatment they have received. The complaints procedure applies to all NHS organisations and services.

  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of mental health patients are delayed from hospital discharge in 2001–02 and what the reasons are for the delays; and if he will make a statement. [79997]
  536W
  Jacqui Smith
  The Department does not hold information on the proportion of mental health patients who were delayed from hospital discharge.

  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what funding was given to children's mental health services in each year since 1997. [79991]

  Jacqui Smith
  Levels of funding provided by health and local authorities (LAs) for child and adolescent mental health services are not collected centrally. In the four years ending 31 March 2003, we will have made available £105 million of targeted central funding across the National Health Service and LAs in support of the Government's strategy, introduced in 1999, for developing child and adolescent mental health services. Health authorities will have been given £50 million and LAs £55 million. The latter includes provision for extended funding in support of 24 innovation projects to develop new approaches to mental health services for children and young people.

  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the progress made to replace Shelton Hospital with a new mental health hospital. [79992]

  Jacqui Smith
  The specialist mental health services strategy for Shropshire County and Telford & Wrekin recommended the redevelopment of in-patient mental health services alongside the development of a range of community mental health services. Shropshire County Primary Care Trust is now recruiting a project manager to lead the redevelopment programme and is establishing a project board to oversee the project. It is expected that the formal business case procedures will be undertaken in 2003, with a provisional target date of Spring 2006 for the redevelopment of in-patient mental health services. This will be subject to public consultation.

  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what proportion of health authorities have a written care plan for mental health patients; [80002]

  (2) what proportion of mental health patients have been given a written copy of their own care plan in the last 12 months; [79999]

  (3) what proportion of mental health patients have been given written information on (a) their condition, (b) their treatment, (c) their medical rights and (d) where to get help in an emergency in the last 12 months. [79998]

  Jacqui Smith
  People with mental health problems whose care is co-ordinated under the care programme approach (CPA) should have information about their condition, treatment and how to get help in an emergency. Progress on achieving the target set within the 2001–2 service and financial framework for specialist mental health service users on enhanced CPA to have a written copy of their care plan continues to be monitored, although it is not broken down at strategic health authority level. Data from the first quarter of 2002, the first time such information was captured, suggest that around 85 per cent. of patients had a written care plan at the time of discharge. We expect both data quality and the rate to improve with time and further information on progress will be available in due course.
  537W
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of community treatment orders on reducing the number of homicides by people diagnosed by mental health problems. [79990]

  Jacqui Smith
  The introduction of community treatment orders will allow people to be treated in the setting which is most appropriate to their own individual needs by breaking the automatic link between compulsory treatment for a mental disorder and detention in hospital which exists under the current Mental Health Act 1983. This will also help to ensure that there are hospital beds available for those who most need them, whether to protect their own health and safety or that of others. There has been no assessment of the effectiveness of community treatment orders on reducing the number of homicides because this is not the intended purpose of the orders as proposed in the draft Mental Health Bill.

  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what proportion of schizophrenics have asked for, but been refused, hospital admission in the last 12 months. [80001]

  Jacqui Smith
  There have been no reports of people with schizophrenia being refused hospital admission collected centrally.

  The mental health national service framework explicitly states that everyone with severe mental illness should have access to the range of services they need.

  Testicular Cancer
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to reduce the incidence of testicular cancer; and if he will make a statement. [79987]

  Ms Blears
  91 per cent. of men with testicular cancer survive five or more years. Testicular cancer is almost always curable if found early. We have recently worked with Cancer Research UK to produce a new leaflet for men,Testicular Cancer: Spot the Symptoms Early. The leaflet aims to promote testicular awareness for men, explaining that they should know what is normal for them, know what changes to look out for and to report any changes without delay.

  Nuclear Weapons Testing
  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent discussions he has had with counterparts in other countries whose nationals have participated in the monitoring of atmospheric nuclear weapons testing in respect of the impact the tests have been perceived to have had on the health of those exposed to radiation. [79966]

  Ms Blears
  The international forum for debate on these issues is the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR). Members of the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB), which advises the Government on radiation Risks, participate in UNSCEAR as members and use the data generated to inform NRPB's risk calculations.

  Criminal Records Bureau
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate how many(a) children and (b) vulnerable adults that will be cared for by adults who had not received a Criminal Records Bureau check following the announcement of 1st November. [80022]

  Jacqui Smith
  The announcement of 1 November made no changes to the requirements for people working with children to have an appropriate Criminal Records Bureau check. The measures being taken will help combat the delays in the checking process. New staff in adult care homes continue to need pre-employment CRB checks. CRB checks on existing staff have been postponed to 2004 but all other safeguards remain in place in respect of these workers, which include confirming previous employment history and taking up references.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects(a) nurses supplied by agencies and (b) staff supplied by domiciliary care agencies will be required to have Criminal Records Bureau checks. [80034]

  Jacqui Smith
  We intend to introduce the requirement for all nurses supplied by nurses agencies and all staff supplied by domiciliary care agencies to undergo a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check when we are confident that the CRB are able to cope with the demand.

  Asylum Seekers
  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the number of asylum seekers in each London borough who do not have access to a general practitioner; and if he will make a statement. [79640]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Department has not made an estimation of the number of asylum seekers in each London Borough who do not have access to a general practitioner (GP). Asylum seekers are regarded as ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom and therefore entitled to free treatment by a GP. The use of initiatives such as local development schemes and personal medical pilots have assisted asylum seekers and other vulnerable sectors of the population accessing GPs and other primary care services.

  Vulnerable Adults
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is putting in place to ensure the protection of vulnerable adults following the postponement of Criminal Records Bureau checks for people who work with vulnerable adults. [80028]

  Jacqui Smith
  A criminal record disclosure forms one of many checks persons caring for vulnerable adults must have in order to work with this client group. Measures are already in place to ensure the protection of vulnerable adults from abuse. Persons caring for vulnerable adults continue to be subject to rigorous pre-employment checks, including confirming previous employment history and taking up references, to ensure their suitability for the position in question. All those
  539W
  occupations, which were subject to a criminal record check prior to the advent of the Criminal Records Bureau, will continue to be subject to such a check.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how long he expects the postponement of the implementation of the protection of vulnerable adults lists provided for in the Care Standards Act 2000 to last as set out in the announcement on 1 November; [80021]

  (2) for how long the implementation of the protection of vulnerable adults lists as part of the Care Standards Act 2000 have been postponed. [79812]

  Jacqui Smith
  We intend to implement the protection of vulnerable adults list when we are confident that the Criminal Records Bureau are able to cope with the demand.

  Care Homes
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to his answer of 15 October 2002,Official Report, column 810W, on care homes, which national providers he has written to regarding the failure to pass on free nursing care to residents. [80060]

  Jacqui Smith
  I refer the hon. Member to my reply of 15 October 2002,Official Report, column 810W, which set out the reasons why this information could not be disclosed.

  Foundation Trusts
  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received from hospital trusts or health bodies in the Camden and Islington area concerning the development of foundation hospitals; and if he will make a statement. [79642]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Department has not received any representations from hospital trusts or health bodies in the Camden and Islington area concerning the development of National Health Service foundation trusts.

  Day Surgery
  Michael Fabricant
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to his answer of 29 October 2002,Official Report, column 742 W. what steps he will take to ensure day surgery facilities remain in Lichfield following the proposed construction of a new hospital in the City of Lichfield. [79049]

  Mr. Hutton
  Following the South Staffordshire strategic review public consultation, it was decided that day surgery should be concentrated at Tamworth and Cannock, in order to provide the highest quality facilities for South Staffordshire patients in purpose-built environments, and to maximise the potential of day surgery usage in the county, by concentrating three sites onto two.

  Day surgery at Lichfield ended in December 2001 and there are no plans to re-provide day surgery in the new hospital at Lichfield. It is, however, planned that the new hospital will benefit from, for example, an improved minor injuries unit, better x-ray services, more examining rooms in the outpatients department and modern facilities for the public.

  Correspondence
  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will reply to the letters of 9 July and 16 September from the right hon. Member for Tonbridge and Malling regarding MRI scanning services in West Kent. [79909]

  Ms Blears
  A reply was sent to the right hon. Member on 6 November.

  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will reply to the letters from the hon. Member for the Isle of Wight(a) dated 23 November 2001, concerning lens solutions and (b) dated 22 February, and transferred from DEFRA on 11 April. [72599]

  Ms Blears
  Replies to the hon. Member's letters of 23 November and 22 February were sent on 29 July and 21 August.

  Mr. John Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will reply to the letter written to him on 18 January by the hon. Member for Solihull, on behalf of his constituent Mr. Colin Reynard, of which letter a reminder was sent to him on 9 April, joining the interest of another constituent of the hon. Member. Mr. Brian Clayton; [67583]

  (2) if he will reply to the letter written to his minister of state on 30 May, by the hon. Member for Solihull on behalf of his constituent Mr. G. L. Cotton; [67584]

  (3) if he will acknowledge the letter written to him by the hon. Member for Solihull dated 2nd October; and if he will cause substantive responses to be made to the cases of Graham Cotton and Brian Clayton both of Solihull (P01013296 and P01014870); [78759]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 4 October 2002]: The hon. Member has been invited to attend a meeting with my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Health, to discuss the issues that his constituents have raised in his correspondence.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will write to the hon. Member for Sutton and Cheam regarding his answer of 14 October 2002,Official Report, column 481W, concerning the number of key targets set by his Department. [80018]

  Mr. Lammy
  A response to the hon. Member for Sutton and Cheam has now been sent.

  Smallpox Vaccine
  Norman Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list(a) the meetings between (i) ministers and (ii) officials in his Department with Powderject concerning the smallpox vaccine and (b) the names of those who attended those meetings; and if he will make a statement. [54660]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 8 May 2002]: Ministers had no meetings with PowderJect concerning the placing of the smallpox vaccine contract. Officials from the Department and from the Ministry of Defence met with PowderJect on 22 January as part of the confidential discussions held with the five major pharmaceutical companies known to have smallpox vaccine manufacturing capability. The meeting was to

  541W
  inform the company of our requirements for smallpox vaccine and to find out whether the company was in a position to meet our requirements and, if so, to invite them to submit their written proposals for vaccine supply. Since the award of the contract to PowderJect on 11 April, there have been two ad hoc meetings between officials from the Department and the Ministry of Defence with PowderJect to resolve matters of detail concerning labelling and packaging of the vaccine. As all discussions with the company were confidential, the names of those present are not being revealed. This is in accordance with normal policy.

  Overseas Nurses
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health at what intervals nurse recruitment agencies which have signed up to the ethical foreign nurse recruitment campaign will be reviewed. [74320]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 16 October 2002]: The list of agencies that have confirmed they adhere to the code of practice has been placed on the international recruitment website. The list is monitored on an ongoing basis.

  Workforce development confederations will bring to the attention of the Department any agencies that are not recruiting in accordance with the code of practice.

  National Clinical Director of Primary Care
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many GP surgeries have been visited by the GP tsar in that capacity since his appointment. [75511]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 21 October 2002]: Professor David Colin-Thome is a part-time practising general practitioner (GP) as well as the current National Clinical Director of Primary Care, a position which he occupies on a two day per week basis. Since his appointment in May 2001, he has visited 14 GP surgeries. He has, however, met considerably more GPs and other primary care professionals through attending conferences, seminars and other events, which average at well over one per week.

  Foundation Hospitals
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the organisations which have advised him on the development of foundation hospitals; and if he will list the fees incurred by his Department in obtaining advice on the development of foundation hospitals. [76811]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 24 October 2002]: We have sought specialist advice from the New Economics Foundation, Pinsent Curtis Biddle and PricewaterhouseCoopers in developing proposals for the creation of National Health Service foundation trusts. To date, payments have been made to the New Economics Foundation and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Actual fees incurred are commercially confidential.

  Organ Retention
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many organs are retained at Leicestershire hospitals from deceased persons. [77962]
  542W
  Ms Blears
  pursuant to her reply 4 November 2002, I regret the previous reply is incorrect. The first sentence should read:-"There are currently 142 organs retained by the three hospitals covered by the University Hospitals of Leicester National Health Service Trust."

  Devolution
  Annabelle Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many formal and official inter-ministerial meetings his Department has held with the Scottish Executive since May 1999, broken down by(a) Scottish Executive department, (b) subject and (c) date. [72716]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 24 July 2002]: Information is not available in the form requested. Ministers from my Department have frequent meetings with Ministers from the Scottish Executive, both formal and informal, covering a broad range of topics.

  General Chiropractic Council
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many staff were employed in the General Chiropractic Council at 1st April; and what proportion of those staff have clinical contact with NHS patients. [56873]

  Ms Blears
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him by my hon. Friend the then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Public Health (Yvette Cooper) on Thursday 23 May 2002,Official Report, volume 836, columns 588–89W.

  Public Health Laboratories
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what arrangements will be in place to require local laboratories(a) to report to and (b) respond to requests from the Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre after reorganisation of the service to create the Health Protection Agency; and if he will make a statement. [74819]

  Ms Blears
  All National Health Service laboratories as well as laboratories in the proposed health protection agency will be able to report to communicable disease surveillance centre (CDSC). These arrangements will be a continuation of the current system.

  As at present, the CDSC will work with laboratories in the NHS and non-departmental public bodies on the appropriate reporting to meet local, regional and national requirements.

  Departmental Initiatives
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the schemes and initiatives sponsored by his Department and its agencies which are not the subject of national roll out, showing(a) the authorities or areas covered by the scheme and (b) the budget of the scheme in the last year for which information is available. [75671]

  Mr. Hutton
  The answer can only be provided at a disproportionate cost.

  Commission for Health Improvement
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many(a) NHS trusts and (b) health authorities have failed service reviews conducted by the Commission for Health Improvement; and if he will make a statement; [76004]

  (2) how many service reviews within (a) NHS trusts and (b) health authorities have been conducted by the Commission for Health Improvement; and if he will make a statement. [75995]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Commission for Health Improvement (CHI) has power to undertake special investigations into particular areas of concern in the delivery of health care. To date, the CHI has completed seven investigations:Five in Acute Trusts;
  One relating to matters arising from the employment of a locum doctor in a NHS Trust;
  One relating to issues arising from the case of a Loughborough GP.

  A further three investigations are underway.

  The CHI was set up on 1 November 1999 to meet our aim of improving the quality of patient care in the National Health Service. An important aspect of this

  Health Authority of residence

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–00

  2000–01

  QA2 Hillingdon HA

  353

  347

  357

  356

  362

  QA3 Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster HA

  471

  454

  425

  355

  384

  QAG Kingston & Richmond HA

  433

  300

  419

  361

  303

  QAJ Merton, Sutton & Wandsworth HA

  1,117

  1,033

  976

  832

  756

  QAR Brent & Harrow HA

  684

  538

  491

  507

  647

  QAV Ealing, Hammersmith & Hounslow HA

  1,458

  1,335

  1,424

  1,143

  1,035

  Total

  4,516

  4,007

  4,092

  3,554

  3,487

  Notes:

  * ICD-10 (diagnosis) codes used are as follows:

  J45 Asthma

  J46 Status asthmatics

  The Health Authorities in this table are all of those which cover West, North West and South West London. Some HAs may also include eastern parts of London (such as Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth HA).

  Data in this table are grossed for both coverage and unknown/invalid clinical data

  Source:

  Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Department of Health

  Asthma has a genetic element. The predisposition to develop asthma is inherited with an increased risk if one or both parents have asthma. In addition environmental factors interact with the genetic predisposition to cause asthma to develop as a symptomatic condition.

  Many different genes have been shown to be associated with allergy and asthma susceptibility, and different environmental factors are likely to influence outcomes in different ways depending on the underlying genotype.

  Interaction between genes and environment in asthma is therefore a major focus of research in the asthma field. To this end, the national asthma campaign is making a large investment over the next two years funding a task force to address issues of causation. The task force will review the current evidence in this area and assess the feasibility of large scale, definitive studies to answer these questions.
  544W
  work is a rolling programme to complete a clinical governance review of 500 NHS organisations by 2004. As at 1 October 2002, CHI has completed 175 clinical governance reviews across a range of NHS bodies of which 173 are NHS trusts and two health authorities.

  Asthma
  Mr. Soley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the incidence of asthma in West London is including percentage change over the last five years; and if he will make a statement on the latest information on causation. [76097]

  Mr. Hutton
  Prevalence data—the percentage of the population affected with asthma at a given time—is not available for specific areas such as west London, but figures for the United Kingdom are held.

  An estimated 5.1 million people in the UK—1.4 million adults and 3.7 million children, one in 13 and one in eight respectively—are currently receiving treatment for asthma. An estimated eight million people in the UK have been diagnosed with asthma at some stage in their lives.

  Information on admissions to hospital for asthma* in west London is detailed in the table.

  Voluntary Organisations and Charities
  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which voluntary organisations and charities departmental Ministers have met since the beginning of June. [78093]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Department's Ministers have met the following voluntary organisations and charities since the beginning of June:

  Action on Smoking and Health

  British Association for Adoption and Fostering

  Barrow Cadbury Trust

  Cancer Research UK

  Cystic Fybrosis Trust

  Dementia Services Collaborative

  Diabetes UK

  Disability Rights Commission

  Doctor Patient Partnership

  Empower

  Epilepsy Action

  Epilepsy Bereaved

  545W

  Isabelle

  Joint Epilepsy Council

  Lymphoma Association

  Macmillan Cancer Relief

  National Council for Hospices and Specialist Palliative Care

  NTract—National Translational Cancer Research Network

  Parkinsons Disease Society

  Pasque Children's Hospice

  Project Cure

  St John Ambulance

  SANE

  Re Think Severe Mental Illness

  Sustain

  Terence Higgins Trust

  Ambulance Services
  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what central Government targets have been set for ambulance services; and what assessment has been made of whether they are being met. [78097]

  Jacqui Smith
  Ambulance National Health Service trusts are aiming to respond to 75 per cent. of category A calls within eight minutes. All other emergency calls that are not life threatening should be responded to 95 per cent. of the time within 14 minutes in urban areas and 19 minutes in rural areas.

  Information about ambulance services response times to emergency calls are collected each year by the Department and published annually. The latest information is contained in the Department of Health statistical bulletin Ambulance Services, England 2001–02. A copy is available in the Library and also on the Department's website at www.doh.gov.uk/public/5b0115.htm.

  Independent Sector Usage Survey
  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he intends to publish the results of the Independent Sector Usage Survey. [78099]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Department has carried out two surveys of National Health Service use of the independent sector for acute elective care in 2000–2001. The first survey, begun last October, sought information on actual use in the first half of the year, along with planned use in the second half of that year. Information on actual use in the second half of the year was sought in a further survey begun in August this year. The results of that further survey are now being collated. We will consider the best way to make the findings publicly available once the analysis of the second survey has been completed.

  Stem Cell Research
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many applications the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority has received for stem cell research; and how many have been awarded. [77490]

  Ms Blears
  The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority has received nine applications for embryo research aimed at the production of embryonic stem cell lines, five of which have been granted and four are currently under consideration.

  Paddington Basin Project
  Mr. Randall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions his Department has had in the last six months with the management of the Paddington Health Campus. [77958]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Regional Director of the Directorate of Health and Social Care—London has participated in ongoing discussions with the management of the Paddington basin project together with the North West London Strategic Health Authority.

  Mr. Randall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what financial recompense has been provided to Mr. Eric Sorenson the former project director of the Paddington Health Campus following his resignation on 4 October. [77957]

  Mr. Hutton
  Eric Sorensen, the former project director of the Paddington Health Campus is still employed by St. Mary's, The Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trusts and the Imperial College. As such, the terms of his employment are a matter for these employing organisations.

  Drugs (Storage and Transport)
  John Mann
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidelines have been given to(a) pharmacists and (b) primary care trusts to ensure that biological drugs are kept within recognised safe temperatures during storage and transport to patients. [78491]

  Ms Blears
  The Medicines Control Agency (MCA), an executive agency of the Department of Health, regulates medicinal products for human use in the United Kingdom on behalf of the UK Licensing Authority.

  UK legislation places an obligation on licensed manufacturers, distributors and importers of medicinal products to exercise control over the distribution chain to ensure that the medicinal products are handled, stored and distributed under the necessary conditions to avoid deterioration of the products.

  The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain's code of ethics and standards and practice guidance provides guidance to UK registered pharmacists on the storage of medicines under controlled temperatures.

  John Mann
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to ensure that biological drugs brought into the UK by parallel importers maintain their temperature integrity during transport. [78490]

  Ms Blears
  United Kingdom legislation places an obligation on licensed distributors and importers of medicinal products to exercise control over the distribution chain, to ensure that the medicinal products are handled, stored and distributed under the necessary conditions to avoid deterioration of the products

  Inspectors from the Medicines Control Agency (MCA) inspect parallel importers in the UK at regular intervals. The inspectors review records relating to the maintenance of temperature integrity during transportation of the imported products to ensure that they have not been exposed to unacceptable conditions.

  Biological Drugs
  John Mann
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to compel pharmaceutical companies who manufacture biological drugs to ensure their delivery to patients maintain the drugs within recognised safe temperatures at all times. [78492]

  Ms Blears
  United Kingdom legislation places an obligation on licensed manufacturers and wholesale distributors of medicinal products to exercise control over the distribution chain to ensure that the medicinal products are handled, stored and distributed under the necessary conditions to avoid deterioration of the products.

  Inspectors from the Medicines Control Agency (MCA) inspect manufacturers and distributors of medicines at regular intervals to ensure that they meet the statutory requirements concerning the maintenance of safe and appropriate storage and transportation temperatures of medicines.

  Manufacturers and distributors who fail to comply with statutory requirements may be subject to formal action by the MCA in order to protect public health. This can include suspension or revocation of the manufacturing and/or wholesale distribution authorisations.

  Patient Records
  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what(a) quantity and (b) proportion of patient records are computer-based; and what (i) quantity and (ii) proportion of cancer patient records are computer-based. [78948]

  Mr. Hutton
  The National Health Service has made significant strides in using information technology to support patient care. Although not individually counted as individual records, the majority of general practitioners have clinical systems containing patient specific information, hospitals have patient administration systems which hold both clinical and demographic information about patients. There are also a number of national applications that support national screening programmes, organ donation and the work of the blood authority.

  It is not possible, however, to provide details of the quantity or proportion of cancer patients who have computer based records but the majority will have records in both the primary and secondary care arena which contain information about their specific diagnosis.

  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what training requirements are in place for new doctors to enable them to handle electronic patient records. [75508]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 21 October 2002] I refer the hon. Member to the response I gave him on Wednesday 23 October 2002, Official Report, column 397W.

  Recruitment and Retention
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what strategies his Department has to ensure that there is no ageism in recruitment and retention processes. [79291]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Department is committed to ensure that older people are never unfairly discriminated and complies with the rules and requirements of the Minister's Rules for Selection, The Civil Service Order Council, Treasury and equal opportunity and employment protection legislation. Ageism is not tolerated within the Department.

  Our recruitment, development, performance management and retention policies are continuously reviewed. There are no age barriers to employment.

  The Department is considering how best to implement the recommendations contained in the Government's Winning the Generation Game report, which examines age-related issues such as flexible retirement beyond the normal retiring age of 60.

  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of new recruits to his Department in the past two years were aged 50 and over. [79303]

  Mr. Hutton
  The percentages an of new recruits aged over 50, who joined the Department during the past two years, are as follows:

  1 April 2000 and 31 March 2001

  Total

  Percentage

  Total recruits

  730

  Total recruits aged 50 or over

  66

  9

  1 April 2001 and 31 March 2002

  Total

  Percentage

  Total recruits

  627

  Total recruits aged 50 or over

  129

  21

  Winter Mortality
  Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what research his Department has(a) carried out and (b) funded into excess winter mortality in other European Union countries. [79498]

  Mr. Hutton
  As a member state of the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom contributed to the funding of the EU Eurowinter project, which studied the relation of work related and culture related patterns of cold exposure to large and paradoxical differences in excess winter mortality within Europe. The project was co-ordinated by Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London, and reports were published in Lancet on 10 May 1997 and British Medical Journal on 16 September 2000.

  Biomedical Research
  Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the answer of 14 October 2002,Official Report, column 498W, on biotechnology research projects, what proportion of (a) the medical research council's£062 million of research and development spending and (b) the Department of

  549W
  Health's—£510 million research spending shown in Table 3 Looking Forward (Cm 5338) goes into biomedical research.[79515]

  Ms Blears
  All the research that the Medical Research Council (MRC) supports is biomedical research. An estimated 60 per cent. of the Department's research expenditure is used in the National Health Service to support research by the MRC, by medical research charities and by other research collaborators, a substantial part of which is to support the clinical stages of biomedical research. The Department and the NHS also directly fund health services' biomedical research; for example, through genetics knowledge parks and other programmes. Some 40 per cent. of the Department's policy research programme expenditure is on biomedical research.

  CFS/ME
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent research his Department has commissioned into the causes of myalgic encephalomyelitis. [79186]

  Ms Blears
  The Department has asked the Medical Research Council (MRC), which receives its grant-in-aid from my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Trade And Industry, via the Office of Science and Technology, to develop a broad strategy for advancing biomedical and health services research on chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME). The MRC has appointed an independent scientific advisory group, which will draw on the report of the Chief Medical Officer's Working Group, published in January 2002, on other recent expert reviews in this field and on research reported in the peer reviewed literature. The MRC is committed to the development of a research strategy for CFS/ME that will advance understanding of the aetiology, epidemiology and

  1995–1996

  1996–1997

  1997–1998

  1998–1999

  1999–2000

  2000–2001

  Region

  Expenditure £

  Expenditure £

  Expenditure £

  Expenditure £

  Expenditure £

  Expenditure £

  Northern & Yorkshire

  not available

  6,028,667

  6,714,833

  7,504,774

  9,670,403

  11,687,978

  Trent

  not available

  5,960,334

  7,697,702

  10,064,129

  12,885,286

  16,582,418

  West Midlands

  not available

  16,939,663

  20,265,855

  26,503,757

  32,564,528

  37,964,326

  North West

  not available

  9,570,017

  13,211,621

  17,857,451

  23,917,194

  31,022,389

  Eastern

  not available

  14,055,474

  15,719,904

  22,670,380

  30,951,975

  42,387,041

  London

  not available

  108,202,417

  111,628,043

  130,573.228

  180,665,901

  202,308,850

  South East

  not available

  21,586,155

  29,963,665

  41,469,988

  52,808,574

  66,046,899

  South West

  not available

  9,153,908

  11,136,944

  15,581,455

  18,192,822

  27,431,981

  England Total

  166,631,983

  191,496,635

  216,338,567

  272,225,162

  361,656,683

  435,431,882

  Source:

  1. Annual financial returns for NHS Trusts, 1995–96–2000–01

  2. Annual financial returns of district and regional health authorities and the special health authorities for the London postgraduate teaching hospitals, 1995–96

  3. Annual financial returns for health authorities, 1996–97–2000–01

  4. Annual financial returns for primary care trusts, 2000–01

  Information on expenditure on non-NHS nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff broken down by NHS trust has been placed in the Library. The Department is unable to disaggregate agency nursing costs only, nor provide information on bank nurses as requested.

  Neonatel Services Review
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will publish the neonatal services review; and if
  550W
  biology of CFS/ME and, in the light of current knowledge, suggest what areas of further research are needed with regard to possible prevention, management (including diagnosis) and treatment.

  NICE Guidance
  Dr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the total cost to the NHS of guidance issued to date by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence. [79714]

  Ms Blears
  The estimated full-year running costs of all National Institute for Clinical Excellence appraisal guidance issued up to and including appraisal guidance number 52, relative to previous levels of National Health Service spending where appropriate, amount to some £513 million for England. In some cases the financial impact on the NHS may build up gradually, for instance where infrastructure changes are needed to put the recommendations into full effect.

  Agency Nurses
  Dr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what the cost to the NHS of agency nurses was in each of the last six years in(a) England (b) each NHS region; [75637]

  (2) How much was spent by the NHS on agency and bank nurses in (a) England and (b) each region, broken down by NHS trust, in each of the last six years. [79713]

  Mr. Hutton
  Data outlining the expenditure on non-National Health Service nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff is shown in the table. These figures include all agency staff and any other staff not directly employed by the individual NHS trusts, health authorities and primary care trusts. A regional breakdown is not available prior to 1996–1997.

  he will place a copy of (a) the review and (b) plans to change the configuration of services in the Library. [80051]

  Jacqui Smith
  I am considering the report following from a review of neonatal services and expect to determine the next steps in this process shortly.

  Cancelled Operations
  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many operations were cancelled(a) on the day of admission and (b) before the day of admission at Wythenshawe Hospital in each quarter since 1997. [79879]

  Jacqui Smith
  Wythenshawe Hospital is part of South Manchester University Hospitals National Health Service Trust, which comprises both Wythenshawe and Withington Hospitals. Separate figures are not available for each hospital individually or earlier than 1 April 2001.

  Statistics are compiled for the total number of operations cancelled for non-clinical reasons. The figures do not differentiate between those cancelled on the day of admission and prior to admission.

  Quarter ending

  Number of cancellations

  30 June 2001

  82

  30 September 2001

  85

  31 December 2001

  327

  31 March 2002

  498

  30 June 2002

  445

  30 September 2002

  230

  Mobile Decontamination
  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS acute trusts do not have mobile decontamination facilities available. [79893]

  Ms Blears
  The Department has provided capital funding from a £5 million allocation in 2002–2003, which will enable all NHS acute trusts and ambulance service trusts to purchase mobile decontamination facilities and associated chemical personal protective clothing. The implementation programme is currently in progress and several individual trusts will still be awaiting delivery.

  Vacancies
  Dr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many vacancies there were for(a) medical and dental staff, (b) qualified nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff and (c) professions allied to medicine in (i) England, (ii) each NHS region and (iii) each health authority in 2001. [79798]

  Mr. Hutton
  I refer the hon. Member to the response I gave him on Monday 19 November 2001,Official Report, column 117–122W.

  Figures for March 2002 are now available and have been placed in the Library.

  GP Access Targets
  Dr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of GP practices met the 24 and 48 hour access targets set out in the NHS Plan in(a) England, (b) each NHS region and (c) each primary care trust at the latest date for which figures are available. [79797]
  552W
  Mr. Hutton
  The information requested by strategic health authority and primary care trust for Quarter 1, 2002–2003 has been placed in the Library.

  Hospital Transport
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the answer of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, on 24 May 2002,Official Report, column 1197W, on hospital transport if he will make a statement on the contribution of voluntary providers to accident and emergency transport. [80041]

  Jacqui Smith
  Voluntary aided societies do occasionally convey patients to accident and emergency departments from say, sporting events and very occasionally they may provide support to statutory ambulance services.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will answer questions 76287 and 75990 from the hon. Member for Yeovil; and if he will make a statement. [80239]

  Mr. Hutton
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him on 28 October 2002,Official Report, column 675W (Question 75990). I will write to the hon. Member in response to Question 76287 as soon as possible.

  Age-Related Macular Degeneration
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what the annual cost was in 2001–02 to the NHS to social services of supporting people who suffer vision loss as a result of wet age-related macular degeneration; what assessment he has made of the impact of patients of the delay in NICE issuing guidance on the use of photodynamic therapy for age-related macular degeneration; and if he will provide funding for a nationally co-ordinated data collection exercise on the use of photodynamic therapy for age related macular degeneration; [76241]

  (2) how many patients have access through ongoing clinical trials to photodynamic therapy for age-related macular degeneration; and how many patients will have access to this therapy as part of future clinical trials being planned. [76242]

  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the NICE Committee will report its recommendations for age-related macular disease. [77842]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 28 October 2002]: The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) is currently conducting an appraisal of photodynamic therapy. This consultation has been extended to allow further consideration of the draft guidance. We cannot anticipate what NICE'S recommendations will be or assess what, if any, patients who are untreated at present will then be eligible for treatment. The Department will consider the implications of the final NICE guidance. We expect that guidance could be available to the National Health Service in January 2003, providing there are no appeals.
  553W
  In the meantime, guidance issued in August 1999 to all NHS bodies asked them to continue with local arrangements for the managed introduction of new technologies where guidance from NICE is not available at the time the technology first became available. These arrangements should involve an assessment of all the relevant factors including the available evidence on effect. The introduction of photodynamic therapy under these arrangements should be funded locally.

  The Department does not collect data concerning the number of age-related macular degeneration patients currently receiving photodynamic therapy through clinical trials. We are also not in a position to estimate future access through clinical trials; the numbers involved would be a matter for the product manufacturer or others who are conducting the trial.

  It is not possible to identify separately from the data collected from health and social services, the annual cost of supporting people who suffer vision loss as a result of the wet form of age-related macular degeneration.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what proportion of patients newly diagnosed with wet age related macular degeneration have access to photodynamic therapy for age-related macular degeneration through ongoing clinical trials; and what proportion of those patients will have access to this therapy as part of future clinical trials being planned; and if he will make a statement; [76336]

  (2)if he will provide funding for the use of photodynamic therapy for age-related macular degeneration pending the completion of a nationally coordinated data collection exercise on clinical outcome, quality of life and costs associated with the treatment; and if he will make a statement. [76337]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 29 October 2002]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave my hon. Friends the Members for Norwich, North (Dr Gibson) and for Stroud (Mr. Drew) today.

  NHS Reform
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how his Department plans to hold strategic health authorities to account for the performance of the NHS within their area as set out in paragraph 7.2 of the document, Improvement, Expansion & Reform: The Next Three Years. [75715]

  Mr. Hutton
  From 2003–04, strategic health authorities (StHAs) will be required to produce local delivery plans, which will set out over a three year period their contribution towards the target and capacity assumptions detailed in Improvement, Expansion & Reform: The Next Three Years. Departmental monitoring systems will be aligned with these targets and assumptions to allow for regular monitoring and hold to account StHAs.

  In addition Directorates of Health and Social Care are setting in place a series of regular performance reviews to manage performance with StHAs. These arrangements will be mirrored at StHA, primary care trust and trust levels.

  Social Workers
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the answer of 21 October 2002,Official Report, columns 128–9W. on social workers, what the provisional figures are for the numbers of applications for social work training; what action he is taking to make existing social workers realise that their work is valued; how he plans to inform the public about what social workers actually do; and how much funding has been allocated to this initiative [78190]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 29 October 2002]: The national social work recruitment campaign was launched in October 2001 by my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health. It is aimed at informing the public about social work and social care and encouraging recruitment and retention. The funding for the campaign is £1.5 million in the year 2001–2002. This includes both national and local press and radio advertising and particular efforts are being made in some areas such as London and the south east that have more severe problems with recruitment and retention of social workers.

  The third phase of the recruitment campaign was launched on 24 October 2002. The campaign consists of national advertising, leaflets, posters, local and national PR activity, a help line and a website. It has three aims:
  To raise the number of people applying for social work training by 5000 by 2004.
  To inform the public about what social workers actually do.
  To make existing social workers realise that their work is valued.

  Since the start of the campaign, there have been more than 40,000 callers to the telephone helpline and website. Applications have seen the first increase since 1995. The provisional figure suggests that over 5,000 have been received, which represents' a year on year increase of 8.3 per cent.

  Silicone Cosmesis
  Dr Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what sums were allocated for expenditure on silicone cosmesis for artificial limbs from the NHS community services budget in(a) 2001–02, (b) 2002–03 and (c) 2003–04; and what sums were identified by the NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency as having been spent on silicone cosmesis for artificial limbs from that budget in (i) 2001 02 and (ii) 2002–03. [79041]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 6 November 2002]: Baseline allocations of £0.5 million in 2001–02, £1.5 million in 2002–03 and £2.0 million in 2003–04 were expected to be used for the provision of silicone cosmesis for artificial limbs. Spending on silicone cosmesis through the NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency was £81,858 for 2001–02, and £182,841 so far in 2002–03.

  Prison Service (Mental Health)
  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary for Health when he expects the Prison Service mental Health teams to have completed their review of the physical cell environment to reduce ligature points in(a) young offender institutions and (b) adult prisons. [78046]
  555W
  Mr. Hilary Benn
  I have been asked to reply. The Prison Service's strategy to reduce self-inflicted deaths includes changes to the physical environment, such as the re-design of cell windows and furniture to reduce ligature points. It has already produced, tested and procured a safer cell design, a number of installations of which have already been completed and are in use. Safer cell designs address the design of furniture, toilets and basin fixtures, windows, lighting and heating. The Prison Service is also developing a second stage safer cell design as well as reviewing current cell furniture designs and producing new ones, so that standard-issue cell furniture may benefit from an improved reduced-ligature design.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Sponsorships
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will list the schemes and initiatives sponsored by her Department and its agencies which are not the subject of national roll out, showing(a) the authorities or areas covered by the scheme and (b) the budget of the scheme in the last year for which information is available. [75667]

  Dr. Howells
  The following schemes and initiatives are sponsored by my Department in partnership with other funding bodies.

  Space for Sports and Arts Programme (SSA)

  Space for Sports and Arts Programme (SSA), is a partnership between traditional public expenditure of £75 million from the Capital Modernisation Fund and £55 million from the three Lottery distributors: New Opportunities Fund (£25 million), Sport England (£25 million) and Arts Council of England (£5 million).

  The SSA programme is being rolled out in 65 local authorities in deprived areas. The budget for the programme is £130million from the beginning of 2000 to March 2004, which is the life of the programme. Approximately 297 projects are planned in the 65 local authorities. The Local Education Authorities (LEAs) invited to bid were:
  Barking and Dagenham, Barnsley, Bedfordshire, Birmingham, Blackburn with Darwen, Bradford, Brent, Brighton & Hove, Bristol, City of Nottingham, Cornwall, Cumbria, Derby City, Derbyshire, Doncaster, Durham, East Sussex, Essex, Gateshead. Greenwich, Hackney, Hartlepool, Islington, Kent, Kingston-upon-Hull, Knowsley, Lambeth, Lancashire, Leeds, Leicester City, Lewisham, Liverpool, Luton, Manchester, Medway, Middlesbrough, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, Newham, Norfolk, North Somerset, Northamptonshire, Northumberland, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Redcar and Cleveland, Rochdale, Rotherham, Salford, Sandwell, Sheffield, Slough, Somerset, South Tyneside, Southwark, St Helens, Stockton-on-Tees, Stoke-on-Trent, Sunderland, Tower Hamlets, Trafford, Walsall, Wirral, Wolverhampton.

  Portable Antiquities Scheme

  The Portable Antiquities Scheme was established in 1997 to encourage members of the public to report all finds of archaeological objects. Since Autumn 1997 DCMS has been funding six pilot schemes to promote voluntary reporting of all archaeological finds. These pilots were established in
  556W
  Kent, Norfolk, North Lincolnshire, North West (Cheshire, Lancashire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Cumbria) West Midlands and Yorks. A further six pilots have been funded for three years by Heritage Lottery Fund since Spring 1999. These pilots were established in Dorset & Somerset, Hampshire, Northamptonshire, Suffolk, Wales, and in London.

  A bid for a three-year funding for a national network of 41 posts at a cost of £1.5 million a year from April 2003 was approved by the Heritage Lottery Fund in May. This bid has 63 national and local partners each of whom is contributing 10 per cent. towards the cost.

  In 2002–2003 the Department is providing £411,000 to support the current pilot schemes until the new funding comes on line.

  The following schemes and initiatives are by public bodies sponsored by DCMS. These are not the subject of national roll out.

  Splash Extra

  This was a joint DCMS/Youth Justice Board programme of summer activities targeted on those 9–17 year olds identified as most at risk of offending in the areas covered across Government. A list of those areas covered will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses. Resourced by the New Opportunities Fund, and providing almost 300 estate-based schemes across England, Splash Extra established a menu of high quality sports, arts and personal development activities.

  The budget was £8.5 million for the last financial year.

  Sport (Social Agenda)
  Patsy Calton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has made of the contribution sport can make to meeting the Government's social agenda; and how much investment the Government are making in sports' governing bodies for delivering this purpose. [79183]

  Mr. Caborn
  A Sporting Future for All and the Government's Plan for Sport fully recognised the potential of sport and physical activity as a powerful tool for social, educational and physical well being. My right hon. Friend the Minister for Sport is therefore working very closely with colleagues in other Government departments including Education and Skills, Health, Home Office, Transport and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister which have an interest in sport representatives from whom he meets every month.

  Many of the current sports funding programmes are also targeted specifically at areas of social and sporting deprivation. These include the New Opportunities Fund Sport and PE in School programme, the Spaces for Sport and the Arts programme and Sport Action Zones.

  Government funding for national governing bodies of sport is largely channelled through the sports councils. This funding supports a range of their activities including their sports development plans which will in many instances have an impact on areas such as social inclusion, physical well being and crime reduction.

  Sustainable Procurement
  Sue Doughty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to her answer of
  557W
  2 July 2002, Official Report, columns 260–61W, on recycling, if she will make a statement on how her Department defines sustainable procurement. [79349]

  Dr. Howells
  The Department for Culture, Media and Sport engages in procurement considering the effective protection of the environment and prudent use of natural resources. The whole life performance and cost are considered before purchase. This includes not only purchase price but the impact on the environment and cost of operation and the impact and cost of disposal. For example the latest office furniture purchased has full Forest Stewardship Certification supplied by a World Wildlife Fund approved company and will, at the end of it's useful life, be capable of 100 per cent. recycling.

  Ageism
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what strategies her Department has to ensure that there is no ageism in recruitment and retention processes. [79298]

  Dr. Howells
  My Department is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and has a policy not to discriminate on the grounds of age. All policies on recruitment, development, performance management and retention are continuously reviewed to ensure that there are no age barriers to employment.

  Recruitment (over 50s)
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what percentage of new recruits to her Department in the past two years were aged 50 and over. [79311]

  Dr. Howells
  The percentage of new recruits to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport aged 50 or over in each of the last two years is shown below:

  1 April 2000 to 31 March 2001–8.3 per cent.

  1 April 2001 to 31 March 2002–5.3 per cent.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Kaufman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when she intends to reply to the letter to her dated 15 October from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Tony Bowyer. [79447]

  Dr. Howells
  I regret that it has not been possible to provide an answer before Prorogation. I shall therefore write to my right hon. Friend and place a copy of my reply in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Broadcasting
  Mr. Dodds
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what measures she is introducing to secure the future of(a) independent television broadcasters and (b) local programmes in Northern Ireland. [79429]

  Dr. Howells
  The Government are seeking to introduce a Communications Bill in the next Session that would include provisions intended to retain and strengthen the regional dimension to public service broadcasting. Under the new three tier structure for the regulation of broadcasting, OFCOM would have to 558W
  agree targets with the public service broadcasters for regional (and where appropriate local) programming and/or regional productions. The Channel 3 service would continue to be licensed on a regional basis.

  Mr. Dodds
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what role ITV will be required to play in sustaining local programming under the new ITV Charter for the Nations and Regions. [79430]

  Dr. Howells
  The Charter for Broadcasting in the Nations and Regions is an agreement between the Independent Television Commission (ITC) and the ITV Companies. The Charter sets out levels of quality and investment for a diverse range of programmes designed to reflect life within the nations and regions. Through the Charter the ITV Companies aim to secure the quality and accessibility of national and regional programmes into the future.

  Extreme Sports
  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions she has had with stakeholders concerning regulating extreme sports. [79748]

  Dr. Howells
  The Department has not had any discussions with stakeholders concerning regulating extreme sports.

  Olympic Games
  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions she has had with interested parties on the practicalities of a London bid for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. [79826]

  Dr. Howells
  Officials from my Department have held regular meetings during this year with all the key stakeholders to discuss the implications of London bidding to host the 2012 Olympic Games. These stakeholders were the Greater London Authority, the British Olympic Association, UK Sport and Sport England. In addition all interested Government Departments have been involved in assessing the ARUP report on the Costs and Benefits of a 2012 London Olympic Bid.

  My right hon. Friend, The Secretary of State has met the Mayor of London and will meet the British Olympic Association to discuss the practicalities of such a bid.

  Football
  Nick Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many football games Ministers in her Department have attended since 1 June 2001 in their official capacity; and where those games took place. [79734]

  Dr. Howells
  [holding answer 6 November 2002]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State attended a football match on the 21 of April 2002 between Norwich City and Stockport County and my right hon. Friend the Minister for Sport attended the following matches:

  1-09-01—England vs Germany, Munich

  5-09-01—England vs Albania, Newcastle

  6-10-01—England vs Greece, Manchester

  10-11-01—England vs Sweden, Aston Villa

  559W

  5-12-01—West Ham United vs Aston Villa, Upton Park

  6-03-02—Liverpool vs Newcastle, Liverpool

  22-03-02—England vs Scotland U19's, Sheffield

  27-03-02—England vs Italy, Leeds

  2-06-02—England vs Sweden, Saitama, World Cup

  7-06-02—England vs Argentina, Sapporo, World Cup

  12-06-02—England vs Nigeria, Osaka, World Cup

  16-10-02—England vs Macedonia, Southampton

  Racist Incidents
  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions she has had with(a) European colleagues, (b) the FA and (c) other interested parties regarding recent racist incidents involving British-based players in Europe in competitions. [79827]

  Dr. Howells
  Neither I nor my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State have discussed with European colleagues, the FA or other interested parties the recent racist incidents involving British—based players in European in competitions. This is a matter for UEFA, who are reviewing the events.

  However, the Government shares the revulsion which has been widely expressed following recent matches in Europe. The Government also supports the Europe-wide programme of anti-racism activities organised by Football Against Racism in Europe with the full support and involvement of the Kick it Out campaign.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many(a) parliamentary questions and (b) letters to her from hon. Members in this session remain unanswered, broken down by those which are (i) one month old, (ii) two months old, (iii) three months old, (iv) four months old and (v) over six months old. [79941]

  Dr Howells
  I regret that it has not been possible to provide an answer before Prorogation. I shall therefore write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my reply in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Queen Alexandra Hospital Site
  Mr. Mark Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what conditions on development were laid down by her Department when it gave the former Queen Alexandra hospital site in John Islip street, Westminster, to the Tate Gallery; and what the purpose was of such conditions with respect to development on the site for(a) residential housing and (b) commercial offices. [80336]

  Dr Howells
  I regret that it has not been possible to provide an answer before Prorogation. I shall therefore write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my reply in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Special Advisers
  Nick Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to her answer of 24 May 2002,Official Report, columns 648–9W, how many visits have been conducted by each parliamentary
  560W
  adviser appointed by her Department and to where; and what visits have been conducted by advisers appointed subsequent to 24 May. [79975]

  Dr Howells
  I regret that it has not been possible to provide an answer before Prorogation. I shall therefore write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my reply in the Libraries of both Houses.

  British Board of Film Classification
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will list the members of the British Board of Film Classification. [80225]

  Dr Howells
  I regret that it has not been possible to provide an answer before Prorogation. I shall therefore write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my reply in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Sport Grants
  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when she will announce the level of grant to(a) Sport England and (b) UK Sport for financial year 2003–2004; and if she will make a statement. [80342]

  Dr Howells
  I regret that it has not been possible to provide an answer before Prorogation. I shall therefore write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my reply in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Public Consultations
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what public consultations have been commenced by her Department in each month since 20 July; and what the(a) start date, (b) closing date and (c) website address of each were. [80264]

  Dr. Howells
  One consultation has been commenced by the Department in this period. The Review of Lottery Funding consultation began on 29 July 2002 and ended on 30 October 2002. It can be found at www.culture.gov.uk.

  Film Council
  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps the Film Council is taking to increase the number of films that are(a) subtitled and (b) audio-described. [80339]

  Dr. Howells
  I regret that it has not been possible to provide an answer before Prorogation. I shall therefore write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my reply in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Alcohol Licensing
  Dr. Francis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how she estimates the removal of licensing jurisdiction from the courts to the local authorities will contribute to the Government's aims to(a) reduce crime and the fear of crime and (b) increase public confidence. [78685]
  561W
  Dr. Howells
  The Government are confident that the proposed transfer of responsibility for alcohol licensing from licensing justices to local authorities will assist its efforts to reduce crime and the fear of crime. Since 1998 local authorities have had a leading statutory role in preventing local crime and disorder and the link between alcohol and crime is therefore a strong argument for them taking responsibility for alcohol licensing.

  The transfer of responsibility should not however be considered in isolation. The Government's proposed Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Bill will also include a whole package of measures designed to reduce crime and the fear of crime. These will include providing the police with extended powers to close pubs, clubs and off-licences that create disorder. The Bill will strengthen the law on the sale of alcohol to under-18s and will give the police greater powers to confiscate alcohol in certain public areas. It will abolish the artificially early closing times that are the source of much of the trouble on our streets at night and there will be enhanced police powers to confiscate alcohol. Local residents will also be able to object to any premises licence application, or request a review of a licence that has been granted, if they have concerns about that licence in relation to crime.

  Health and Safety
  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what plans she has to assess the safety practices of bungee jumping. [79747]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  I have been asked to reply.

  Health and safety law applies to bungee jumping activities. The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, the Lifting Operations Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 are of direct relevance.

  The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) and the industry have assessed health and safety in this activity and have issued guidance.

  As a result of a recent fatal accident the Health and Safety Commission and Health and Safety Executive will review the safety practices in the light of findings of the continuing investigation.

  Responsibility for enforcement of health and safety law in respect of bungee jumping activities falls to the relevant authority.

ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

  GM Organisms
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what is her Department's position on acceptable thresholds for the adventitious presence of genetically modified organisms in seed batches of(a) oil seed rape, (b) tomatoes, (c) beet, (d) cotton, (e) chicory, (f) maize, (g) potatoes and (h) soya beans; and if she will make a statement. [75244]
  562W
  Margaret Beckett
  [holding answer 21 October 2002]: The EU Commission has proposed the following thresholds for the adventitious presence of approved GM seeds in non-GM seeds:

  0.3 per cent. for swede rape

  0.5 per cent. for tomato, beet, chicory, maize, cotton and potato

  0.7 per cent. for soya bean

  The Government is giving careful consideration to our position on these proposals. In so doing, we shall aim to preserve consumer choice by seeking adequate protection for the integrity of non-GM seeds.

  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will set out her policy towards draft EU proposals for new seed regulations. [75243]

  Margaret Beckett
  [holding answer 21 October 2002]: The Government is giving careful consideration to the EU Commission's proposals on thresholds for the adventitious presence of approved GM seeds in non-GM seeds. In so doing, we shall aim to preserve consumer choice by seeking adequate protection for the integrity of non-GM seeds.

  Organic Standards
  Mr. Breed
  to ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to her Answers on 29 October (76252, 76253 and 76254), if she will place the correspondence to and from her Department and the United States Department of Agriculture and organic certifiers relating to UK organic standards and the US National Organic Plan in the Library. [79116]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 5 November 2002]: I have today placed in the Library the following correspondence between the Department and the US Department of Agriculture—
  A letter dated 4 December 2001 from James Hughes, First Secretary (Agriculture and Trade Policy) at the British Embassy in Washington, to Mr. A J Yates acting Administrator of the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service formally applying for recognition of the UK's approved certifiers of organic food. (The documents enclosed with this letter can be found on the Departments website at http://defraweb/farm/organic/default.htm)
  A letter dated 8 January 2002 from the Richard H Mathews, Programme Manager for the National Organic Programme, acknowledging Mr. Hughes' letter,
  A letter dated 21 October 2002 from Mr. Yates to Alex Dasi-Sutton acting Secretary of UKROFS confirming that the USDA has determined the UKROFS' procedures for approving organic inspection bodies to be sufficient to secure conformity with the NOP.

  We are discussing with the UK organic inspection bodies how best to deal with the conditions set out in Mr. Yates letter of 21 October and will be sending a substantive reply to this letter shortly.

  I have also placed in the Library letters dated 5 September and 25 September 2002 to UK importers of organic produce and UK inspection bodies confirming that sufficient assurances had been received from the principal inspection bodies in the US to enable authorisation to import produce certified by those bodies to remain in place.

  Illegal Food Imports
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many non-statutory inspections were carried out for illegal food imports in each of the last 10 years, broken down by category. [78615]

  Mr. Morley
  Control of imports of products of animal origin is the responsibility of Local/Port Health Authorities. Information on the number of inspections carried out is not held centrally. During the course of checks for other products (including drugs and money), illegal food imports may also be found. Since 1 April 2001, 3899 seizures of animal products have been reported to Defra).

  Animal Welfare
  Norman Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will support the European Commission's proposal that financial assistance should be given to farmers to help them adopt higher animal welfare systems. [77687]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 30 October 2002]: As a European leader in the animal welfare field, the UK supports the principle of encouraging adoption of higher welfare standards through financial assistance. However, we will need to be careful that any system adopted is workable and fair, and that it is compatible with World Trade Organisation rules.

  Norman Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will support the European Commission's proposal to link the payment of Common Agricultural Policy subsidies to farmers with their compliance with animal welfare laws; and if she will make a statement. [77688]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 30 October 2002]: The Government supports the principle of the European Commission's proposal to decouple support from production and create a single income payment linked to compliance with animal welfare, environment and food and occupational safety standards. There has only been limited discussion on this aspect of the proposals so far and more clarification is needed, as the details will be important to the effectiveness of this proposal.

  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make a statement on the welfare of milking cows. [80040]

  Mr. Morley
  There is legislation in place to protect the welfare of dairy cows. The Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2000 sets down general welfare requirements for all farmed animals, including some detailed requirements for cattle. There is also a specific welfare code on cattle. This is currently being updated and the revised code will include a separate section devoted to the welfare of dairy cattle.

  Mr. Prosser
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many(a) live sheep and (b) live pigs have been exported from
  564W
  the United Kingdom to date in 2002 for (i) slaughter, (ii) further fattening and (iii) breeding; and how many (A) sheep and (B) pigs in each of these categories were exported to each individual country of destination. [77508]

  Mr. Morley
  The total number of live sheep and live pigs certified for export from the United Kingdom between 1 January 2002 and 1 November 2002 for slaughter, fattening and breeding are shown in the following tables.

  Country of destination

  Live Sheep Slaughter

  Fattening

  Breeding

  Austria

  0

  0

  22

  Belgium

  0

  0

  4

  France

  49,476

  3,040

  158

  Germany

  4,129

  0

  5

  Isle of Man

  0

  0

  11

  Italy

  29,244

  0

  0

  Netherlands

  456

  0

  55

  Republic of Ireland

  166,865

  385

  92

  Totals

  250,170

  3,425

  347

  Country of destination

  Live Pigs Slaughter

  Fattening

  Breeding

  Belgium

  0

  0

  3,888

  Denmark

  0

  0

  47

  France

  0

  0

  47

  Germany

  0

  0

  3,628

  Greece

  0

  0

  171

  Isle of Man

  0

  0

  71

  Italy

  0

  0

  1,194

  Netherlands

  0

  0

  9,038

  Philippines

  0

  0

  75

  Poland

  0

  0

  701

  Spain

  0

  0

  1,607

  Republic of Ireland

  20,951

  0

  22

  Totals

  20,951

  0

  20,489

  Mr. Prosser
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) how many live sheep were exported from Dover to continental Europe on(a) 17 October, (b) 18 October, (c) 20 October and (d) 24 October; when and where health certification was carried out in respect of the sheep; how many of the sheep were rejected as unfit for the intended journey (i) during inspection for health certification purposes and (ii) at Dover docks, and to where those sheep were taken; and what the address was of the final destination on the route plan for each of the consignments; [78620]

  (2) how many live sheep were exported from Dover to continental Europe on the (a) Alda-K, and (b) Caroline to Continental Europe on the 29 October; when and where health certification was carried out in respect of the sheep; how many of the sheep were rejected as unfit for the intended journey (i) during inspection for health certification purposes and (ii) at Dover docks, and to where those sheep were taken; and what the address was of the final destination on the route plan for each of the consignments. [79005]

  Mr. Morley
  The information requested is as follows:
  565W

  Date

  Total animals

  Where consignments were certified

  Animals rejected at certification

  Animals rejected at Dover docks

  Destination

  17–10

  3000

  England, Scotland and Wales

  20

  0

  France

  18–10

  3575

  Wales

  37

  0

  France and Holland

  20–10

  26751

  England and Wales

  80

  0

  Italy and France

  24–10

  2515

  England and Wales

  19

  0

  Italy and France

  Italy, Belgium, Germany

  29–10 Alda-K

  2666

  England and Wales

  22

  0

  and France

  29–10 Caroline

  2621

  England and Wales

  32

  0

  Italy and France

  The sheep for the consignments listed above were certified within 48 hours prior to export. These consignments, apart from the sailing on 17 October which were fattening animals transported to a single holding, went to approved slaughterhouses. The animals which were rejected at certification remained in Great Britain.

  Home Energy Conservation Bill
  Mr. Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what representation her Department has received from local authorities(a) prior to and (b) following the withdrawal of the Home Energy Conservation Bill; and if she will list these local authorities. [77403]

  Mr. Meacher
  We have received representations from Local Authorities regarding various aspects of the Home Energy Conservation Bill. They were all received prior to the Bill's withdrawal.

  The following Local Authorities have expressed general support for the Bill;

  Acaster Malbis Parish Council

  Adlington Town Council

  Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council

  Bath and North East Somerset Council

  Bedfordshire County Council

  Berwick upon Tweed Borough Council

  Bottesford Town Council

  Broadland District Council

  Carrickfergus Borough Council

  Castle Morpeth Borough Council

  Chelmsford Borough Council

  Cinderford Town Council

  City of Manchester

  City of Sunderland Council

  Clitheroe Town Council

  Copeland Borough Council

  Cumbria County Council

  Cyngor Tref Nefyn Town Council

  Derbyshire County Council

  Dover District Council

  Dyseth Community Council

  Easington District Council

  East Cambridgeshire District Council

  East Hampshire District Council

  East Riding Council

  Ellesemere Town Council

  Exeter City Council

  Harmby Parish Council

  Havant Borough Council

  Heath Charnock Parish Council

  Heighington Parish Council

  Hemsworth and District Borough Council

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  Isle of Anglesey County Council

  King's Lynn and West Norfolk

  Kingston upon Thames Council

  Lewes District Council

  Macclesfield

  Market Rasen Town Council

  Newcastle City Council

  North Devon District Council

  Northampton Borough Council

  North Lincolnshire Council

  North Shropshire District Council

  North West Leicestershire District Council

  North Wiltshire District Council

  Norwich City Council

  Nottinghamshire County Council

  Oswestry Rural Parish Council

  Oxford City Council

  Pendle Borough Council

  Pentir Community Council

  Penzance Town Council

  Pilning and Severn Beach Parish Council

  Powys County Council

  Radyr and Morganstown Community Council

  Rudgwick Parish Council

  Sevenoaks District Council

  Shropshire County Council

  South Gloucestershire Council

  St. Helens Metropolitan Borough Council

  Stoke Gifford Parish Council

  Stoke Holy Cross Parish Council

  Swindon Borough Council

  Trawsfynydd Community Council

  Tynedale Council

  Wellingborough Borough Council

  West Lindsey District Council

  Weymouth and Portland Borough Council

  Woking Borough Council

  The following Local Authorities have expressed support for the Bill "in principle";

  Castle Point Borough Council

  Swindon Borough Council

  The following Local Authorities have expressed support for the Bill, provided that extra funding is provided;

  Ashford Borough Council

  Bedford Borough Council

  Bradford Metropolitan District Council

  Bromsgrove District Council

  District of Easington

  Lewes District Council

  London Borough of Havering

  Rochford District Council

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  Tewkesbury Borough Council

  The following local authorities have requested that statutory targets be included in the Bill;

  Daventry District Council

  Derbyshire County Council

  Hyndburn Borough Council

  Northamptonshire County Council

  Oadby and Wigston Borough Council

  Oldham Council

  Oxfordshire County Council

  Preston Borough Council

  The following local authorities have expressed support for the clauses of the Bill that relate to Fuel Poverty;

  Brighton and Hove Council

  Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council

  Rural Funding
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many funding commitments were launched by her Department and across the Government following the publication of the Rural White Paper in November 2000, stating which(a) require bidding and (b) are linked to a set funding formula; and what total amount is available for each commitment. [79908]

  Alun Michael
  There are 260 key commitments contained or referred to in the Rural White Paper, of which 29 have direct funding arrangements. The figures are set out in the table below. Further information on the progress of these schemes is available in our Rural White Paper implementation plan on www.defra.gov.uk

  Funding Commitment

  Bidding

  Set Funding Formula

  Total

  Community Service Fund*

  ✓

  £15m over 3 years

  Refurbishing Post Offices

  ✓

  £2m

  Single Small Schools Fund

  ✓

  £240m over 3 years

  One stop primary care centres

  ✓

  £100m

  Sure Start

  ✓

  £22m

  Social Exclusion Projects

  ✓

  £4.5

  Police Visibility in rural areas

  ✓

  £60m

  Housing Corporation programme of affordable housing in

  Figures currently

  settlements under 3000

  ✓

  being collated

  Starter Homes Initiative

  ✓

  £250m

  Rural Housing Enablers*

  ✓

  £2.8m

  Promote flexible lettings policies by Local Authorities

  ✓

  £13m

  Rural Transport Partnership*

  ✓

  19.5m

  Parish Transport Fund*

  ✓

  £15m

  Rural Bus Subsidy

  ✓

  £132m

  Rural Bus Challenge

  ✓

  £20m

  Community Rail Partnerships*

  ✓

  £0.2m

  Rail Passenger Partnership

  ✓

  £52m

  Regeneration of 100 market towns*

  ✓

  £37m

  Leader +*

  ✓

  £50m

  Business clusters

  ✓

  £54m

  Help for small/medium sized abattoirs*

  ✓

  £20m

  School Milk Scheme

  ✓

  £1,5m

  National School Fruit Scheme

  ✓

  £42m

  Extension of Redundant Buildings Grant scheme

  ✓

  £4m

  Local Heritage Initiative

  ✓

  £5m

  National Parks Grants*

  ✓

  £31.5m(2002–03)

  Increased funding for AONBs*

  ✓

  £1.1m(2002–03)

  National training strategy/best practice toolkit for Parish and

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  Funding Commitment

  Bidding

  Set Funding Formula

  Total

  Town Councils*

  ✓

  £2m

  Help 1000 rural communities prepare plans*

  ✓

  £5m

  Notes:

  * Programmes administered by Defra or one of its agencies

  The European Rural Development Programme is an important component in the delivery of the policies set out in the Rural White Paper. This programme commits £1.6 billion in funding over 7 years.

  Illegal Meat Imports
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many illegal meat imports were identified by Customs and Excise entering the UK in each of the last 10 years, broken down by category and where they were discovered. [78656]

  Mr. Morley
  The records held by Defra on the seizure of illegal food imports date back to 1 April 2001. Prior to that date, information on seizures was not held centrally.

  Since 1 April 2001, HM Customs and Excise have reported a total of 2147 seizures to Defra. Of those, there have been 1473 seizures of meat, 269 of fish, 58 of dairy products, 330 multiple seizures in which more than one type of produce of animal origin was found and 17 other seizures (which included products such as honey).

  Mr. Gummer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, which of the notifiable diseases mentioned in Schedule 2A of the Government's Animal Health Bill 2001 she estimates are able to enter the country by illegally imported bushmeat. [75933]

  Mr. Morley
  There is no precise definition of the term bushmeat, but this is generally understood to mean the meat of wild animals hunted for food, derived mainly from Central and West African countries.

  As part of our Action Plan on illegal imports, we are carrying out a risk assessment to provide information on the likelihood that infected meat will enter the country undetected and infect susceptible livestock. This risk assessment is nearing completion. The risk assessment is focussing initially on the risk posed by Foot and Mouth Disease, though further work will follow on the swine diseases (Classical and African swine fever, swine vesicular disease). It would be possible to use the risk assessment model for other diseases as listed in Schedule 2A, where necessary and appropriate.

  Of the diseases listed in Schedule 2A of the Animal Health Bill, Bluetongue and African horse sickness are not transmissible through meat/meat products (they are insect-borne). Other diseases are transmissible via meat, although the risks vary considerably. Generally, the viruses and bacteria present will depend on the species of meat, handling following slaughter, the processing it has undergone (for example, viruses are unlikely to survive the drying or smoking process), whether the product is on the bone, or has large quantities of offal, the temperature at which it has been kept and the length

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  of time taken to reach the UK. The risk of infected bushmeat coming into contact with susceptible livestock is another important variable.

  Mr. Gummer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many prosecutions there have been since January 2000 of persons found to be selling illegally imported meat products. [75929]

  Mr. Morley
  Responsibility for enforcing the law on imported meat products at the point of sale lies with local authorities. Information on prosecutions is not held centrally.

  Defra is aware that in 2001, HM Customs and Excise prosecuted three people for offences relating to the import of meat covered by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Two were convicted on CITES offences and one was acquitted, but convicted under a separate Animal Health charge. This year, we are aware of one successful prosecution brought by Crawley Borough Council in July, and six cautions issued by the London Port Health Authority in October. All related to the illegal importation of animal products.

  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many extra staff have been appointed to detect illegally imported meat at ports of entry to the UK since the outbreak of foot and mouth disease; and if she will make a statement. [79283]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 4 November 2002]: An additional £1.5 million has been allocated in this financial year to fund extra checks. Discussions have been held with Local/Port Health Authorities on how best to target the resources. We expect to be able to fund between 18 and 30 extra officers this year. Sixteen officers have already started work or are just about to.

  Mr. Alan Reid
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 11 April 2002,Official Report, column 585W, on illegal meat imports, what progress has been made towards implementing the action plan; and if she will make a statement. [79554]

  Mr. Morley
  Since April, significant progress to implement the action plan has been made:The risk assessment to provide information on the likelihood that infected meat will enter the country undetected, and infect susceptible livestock will be published later this year.
  We have increased the number of targeted checks carried out this year, especially on passenger bags.
  An extra £1.5 million has been allocated in this financial year for additional enforcement officers to perform checks on imports at selected ports and airports.
  At European level, new rules on personal import allowances were adopted on 20 September and come in to force on 1 January 2003.
  A six-month pilot using detector dogs to find illegal animal products in passenger baggage and freight commenced at Heathrow on 16 September.
  The "Don't bring back more than you bargained for" public awareness campaign, launched on 8 July. Two video fillers are currently being distributed, and we have already produced and distributed a radio filler, posters and leaflets.

  Biosecurity
  Mrs. Browning
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; if she will list the biosecurity measures, introduced by the Government at UK air and seaports since the 2001 foot and mouth outbreak. [77541]

  Mr. Morley
  Biosecurity measures are in place at various points in the production chain. For example, leaflets giving advice on biosecurity have been issued to farmers. Due to the increased numbers of animals being imported to replace livestock, surveillance for certain diseases, (for example brucellosis) has been enhanced. The Government has introduced new biosecurity requirements for premises assembling live animals for intra-Community trade. These are in addition to the EU animal health rules covering assembly centres.

  The Government's Action Plan on Illegal Imports, published on 28 March set out measures to reduce the risk of animal and plant diseases entering the country. Since publication of the Plan, a number of measures have been put into place specifically at air and seaports. On 22 May, enforcement officers were given additional powers to search commercial consignments and personal baggage for illegal imports. We have increased the number and improved the locations of posters explaining our import controls at the major UK airports. On 19 September, a six month pilot using detector dogs began at Heathrow. In this financial year, an extra 1.5 million has been allocated for checks to be conducted by additional enforcement officers at certain ports and airports. A risk assessment was commissioned to ascertain the amount of illegal imports, the risk that they are infected with a major animal disease, and the probability that the disease could enter the food chain, infecting our livestock and wildlife. The results of this risk assessment are due later this autumn and will help us determine the extent of the problem and the appropriate level of response.

  Forest Stewardship Council
  Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how much funding the Government has allocated to the Forest Stewardship Council in each year since 1997. [77582]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 28 October 2002]: We have not allocated any funding to the Forest Stewardship Council.

  Electrical Appliances
  Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what research has been conducted by her Department on assessing the role of consumer choice in product purchase and its impact on energy efficiency and total energy demand from domestic electrical appliances. [77594]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Department's Market Transformation Programme (MTP), working with the Energy Saving Trust, the Carbon Trust, manufacturers, retailers and other experts, carries out or acquires market research and analysis to help develop measures for reducing the total energy consumed by domestic appliances and other equipment. MTP currently maintains detailed consultative Policy Briefs accounting
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  for around 90 per cent. of domestic energy consumption with baselines and projections to 2010 and beyond. All this information is open to scrutiny and review on the programme web-site (www.mtprog.com)

  The role of consumer choice and reliable consumer environmental product information is a central consideration in constructing effective action programmes. The approach is to achieve better choice of efficient products by stimulating innovation and competition (for example, by mandatory EU "A to G" energy rating labels); encouraging market take-up of the best available products (for example, by the "Energy Efficiency Recommended" endorsement scheme and the Energy Efficiency Commitment); and discouraging the poorest performing equipment, by regulation or by voluntary agreements with industry.

  Our analysis shows that this approach has been very successful in increasing consumer choice of efficient products and in raising overall efficiency levels. For example, in 1995 the most efficient fridges and freezers generally available to UK consumers would have been rated "B", with nearly half of UK consumers choosing the least efficient categories "D, E and F". Today, the range of choice is within a much higher band of energy performance: the most efficient products actually exceeding the "A" rating and only a very few available below a "C" rating.

  Antibiotics
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the extent of antibiotic use in agriculture, and if she will make a statement. [79699]

  Mr. Morley
  The Government take the emergence of antibiotic resistance in bacteria very seriously and is developing policies to minimise unnecessary use of antibiotics in controlling animal diseases.

  One of the key planks of the Government's strategy to reduce the amount of antibiotics used on farm is to encourage the prudent use of all medicines. The Government actively supports the activities of the Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture (RUMA) alliance in helping to promote this message.

  Government policy on this issue is informed by the advice of its specialist advisory committees. My Department funds a research programme with a principle aim of reducing the use of antibiotics by developing alternative approaches to animal disease control.

  The Government also monitor annually the sale of antibiotics for use in animals in the UK. In February 2002 the Government published the latest of its annual reports for sales of antimicrobial products used as veterinary medicines, growth promoters and coccidiostats. The report showed that 437 tonnes of active ingredient of therapeutic antimicrobials were sold for food producing animals in 2000. This slight increase over the previous period is believed to be due in the main to the EU ban of some antimicrobial growth promoters in June 1999, which resulted in a rise in clinical infections in animals that required treatment. There has also been an increased need to treat secondary infections in pigs suffering from two new diseases in the pig
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  industry (Post-weaning Multi-system Wasting Syndrome (PMWS) or Porcine Dermatitis and Nephritis Syndrome (PDNS) that are having a significant impact on our domestic pig herds. Despite the increase, sales for 2000 remain amongst the lowest of the eight years for which sales data are available.

  No antibiotic products are used in horticulture in the UK.

  The report is available in the House library.

  African Exports
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what the price was at 1st October of one kilo of(a) unprocessed cocoa Beans, (b) unprocessed coffee beans, (c) unprocessed sugar cane, (d) processed cocoa products containing more than 31 per cent. cocoa solids, (e) roasted ground coffee and (f) refined white sugar from (i) Kenya and (ii) Uganda; and what percentage of this price was an imposed tarif. [79608]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 5 November 2002]: Overseas Trade Statistics show that, of the commodities listed, only (b) unprocessed coffee beans have recently been imported into the UK from Kenya and Uganda. The price of one kilo of unprocessed coffee beans from Kenya is L1.37 and from Uganda £0.67. These prices are based on the value and volume of imports in August, the latest month for which information is available, and represent the price at the point of entry to the UK. There is no imposed tariff on these imports.

  Environment Council
  Mr. Connarty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what was the outcome of the Environment Council on 17 October; what the Government's stance was on each issue discussed, including its voting record; and if she will make a statement. [76395]

  Margaret Beckett
  I represented the UK at Environment Council on 17 October, accompanied by Mr. Ross Finnie, the Scottish Executive Minister for Environment and Rural Development. This was the first Environment Council of the Danish Presidency. It was also the first to be held under the Council's new rules of procedure, which provide that final debates and votes on legislative proposals subject to co-decision with the European Parliament are held in public. The Council reached political agreement on 3 proposals and made progress on a range of other important issues.

  The Council reached political agreement on a Common Position on the revision of the EC Directive on packaging and packaging waste, which was along the lines of the general approach adopted at June Council. I strongly supported this proposal, which sets targets for recovery and recycling that the UK will find challenging, but achievable. These include a minimum 60 per cent. recovery target and recycling targets between 55–70 per cent., with a 2008 deadline for implementation. The only opposition was from Belgium and the Netherlands, who would have preferred even more demanding targets.
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  Political agreement was reached on the "Seveso II" Directive, which I also supported. This modifies the existing Directive on the prevention and control of major accident hazards involving dangerous substances. It introduces new controls on hazardous sites across the EU. Obligations will be placed on industrial operators to put into effect Safety Management Systems and detailed risk assessments, as well as to provide information to the public.

  Political agreement was also reached on a Regulation to complete implementation of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in relation to transboundary movements of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) from the Community. Along with the Commission, I argued that the Regulation should be as closely consistent with the Protocol as possible. After lengthy negotiations we secured significant improvements to the text, namely that the form of identification of GMOs in mixed bulk shipments should be consistent with other EC legislation, including existing legislation on the release of GMOs and the forthcoming proposed Regulation on traceability and labelling. Furthermore, express consent from the importer will be required for the first international transboundary movement of GM material. On the basis of the improved text I was able to support the political agreement.

  There was a short discussion on the proposed Regulation on traceability and labelling of GMOs in products. This focussed on links with a proposal to cover GMOs in food and feed, which had been discussed at Agriculture Council earlier in the same week. There is still some way to go before Member States can reach political agreement, and Council requested that the Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper) continue to work on this dossier.

  There was an orientation debate concerning the proposed directive on emissions trading, with a view to being in a position to seek political agreement at the December Council. I strongly supported the scheme but pressed for flexibility during the first period, in order to allow it to interact more easily with national schemes, such as the UK's successful existing regime, and allow inclusion of other sectors and gases.

  Council adopted conclusions on the implementation of the EU Sustainable Development Strategy. This included follow-up to environment-related commitments from the Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development. It called for a strengthening of the Cardiff process of integrating environmental considerations into EU business, and adopted a set of environment-related indicators which it recommended for inclusion in the Commission's report to the Spring European Council. The Conclusions include reference to the need, also accepted by the Agriculture and Fisheries Council on the 15 October, to take account of EU commitments made at the WTO meeting in Doha and at Johannesburg in considering the future of the Common Agriculture Policy and Common Fisheries Policy.

  Council Conclusions on climate change were adopted, without discussion, defining the EU's negotiating position for the 8 Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Climate Change in New Delhi. The Conclusions call for all Annex 1 developed
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  countries which accepted the comprehensive and balanced Kyoto agreement reached in Bonn and Marrakech last year to ratify the Kyoto Protocol as soon as possible so as to achieve its entry into force in the near future. Developed countries which do not intend to ratify are urged to meet their responsibilities under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and to return their emissions to 1990 levels. The Conclusions also recall the ultimate objective of the Convention—to achieve stabilisation of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere at a safe level and call upon all states to engage in a dialogue with a view to initiating at the 8 Conference of the Parties a process for further action under the Convention and the Protocol.

  We were able to support the negotiating mandate for the EC for the 12 Conference of the Parties to CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) and were pleased to see it agreed without amendment. There was unanimous support for the UK's proposal to list the Basking Shark in Appendix II, and unanimous agreement to oppose the Japanese proposal to downlist two species of whales (Minke and Bryde's whales), which would effectively reopen trade in the species.

  The Council took note of progress on the proposed Environmental Liability Directive. The Presidency indicated that political agreement would not be possible at the December Council, as the European Parliament's first reading is not expected until spring 2003. The Presidency updated Council on the proposed Regulation on the monitoring of forests (Forest Focus) which aims to establish a Community scheme to assess forest ecosystem conditions. The Presidency also updated Council on two inter-related proposals, a Regulation and a Council Decision, to implement the Rotterdam Convention on a Prior Informed Consent procedure for certain hazardous chemicals and pesticides in international trade. On the Regulation, a compromise package has been approved in Coreper and has been forwarded to the European Parliament.

  Under any other business, the Commission presented a report on mercury from the Chlor-Alkali industry, which followed a request from the Council in June 2001 to clarify the legal situation. The Greek delegation presented the outcome of the Euro-Med conference that took place in Athens on 10 July 2002. The German delegation made a statement on the financing of the European Committee for Standardisation Environmental Helpdesk. The French delegation started an exchange of views on possible European action in the field of flood prevention. In relation to this the Commission informed Council that a Communication on an integrated strategy on prevention, preparation and response to natural and technological risks is under preparation. Austria and Ireland made a joint statement on nuclear power in the context of sustainable development. Finally, the Danish delegation presented the results of a meeting of EU nature and forest Directors, which took place in Vigso, Denmark on 2–4 October 2002.

  Local Agenda 21
  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what
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  information on the work of Local Agenda 21 groups is received in her Department; and what efforts are made to consolidate their views [79635]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Government monitored progress on Local Agenda 21 (LA21) until the end of 2000. By then over 93 per cent. of local authorities in England and Wales had LA21 strategies in place. There had also been a number of studies into LA21 in the UK. The Local Government Act 2000 placed a duty on local authorities to prepare community strategies for promoting the economic, social and environmental well being of their communities and contributing to sustainable development in the UK. The Government's statutory guidance says that authorities should build on the experience of partnership working and community engagement gained through LA21. The Government does not require authorities to submit their community strategies. However, there is a Best Value Performance Indicator which monitors authorities' timetable for preparing community strategies whilst checking that they adhere to the key aims and components set out in the guidance.

  Game Birds
  Mr. Dawson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make a statement on the availability of Emtryl to the UK game bird rearers. [80254]

  Mr. Morley
  At the request of the holder of the marketing authorisations, the marketing authorisations for Emtryl premix for game birds, Emtryl pure for game birds and Emtryl soluble for game birds were suspended with effect from 22 October 2002. However, those products already supplied to the market may continue to be sold or administered to animals in accordance with the terms of the marketing authorisation until the expiry date of the product.

  Haskins Review
  Denzil Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what the terms are of the recently announced inquiry to be headed by Lord Haskins relating to her Department. [78583]

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what are the objectives, terms of reference and timescale of Lord Haskin's review of her Department and its agencies. [78911]

  Margaret Beckett
  [holding answer 4 November 2002]: Lord Haskin has agreed, at my request, to review delivery arrangements and structures to Defra's countryside responsibilities. Lord Haskins will consult widely with Defra stakeholders and those who deliver rural policy. We expect the review to be completed by the summer of 2003.

  Agency Budgets
  Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what the budget is for the(a) Countryside Agency, (b) Environment Agency, (c) Central Science Laboratory, (d) Veterinary Laboratories Agency, (e) Veterinary Medicines Directorate and (f) English Nature in
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  2002–03; and if she will make a statement on the future projections for the budget of each of these bodies. [79729]

  Alun Michael
  The requested budget figures are as follows:

  £'000s

  2002–03 Resource

  2002–03 Capital

  Countryside Agency

  92,050

  1,000

  Environment Agency

  168,000

  17,000

  Central Science Laboratory*

  38,509

  1,425

  Veterinary Laboratories Agency*

  75,460

  28,219

  Veterinary Medicines Directorate*

  10,529

  285

  English Nature

  58,506

  3,325

  The above amounts score within Departmental Expenditure Limits, and exclude overheads for central services provided by the core department. They are subject to in year review and adjustment.

  The three Executive Agencies (*) operate on a net administration costs basis, whereby gross costs are matched by income, and have full cost recovery targets. To make their budgets more meaningful the offsetting income has been excluded from the above table.

  The NDPBs—Countryside Agency, Environment Agency, and English Nature—resource and capital allocations for 2003–04 will be finalised shortly. Those for the executive agencies are still under review and will be confirmed as part of the Business Planning process.

  Pigswill
  Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what proportion of responses received to the pigswill consultation were in favour of(a) tightening controls, (b) maintaining current levels of control and (c) relaxing controls; [78542]

  (2) what steps her Department has taken to revise the published consultation response on the practice of using pigswill; [78552]

  (3) how many responses she has received on the pigswill consultation from (a) operatives who provide a pigswill service and (b) owners of pig-rearing farms; [78533]

  (4) what proportion of responses received to the pigswill consultation were in favour of (a) continuing current pigswill arrangements (b) altering current arrangements and regulations and (c) a ban on the use of pigswill. [78541]

  Mr. Morley
  The final number of responses received by the Government in reply to the public consultation letter of 27 March 2001 on the proposal to ban swill feeding reached 351. Of those a minority objected to the proposed ban. To review all those responses again for the details requested would involve my Department in disproportionate costs.

  A letter was sent on 9 May 2001 to all those that were consulted to advise on the decision that had been reached and to provide advice for producers who were feeding swill at that time. The advice was re-issued 2 days later to clarify certain paragraphs and to delete some of the advice on the disposal of unprocessed swill which was incorrect.

  Milk
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1), whether the subsidy from the European Union aims to provide free school milk for children aged up to(a) seven and (b) 11; [79225]

  (2) if she will make a statement on the European subsidy to provide milk for all school children up the the age of 11; and how many education authorities in the UK take advantage of the European Union subsidy to provide school milk. [79223]

  Mr. Morley
  The EU subsidy is intended to encourage the consumption of milk by children by reducing the cost of its provision in schools. In the UK it may be claimed by those education authorities which choose to provide children up to the age of 11 with milk. In the UK there were, in the 2000–01 school year, 208 such claimants.

  Mr. Lindsay Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1), what measures she has taken to encourage supermarket chains to increase the purchase of milk from dairy farmers; [79229]

  (2) what recent discussions she has had with (a) dairy farmers and (b) representatives from supermarket chains regarding the price of milk; [79228]

  (3) if she will make a statement on the decision by supermarket chains to increase the purchase price of milk from farmers by 2 pence a litre. [79227]

  Mr. Morley
  The prices charged by retailers, or those negotiated between farmers and purchasers, or between processors and retailers, are private commercial matters. Defra Ministers cannot and have not sought to get involved in price negotiations with farmers, retailers or processors, although the market situation in the diary sector is naturally an issue that does arise during discussions. Meetings of an informal dairy supply chain group, chaired by my noble friend Lord Whitty, have addressed the issue of supply volatility and its effect on farmgate milk prices and, at its last meeting in September, representatives from different parts of the supply chain reported their views on the recently announced price increases. The Governments welcomes any action that will assist the long term sustainability of the dairy sector.

  Parrett Project
  Mr. Liddell-Grainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, where the Chairman of the Parrett catchment project has visited overseas on official business in the last two years. [78749]

  Mr. Morley
  The Parrett Catchment Project is an independent body. I am advised that the Chairman visited the Ruhr Valley in Germany in October 2002 in order to attend the initial meeting of the International Steering Committee of the JAF Intereg 111b project.

  Mr. Liddell-Grainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, what theChairman of the Parrett catchment project has been paid in out-of-pocket expenses over the last two years. [78750]
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  Mr. Morley
  The Parrett Catchment Project is an independent body. I am advised that up to July 2002, the Chairman has claimed second class train fares, mileage and subsistence. These claims were made at standard County Council rates up to June 2001, and thereafter at Environment Agency rates, for meetings attended on Parrett Catchment Project business. Claims for the period since July 2002 have not yet been made.

  Heathrow
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, when she expects(a) the new DEFRA inspection team and (b) the sniffer dogs to be deployed at Heathrow. [79175]

  Margaret Beckett
  A new Local/Port Health Authority team to undertake additional checks for illegal imports, funded by Defra, is due to start work at Heathrow on 12 November. The detector dog pilot started at Heathrow on 16 September.

  Rural Payments Agency
  Mr. Liddington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many claims for payment under(a) the beef special premium scheme 2001 and (b) the suckler cow premium scheme 2001 have been refused by the Rural Payments Agency; if she will publish an analysis of the reasons for such refusals; and if she will make a statement. [77324]

  Margaret Beckett
  (a) 3544 claims for payment under the beef special premium scheme 2001 have been refused entirely, 7203 claims for payment have been partly refused for payment under the beef special premium scheme 2001.

  (b) 851 claims for payment under the suckler cow premium scheme 2001 have been refused entirely, 7659 claims for payment have been partly refused for payment under the suckler cow premium scheme 2001.

  The above claims contain animals whose eligibility could not be established under the Commission Regulations, which govern the bovine schemes. The RPA regrets the delays and the impact on farmer's cash flow, but cannot ignore the discrepancies discovered through cross-checks, or indeed any other verification method employed by the Agency. Failure to act on the findings identified will result in significant disallowance.

  The Commission have indicated that all cross-checks should be carried out prior to payment as they view these checks as a key control to the fund. If RPA were found to be making unsafe payments it would inevitably face disallowance.

  When applicants disagree with the refusal decision it is open to them to provide the RPA with additional information, which they feel, should be taken into account.

  Dairy Products
  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what estimates she has made of consumption of(a) dairy products and (b) milk in each nation of the UK in each of the last 10 years. [79753]
  579W
  Mr. Morley
  The table shows consumption of selected dairy products in households as recorded by the National Food Survey between 1991 and 2000. It excludes food eaten outside the home and dairy produce used in processed food, e.g. pizzas.

  UK household consumption of dairy products by country 1991–2000

  Dairy products consumed in liquid form (a)

  Units: units as stated per person per week

  Units

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  Drinking milk

  England

  ml

  1878

  1969

  1963

  1967

  1952

  1870

  1855

  1829

  1774

  1825

  Wales

  ml

  2171

  2150

  1968

  2094

  1967

  1931

  2078

  1912

  1834

  1915

  Scotland

  ml

  2029

  2051

  1877

  1931

  1918

  1992

  2001

  1762

  1806

  1900

  Northern Ireland

  ml

  na

  na

  na

  na

  na

  1948

  2158

  2119

  2130

  2113

  Other milks and dairy desserts

  England

  ml

  30

  31

  37

  39

  40

  40

  41

  45

  53

  57

  Wales

  ml

  17

  28

  35

  28

  24

  37

  50

  47

  28

  73

  Scotland

  ml

  37

  35

  32

  28

  23

  20

  32

  28

  51

  51

  Northern Ireland

  ml

  na

  na

  na

  na

  na

  34

  41

  52

  47

  61

  Cream

  England

  ml

  17

  18

  18

  17

  15

  18

  16

  17

  16

  18

  Wales

  ml

  16

  14

  19

  15

  9

  19

  13

  17

  14

  12

  Scotland

  ml

  18

  20

  17

  13

  10

  14

  15

  17

  15

  15

  Northern Ireland

  ml

  na

  na

  na

  na

  na

  11

  8

  9

  9

  8

  Cheese

  England

  g

  111

  105

  102

  98

  100

  101

  99

  95

  95

  99

  Wales

  g

  96

  96

  94

  84

  101

  94

  94

  94

  75

  101

  Scotland

  g

  87

  97

  86

  84

  84

  91

  90

  90

  97

  89

  Northern Ireland

  g

  na

  na

  na

  na

  na

  57

  65

  55

  57

  60

  Butter

  England

  g

  44

  41

  38

  39

  36

  39

  38

  37

  38

  38

  Wales

  g

  46

  37

  47

  47

  41

  43

  40

  58

  39

  40

  Scotland

  g

  41

  45

  51

  39

  41

  41

  37

  37

  31

  44

  Northern Ireland

  g

  na

  na

  na

  na

  na

  86

  64

  59

  62

  68

  Yoghurt and Fromage Frais

  England

  ml

  111

  123

  124

  124

  129

  128

  130

  125

  134

  143

  Wales

  ml

  83

  101

  108

  92

  115

  123

  112

  142

  93

  133

  Scotland

  ml

  110

  118

  100

  105

  115

  127

  124

  119

  119

  123

  Northern Ireland

  ml

  na

  na

  na

  na

  na

  117

  109

  105

  108

  120

  Condensed Milk

  England

  ml

  28

  28

  25

  23

  23

  23

  18

  16

  18

  19

  Wales

  ml

  51

  19

  28

  20

  23

  15

  23

  29

  9

  37

  Scotland

  ml

  17

  20

  14

  15

  21

  14

  9

  10

  15

  12

  Northern Ireland

  ml

  na

  na

  na

  na

  na

  5

  2

  3

  1

  5

  Source:

  National Food Survey

  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many animals there were in each dairy herd in each nation of the United Kingdom in each of the last 10 years. [79750]

  Mr. Morley
  DEFRA is able to provide data for England only. Figures for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are a matter for the devolved authorities.

  Number of Dairy Cattle in the National Herd—England 1991–2002

  1991

  1937661

  1992

  1872685

  1993

  1862766

  1994

  1898369

  580W
  The National Food Survey collects details of food purchases from a sample of households. Some of the variation seen for individual years within the table will therefore be due to sampling error.

  Number of Dairy Cattle in the National Herd—England 1991–2002

  1995

  1810700

  1996

  1784745

  1997

  1701668

  1998

  1659649

  1999

  1660628

  2000

  1575484

  2001

  1490227

  2002(provisional)

  1465020

  Note:

  1. A dairy cow is defined as a cow or heifer in the dairy herd that has calved.

  Source:

  June Agricultural and Horticultural Census
  581W
  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what milk yields were; what percentage milk represented of final agricultural product; and what average milk prices were,

  Table 1. UK estimated average milk yield by country

  Units: litres per cow

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–00

  2000–01

  2001–02

  England & Wales

  5264

  5275

  5292

  5515

  5652

  5841

  5887

  6046

  6114

  6509

  Scotland

  5068

  5177

  5264

  5518

  5739

  5671

  5669

  5390

  5565

  6240

  Northern Ireland

  4904

  4958

  5119

  5346

  5353

  5503

  5461

  5650

  5966

  6273

  United Kingdom

  5211

  5235

  5273

  5497

  5627

  5788

  5818

  5942

  6047

  6453

  Notes:

  Data are quoted in milk quota years which runs from April to March.

  Data for Wales are not available separately.

  Source:

  Defra

  Table 2. Milk as a percentage of UK agricultural production by country (a)

  1992 %

  1993 %

  1994 %

  1995 %

  1996 %

  1997 %

  1998 %

  1999 %

  2000 %

  2001(p) %

  England

  na

  na

  na

  13

  14

  14

  13

  13

  12

  14

  Wales

  na

  na

  na

  30

  30

  28

  29

  27

  26

  28

  Scotland

  na

  na

  na

  13

  14

  14

  13

  13

  12

  14

  Northern Ireland

  na

  na

  na

  28

  28

  28

  29

  30

  30

  33

  United Kingdom

  21

  23

  23

  20

  19

  19

  18

  18

  18

  21

  Notes:

  (a)The value of milk production as a proportion of the value of final agricultural output (gross output less transactions within the agricultural industry)

  (p)provisional

  na not readily available

  Source:

  Defra

  Table 3. UK farm gate milk prices by country

  Units: p per litre

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001(p)

  Great Britain

  na

  na

  na

  24.9

  25.1

  22.3

  19.4

  18.3

  16.8

  19.4

  Northern Ireland

  19.2

  21.5

  21.2

  25.4

  24.0

  20.6

  19.3

  18.5

  18.0

  18.5

  United Kingdom

  21.0

  22.0

  22.4

  24.9

  25.0

  22.1

  19.4

  18.4

  16.9

  19.3

  Notes:

  Prices are quoted after deduction of marketing expenses (transport costs) but not superlevy, and includes bonuses.

  Data for England, Wales and Scotland are not available separately.

  (p) provisional

  na not available

  Source:

  DARD, NI; Defra

  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many dairy farmers there were; and what the average dairy herd size was, in each nation of the United Kingdom in each of the last 10 years. [79751]

  Mr. Morley
  DEFRA is able to provide data for England only. Figures for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are a matter for the devolved authorities.

  Number of farmers, partners, directors and spouses (if working on the holding) and average dairy herd size on holdings with any dairy cattle—England 1991–2001:

  Year

  Farmers, Partners, Directors & Spouses on Holdings with Dairy any Cattle

  Average Size of Dairy Herd

  1991

  52647

  69

  1992

  51312

  69

  1993

  50402

  70

  1994

  49592

  73

  582W
  for each nation of the UK in each of the last 10 years. [79752]

  Mr. Morley
  The available data are shown in the following tables:

  Year

  Farmers, Partners, Directors & Spouses on Holdings with Dairy any Cattle

  Average Size of Dairy Herd

  1995

  47515

  73

  1996

  46150

  75

  1997

  44711

  74

  1998

  45165

  74

  1999

  43119

  78

  2000

  40796

  79

  2001

  38526

  82

  Number of Farmers, Partners, Directors and Spouses (if working on the holding) and average dairy herd size on holdings where the main activity is classified as dairy farming—England 1991–2001:

  Year

  Farmers, Partners, Directors & Spouses on Dairy Type Holdings

  Average Size of Diary Herd

  1991

  42013

  72

  1992

  40464

  72

  583W

  Year

  Farmers, Partners, Directors & Spouses on Dairy Type Holdings

  Average Size of Diary Herd

  1993

  35665

  75

  1994

  39744

  77

  1995

  37844

  76

  1996

  36656

  78

  1997

  35334

  77

  1998

  34604

  78

  1999

  33373

  83

  2000

  31316

  86

  2001

  29732

  90

  Notes:

  1. Refers to main holdings only.

  2. A dairy cow is defined as a cow or heifer in the dairy herd that has calved.

  Source:

  June Agricultural and Horticultural Census

  These are consolidated figures for the United Kingdom. The figures for Great Britain were derived from the computer system used to issue export health certificates. The figures for Northern Ireland were derived from the system which records movements of animals between Member States. All figures are subject to updating and amendment.

  Packaging
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if the Government will introduce legislation to compel the use of biodegradeable materials for packaging of goods. [70260]

  Margaret Beckett
  Some retailers are using a substitute for plastics in some types of packaging made from potato starch. This material is entirely biodegradeable and can be composted. Other biodegradeable materials are manufactured based on modified plastics made from mineral oil. These materials still have to be sent for recycling after use. We do not therefore plan to introduce legislation to compel the use of biodegradeable materials for packaging of goods, but we do strongly support the development of biodegradeable materials from non-fossil sources.

  Animal Diseases
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, for what reason the United Kingdom made no application to the EU for a share of its 2003 funding programme to control animal diseases and zoonoses. [78364]

  Margaret Beckett
  The UK has applied for and obtained EU funding in support of agreed control programmes for 2002 and previous years. In respect of the 2003 claims, claims for TB and Brucella were not received by the Commission until after the 1 June 2002 deadline. We are in discussion with the Commission in an attempt to correct the position.

  Flood Defences
  Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make a statement on completing the Shrewsbury flood defence scheme. [79994]
  584W
  Mr. Morley
  Defra approved the grant aiding of the Environment Agency's flood alleviation scheme for the Frankwell area of Shrewsbury in October 2001. I understand that work is expected to be substantially complete by June 2003 although, weather permitting, the defence should be operational before the end of November 2002.

  The Agency is continuing to consider the viability of sustainable defence measures for other areas of Shrewsbury, although in the current situation I understand that there is little likelihood that a further scheme could be justified.

  Cod
  Mr. Alan Reid
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to her Answer to the hon. Member for Argyll and Bute at European Standing Committee A on 23 April 2002 column 7, what steps she is taking to persuade the European Commission that banning trawling for nephrops will have a very small impact on cod recovery. [79607]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 5 November 2002]: The European Commission has yet to bring forward its proposals for the management of commercial fish stocks in 2003, following the recent recommendations from international scientists for a moratorium on most directed cod fishing and also on fishing for other species unless the taking of cod as a bycatch can be eliminated. We are working closely with the fishing industry to devise a package of measures which we can advocate in the EU and which will respect the scientific assessment whilst as far as possible keeping fishing opportunities open for the industry. We have already reminded the Commission of our view—substantiated last year by detailed scientific analysis—that curbing nephrops fishing brings minimal benefit to cod.

  Mr. Alan Reid
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary to the hon. Member for Argyll and Bute at European Standing Committee A on 23 April, 2002 Official Report, column 7, if she will place in the Library (a) her Department's evidence to the European Commission which demonstrated that the level of cod by-catch in the nephrops fishery was very small and that the Commission's figures were an overestimate and (b) the European Commission's response; and if she will make a statement. [80055]

  Mr. Morley
  The Fisheries Departments in the UK submitted material to the European Commission on several occasions in 2001, refuting in detail the Commission's argument that cutting nephrops fishing significantly benefits cod stocks. The specifics of this correspondence are confidential, but the basis of the case was figures demonstrating that landings of cod did not increase in line with landings of nephrops. This material was submitted in support of the UK's request for in-year restoration of the cuts that were made to the Total Allowable Catches for nephrops in the North Sea, in the Irish Sea and West of Scotland in 2001: in response, the Commission did not agree to restore the cuts, but did subsequently largely withdraw its
  585W
  proposals for further substantial cuts for 2002. Restoration of the cuts made in 2001 is an issue we are still actively pressing with the Commission.

  Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what estimate her Department has made of the weight and value of cod discarded in each of the fish management areas in the seas around the UK as a result of an unintentional by-catch of over quota cod in each year since 1997 and the latest available estimate for 2002; [79022]

  (2) if her Department has estimated the total weight and potential value of fish discarded by UK fishing vessels as a result of the unintentional by-catch of over quota fish. [79023]

  Mr. Morley
  Estimates of discards are obtained by placing observers on a random sample of fishing vessels. Observers are not in a position to establish fully the reasons why fish are discarded, but the main reasons appear to be that fish are undersized, not of sufficient quality, or damaged. We are not able at this time to provide estimates for discards of all species in all sea areas. Estimates of the weight of cod discards (in tonnes, gutted) by(a) English and Welsh vessels in the North Sea and Irish Sea and (b) UK vessels landing into Scotland, are set out below.

  (a) English & Welsh Vessels

  North Sea

  Irish Sea

  Year

  < Legal Size

  > Legal Size

  Year

  < Legal Size

  > Legal Size

  1997

  2191

  636

  1997

  nd

  nd

  1998

  2232

  668

  1998

  nd

  nd

  1999

  772

  274

  1999

  nd

  nd

  2000

  444

  52

  2000

  17

  3

  2001

  453

  60

  2001

  4

  2

  2002*

  80

  11

  2002

  <1

  0

  Notes:

  * January to June

  nd = no data

  (b) UK vessels landing into Scotland

  Year

  North Sea (IV)

  < Legal Limit

  > Legal Limit

  Total

  1997

  4412.2

  1659.9

  6072.1

  1998

  6669.1

  2122.9

  8792.0

  1999

  2135.2

  420.9

  2556.1

  2000

  3077.0

  462.1

  3539.1

  2001

  3195.0

  600.0

  3795.0

  2002*

  1155.4

  50.1

  1205.5

  Year

  West Coast (Via)

  < Legal Limit

  > Legal Limit

  Total

  1997

  163.6

  26.8

  190.4

  1998

  181.0

  66.0

  247.0

  1999

  52.8

  0.3

  53.1

  2000

  335.5

  14.3

  349.8

  2001

  79.6

  39.0

  118.6

  2002*

  33.5

  15.2

  48.7

  Foot and Mouth
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how much in 586W
  outstanding claims against her Department is owed in respect of clean-up operations on farms affected by foot and mouth disease. [76841]

  Margaret Beckett
  It is not possible at this time to reveal details of these claims for reasons of commercial confidentiality and legal privilege. Defra is pursuing the recommendation in the NAO report on the 2001 Outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease concerned with the urgent pursuit of those cases where my Department believed it was overcharged for goods and services. Irregularities in contractors' claims are being investigated and resolved as quickly as possible. We have an obligation to ensure proper accounting methods are applied to valid invoices submitted. We have no intention of simply paying Invoices and claims that cannot be properly accounted for.

  Microlisation
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what plans she has to provide match funding for microlisation; and if she will make a statement; [79231]

  (2) what steps she has taken to increase the money for modulation to UK farms from the UK; and if she will make a statement. [79234]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 4 November 2002]: The UK is obliged under Community law to match-fund, pound for pound, money raised through modulating Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) production subsidies. Under current plans, the rate of modulation will rise from the present 3 per cent. to 4.5 per cent. by 2006.

  The spending plans for 2003–04 to 2005–06, set out in the 2002 Spending Review White Paper "Opportunity and Security for All" (Command Paper 5570) presented to the House on 15 July by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, include provision for match funding of £75m in 2005– 06. This would be necessary if the rate of modulation were to be increased to 10 per cent. from 2005–06, as recommended by the Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food. However, a decision on increasing national modulation has yet to be taken. The final decision will depend on factors including the success of a pilot to test the Policy Commission's recommendation for an entry-level agri-environment scheme, and the outcome of negotiations on the Mid-Term review of the CAP.

  Fly Tipping and Landfill
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with farmers about fly tipping and landfill taxes; and if she will make a statement. [79238]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 4 November 2002]: Defra Ministers hold many meetings with farming organisations to discuss all manner of topics. However, there have been no recent meetings to discuss fly tipping specifically. The Government is, however, keen to find out more about the causes of fly tipping and has commissioned research into fly tipping on agricultural land.
  587W
  Fly tipped waste is a blight on our countryside and towns. There are stringent controls in place to ensure that waste is dealt with properly. Where waste is disposed of illegally, it is clearly essential that steps are taken to dispose of the waste safely and properly to eliminate the risk of environmental pollution or harm to human health. The Environment Agency and local authorities, in their role as waste collection authority, may themselves take steps to remove fly tipped waste. DEFRA works closely with the fly tipping stakeholders forum to develop practical ways to combat the problem.

  A Tidy Britain Group Report Effects of the Landfill Tax on Fly Tipping (published in 1998) did not establish any clear link between the tax and increased fly tipping. Indeed, the Report states that in 1997–98, domestic waste was, overall, the type of fly tipped waste most frequently collected by local authorities. As the tax does not directly affect householders it is unlikely to cause householders to fly tip waste. Moreover, each Waste Disposal Authority has a duty under section 51 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to provide civic amenity sites for the deposit of household waste.

  TB Testing
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans she has to increase the rate of TB testing in Gloucestershire; and if she will make a statement. [79314]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 4 November 2002]: Since an additional £3 million was made available to the State Veterinary Service earlier this year, veterinary, technical and administrative staff have been recruited to bring the administrative and veterinary teams dealing with TB in the Gloucester Animal Health Divisional Office up to full strength. Twenty temporary and casual staff have been recruited specifically for TB testing in addition to the normal complement of veterinary officers. This is starting to have a significant impact across the range of critical TB areas.

  In early October Defra announced additional measures for the control of bovine TB in England, which included a timetable for the imposition of movement restrictions on herds with overdue tests. Within the Gloucester region the backlog of overdue tests is being actively managed to ensure that the number of herds put under restriction early next year as a result of the new measure is kept to a minimum. A dedicated team of six administrative staff has been set up to support the process. Letters will be sent out shortly to those farmers potentially affected encouraging them to arrange early TB tests. Defra is also maintaining close liaison with the NFU at county level.

  20-Day Standstill Rule
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans she has to review the 20 day standstill rule; and if she will make a statement. [79317]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 4 November 2002]: This will depend on the outcome of the detailed risk assessment and cost benefit analysis which is being carried out in line with the FMD Inquiry
  588W
  recommendations. We hope to be able to take account of emerging findings to make decisions about any changes to the current rules in time for the Spring 2003 movement season.

  GM Seeds
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, which GM crop varieties started national seed listing trials in September 2002; if she will give their(a) locations and (b) dates of planting; and if each trial is (i) a distinctiveness, uniformity and stability and (ii) a value for cultivation and use trial. [79737]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 6 November 2002]: No new GM candidate varieties started National List tests and trials in September 2002. Three Winter Oilseed Rape varieties, PHW99–429, PHW01–441, PHW02–450, were already in test and trial and these were sown again in September 2002. Of these, PHW99–429 has already completed Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability testing and was sown in Value for Cultivation and Use trials only. The site locations and dates of sowing are as follows:

  Type of Test or Trial

  Location

  Date of Sowing

  Distinctness Uniformity and Stability

  Sand Hutton, Yorkshire

  6 September 2002

  Value for Cultivation and Use

  Thorganby, Lincolnshire

  6 September 2002

  Meden Vale, Nottinghamshire

  12 September 2002.

  Felton, Herefordshire

  12 September 2002.

  Melbourn, Cambridgeshire

  10 September 2002

  Piccotts End, Hertfordshire

  16 September 2002

  Shellingford, Oxfordshire

  13 September 2002

  Bramham, Yorkshire

  4 September 2002

  Banham, Norfolk

  5 September 2002

  Udny, Aberdeenshire

  11 September 2002

  Climate Change
  Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many climate change levy underlying agreements within the meaning of paragraph 48 of Schedule 6 to the Finance Act 2000 she has(a) entered into and (b) varied or; if she will give the name of the other party or parties to each such agreement or variation; if she will indicate, in relation to each such agreement, the umbrella agreement within the meaning of the same paragraph to which it relates; and if she will place in the Library copies of all such agreements and variations. [78725]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Secretary of State currently is party to 5,460 underlying agreements within the meaning of paragraph 48 of Schedule 6 to the Finance Act 2000. The original umbrella agreements are placed in the Library and on the Defra website. The names of the operators of facilities currently covered by the underlying agreements are published, sector by sector, in Reduced Rate Certificates on HM Customs and Excise website. The underlying agreements contain commercially sensitive material in the form of energy efficiency targets and consequently cannot be published, though the standard template is also available on the Defra website. Variations to these agreements to date cover only new entrants to the agreements, withdrawals
  589W
  from them and changes of contact details. It would involve excessive costs to publish the variations involving these changes to company details. We have been in discussions with sector associations regarding variations to the agreements to provide for corrections to targets resulting from corrections to baseline data. The proportional improvements in energy efficiency required has been maintained. Any further variations to the provisions of the agreements will be placed in the Library under the same terms as the original agreements were placed.

  Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many climate change agreements within the meaning of paragraph 47 of Schedule 6 to the Finance Act 2000 and variations, she has entered into and what the name is of the other party or parties to each such agreement or variation; if she will make a statement in relation to each such agreement on the description of energy-intensive installations within paragraph 51 of Schedule 6 to the Finance Act 2000 to which it relates; and if she will place in the Library copies of all such agreements and variations. [78726]

  Mr. Meacher
  There is one climate change agreement under paragraph 47 of Schedule 2 to the Finance Act 2000, which provided for the unique case where there was only one company operating a specific eligible IPPC process. The agreement under this paragraph therefore combines the provisions of the umbrella and underlying agreements within the meaning of paragraph 48. A copy has been placed in the Library of the House and on the DEFRA website. The agreement contains the names of the relevant parties and a description of the type of the installation covered by the agreement. There have been no variations to this agreement.

  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make a statement on the outcome of the Climate Change Conference in New Delhi; and if she will place in the Library copies of(a) the United Kingdom submissions, (b) other nations' submissions relevant to UK policy and (c) the text of the final communiqué. [80349]

  Mr. Meacher
  There were two main outcomes from the Eighth Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), held in New Delhi, India from 23 October to 1 November 2002.

  The first was that good progress was made on several technical issues which are key to building the architecture for effective implementation of the Kyoto Protocol.

  The first report of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Executive Board, established at COP7 in Marrakech, was approved. This will allow for the prompt start of the CDM and projects should start to come through the system next year. This should result in investment benefits for developing countries and help developed countries meet their Kyoto commitments. Work on how to include afforestation and reforestation projects under the CDM continued and is on track for agreement on schedule at COP10.
  590W
  The final element of the guidelines on the reporting and review of accounting for total emissions under Marrakech Accords (the rules implementing Kyoto) was agreed. Regular reporting and review is essential, for transparency in the system and to ensure that parties are keeping to detailed trading rules.

  There were also productive discussions on legal and institutional matters, in particular on how the first meeting of the Kyoto Protocol governing body should be convened in conjunction with the Convention governing body.

  Guidance was also agreed on how developing countries should report information to the COP in their national communications. This is essential for assessing the size of the global problem and as a basis for informing decisions on future action. Guidance was also agreed for the new funds agreed in Bonn and Marrakech last year.

  The second outcome was the Delhi Declaration on climate change and sustainable development. Negotiations on the text were dominated by the developing country concerns of vulnerability to climate change and the fneed for countries to adapt to it effects, and by their reluctance to initiate a process for considering what more needs to be done by the international community until greater progress has been made in implementing existing commitments under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol. The final text was therefore less forward-looking than we and our EU partners would have liked. Nevertheless, the Declaration makes important points about setting climate change in the context of sustainable development and puts a welcome focus on the needs of developing countries in trying to adapt to climate change.

  There were no UK submissions on issues discussed in New Delhi because the EU negotiates as a block in the UNFCCC. Denmark, which currently holds the Presidency, made submissions on behalf of all Member States. I have today placed copies of all EU submissions relevant to UK policy in the library, along with those from other Parties to the UNFCCC on the same subjects, and a copy of the final text of the Delhi Declaration. When they are available, I will also place copies of the formal EU statements made during the conference in the Library.

  Waste Tyres
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what her estimate is of the stock pile of waste tyres in England in each of the last five years. [78470]

  Mr. Meacher
  These data are not collected centrally in the format requested. However, the Environment Agency estimate that about 13 million tyres are currently stockpiled in 38 sites in England. The majority of the tyres are held within 8 sites, including one which holds about 9 million of the tyres. This site is covered to provide protection.

  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what research she is undertaking into the environmentally safe disposal of waste tyres; [78472]
  591W
  (2) what assessment she has made of civil engineering uses for the environmentally safe use of waste tyres; [78433]

  (3) what policies she intends to adopt to (a) utilise and (b) dispose of waste tyres. [78471]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Government in partnership with the tyre industry through the Used Tyre Working Group (UTWG) is investigating alternative disposal, recycling and recovery options for those tyres displaced from landfill with the aim of ensuring that sufficient capacity is available to handle those tyres.

  The prospect of the extra required tyre recovery capacity being developed in time for the 2006 ban appears encouraging. It is likely that cement kilns (who use tyres as fuel) will take very significant numbers of tyres provided they obtain the necessary authorisations (four kilns already use tyres).

  In addition, the market for tyre granulate is growing. Tyre granulate has a number of applications including carpet underlay and sports and safety surfaces. Government is supporting a number of end-use studies including its incorporation in road surfaces and as an aggregate replacement in concrete. Other studies are looking at new processes to break down used tyres as well as looking at ways of improving the efficiency of present materials recycling operations. Government is also supporting research into the use of tyres in coastal and flood protection schemes.

  There is also research underway, funded through the Landfill Tax Credits Scheme in collaboration with the Transport Research Laboratory and the Institute of Civil Engineers, to produce guidance on civil engineering applications for used tyres to stimulate market development. Whole tyres are already used extensively as an engineering material in landfill sites.

  More widely, research is underway on creating longer-lasting tyres (without compromising safety) in order to help reduce the amount of tyres entering the waste stream in the first place.

  Organic Cattle
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make a grant to Mr. Richard Smith of Sharpham, Totnes, Devon, to make good the failure of the Beef Assurance Scheme in relation to his cows and followers; and if she will make a statement as to the practices undertaken by her Department to help farmers rearing organic cattle. [78918]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 5 November 2002]: No grants are available for Beef Assurance Scheme members who are having difficulties finding local abattoirs willing to slaughter cattle aged 30–42 months because of EU requirements on testing and the removal of vertebral column. However, the Food Standards Agency will seek to put members in touch with abattoirs which will slaughter such cattle.

  The Department seeks to promote all aspects of organic farming in line with the Organic Action Plan published on 29 July. Free advice is available to all farmers contemplating organic farming through the Organic Conversion Information Service. Aid for
  592W
  organic conversion, delivered through the England Rural Development Programme, amounts to some £140 million. The Department also funds organic R&D, including projects on both organic dairy and beef cattle husbandry and it is providing a series of meetings to help organic cattle farmers maintain high standards of health and welfare in their herds.

  Public Consultations
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what public consultations have been commenced by her Department in each month since 20 July; and what the(a) start date, (b) closing date and (c) website address of each were. [80267]

  Alun Michael
  Information on public consultation processes undertaken by Defra is held in the public domain and can be obtained from the Defra website at www.defra.gov.uk. in the section titled "Consultation Exercises".

  Details as to the issue date and deadlines for comments are available and contact details regarding each consultation are provided. Responses to public consultations where the respondents have not asked for anonymity are also listed on this website page.

  Welbeck Tip
  Mr. Hinchcliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when she expects to be able to answer the letters sent to the Environment Minister on 5 October 2001 and 20 February 2002 by the hon. Member for Wakefield regarding the Welbeck Tip. [62309]

  Mr. Meacher
  I regret that the Department can find no trace of my hon. Friend's correspondence.

  Chemicals
  Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what agreements were reached at the recent World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg relating to chemicals. [77572]

  Mr. Meacher
  The main points agreed at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in relation to chemicals are contained in paragraph 22 of the Plan of Implementation.

  These include an overarching target of "aiming to achieve by 2020 that chemicals are produced and used in ways that lead to the minimisation of significant adverse effects on human health and the environment". This would include actions at all levels to:

  (a) Promote the ratification and implementation of relevant international instruments on chemicals and hazardous wastes.

  (b) Encourage countries to implement the new globally harmonised system for the classification and labelling of chemicals

  (c) Encourage partnerships to promote activities aimed at enhancing environmentally sound management of chemicals and hazardous wastes

  (d) Promote efforts to prevent international illegal trafficking of hazardous chemicals and hazardous wastes

  (e) Encourage development of coherent and integrated information on chemicals

  593W

  (f) Promote reduction of the risks posed by heavy metals that are harmful to human health and the environment

  A copy of the Plan of Implementation is in the House Library and can he found at http://www/johannesburgsummit.org/, along with a copy of the Political Declaration made at Johannesburg.

  Plastic Waste
  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what her latest estimate is of the value of non-recyclable plastic waste used for(a) landfill and (b) incineration for each London borough. [79639]

  Mr. Meacher
  This information is not available.

  Animal Movements
  Paul Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what changes have been made in the 20 day rule on animal movements since its introduction; and if she will make a statement. [79405]

  Mr. Morley
  A number of changes to the 20 day whole farm standstill rule have been made over recent months, following detailed discussions with industry and veterinary organisations. These include exemptions, subject to risk mitigating conditions, for breeding animals, calves, tack sheep and all movements direct to slaughter. Most recently, an exemption from the whole farm standstill was introduced on 6 September 2002 for cattle and sheep moved for breeding purposes, if they remain in approved isolation facilities for 20 days.

  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make an amendment to the 20 day standstill rule in the event of livestock being brought to feed for a period ranging from three to 12 months where the bid price is not reached to enable the producer to take livestock home and to prevent cattle and sheep from being slaughtered. [79437]

  Mr. Morley
  The mixing of animals at auction markets and their subsequent dispersal poses a particular disease risk so it is unlikely that any special exemptions to the 20 day rule will be introduced to cover these particular circumstances.

  More generally, future animal movement controls will reflect the outcome of the detailed risk assessment and cost benefit analysis which is being carried out in line with the FMD Inquiry recommendations. We hope to be able to take account of emerging findings when we make decisions about any changes to the current rules in time for the 2003 Spring movement season.

  Horticulture Research International
  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what funding has been allocated to Horticulture Research International in each of the last 10 years. [79757]

  Mr. Morley
  Defra funding at Horticulture Research International (HRI) relates to specifically commissioned R & D projects and work won by HRI in the main through R & D competitions. We have also 594W
  provided funding for capital and other purposes. A summary of the funding provided by Defra (and, prior to 2001–02, MAFF) in each of the last ten years is given in the table below.

  Table showing Defra funding of Horticulture Research International over the period 1992–2002

  Year

  R&D payments1

  CMF2

  Restructuring and pensions

  Capital & other payments

  Total (£m)

  1992–1993

  13.5

  –

  –

  7.3

  20.8

  1993–1994

  13.7

  –

  –

  11.3

  25.0

  1994–1995

  13.9

  –

  0.1

  7.3

  21.3

  1995–1996

  13.3

  –

  0.4

  9.5

  23.2

  1996–1997

  12.7

  –

  1.0

  4.6

  18.3

  1997–1998

  12.3

  –

  –

  1.7

  14.0

  1998–1999

  12.3

  –

  5.9

  0.4

  18.6

  1999–2000

  11.4

  –

  –

  0.4

  11.8

  2000–2001

  10.4

  0.3

  4.2

  1.0

  15.9

  2001–2002

  10.4

  1.5

  1.6

  0.2

  13.7

  Notes:

  1 Figures given on an acruals basis as shown in HRI's accounts

  2 Funds from HMT's Capital Modernisation Fund

  GM Crops
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, which of the GM farm scale trials of maize, oil seed rape and beet planted between Autumn 2001 and Spring 2002(a) ran until harvest and (b) were terminated; and what the reasons for termination were in each case. [79739]

  Mr. Meacher
  In Autumn 2001 a total of 30 winter oil seed rape crops were sown. One field was subsequently terminated following the advice of the scientific steering committee at their meeting of May 20 2002 (minutes at www.defra.gov.uk/environment/fse) as a result of the crop failing to establish; apparently due to the weather. The remainder ran until harvest.

  In Spring 2002 the following number of FSE crop fields were planted: 25 spring oil seed rape; 16 beet and 33 maize. Two maize fields were terminated prior to harvest following extensive damage by protestors that rendered any further studies on the site impossible. No spring oil seed rape or beet crops were terminated.

  Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will place the tender documents for the biodiversity monitoring on the farm scale evaluations on sugar beet and fodder beet, the contracts for that work and related correspondence in the Library; if she will list the sites in England and Wales where releases of GM oilseed rape were made in 2000 and 2001 under the consent 98/R19/18; and if she will list the genetic transformation events in Aventis' spring oilseed rape released under the consent 00/R33/9 and other experimental release consents granted for this transformation under the GMO Deliberate Regulations. [80214]

  Mr. Meacher
  I refer my hon. Friend the Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Lewisham and Deptford (Joan Ruddock),Official Report, 6 April 2001, column 321W, which announced that a copy of each of the four farm-scale evaluation contracts, which include the invitations to tender, the tenders themselves, the project specification and the covering letter, have been placed in the Library.
  595W
  In 2001, there were no releases in England or Wales under consent 98/R19/18. In 2000, there were no releases in Wales under consent 98/R19/18. In England, the locations of releases under this consent are summarised below.

  Nearest Village

  County

  Little Shelford

  Cambridgeshire

  St Osyth, Seawick

  Essex

  Kempley

  Gloucestershire

  Chipping Campden

  Gloucestershire

  Itchen Abbas

  Hampshire

  Piccots End

  Hertfordshire

  Boothby Graffoe

  Lincolnshire

  North Kelsey

  Lincolnshire

  Horningtoft

  Norfolk

  Meden Vale

  Nottinghamshire

  Appleton

  Oxfordshire

  Alderminster

  Warwickshire

  Upper Tysoe

  Warwickshire

  Priors Hardwick

  Warwickshire

  Laverton

  Worcestershire

  East Newton

  North Yorkshire

  Hutton Magna

  North Yorkshire

  The transformation events in oilseed rape covered by consent 00/R33/9 are Ms8 and Rf3. Since 2000 releases of oilseed rape containing these events have also been

  Net Farm Income (£/farm)

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–00

  2000–01

  Dairy

  24,939

  33,228

  29,295

  34,927

  28,485

  19,306

  12,475

  8,847

  11,887

  LFA Cattle & Sheep

  8,919

  10,501

  7,533

  13,113

  11,646

  5,193

  2,101

  2,572

  3,008

  Lowland Cattle & Sheep

  8,392

  7,709

  8,115

  9,910

  6,098

  -1,426

  527

  923

  -3,008

  Cereals

  20,052

  20,401

  25,538

  46,126

  35,014

  14,570

  4,059

  4,331

  2,529

  General Cropping

  22,726

  23,918

  51,377

  48,561

  24,083

  16,752

  40,726

  5,606

  10,239

  Pigs & Poultry

  24,929

  16,713

  22,446

  39,000

  43,316

  16,406

  5,979

  17,817

  33,930

  Mixed

  18,720

  20,400

  30,580

  40,357

  31,594

  6,799

  3,115

  8,642

  6,085

  Horticulture

  10,611

  14,860

  24,397

  19,770

  20,404

  20,283

  29,182

  19,889

  15,212

  All Types

  19,572

  20,715

  23,451

  29,777

  22,574

  11,280

  8,926

  5,628

  6,112

  Source:

  Net farm income is defined as the return to the principal farmer and spouse for their labour and on the tenant-type capital of the business.

  Agricultural Wages Board
  Hugh Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to her Answer of 21st October (75916) what relevant qualifications Professor Ian Smith and Mrs Jacquie Findlay had for nomination as an independent member of the Agricultural Wages Board. [76816]

  Alun Michael
  Independent members of the Agricultural Wages Board for England and Wales are not required to hold any specific qualifications. However when new members are appointed we do try to ensure that collectively, the independent members have experience of as many areas of expertise relevant to the Board's work as possible. These include EU and UK employment legislation, EU and UK social policy, arbitration and conciliation, human resource management, tribunal work, accountancy and economic issues. Jacquie Findlay has relevant experience in the human resource field and has advised on employment law matters. Ian Smith is a Professor of employment law at Anglia University.

  To ensure their impartiality, independent members must have no direct connection with the agricultural industry or any connection with organisations
  596W
  carried out under consents 00/R33/5, 00/R33/6, 00/R33/7, 00/R33/10, 00/R33/11 and 98/R19/18 in England and 00/R33/5S, 00/R33/6S, 00/R33/7S, 00/R33/10S, 00/R33/11S and 98/R19/18 in Scotland.

  Farm Incomes
  Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, what the average farm incomes, by sector, were for each year since 1992 for farms within Shrewsbury and Atcham. [80340]

  Mr. Morley
  It is not possible to provide data relating to the Shrewsbury and Atcham area. This is because the sample size of the Farm Business Survey (the basis of the income data) is too small to enable robust regional analysis to this level of disaggregation. The closest region available is England West.

  The table below shows average net farm income by the main types of farm for England West for each year from 1992–3 to 2000–1. The data for each year provide the best estimate of income levels in each year in isolation but they should not be viewed as a time series. Each year is not directly comparable due to changes in the underlying sample that occur each year in the Farm Business Survey (the basis for the income data).

  Average net farm income by farm type for the West of England:

  representing employers of agricultural labour or representing the interests of agricultural workers. This excludes from consideration any member of the National Farmers' Union or the Transport and General Workers Union, the organisations that nominate the representative members of the Wages Board.

  Plastic Bags
  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what consultation she is undertaking on the introduction of a charge for plastic bags given out in shops; and if she will make a statement. [79638]

  John Healey
  I have been asked to reply.

  Taxes are a matter for the Chancellor.

  Earth Summit
  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to circulate Local Agenda 21 groups on the Government's evaluation of the Earth Summit held in Johannesburg. [79636]
  597W
  Mr. Meacher
  The Secretary of State has already held initial discussions with local government about the outcomes of WSSD. I will be discussing the way forward with stakeholders.

  Aflatoxin Infections
  Mr. John Gummer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many incidents there have been of aflatoxin infections in each of the last five years. [75922]

  Ms Blears
  I have been asked to reply.

  Data from the national poisons information service reveals that they have received two enquiries over the last five years relating to aflatoxin poisoning. In neither case were there any signs or symptoms observed. Both occurred in 1997.

  Capital Grants
  Sue Doughty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environmental Food and Rural Affairs, what the estimated total cost is of delivering a 10 year 70,000 solar PV roof programme, funded by 50 per cent capital grants; and if she will make a statement. [79662]

  Mr. Wilson
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Government Industry Photovoltaic Group Report of March 2001 recommended "The most effective means of encouraging the deployment of PV in the UK would be a major Market Stimulation Programme featuring a 50 per cent capital grant for 70,000 domestic roofs and a similar grant scheme for larger non—domestic buildings costing around £150 million over 10 years." Taken together this is equivalent to a 100,000 PV roofs programme.

  Income
  Paul Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, what changes have taken place in the(a) gross and (b) net incomes of the (i) top and (ii) bottom deciles of farmers in each year since 1990. [79406]

  Mr. Morley
  The information for the years 1996–97 to 2000–01 are given in the table.

  Ranges of farm incomes for full-time farms in England (£ per farm)

  Cash income

  Net Farm Income

  First decile (10th percentile)

  Ninth decile (90th percentile)

  First decile (10th percentile)

  Ninth decile (90th percentile)

  1996–97

  6,200

  118,100

  -3,400

  72,000

  1997–98

  100

  94,200

  -12,000

  41,300

  1998–99

  -400

  83,500

  -14,900

  38,100

  1999–00

  0

  73,800

  -14,800

  33,600

  2000–01

  -1,400

  77,500

  -14,800

  35,500

  Source:

  Farm Business Survey

  I regret that the information given in a previous answer to my hon. Friend, Official Report, 22 January, column 779W, was incorrect. The figures had been
  598W
  mistakenly calculated for England and Wales, not for England. The information in this table corrects those figures.

  Data for the six years 1990–1995 could not be provided without incurring disproportionate cost.

  Non-devolved Posts
  Annabelle Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many non-devolved posts were advertised in the Press in each year from June 1999; and what percentage of them were advertised in the Scottish Press. [76852]

  Alun Michael
  This information is being collated and I will write to the hon. Member.

  Energy Conservation
  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions she has had with energy conservation authorities regarding her policy on home energy conservation. [77415]

  Mr. Morley
  Neither the Secretary of State nor any of Defra Ministers have had any discussions with energy conservation authorities regarding home energy conservation.

  Energy Efficiency
  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) pursuant to the Answer of 15 October,Official Report, columns 581–2W, on energy efficiency, to the hon. Member for Mid Bedfordshire (Mr. Sayeed), if the legal advice obtained by the promoters of the Home Energy Conservation Bill regarding the legal force of a principal aim compared with a statutory duty was made available to her; what steps she took to determine the validity of the promoters' advice; and what her conclusions were about the validity of the advice; [77447]

  (2) pursuant to her answer of 15 October, Official Report, columns 581–2W, to the hon. Member for Mid-Bedfordshire, on energy efficiency, what advice was received about the duties that having a 30 per cent. improvement as a principal aim would place on local authorities; [77446]

  (3) pursuant to her answer of 15 October, Official Report, columns 581–2W, to the hon. Member for Mid Bedfordshire, whether the advice that she received on the implications of having a 30 per cent. improvement in domestic energy efficiency as a principal aim of the Home Energy Conservation Bill suggested that progress towards such a principal aim could legally be made by (a) new regulation and (b) energy efficiency programmes funded by bodies other than the Government. [77440]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Government have seen the legal advice obtained by the promoters of this Bill. We sought our own advice on it, which did not reach the same conclusions. The Government does not comment on the details of its internal advice, but I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Mid
  599W
  Bedfordshire (Mr. Sayeed) on 15th October, Official Report, columns 581–2W, which sets out some of the issues which the Government considered.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

  Contaminated Land
  Mr. Pickles
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the amount of contaminated land that has been restored for beneficial use on an annual basis was, broken down by local authority area, in England and Wales since January 1997. [79596]

  Mr. Meacher
  I have been asked to reply.

  This information is not held centrally in the form requested, because "beneficial use" is not a criterion in the main regime which helps to secure the remediation of land affected by contamination. From April 2000, Part IIA ("contaminated land") of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 placed local authorities in England under a duty to inspect their areas to identify contaminated land, as defined in the Act, and secure its remediation on the "suitable for use" principle. Some 40 sites have so far been formally identified under this regime, and remediation is underway in some of these cases. The main aim of this regime is environmental protection, rather than future land use, and contaminated sites may well be in beneficial use already.

  The majority of remediation, however, takes place as part and parcel of the development of land, regulated through the planning system and building regulations; through urban regeneration programmes including the activities of regional development agencies and English Partnerships; through voluntary action by landowners including many major companies; through enforcement of environmental protection regimes; and through the programme of supplementary credit approvals for local authorities operated by my department. An overview is provided by a recent Environment Agency report, "Dealing with contaminated land in England", copies of which have been placed in the Library.

  Census
  Bob Laxton
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what the population was of each local authority in England based on the 2001 census; what the change was in the population of each authority since the mid year 2000 estimate; and what the change was as a percentage in each case. [79865]

  Ruth Kelly
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter to Mr. Bob Laxton from Mr. Len Cook dated 7 November 2002
  As National Statistician and Registrar General for England and Wales I have been asked to reply to your recent question asking for details of the population of each local authority based on the 2001 Census; what the change was for each authority since the mid year 2000 estimate; and what the change was as a percentage in each case.(79865)
  600W
  I am placing in the House of Commons Library, a table which supplies the information you have requested. It is also available on the National Statistics website at www.statistics.gov.uk/census2001/downloads/Comparison—ONC2001—MYE2000.xls. The current estimates for the years 1982–2000 are based on the 1981 Census figures, rolled forward, and will be shortly revised to take account of the results of the 2001 Census and an assessment of the cumulative errors that have built up in the mid-year estimates. Final revised mid-year estimates for 1991–2000 will be released on 13 February 2003 and those for 1982–1990 at a later date.
  In order to assist users in interpreting changes over time, ONS have issued a set of interim revised national estimates for the period 1982–2000. At the national level, for example, the previous mid-year estimate for population of England and Wales for 2000, of 52,943 thousand has now been accordingly revised to 51,913 thousand.

  Littering Offences
  Mr. Pickles
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, how many fixed penalty notices were issued in England and Wales broken down by local authority area since 1997. [79670]

  Alun Michael
  I have been asked to reply.

  The total amount of fines issued with respect to Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) for littering offences in England and Wales since 1997 was:

  No data in 1996–97

  727 in 1997–98

  4,778 in 1998–99

  2,970 in 1999–2000

  2,310 in 2000–01

  The Department is unable to break down this data into Local Authority region.

  Advantage West Midlands
  Mr. John Taylor
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, if she will list the members of Advantage West Midlands; from what areas they are drawn; what their function is; how they were chosen; how they can be dismissed; what they will cost in 2002–03; and from what vote they are paid. [79846]

  Alan Johnson
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Board members of Advantage West Midlands are;
  Chairman Alex Stephenson, Deputy Chair Cllr Sue Davies, Richard Barnes,
  Prof Kumar Bhattacharyya, Cllr Sir Albert Bore, Dr. Anthony Harris,
  Dr. Christine King, Brian Woods-Scawen, Cllr David Sparkes, Sukhvinder Kaur Stubbs, Norman Price, Isabella Moore, Cllr Paul Tilsley, Tony Sealey, Bill Holmes.
  Board Members are drawn from Business, Local Authorities, Higher Education, the Voluntary Sector, Employees Representation Groups and Rural Interests.

  The function of Board Members is;
  To direct and hold the executive team accountable for results
  To reflect regional interests
  To oversee and approve the production and review of the Regional Economic Strategy and corporate plan for presentation to Ministers
  To chair and facilitate meetings
  To represent Advantage West Midlands externally.

  EU Equal Treatment Directive
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, when he intends to publish draft regulations and draft consolidated legislation on the age strand of the consultation Equality and Diversity: The Way Ahead with a view to implementing the EU Equal Treatment Directive; and if he will make a statement. [79411]

  Alan Johnson
  I have been asked to reply.

  Unfortunately I have not been able to glean the information necessary to answer before Parliament is prorogued, but I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of the letter in the Libraries of the House.

  The process for appointing the Board Members is run according to the Code of Practice issued by the Office for the Commissioner of Public Appointments (OCPA).

  Appointments are made on merit, following open competition, application and formal interviews. Each applicant is assessed against the selection criteria, as set out in the person specification for the post.

  A Board Member can be dismissed by the Secretary of State for Trade & Industry if he or she is in breach of conditions in Schedule 2 of the Regional Development Agencies Act 1998.

  Current pay rates per annum are, Chair £47,800, Deputy Chair £15,208 and Board Members £7,604. All Members are eligible to claim Travel & Subsistence.

  Board Members are paid from the DTI vote approved by Parliament, via the RDA single programme, which is administered by DTI.

  Mayoral Elections
  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how much has been spent by(a) his Department, (b) local councils and (c) other bodies on mayoral elections and referenda since January 2001. [78630]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Departmental costs on mayoral elections and referendums are not separately identified from costs related to work on new council constitutions generally. Information on expenditure by local authorities or other bodies on these matters is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

  Pathfinders Housing Allowance
  Mr. Stephen O Brien
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, if he will list those constituencies in which Pathfinder for Housing Allowance is being made available. [77549]

  Malcolm Wicks
  I have been asked to reply.

  On 21 October, my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State wrote to the hon. Members whose constituencies cover those local authorities which we have invited to be pathfinders for the standard local housing allowance.

  The table lists the pathfinder authorities, along with the parliamentary constituencies which fall wholly or partially within those authority boundaries.
  602W

  Local Authority

  Parliamentary Constituency

  Brighton & Hove City Council

  Kemptown

  Brighton Pavilion

  Hove

  City of Edinburgh

  Edinburgh East and Musselburgh

  Edinburgh West

  Edinburgh North and Leith

  Edinburgh Pentlands

  Edinburgh South

  Edinburgh Central

  Livingston

  Midlothian

  County Borough of Conwy

  Meirionnyddnant Conway

  Conwy

  Clwyd West

  Coventry City Council

  Coventry North East

  Coventry North West

  Coventry South

  Leeds City Council

  Elmet

  Leeds Central

  Leeds East

  Leeds North East

  Leeds North West

  Leeds West

  Morley & Rothwell

  Pudsey

  London Borough of Lewisham

  Lewisham Deptford

  Lewisham East

  Lewisham West

  Middlesbrough Council

  Middlesbrough

  Middlesbrough South and East

  Cleveland

  North East Lincolnshire

  Cleethorpes

  Great Grimsby

  Teignbridge District Council

  Teignbridge

  Totnes

  Tendring District Council

  Essex North

  Harwich

  Firefighters' Strike
  Mr. Wiggin
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether he has contingency plans to allow the Armed Forces access to standard fire service fire engines during Fire Service strikes. [77024]

  Mr. Raynsford
  We are currently reviewing the availability of all appliances that could be deployed in the event of a strike by firefighters.

  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what steps he has taken to provide for emergency cover in the event of floods during any strike by fire brigade personnel. [77793]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The role played by the Fire Service in relation to flooding is to assist with rescue and to pump water from flooded properties. In the event of industrial action, the military response will be primarily directed towards saving life. It is therefore important that local authorities should ensure they are up to date with names of contractors and equipment suppliers who could be called upon to assist during a flooding event. They should also formulate plans to arrange early evacuation if severe flooding is forecast.

  The Environment Agency's flood warning systems will continue to operate as normal. The Agency has also reviewed its emergency plans, in close liaison with local authorities and the police. The Agency will seek to assist the emergency services and local authorities as far as practicable by mobilising their resources including pumps and equipment, once it has ensured that its own systems and defences are secure.
  603W
  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) what his estimate is of the number of fire fighting emergency vehicles which will be available in Somerset in the event of a firefighters strike; how many are available in a non-strike situation; and if he will make a statement; [77002]

  (2) what the Government's target is for the maximum time taken to get a fire engine to an emergency call-out within Somerset; what assessment he has made of whether this target will still be met during the planned firefighters' strike; and if he will make a statement; [77521]

  (3) what correspondence he has received within the last two months from the Leader of Somerset County Council about the firefighters' strike; if he will publish his response to such correspondence; and if he will make a statement; [77522]

  (4) what assessment he has made of the ability of local authorities and the armed forces to maintain a safe level of fire service in Somerset during the planned firefighters' strike; and if he will make a statement; [77524]

  (5) how many fire engines will be available for deployment in the Yeovil constituency during the planned firefighters' strike; what assessment he has made of the minimum safe level; and if he will make a statement. [77525]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Emergency cover in Somerset is currently planned to consist of a number of elements including five Green Goddesses, three breathing apparatus teams (BARTs), rescue teams equipped with specialist equipment, (RESTs) and the police. The Somerset Fire Brigade has 48 pumping appliances, although not all these will be operational at any one time. Two Green Goddesses and a BART will be based at RNAS Yeovilton, 2 Green Goddesses, a BART and a REST will be based at Taunton. 1 Green Goddess and 1 BART will be based at Bridgewater.

  The provision of Ministry of Defence emergency fire cover has been planned in consultation with the Chief Fire Officer to minimise call-out response times and maximise the availability of a range of firefighting capabilities.

  The command and operational structure for emergency fire cover has been designed to enable maximum flexibility and use of available resources, whether from within a county or from assets deployed nearby in neighbouring counties. The deployment of firefighters will be based on the assessment of how best to respond to an emergency in the quickest time possible. The deployment will be kept under review.

  The target attendance times for Fire Brigade appliances vary according to the location of the reported incident, ranging from five minutes in busy high risk city centres to twenty minutes in rural areas. In the event of a firefighters strike it is not expected that military emergency cover would be able to match these attendance times in all cases. In providing emergency fire cover the Ministry of Defence would not be seeking to replicate the current fire fighting capability. The Armed Forces role during any strike will be to ensure
  604W
  that essential services are maintained by providing emergency cover and, by so doing, minimise the risk to life.

  The Leader of Somerset Council wrote to the Deputy Prime Minster on 4 and 25 October. My reply, which I have copied to local MPs, reflects what I have said above about the provision of emergency cover by the Ministry of Defence.

  Mr. Djanogly
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what preparations he has made to ensure the safety and continuity of service to the public in Cambridgeshire in the event of a firefighters' strike; and what the cost is to the Department of these actions. [79566]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Emergency cover in Cambridgeshire is currently planned to consist of seven Green Goddesses, three breathing apparatus teams (BARTs), a rescue team equipped with specialist equipment, (a REST) and the police. The Green Goddesses and BARTs will be based at Peterborough, Huntingdon and Cambridge. The REST will be based at Cambridge.

  The provision of Ministry of Defence emergency fire cover has been planned in consultation with the Chief Fire Officer to minimise call-out response times and maximise the availability of a range of firefighting capabilities.

  The command and operational structure for emergency fire cover has been designed to enable maximum flexibility and use of available resources, whether from within a county or from assets deployed nearby in neighbouring counties. The deployment of firefighters will be based on the assessment of how best to respond to an emergency in the quickest time possible. The deployment will be kept under review.

  The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will meet the additional costs incurred by the Ministry of Defence in providing emergency fire cover in England and Wales, net of savings in wages lost by striking firefighters. But it is very difficult to predict exactly what the cost will be. It will depend very much on what strike action the Fire Brigades Union actually takes.

  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) when the Independent Review Commission looking at firefighters' pay is expected to report; and if he will make a statement; [80238]

  (2) if he will list the members of the Independent Review Commission examining the issue of firefighters' pay; how this membership has changed over the past two weeks; and if he will make a statement. [80237]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Independent Review of the Fire Service is being conducted by Professor Sir George Bain, who has an outstanding record in industrial relations and academia. He is being assisted by Sir Anthony Young, past President of the TUC, and Sir Michael Lyons, who until recently was the Chief Executive of Birmingham City Council. The membership of the Independent Review team has not changed since it was announced in early September. Sir George hopes to be able to publish the final report in December.

  Ageism
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what strategies his Department has to ensure that there is no ageism in recruitment and retention processes. [79286]

  Mr. Leslie
  The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is committed to age diversity and is implementing the recommendations of the Government's Winning the Generation Game report.

  Discrimination on the ground of age is not permitted under our equal opportunities policy.

  Our recruitment, development, performance management and retention policies are continuously reviewed. There are no age barriers to employment and retirement age is determined on business needs only.

  Sustainable Development
  Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister what role his Department expects local government to play in the delivery of(a) objectives agreed at the recent World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg and (b) sustainable development; and what steps have been taken by his Department to encourage local action. [77585]

  Mr. McNulty
  The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will be launching a major review of the UK Sustainable Development Strategy in the new year. They will use this opportunity to consult stakeholders, including local authorities, on UK action to implement the Johannesburg commitments domestically.

  The Local Government Act 2000 placed a duty on local authorities to prepare community strategies for promoting the economic, social and environmental well being of their communities and contributing to the achievement of sustainable development in the UK.

  Community Halls (Grants)
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what grants his Department has allocated to community halls for the cost of installing disabled toilets in each of the last three years; what funds his Department is making available in each of the next three years; and if he will make a statement. [78425]

  Mr. Raynsford
  As far as I can ascertain, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has paid no grants specifically to Community Halls for the cost of installing disabled toilets in the last three years. We pay grants to local authorities, which have a power, but not a duty, to provide public toilets. Local authorities are subject to the Disability Discrimination Act.

  Post Office Network
  David Wright
  To ask the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister what criteria will be used to define deprived areas in relation to the Post Office Urban Network Reinvention Programme. [78349]

  Mr. McNulty
  The "Indices of Deprivation 2000" will be used to define deprived areas in relation to both the Post Office Urban Network Re-invention Programme and the Post Office Fund for Urban deprived Areas.
  606W
  The Indices of Deprivation 2000 are measures of deprivation for every ward and local authority area in England. It combines a number of indicators which cover a range of domains (Income, Employment, Health Deprivation and Disability, Education, Skills and Training, Housing and Geographical Access to Services) into a single deprivation score for each area.

  The deprivation criteria for the Post Office Urban Network Re-invention Programme relates only to the fact that other than in exceptional circumstances, the compensated closure arrangements will not extend to offices in the 10 per cent. most deprived urban areas, which are more than half a mile from the next post office.

  The deprivation criteria for the Post Office Fund for Urban Deprived Areas will be announced shortly.

  Home Safety
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what firm his Department has commissioned to gather data from individual householders about safety in the home; and if he will make a statement. [78909]

  Mr. Leslie
  The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has commissioned several organisations to carry out such research on its behalf since it took on responsibility for fire matters in May 2002

  The research projects undertaken relate to individual's or householder's attitudes or behaviour with regard to fire safety in the home and are as follows:
  The Attitude and Behaviour monitor is quantitative research which has been carried out annually by Taylor Nelson Sofres for four years—the last tranche being December 2001, and The Older People qualitative research was carried out by Andrew Irving Associates this summer.
  Additionally, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has commissioned the Home Office to provide fire safety data through the British Crime Survey. From 2001, the survey has been conducted by British Market Research Bureau. For the first few months, British Market Research Bureau were in consortium with IPSOS RSL.

  Urban Summit
  Mr. Gummer
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how much(a) money, (b) departmental time and (c) other resources the Government has expended on the Urban Summit. [79344]

  Mr. McNulty
  The final expenditure and income figures for the Urban Summit have yet to be determined. However, the net cost of staging the event, after taking account of income from ticket sales, exhibition stand sales and sponsorship is currently estimated at about £550,000. This figure includes the costs of contractors, consultants and agency staff recruited to work on the Summit organisation, but excludes the costs of permanent ODPM staff. The costs of the permanent ODPM staff in the Summit organising team are estimated at about £200,000.

  Mr. Gummer
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister which urban councils not controlled by the Labour Party were represented at the Urban Summit on 31st October to 1st November. [80308]
  607W
  Mr. McNulty
  All urban councils were invited to attend the Urban Summit, regardless of political control. An analysis of the delegate database is being carried out to provide the information requested. I will write to the hon. Member as soon as the information is available. A copy of my letter will be deposited in the House of commons Library.

  Mr. Gummer
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister which(a) district councillors and (b) officers from urban councils which are not controlled by the Labour Party were invited (i) to speak and (ii) to chair sessions at the Urban Summit of 31st October to 1st November. [80307]

  Mr. McNulty
  Taking all local authorities in England, one County Councillor and four officers either spoke at or chaired themed sessions at the Urban Summit from authorities which are not controlled by the Labour Party.

  Llew Smith
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will list the(a) regeneration initiatives and (b) publications launched by his Department at the Urban Summit in Birmingham; what the cost was of holding the summit; how many registered attendees and media representatives were present; whether a sustainability audit was done of the summit venue in advance of the decision to use the international convention centre; and if he will make a statement on matters learned at the summit; and what his next actions will be in relation to urban regeneration. [80364]

  Mr. McNulty
  A number of initiatives and publications were launched at the Urban Summit in Birmingham on 31 October and 1 November 2002. These included:an announcement that steps were being taken to ensure that future housing developments in the South East would be at over 30 homes per hectare;
  publication of the report "Living Places—Cleaner, Safer. Greener" setting out the Government's vision for public space and its responses to the recommendations of the Urban Green Spaces Taskforce;
  the setting up of a new unit to champion public space under the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment;
  publication of five reports, called "Partners in Urban Renaissance" bringing together work done over the last year in 24 towns and cities across England;
  a partnership between the Housing Corporation and English Partnerships to work together on land assembly and delivering new homes;
  the first annual review of the Neighbourhood Renewal Unit entitled "Places, People, Prospects";
  publication of "Cities, Regions and Competitiveness" the interim report of a working Group on the role of Core Cities in creating prosperous regions.

  In relation to the cost of staging the Urban Summit I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave yesterday to the hon. right Member for Suffolk Coastal (Mr. Gummer).

  Final checks are being made on delegate numbers but our records currently show that 1525 delegates registered and attended the Summit and 138 media representatives were present.
  608W
  No formal sustainability audit was carried out but sustainability issues, such as the accessibility of the venue by public transport, were factors in the criteria for selecting the venue.

  Debate on urban issues at the Summit took place not just in the plenary sessions, but also in 28 themed sessions. The key messages and ideas which came out of those sessions are being gathered together and will be fed into the development of the long term plan for sustainable communities which the Deputy Prime Minister will be presenting to the House in January 2003. A report on the Summit's proceedings will be deposited in the House of Commons library.

  British-Irish Relations
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister on what dates Ministers in his Department have held meetings with Ministers and officials of the Irish Government since 1 June 2000; where each Meeting took place; which ministers were involved in each meeting; which Irish Government departments were involved in each meeting; and which Ministers and officials from the Irish Government attended each meeting. [72688]

  Mr. Leslie
  My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister attended the British-Irish Council Summit held in Jersey on 14 June 2002. The Taioseach and other Irish Ministers were also present. I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Hull, North (Mr. McNamara) on 20 June 2002,Official Report c.494W.

  Mobile Phone Masts
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, how many planning appeals his Department has decided on mobile phone masts and base stations; and what the outcome of the appeals were in each of the last three years. [79043]

  Mr. McNulty
  The following information relates to appeal decisions about telecommunications development generally, as information is not held about appeal decisions for mobile phone masts and base stations specifically. However, I would estimate that a large proportion of the appeals were for mobile phone masts and base stations.

  Year

  Appeals Recorded

  Appeals Allowed

  Appeals Dismissed

  Appeals Withdrawn

  2000

  379

  201

  119

  59

  2001

  702

  403

  203

  96

  2002(Jan-Oct)

  446

  283

  137

  26

  Note:

  All figures relate to the year in which the appeal was received, not necessarily the year it was decided

  Starter Homes Initiative
  Mr. Pickles
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many applications have been approved under the Starter Homes Initiative since its introduction, broken down by local authority area. [79679]
  609W
  Mr. McNulty
  As at 31 October 2002, some 1240 key workers had purchased homes under the Starter Home Initiative who would otherwise have been unable to afford to do so. The table below, shows by local authority area in which they are employed and by key worker group, the number of key workers that have benefited so far through the Starter Home Initiative.

  Local authority area in which key worker is employed

  Key worker group

  Number of key workers that have purchased homes under the Initiative

  Round 1 funding1

  Ashford

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  4

  Ashford

  Teacher

  2

  Aylesbury Vale

  Police

  3

  Aylesbury Vale

  Teacher

  3

  Barking and Dagenham

  Teacher

  3

  Barnet

  Teacher

  1

  Basildon

  Teacher

  5

  Basingstoke and Deane

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  2

  Bedford

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  1

  Bexley

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  1

  Bexley

  Teacher

  22

  Bournemouth

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  14

  Bournemouth

  Teacher

  5

  Bracknell Forest

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  1

  Bracknell Forest

  Police

  2

  Bracknell Forest

  Teacher

  5

  Brain tree

  Teacher

  3

  Brent

  Teacher

  10

  Brighton and Hove

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  9

  Brighton and Hove

  Other3

  1

  Brighton and Hove

  Teacher

  3

  Bristol

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  6

  Bristol

  Teacher

  3

  Bromley

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  11

  Bromley

  Teacher

  22

  Cambridge

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  11

  Cambridge

  Other

  1

  Cambridge

  Police

  3

  Cambridge

  Teacher

  8

  Camden

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  18

  Camden

  Teacher

  9

  Canterbury

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  1

  Canterbury

  Teacher

  2

  Cherwell

  Other

  2

  Cherwell

  Police

  2

  Cherwell

  Teacher

  4

  Chichester

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  4

  Chichester

  Other

  1

  Chichester

  Teacher

  1

  Chiltern

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  3

  Chiltern

  Teacher

  2

  Christchurch

  Teacher

  1

  Cotswold

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  1

  Cotswold

  Teacher

  2

  Crawley

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  2

  Crawley

  Teacher

  1

  Croydon

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  3

  Croydon

  Teacher

  23

  Dartford

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  4

  Dartford

  Teacher

  1

  Ealing

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  2

  Ealing

  Teacher

  11

  East Hampshire

  Teacher

  2

  Eastbourne

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  1

  Eastbourne

  Other

  1

  Eastbourne

  Teacher

  4

  Eastleigh

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  3

  Eastleigh

  Police

  2

  Elmbridge

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  1

  610W

  Local authority area in which key worker is employed

  Key worker group

  Number of key workers that have purchased homes under the Initiative

  Elmbridge

  Police

  1

  Elmbridge

  Teacher

  7

  Enfield

  Teacher

  1

  Epsom and Ewell

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  4

  Epsom and Ewell

  Teacher

  3

  Gravesham

  Teacher

  1

  Greenwich

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  2

  Greenwich

  Teacher

  19

  Guildford

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  6

  Guildford

  Police

  4

  Guildford

  Teacher

  6

  Hackney

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  16

  Hackney

  Teacher

  2

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  33

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  Other

  2

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  Police

  2

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  Teacher

  9

  Haringey

  Teacher

  2

  Harlow

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  2

  Harlow

  Teacher

  2

  Harrow

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  1

  Harrow

  Other

  1

  Harrow

  Teacher

  5

  Hart

  Teacher

  6

  Hastings

  Other

  1

  Hastings

  Teacher

  1

  Havant

  Police

  3

  Havant

  Teacher

  3

  Havering

  Teacher

  3

  Hertsmere

  Police

  1

  Hillingdon

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  7

  Hillingdon

  Teacher

  10

  Horsham

  Teacher

  4

  Hounslow

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  2

  Hounslow

  Teacher

  10

  Islington

  Police

  1

  Kensington and Chelsea

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  2

  Kensington and Chelsea

  Police

  2

  Kensington and Chelsea

  Teacher

  5

  Kingston upon Thames

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  2

  Kingston upon Thames

  Teacher

  10

  Lambeth

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  31

  Lambeth

  Teacher

  9

  Lewes

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  3

  Lewisham

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  13

  Lewisham

  Police

  3

  Lewisham

  Teacher

  32

  Maidstone

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  8

  Maidstone

  Teacher

  2

  Merton

  Police

  1

  Merton

  Teacher

  8

  Mid Sussex

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  4

  Mid Sussex

  Teacher

  3

  Mole Valley

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  1

  Mole Valley

  Other

  1

  Newham

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  4

  Newham

  Teacher

  19

  North Hertfordshire

  Teacher

  1

  Oxford

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  17

  Oxford

  Police

  7

  Oxford

  Teacher

  9

  Reading

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  13

  Reading

  Other

  4

  Reading

  Police

  6

  Reading

  Teacher

  5

  Redbridge

  Teacher

  13

  Reigate and Banstead

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  19

  Reigate and Banstead

  Other

  4

  Reigate and Banstead

  Teacher

  7

  Richmond upon Thames

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  2

  611W

  Local authority area in which key worker is employed

  Key worker group

  Number of key workers that have purchased homes under the Initiative

  Richmond upon Thames

  Teacher

  5

  Rother

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  3

  Rother

  Teacher

  1

  Runnymede

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  15

  Runnymede

  Teacher

  13

  Rushmoor

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  1

  Rushmoor

  Police

  1

  Rushmoor

  Teacher

  6

  Slough

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  3

  Slough

  Police

  3

  Slough

  Teacher

  7

  South Gloucestershire

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  3

  South Gloucestershire

  Teacher

  4

  South Oxfordshire

  Other

  1

  South Oxfordshire

  Police

  4

  South Oxfordshire

  Teacher

  8

  Southampton

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  23

  Southampton

  Teacher

  13

  Southwark

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  22

  Southwark

  Teacher

  23

  Spelthorne

  Other

  3

  Spelthorne

  Teacher

  8

  St Albans

  Other

  1

  St Albans

  Police

  1

  St Albans

  Teacher

  1

  Stevenage

  Police

  2

  Stevenage

  Teacher

  1

  Surrey Heath

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  3

  Surrey Heath

  Teacher

  6

  Sutton

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  5

  Sutton

  Teacher

  17

  Swindon

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  7

  Swindon

  Teacher

  12

  Tandridge

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  2

  Tandridge

  Police

  1

  Tandridge

  Teacher

  3

  Test Valley

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  3

  Test Valley

  Teacher

  1

  Tonbridge and Malling

  Teacher

  4

  Tower Hamlets

  Teacher

  11

  Tunbridge Wells

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  4

  Tunbridge Wells

  Teacher

  3

  Vale of White Horse

  Teacher

  2

  Waltham Forest

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  2

  Waltham Forest

  Teacher

  11

  Wandsworth

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  7

  Wandsworth

  Police

  1

  Wandsworth

  Teacher

  18

  Watford

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  4

  Watford

  Police

  6

  Waverley

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  6

  Waverley

  Other

  1

  Waverley

  Teacher

  15

  Wealden

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  1

  Wealden

  Police

  1

  Wealden

  Teacher

  1

  Welwyn Hatfield

  Police

  2

  Westminster

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  16

  Westminster

  Police

  3

  Westminster

  Teacher

  11

  Winchester

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  10

  Winchester

  Police

  3

  Winchester

  Teacher

  53

  Woking

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  2

  Woking

  Other

  1

  Woking

  Teacher

  9

  Wokingham

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  3

  Wokingham

  Other

  1

  Wokingham

  Police

  4

  Wokingham

  Teacher

  15

  612W

  Local authority area in which key worker is employed

  Key worker group

  Number of key workers that have purchased homes under the Initiative

  Wycombe

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  8

  Wycombe

  Teacher

  3

  Sub-total Round 1

  1228

  Round 2 funding2

  East Hampshire

  Police

  3

  Guildford

  Teacher

  1

  North Hertfordshire

  Teacher

  1

  Rugby

  Teacher

  1

  Salisbury

  Nurse/Hlth Wkr

  1

  The Medway Towns

  Teacher

  1

  Three Rivers

  Teacher

  1

  Thurrock

  Teacher

  1

  Warwick

  Teacher

  2

  Watford

  Teacher

  1

  West Wiltshire

  Teacher

  2

  Sub-total Round 2

  15

  Total Rounds 1 and 2

  1243

  Notes:

  1 Round 1 funding was allocated in September 2001

  2 Round 2 £10,000 equity loan scheme funding was allocated to help key workers in housing hot spots outside London in May 2002

  3 Other key workers being helped under the Initiative are social workers, care workers, fire fighters, transport workers and occupational therapists.

  Regions
  Mr. Pickles
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what were the administrative costs of(a) regional development agencies, (b) government offices for the regions and (c) regional chambers, in each region, this year; what the projected costs are for the next financial year; and if he will make a statement. [79669]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The available estimates for 2002–03 are in the table below.

  The figures for the voluntary regional chambers show only Government grant. The remainder of their costs is a matter for the chambers themselves.

  Projected costs for 2003–04 are not available, except for voluntary regional chambers which continue to have available Government grant of £600,000 each.

  Regional

  Regional Development Agency

  Government Office

  Voluntary Regional Chamber

  North East

  £16,722,000

  £8,658,690

  £600,000

  North West

  £19,921,000

  £13,852,480

  £600,000

  Yorkshire & the Humber

  £14,750,000

  £9,520,690

  £600,000

  East Midlands West

  £10,467,000

  £7,395,220

  £600,000

  West Midlands

  £13,500,000

  £9,213,410

  £600,000

  South West

  £13,975,000

  £9,418,630

  £600,000

  East of England

  £7,245,000

  £7,704,080

  £600,000

  South East

  £12,839,000

  £9,249,800

  £600,000

  London

  £14,044,000

  £12,215,670

  n/a

  613W
  Mr. Pickles
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many written representations he has received in the last 12 months expressing support for elected regional assemblies; and if he will make a statement. [79668]

  Mr. Raynsford
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for St. Ives (Andrew George) on 23 October 2002,Official Report, column 389W.

  Further to that reply, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has now received over 1,200 individual responses to the White Paper Your Region, Your Choice, which we published on 9 May. I will write to the hon. Member once our analysis of these responses has been completed. In the six months prior to the publication of the White Paper we also received a number of letters and other enquiries about the Government's policy on elected regional assemblies.

  Overseas Visits
  Mr. Pickles
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will list each overseas visit undertaken by himself and his Ministers along with the cost of each trip. [79598]

  Mr. Leslie
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 24 July 2002,Official Report, column 1374–75W.

  Fire Service
  Mr. Pickles
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many discussions ministers have held with(a) Sir George Bain and members and officers of the Bain Inquiry since September and (b) representatives of the Fire Brigades Union since January; what was discussed at each; when each took place; and who participated. [79588]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Ministers have had several discussions with Sir George Bain, and members and officers of the Independent Review of the Fire Service (IRFS); and with representatives of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU). Subjects discussed included the working arrangements of the IRFS; the progress of negotiations on the FBU pay claim and the availability of striking members of the FBU in the case of a life-threatening emergency. Discussions have involved a variety of participants, including Ministers and senior officials.

  Ms Walley
  To ask the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister if he will list the commencement date of each review undertaken in respect of the Fire Service; and in each case, whether(a) the findings have been published and (b) they have been placed in the Library. [79402]

  Mr. McNulty
  The Tables below set out the reviews of aspects of the fire service in England and Wales which have been started since May 1997. They do not include

  Families

  B&B Individuals

  Total

  Families

  Hostel Individuals

  Total

  Barking & Dagenham

  15

  23

  38

  n/a

  n/a

  36

  Barnet

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  Bexley

  19

  23

  42

  17

  6

  23

  Brent

  444

  112

  556

  31

  22

  53

  Bromley

  77

  61

  138

  75

  16

  91

  Camden

  85

  83

  168

  266

  156

  422

  City

  2

  6

  8

  0

  0

  0

  614W
  research projects. On 5 September the Government announced an Independent Review of the Fire Service under the Chairmanship of Professor Sir George Bain. The Independent Review is in progress.

  Review

  Review commenced

  Findings published

  In Library

  Inquiry into the Machinery for Determining Firefighters' Conditions of Service

  October 1999

  March 2000

  Cmd 4699

  Fire Pensions Review

  1994

  Consultation Document March 1998

  Yes

  Fire Cover Review

  June 1998

  Report to be considered at next meeting of the Central Fire Brigades Advisory Council.

  No

  The Future of Fire Service Control Rooms and Communications

  Announced October 1999

  Summary of report circulated May 2000

  Yes

  In addition Her Majesty's Fire Service Inspectorate have undertaken the following thematic reviews of aspects of the Fire Service.

  Thematic Review

  Review commenced

  Findings published

  In Library

  Equality and Fairness in the Fire Service

  November 1998

  September 1999

  Yes

  Fit for Duty

  March 1999

  February 2000

  Yes

  Making a Difference

  July 1999

  November 2000

  Yes

  Reducing False

  July 1999

  March 2001

  Yes

  Alarms Bridging the Gap

  September 1999

  May 2001

  Yes

  I will ensure that copies of those reports that are not already in the Library are placed there in due course.

  Homelessness
  Mr. Pickles
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many(a) homeless priority acceptances, (b) people living in temporary accommodation, (c) people living in bed-and-breakfast accomodation and (d) children living in homeless households there were in each year since January 1977, broken down by region. [79676]

  Mrs. Roche
  I will write to the hon. Member as soon as the information is available.

  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what his estimate is of the number of homeless(a) individuals and (b) families accommodated in (i) bed and breakfast and (ii) hostels in each London borough; and what advice he is giving borough council's on the use of such facilities. [79659]

  Mrs. Roche
  The following numbers of homeless families are reported to have been in bed and breakfast and hostel accommodation as at 30 June 2002:
  615W

  Families

  B&B Individuals

  Total

  Families

  Hostel Individuals

  Total

  Croydon

  337

  198

  535

  5

  0

  5

  Ealing

  470

  223

  693

  107

  47

  161

  Enfield

  149

  79

  228

  18

  47

  161

  Greenwich

  20

  46

  66

  56

  26

  82

  Hackney

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  Hammersmith & Fulham

  320

  271

  591

  128

  12

  141

  Havering

  0

  0

  0

  48

  24

  72

  Hillingdon

  n/a

  n/a

  486

  59

  55

  114

  Hounslow

  n/a

  n/a

  346

  n/a

  n/a

  171

  Islington

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  Kensington & Chelsea

  n/a

  n/a

  383

  n/a

  n/a

  38

  Kingston upon Thames

  5

  7

  12

  32

  65

  97

  Lambeth

  233

  218

  451

  162

  139

  301

  Lewisham

  0

  0

  0

  n/a

  n/a

  339

  Merton

  37

  22

  59

  39

  14

  53

  Newham

  n/a

  n/a

  845

  n/a

  n/a

  51

  Redbridge

  n/a

  n/a

  272

  n/a

  n/a

  41

  Richmond upon Thames

  20

  28

  48

  50

  18

  68

  Southwark

  107

  138

  245

  119

  163

  282

  Sutton

  40

  23

  63

  10

  25

  35

  Tower Hamlets

  151

  171

  322

  13

  4

  17

  Waltham Forest

  26

  11

  37

  70

  18

  88

  Wandsworth

  2

  436

  438

  0

  139

  139

  Westminster

  n/a

  n/a

  840

  0

  0

  0

  Total

  2,576

  2,184

  7,932

  1,347

  1,021

  3,044

  The Government have committed that by March 2004, local authorities will ensure that no homeless family with children will be in bed and breakfast hotels other than in an emergency and even then for no more than 6 weeks. Advice to local authorities on the use of accommodation for homeless individuals and families is contained in the Homelessness Code of Guidance which was issued jointly by my Department and the Department of Health in July 2002.

  The figures referred relate to individuals and families who are statutory homeless i.e. the number of applications to local authorities.

  Ministerial Discussions
  Mr. Pickles
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many discussions Ministers have held with(a) councillors, (b) devolved Administrations and (c) the Mayor of London since May; what subjects were discussed at each; when they took place; and who participated. [79589]

  Mr. Leslie
  My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister and Ministers from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister have regular meetings with a wide range of organisations and individuals, including Councillors, members of the Devolved Adminstrations and the Mayor of London. As with previous Administrations it is not practice to provide details of all such meetings.

  Housing Stock
  Mr. Pickles
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many dwellings were transferred under large scale stock transfers in each year since 1997, broken down by local authority area; and if he will make a statement. [79678]
  616W
  Mr. McNulty
  The table below lists those local authorities that have undertaken large scale voluntary transfers since 1997 and the number of dwellings transferred in each transfer.

  List of all Large Scale Voluntary Transfers which have taken place since 1997

  Date of Transfer

  Authority

  No. of Dwellings

  Annual Total

  28-02-1997

  COTSWOLD DC

  4,282

  07-03-1997

  SOUTH STAFFS C

  5,273

  19-03-1997

  LICHFIELD DC

  4,921

  07-07-1997

  SOUTH OXFORDSHIRE DC

  5,018

  22-09-1997

  EDEN C

  1,510

  21,004

  05-01-1998

  LB LAMBETH* Moorlands

  515

  09-02-1998

  LB BEXLEY

  4,118

  09-02-1998

  LB BEXLEY

  4,097

  02-03-1998

  CONGLETON BC

  4,061

  09-03-1998

  OLDHAM BC* Limehurst

  642

  19-03-1998

  LIVERPOOL CC* Windermere

  493

  23-03-1998

  LB MERTON* Pollards Hill

  1,018

  23-03-1998

  LB TOWER HAMLETS* Poplar I

  1,852

  23-03-1998

  KERRIER DC

  3,732

  30-03-1998

  LB HACKNEY* Kingsmead

  951

  30-03-1998

  LB BRENT* Fortunegate/Church End

  1,481

  30-03-1998

  BASILDON DC* Vange

  708

  30-03-1998

  WEST SOMERSET DC

  1,869

  31-03-1998

  STOKE-ON-TRENT CC* Bentilee

  917

  27-04-1998

  TEWKESBURY BC

  3,066

  01-05-1998

  ROTHER DC

  3,058

  20-07-1998

  LB LAMBETH* Lansdowne Green

  681

  07-12-1998

  LB TOWER HAMLETS* Poplar II

  2,431

  25-01-1999

  WIRRAL* Leasowe

  1,082

  35,690

  01-02-1999

  TAMESIDE* West Ashton

  901

  22-02-1999

  WEST DEVON BC

  1,446

  01-03-1999

  SOUTH SOMERSET DC

  8,883

  01-03-1999

  EAST LINDSEY DC

  5,102

  05-03-1999

  LIVERPOOL CC* Pinehurst

  646

  08-03-1999

  MANCHESTER CC

  1,030

  15-03-1999

  LB HACKNEY* Morningside

  1,084

  22-03-1999

  SOUTH HAMS DISTRICT COUNCIL

  3,096

  LB HAMMERSMITH & FULHAM*

  17-03-1999

  Old Oak

  668

  22-03-1999

  LB HACKNEY* Upper Clapton

  1,000

  25-03-1999

  TELFORD AND WREKIN C

  13,081

  29-03-1999

  LB ENFIELD

  1,194

  29-03-1999

  WORTHING BC

  2,525

  29-03-1999

  BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET C

  9,887

  MANCHESTER CC* East

  617W

  List of all Large Scale Voluntary Transfers which have taken place since 1997

  Date of Transfer

  Authority

  No. of Dwellings

  Annual Total

  29-03-1999

  Wythenshawe

  6,667

  29-03-1999

  LB GREENWICH* Charlton Triangle

  1,280

  29-03-1999

  LB HACKNEY* Haggerston

  661

  31-03-1999

  ALLERDALE BC

  3,704

  31-03-1999

  ALLERDALE BC* Salterbeck

  727

  14-06-1999

  PRESTON BC* Avenham

  1,121

  05-07-1999

  LB LAMBETH* Central Stockwell

  2,358

  21-06-1999

  BIRMINGHAM CC* Central Areas

  2,813

  26-09-1999

  LB ISLINGTON* Barnsbury

  647

  26-09-1999

  LB ISLINGTON* Ten Estates

  739

  04-10-1999

  LIVERPOOL CC* Speke Garston

  4,382

  18-10-1999

  WEST LINDSEY DC

  3,929

  25-10-1999

  LB LAMBETH* St. Martins

  1,033

  29-11-1999

  BOSTON BC

  4,871

  20-12-1999

  TYNEDALE DC

  3,564

  89,039

  31-01-2000

  NEWCASTLE UNDER LYME BC

  9,887

  07-02-2000

  RESTORMEL BC

  3,577

  14-02-2000

  MANCHESTER CC (COLSHAW FARM)

  600

  21-02-2000

  NORTH DEVON DC

  3,293

  06-03-2000

  LB HACKNEY* Stamford Hill

  1,095

  06-03-2000

  LB HACKNEY* Pembury Estate

  1,241

  08-03-2000

  BURNLEY BC

  5,330

  20-03-2000

  MANCHESTER CC Sale Estate

  1,655

  20-03-2000

  WEYMOUTH AND PORTLAND C

  3,105

  20-03-2000

  HUNTINGDON DC

  6,650

  27-03-2000

  ELMBRIDGE BC

  4,894

  27-03-2000

  TEST VALLEY BC

  5,495

  27-03-2000

  WYRE FOREST DC

  6,056

  27-03-2000

  MANCHESTER CC Whitefield Estate

  1,033

  27-03-2000

  LB TOWER HAMLETS* THCH

  1,551

  27-03-2000

  TAMESIDE

  8,532

  MBC

  7,934

  17-07-2000

  LB RICHMOND

  7,139

  22-09-2000

  COVENTRY CC

  20,125

  02-10-2000

  FYLDE BC

  1,905

  27-11-2000

  CHESTER CC

  7,096

  11-12-2000

  HORSHAM DC

  4,650

  112,843

  12-02-2001

  LB TOWER HAMLETS

  196

  19-02-2001

  EAST NORTHAMPTONSHIRE DC

  3,495

  19-02-2001

  TORBAY C

  2,947

  23-02-2001

  STAFFORDSHIRE MOORLANDS DC

  3,132

  06-03-2001

  CALDERDALE MBC

  12,759

  13-03-2001

  CHICHESTER DC

  5,321

  19-03-2001

  MENDIP DC

  4,326

  26-03-2001

  WEST WILTSHIRE DC

  3,284

  26-03-2001

  WEST OXFORDSHIRE DC

  3,643

  26-03-2001

  EAST STAFFORDSHIRE BC

  5,637

  26-03-2001

  MANCHESTER CC Handforth Estate

  659

  26-03-2001

  SUNDERLAND CC

  36,356

  28-03-2001

  BLACKBURN WITH DARWEN BC

  9,886

  01-10-2001

  SHREWSBURY & ATCHAM BC

  5,500

  05-11-2001

  MID-BEDFORDSHIRE DC

  3,084

  100,225

  04-03-2002

  DERBYSHIRE DALES

  3,287

  11-03-2002

  CHELMSFORD BC

  6,902

  18-03-2002

  EAST HERTFORDSHIRE

  2,687

  DC

  3,237

  25-03-2002

  EREWASH BC

  5,847

  25-03-2002

  REIGATE & BANSTEAD BC

  4,846

  24-06-2002

  St EDMUNDSBURY

  5,947

  01-07-2002

  VALE ROYAL BC

  6,813

  01-07-2002

  St HELENS MBC

  14,632

  15-07-2002

  REDCAR & CLEVELAND BC

  11,625

  15-07-2002

  KNOWSLEY MBC

  17,090

  30-09-2002

  LB WALTHAM FOREST

  2,574

  14-10-2002

  LB HACKNEY cc sheltered stock

  954

  14-10-2002

  LB HARROW

  518

  86,959

  Total Number of Dwellings that have been transferred since 1997

  445,760

  Note:

  * indicated the transfer was an Estates Renewal Challenge Fund scheme

  Affordable Housing
  Mr. Pickles
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how much affordable housing there was in each region in England and Wales in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement. [79682]
  618W
  Mr. McNulty
  The available information in respect of housing provided by local authorities and registered social landlords is presented below.

  Social Landlord dwelling stock in England and Wales as at 31 March

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  Registered Social Landlords

  North East

  47

  48

  49

  53

  89

  North West

  153

  159

  178

  213

  225

  Yorkshire & The Humber

  67

  70

  73

  75

  89

  East Midlands

  48

  51

  58

  69

  74

  West Midlands

  102

  114

  130

  150

  179

  East

  97

  101

  105

  114

  117

  London

  205

  220

  240

  252

  271

  South East

  186

  197

  206

  218

  234

  South West

  85

  89

  123

  134

  146

  Wales

  48

  50

  52

  54

  55

  Local Authorities

  North East

  298

  292

  286

  276

  233

  North West

  523

  509

  485

  445

  416

  Yorkshire & The Humber

  441

  434

  427

  419

  397

  East Midlands

  293

  289

  280

  265

  257

  West Midlands

  410

  402

  381

  354

  316

  East

  302

  295

  290

  277

  271

  London

  621

  596

  575

  553

  532

  South East

  288

  278

  268

  252

  234

  South West

  224

  214

  184

  170

  156

  Wales

  204

  201

  197

  193

  188

  All social landlords

  North East

  345

  341

  335

  329

  323

  North West

  676

  668

  663

  658

  641

  Yorkshire & The Humber

  508

  504

  500

  494

  486

  East Midlands

  341

  340

  338

  334

  331

  West Midlands

  512

  516

  512

  504

  495

  East

  399

  396

  394

  391

  388

  London

  826

  816

  815

  805

  803

  South East

  474

  475

  474

  471

  468

  South West

  308

  303

  307

  304

  302

  Wales

  252

  251

  249

  247

  243

  Information about the number of affordable housing 100,225 units built without any form of public funding is not collected centrally.

  Social Housing
  Alan Simpson
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, how many respondents to the Consultation Paper on a Decency Standard for Social Housing supported the view that the proposed minimum standards required under the Thermal Comfort criteria were sufficiently rigorous; and how many took the opposing view. [79501]

  Mr. McNulty
  The Consultation Paper on refining the detail of the thermal comfort criterion of a decent home proposed two options:

  (a) retaining the fuel poverty measure; and

  (b) moving to a stock measure of thermal comfort which would require a dwelling to have both effective insulation and efficient heating.

  619W
  Of the 140 respondents to the consultation:
  46% favoured moving to the proposed stock measure,
  26% favoured moving to a stock measure but stated that they felt the standard proposed was too low,
  25% rejected both proposals—many of these respondents suggested SAP although there was little consensus on what constituted an appropriate level; and 3% favoured the retention of fuel poverty as the measure.

  Following the consultation a number of refinements were made to the definition of efficient heating and effective insulation before publishing the revised guidance. The main change was the requirement for higher levels of insulation in dwellings with electric storage heaters, programmable solid fuel or LPG central heating.

  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many successful asylum applicants were subsequently housed in social housing in each Government Office region in each year since 1999.[79716]

  Mr. McNulty
  The Government do not collect information relating to the number of former asylum seekers granted refugee status or exceptional leave to remain who are housed in social housing.

  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many of those recognised as refugees and granted indefinite leave to remain or exceptional leave to remain were later accepted as being owed a duty by a local authority under the Homelessness Act 2002 in each Government Office region in each year since 1999. [79715]

  Mr. McNulty
  The Government do not collect information about the number of persons granted refugee status or exceptional leave to remain who are allocated housing accommodation by local housing authorities under Part 6 of the Housing Act 1996, or allocated accommodation by registered social landlords. Nor does the Government collect information specifically about the number of persons granted refugee status or exceptional leave to remain who are accepted as owed a duty by a local housing authority under Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended by the Homelessness Act 2002).

  However, data about households accepted as being eligible for assistance, unintentionally homeless and in priority need, and whose last settled home were accommodation provided by the National Asylum Support Service (NASS), has been collected from local housing authorities on the quarterly housing activity return (Form PIE) since April 2002. The degree of response and the quality of data received varied widely and the data we hold for the April to June 2002 quarter are not considered reliable. Information for the July to September 2002 quarter will be available in December 2002. These data do not, however, identify refugees and persons granted exceptional leave to remain who were not accommodated by NASS.
  620W
  Alan Simpson
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister which of his Department's Public Service Agreements relate to fuel poverty reduction; and what progress has been made to date in achieving them. [79502]

  Mr. McNulty
  The Public Service Agreement to bring all social housing up to a decent standard and to increase the proportion of vulnerable households in the private sector who live in homes that are in decent condition by 2010 will contribute to a reduction in fuel poverty. To be classed as decent, a home must provide a reasonable degree of thermal comfort by providing efficient heating and effective insulation, measures which will make homes cheaper to heat.

  On the social sector side of the target, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is on track to meet its interim target of tackling a third of the worst social housing by 2004 and is working to ensure it meets the target by reviewing all policies that contribute to the delivery of decent social housing to ensure they are as effective as possible and provide value for money.

  For the private sector side of the target, officials are in the process of drawing up a delivery plan with colleagues in DEFRA responsible for the home energy efficiency scheme. The plan will set out in detail how the target will be delivered and include the steps that will be taken to ensure the contributing policies and procedures are working together as efficiently as possible.

  Alan Simpson
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will estimate the number of fuel-poor households who occupy dwellings that meet the Thermal Comfort criteria of the Decent Homes Standard; and how many households in this sector will remain fuel poor after all social housing complies with the standard. [75904]

  Mr. McNulty
  We will not have up-to-date figures of the numbers of fuel poor households living in decent homes until we complete the relevant parts of the analysis of the 2001 English House Condition Survey, in early 2003. This work will be undertaken jointly between ODPM, DEFRA and DTI.

  To estimate the numbers of households who will be living in fuel poor households after all social housing is brought up to a decent standard in 2010 requires a number of assumptions about influencing factors such as energy prices and incomes. We are not able to provide a robust estimate of these factors at this time.

  Right to Buy
  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what information he has collated on the number of council dwellings sold under right-to-buy in each of the past five years in each London borough; and the number
  621W
  of new dwellings constructed by RSL or councils; and how many he expects to be constructed in 2002–03 and 2003–04. [79609]

  Reported activity in 1997–98 (n/r indicates not reported)

  Estimated activity in 1997–98

  Reported activity in 1998–99 (n/r indicates not reported)

  Estimated activity in 1998–99

  Sales under Right to Buy

  New dwellings completed

  Sales under Right to Buy

  New dwellings completed

  Local Authority district

  Local Authority months n/r

  Local Authority

  Registered Social Landlord

  Total Social Landlords

  Local Authority months n/r

  Local Authority

  Registered Social Landlord

  Total Social Landlords

  Barking and Dagenham

  433

  2

  12

  14

  393

  0

  8

  8

  Barnet

  195

  0

  178

  178

  260

  0

  80

  80

  Bexley

  183

  0

  48

  48

  0

  0

  19

  19

  Brent

  214

  0

  1

  1

  184

  0

  30

  30

  Bromley

  0

  0

  33

  33

  0

  0

  28

  28

  Camden

  514

  0

  172

  172

  505

  0

  85

  85

  City of London

  26

  0

  0

  0

  58

  0

  0

  0

  Croydon

  164

  0

  362

  362

  156

  0

  221

  221

  Ealing

  205

  0

  12

  12

  218

  0

  121

  121

  Enfield

  172

  0

  51

  51

  163

  0

  152

  152

  Greenwich

  392

  0

  226

  226

  373

  0

  197

  197

  Hackney

  222

  34

  549

  583

  337

  0

  251

  251

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  141

  0

  74

  74

  189

  0

  22

  22

  Haringey

  262

  0

  131

  131

  284

  0

  63

  63

  Harrow

  85

  0

  66

  66

  97

  0

  5

  5

  Havering

  183

  0

  39

  39

  209

  0

  25

  25

  Hillingdon

  226

  2

  293

  295

  287

  35

  165

  200

  Hounslow

  192

  0

  38

  38

  290

  0

  21

  21

  Islington

  339

  0

  0

  0

  393

  0

  65

  65

  Kensington and Chelsea

  103

  0

  0

  0

  95

  0

  41

  41

  Kingston upon Thames

  65

  0

  22

  22

  55

  0

  2

  2

  Lambeth

  387

  0

  286

  286

  454

  0

  168

  168

  Lewisham

  365

  0

  345

  345

  524

  0

  167

  167

  Merton

  120

  0

  39

  39

  173

  0

  128

  128

  Newham

  286

  0

  103

  103

  300

  0

  180

  180

  Redbridge

  61

  0

  22

  22

  85

  0

  5

  5

  Richmond upon Thames

  86

  0

  6

  6

  92

  0

  8

  8

  Southwark

  344

  14

  130

  144

  418

  0

  70

  70

  Sutton

  141

  0

  32

  32

  124

  0

  19

  19

  Tower Hamlets

  465

  0

  172

  172

  641

  0

  59

  59

  Waltham Forest

  192

  0

  743

  743

  190

  0

  643

  643

  Wandsworth

  240

  0

  33

  33

  267

  0

  37

  37

  Westminster

  164

  0

  111

  111

  239

  0

  113

  113

  Note:

  Statistics on Right to Buy include some rent to mortgage sales.

  Reported activity in 1999–00 (n/r indicates not reported)

  Estimated activity in 1999–00

  Reported activity in 2000–01 (n/r indicates not reported)

  Estimated activity in 2000–01

  Sales under Right to Buy

  New dwellings completed

  Sales under Right to Buy

  New dwellings completed

  Local Authority district

  Local Authority months n/r

  Local Authority

  Registered Social Landlord

  Total Social Landlords

  Local Authority months n/r

  Local Authority

  Registered Social Landlord

  Total Social Landlords

  Barking and Dagenham

  762

  0

  18

  18

  527

  3

  0

  80

  80

  Barnet

  287

  0

  98

  98

  252

  0

  168

  168

  Bexley

  0

  0

  27

  27

  0

  0

  98

  98

  Brent

  265

  0

  1

  1

  156

  3

  0

  251

  251

  Bromley

  0

  0

  97

  97

  0

  0

  33

  33

  Camden

  560

  0

  166

  166

  760

  0

  290

  290

  City of London

  81

  0

  21

  21

  50

  0

  0

  0

  Croydon

  181

  0

  194

  194

  249

  0

  77

  77

  Ealing

  354

  0

  125

  125

  330

  0

  88

  88

  Enfield

  327

  0

  84

  84

  216

  0

  344

  344

  Greenwich

  515

  0

  64

  64

  518

  0

  147

  147

  Hackney

  493

  0

  235

  235

  764

  0

  134

  134

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  240

  0

  23

  23

  380

  0

  0

  0

  Haringey

  442

  0

  85

  85

  239

  6

  0

  86

  86

  Harrow

  134

  0

  3

  3

  88

  0

  0

  0

  Havering

  307

  0

  47

  47

  273

  0

  28

  28

  Hillingdon

  266

  0

  142

  142

  231

  79

  294

  373

  Hounslow

  335

  0

  0

  0

  283

  0

  24

  24

  Islington

  325

  3

  0

  27

  27

  n/r

  12

  0

  44

  44

  Kensington and Chelsea

  147

  0

  20

  20

  108

  0

  55

  55

  Kingston upon Thames

  98

  0

  45

  45

  51

  0

  44

  44

  Lambeth

  644

  0

  173

  173

  669

  3

  0

  266

  266

  Lewisham

  634

  0

  93

  93

  n/r

  12

  0

  151

  151

  Merton

  177

  0

  149

  149

  164

  3

  0

  51

  51

  Newham

  430

  0

  120

  120

  272

  6

  0

  133

  133

  622W
  Mr. McNulty
  The available information on right to buy sales and new build in London is presented in the tables below:
  623W

  Reported activity in 1999–00 (n/r indicates not reported)

  Estimated activity in 1999–00

  Reported activity in 2000–01 (n/r indicates not reported)

  Estimated activity in 2000–01

  Sales under Right to Buy

  New dwellings completed

  Sales under Right to Buy

  New dwellings completed

  Local Authority district

  Local Authority months n/r

  Local Authority

  Registered Social Landlord

  Total Social Landlords

  Local Authority months n/r

  Local Authority

  Registered Social Landlord

  Total Social Landlords

  Redbridge

  108

  0

  39

  39

  129

  0

  39

  39

  Richmond upon Thames

  225

  0

  30

  30

  33

  6

  0

  20

  20

  Southwark

  643

  0

  15

  15

  809

  0

  26

  26

  Sutton

  214

  0

  122

  122

  146

  0

  172

  172

  Tower Hamlets

  815

  0

  202

  202

  1074

  0

  132

  132

  Waltham Forest

  289

  0

  186

  186

  244

  79

  517

  596

  Wandsworth

  514

  0

  76

  76

  323

  0

  3

  3

  Westminster

  391

  0

  207

  207

  440

  0

  367

  367

  Note:

  Statistics on Right to Buy include some rent to mortgage sales.

  Reported activity in 2001–02 (n/r indicates not reported)

  Estimated activity in 2001–02

  Sales under Right to Buy

  New dwellings completed

  Local Authority district

  Local Authority months n/r

  Local Authority

  Registered Social Landlord

  Total Social Landlords

  Barking and Dagenham

  374

  3

  20

  57

  77

  Barnet

  168

  0

  72

  72

  Bexley

  0

  3

  0

  27

  27

  Brent

  159

  0

  294

  294

  Bromley

  0

  6

  0

  9

  9

  Camden

  671

  0

  30

  30

  City of London

  39

  0

  0

  0

  Croydon

  259

  0

  114

  114

  Ealing

  309

  0

  89

  89

  Enfield

  210

  0

  312

  312

  Greenwich

  470

  0

  72

  72

  Hackney

  373

  3

  5

  396

  401

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  221

  0

  0

  0

  Haringey

  n/r

  12

  0

  160

  160

  Harrow

  71

  3

  0

  8

  8

  Havering

  219

  0

  137

  137

  Hillingdon

  163

  0

  182

  182

  Hounslow

  142

  3

  0

  87

  87

  Islington

  844

  5

  0

  5

  Kensington and Chelsea

  42

  0

  11

  11

  Kingston upon Thames

  32

  0

  4

  4

  Lambeth

  n/r

  12

  0

  364

  364

  Lewisham

  n/r

  12

  0

  264

  264

  Merton

  165

  0

  81

  81

  Newham

  461

  3

  0

  160

  160

  Redbridge

  101

  0

  12

  12

  Richmond upon Thames

  0

  6

  0

  28

  28

  Southwark

  930

  0

  22

  22

  Sutton

  125

  0

  83

  83

  Tower Hamlets

  1007

  0

  415

  415

  Waltham Forest

  188

  22

  61

  83

  Wandsworth

  149

  3

  0

  0

  0

  Westminster

  207

  0

  243

  243

  Ministers set the Housing Corporation a target to complete a minimum of 21,000 dwellings in England in 2002–03. The Corporation's Investment Bulletin, published in April 2002, forecast that approximately 5,200 of these units would be in London.

  The bidding round for the 2003–04 approved development programme (ADP) is now in progress. The Housing Corporation's Investment Bulletin for 2003–04 will be published early next year.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Pickles
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will list the special advisers serving in his Department, and their salary bands; and if he will make a statement. [79605]

  Mr. Leslie
  There are three special advisers serving in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister—Joan Hammell, Ian McKenzie and Paul Hackett. For details of paybands occupied by special advisers I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to my hon. Friend the member for Ellesmere Port and Neston (Mr. Miller) on 24 July, Official Report, Hansard, column 1372W.

  Housing Fitness Standards
  Alan Simpson
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what the timescale is for the full implementation of the Housing, Health and Safety Rating System; and what mechanisms exist to ensure compliance with its requirements. [79503]

  Mr. McNulty
  We intend to legislate to replace the current housing fitness standard with the Housing Health and Safety Rating System at the earliest opportunity. We will ensure that appropriate mechanisms exist for compliance with the new regime.

  Land Ownership (Public Authorities)
  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment has been made by his Department of the total development land owned by public authorities in each London borough; and what advice he gives on its disposal. [79630]

  Mr. McNulty
  The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister collects information about previously developed land, distinguishing between that in the ownership of the private sector, local authorities and other public sector bodies, and the borough in which it is located. ODPM published National Land Use Database—Previously Developed Land (NLUD-PDL) data for 2001 on 12th September 2002 and this is available at www.odpm.gov.uk, including a Supplementary Table on "Previously developed land that is unused or may be available for redevelopment by land type and Planning Authority: England 2001".
  625W
  Guidance on disposals includes chapter 24 of "Government Accounting 2000", available at www.government-accounting.gov.uk.

  Non-departmental Public Bodies
  Mr. Pickles
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans his Department has to decentralise non-departmental public bodies that are affiliated to his Department and devolve their responsibilities to local authorities. [79667]

  Mr. Raynsford
  There are currently no plans to decentralise the work of Non-Departmental Public Bodies to local authorities. The Housing Corporation has long had regional offices.

  In the case of the four Housing Action Trusts, the relevant local authority is represented on each board by 1–3 Councillors and tenants have the right to choose the Council or a Registered Social Landlord as their future landlord.

  We also plan to introduce new arrangements to strengthen links, at regional level between housing, planning and economic development strategies. These arrangements include the introduction of a single regional pot for resources for housing investment.

  Parliamentary Questions/Correspondence
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many(a) parliamentary questions and (b) letters to him from hon. Members in this session remain unanswered, broken down by those which are (i) one month old, (ii) two months old, (iii) three months old, (iv) four months old and (v) over six months old. [79942]

  Mr. Leslie
  (a) As at today, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has no Parliamentary Questions outstanding.

  (b) The Cabinet Office publishes a report to Parliament on an annual basis, setting out the volume of Members' correspondence received by departments. The Report for 2001 was published on Friday 24 May, [Col. 677w]. Copies of previous reports are available in the Library of the House.

  Following the recent machinery of government changes and the creation of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister on 29 May 2002 I will write to the hon. Member as soon as the information on correspondence is collated.

  Houses in Multiple Occupation
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to bring forward legislation to ensure that homes in multiple occupation meet satisfactory standards, with particular reference to energy efficiency. [80007]

  Mr. McNulty
  The Government are committed to raising standards in houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) and we intend to introduce legislation to achieve this as soon as a legislative slot is available. Our 626W
  proposed measures will include a requirement for local authorities in England & Wales to licence those HMOs in their areas that pose the greatest risk to the health and safety of their occupiers. Underpinning the licensing regime and applying to all residential properties will be a new risk assessment based approach to housing conditions, which will replace the current prescriptive standards, and enable local authorities to target those HMOs with the worst housing conditions, including energy efficiency standards.

  Council Rents
  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) what estimate he has made of the cumulative additional rent paid in real terms over the 10 years rent restructuring period by council tenants in London in(a) money terms at 2002–03 prices and (b) as a percentage of the Housing Revenue Account rent income for 2001–02 at 2002–03 prices, assuming that (i) there is no change in the number of council tenants over the period, (ii) councils move to the average of the formula rents proposed by his Office and (iii) they do so in the roughly equal steps proposed by his Office, (1) taking the impact of individual tenants' rent increase capping into account and (2) not taking the impact into account; [79862]

  (2) what estimate he has made of the average real terms increase in rents paid by council tenants in London in (a) money terms at 2002–03 prices and (b) percentage terms compared to 2002–03 prices at the end of the 10 year rent restructuring period, assuming (i) that there is no change in the number of council tenants over the period and (ii) that councils move to the average of the formula rents as proposed by his Office, 1 taking the impact of individual tenants' rent increase capping into account and 2 not taking the impact into account. [79858]

  Mr. McNulty
  Setting of council tenants' rents remains a matter for individual local authorities. Future council rent levels will be influenced by, among other things, the outcome of future Spending Reviews.

  However, were London boroughs to follow our policy on rent restructuring, we estimate that on current assumptions the average rent paid by council tenants in London in 2011–12 at the end of the ten year rent restructuring period, would be £8.17 higher in real terms in 2002–2003 prices. This represents a real increase of 12.8 per cent., as a percentage of the Housing Revenue Account rental income of London boroughs for 2001–2002 in today's prices.

  The estimated cumulative additional average rent paid each year in real terms over the ten years is shown in the following table in 2002–2003 prices.

  Year

  Real rent increase

  Percentage increase over today's average rent

  2002–2003

  £0.82

  1.3%

  2003–2004

  £1.63

  2.6%

  2004–2005

  £2.6%

  3.8%

  2005–2006

  £3.27

  5.1%

  2006–2007

  £4.09

  6.4%

  627W

  Year

  Real rent increase

  Percentage increase over today's average rent

  2007–2008

  £4.90

  7.7%

  2008–2009

  £5.72

  8.9%

  2009–2010

  £6.54

  10.2%

  2010–2011

  £7.35

  11.5%

  2011–2012

  £8.17

  12.8%

  Notes:

  1. These figures do not make any allowance for the impact of future Right To Buy sales or transfers to Registered Social Landlords.

  2. As relevant data is currently unavailable, these estimates do not take account of the effects of the rent caps and limits on individual rent rises, which will have the effect of reducing this average rise.

  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what plans he has to ensure that the proceeds of the increased rents in real terms paid by council tenants in London over successive years as a result of rent restructuring will be available for(a) the better resourcing of services to council tenants' homes and (b) investment in those homes. [79861]

  Mr. McNulty
  The resources to be made available to local authorities for housing will be a matter for future Spending Reviews.

  The ring fencing of the Housing Revenue Account ensures that rental and other revenue income relating to council dwellings must be spent on matters relating to those dwellings. Within that ring fence, it is a matter for individual local authorities to decide how to prioritise spending in order to provide a better service to council tenants and to ensure the necessary investment in their homes.

  Agricultural Buildings (Rates)
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the benefit accruing to agriculture from the exemption of agricultural buildings from payment of local rates. [79261]

  Mr. Raynsford
  I have been asked to reply.

  Agricultural land and buildings are exempt from rating under Schedule 5 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988. As a result, the Valuation Office Agency, whose responsibility it is to compile and maintain an accurate rating list, makes no assessment of the values of such properties and therefore there is no reliable basis on which to make an estimate.

  Decent Homes
  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what estimate he has made at 2002–03 prices of(a) the

  2001–02

  2000–01

  1999–2000

  1998–99

  1997–98

  North East

  48,118

  175,552

  71,998

  37,608

  46,470

  Yorkshire & Humber

  107,662

  84,721

  76,174

  57,732

  64,675

  East Midlands

  120,856

  74,441

  122,541

  84,556

  54,721

  East

  213,366

  118,771

  160,950

  98,758

  106,412

  London

  411,002

  423,441

  343,059

  220,531

  239,621

  South East

  123,936

  246,904

  245,199

  146,451

  160,849

  South West

  64,378

  109,344

  127,067

  199,148

  94,088

  628W
  national total and (b) totals broken down by Government Office region for the investment required to (i) meet the Decent Homes Standard for council tenants' homes and (ii) clear the backlog of housing investment in council tenants' homes, broken down into (A) repairs and (B) improvements. [79864]

  Mr. McNulty
  We estimate that at April 2001 there was a backlog of capital works in the council housing sector totalling about £20 billion at 2002 prices—£10.5 billion for repairs and £9.5 billion for improvements. About £16.5 billion of this relates to works within the decent home standard and £3.5 billion for works outside the standard (eg environment improvements, security works etc).

  These estimates are based on the 1996 English House Condition Survey, rolled forward to give a 2001 position. Regional estimates of the total backlog, based on applying the regional distribution from local authority Housing Revenue Account Business Plans to this national total, are given in the table.

  GO Region

  Estimated Backlog at 2001 (2002 Prices)

  Cost (£mn)

  % of Total

  North East

  1,300

  6%

  North West

  3,100

  16%

  Yorkshire and the Humber

  2,700

  14%

  East Midlands

  1,200

  6%

  West Midlands

  2,500

  12%

  East of England

  1,100

  5%

  London

  6,100

  31%

  South East

  1,200

  6%

  South West

  900

  5%

  England total

  £20,000

  100%

  Note:

  Components may not sum to total due to rounding

  The 2001 English House Condition Survey will provide more up-to-date estimates early in the New Year.

  Housing Receipts
  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) if he will set out for each year from 1997–98, and including estimates for 2002–03,(a) the totals of set-aside housing receipts and (b) the totals of housing basic credits approvals, broken down by Government Office region; [79863]

  (2) what the national total of (a) set-aside housing receipts and (b) housing basic credit approvals was in each year from 1997–98; and what these figures are estimated to be in 2002–03. [79859]

  Mr. McNulty
  (a) The total of set-aside housing receipts in England in £thousands was:
  629W

  2001–02

  2000–01

  1999–2000

  1998–99

  1997–98

  West Midlands

  158,187

  185,573

  168,061

  150,684

  84,033

  North West

  114,497

  206,833

  162,130

  89,143

  91,706

  National Total

  1,362,002

  1,625,580

  1,477,180

  1,084,610

  942,575

  Note:

  The estimated national total for 2002–03 is £2.5bn. No estimates are made of the figure by Government Office region.

  (b) The amount in £thousands, for England, of Housing Annual Capital Guidelines (credit approvals

  2002–2003

  2001–2002

  2000–2001

  1999–2000

  1998–1999

  1997–1998

  North East

  47,036

  43,756

  130,369

  77,332

  73,707

  49,811

  Yorkshire & Humber

  77,015

  70,826

  201,255

  117,701

  109,207

  77,516

  East Midlands

  61,273

  58,095

  140,758

  73,359

  69,393

  48,967

  East of England

  61,066

  55,381

  142,372

  82,762

  79,803

  56,144

  London

  322,163

  309,722

  601,712

  353,945

  329,377

  247,426

  South East

  92,752

  85,582

  175,966

  107,193

  100,143

  75,764

  South West

  54,920

  52,163

  113,525

  69,120

  67,746

  50,127

  West Midlands

  99,533

  95,559

  227,451

  125,165

  121,444

  87,069

  North West

  128,997

  111,389

  285,195

  172,427

  162,272

  109,822

  National Total

  944,756

  882,473

  2,018,603

  1,179,004

  1.113,092

  802,646

  These figures include the separate Capital Receipts Initiative funding provided in 1997–98 to 1999–2000.

  The reductions between 2000–01 and 2001–02 reflects the switch of funds into the new Major Repairs Allowance, paid as part of housing subsidy, to fund capital works to maintain council housing.

  Revenue Grant Distribution
  Ann Winterton
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many representations he has received from residents of(a) Cheshire and (b) Congleton constituency registering their response to his Department's review of revenue grant distribution; when he expects to announce his decision following his Department's consultation; and if he will make a statement. [80003]

  Mr. Raynsford
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Macclesfield (Sir Nicholas Winterton) on 5 November 2002,Official Report.

  Shropshire Waste Plan
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will list the objectors to sites SA 22 and 23 in the Shropshire Waste Plan produced by Shropshire County Council; and if he will place copies of the objections in the Library. [79993]

  Mr. McNulty
  There were 97 objectors to Policy SA 22 and 90 objectors to Policy SA 23 of the Deposit Draft of the Shropshire Waste Local Plan 2002–2014. It is the responsibility of Shropshire County Council to consider these objections and to take the plan through all its stages. Information on the objectors and the details of each objection are not held in Government. Shropshire County Council intend to place all the objections to this Waste Local Plan on their website, www.shropshire-cc.gov.uk. In the meantime, they can be viewed by prior appointment at the Community and Environment 630W
  plus the allowance (£199 million in recent years) made for capital funded from authorities' useable receipts) was:

  Department, Shropshire County Council, Shirehall, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury (Telephone: 01743 252595).

  Renewable Energy
  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the steps which he is taking to promote building integrated renewables, with special reference to solar thermal and solar photovoltaics in new housing developments through the planning process. [79792]

  Mr. McNulty
  We will be issuing a draft Planning Policy Statement note on Renewable Energy and Planning for consultation at the turn of the year. This updated PPS revises PPG22. It will include guidance on including integrated renewables in developments such as housing. Also, through our planning policies for housing we encourage local authorities to adopt policies which promote the energy efficiency of new housing where possible.

  Seaside and Country Homes Scheme
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 22 October 2002,Official Report, column 283W, on the Seaside and Country Homes Scheme, if he will commission research into (a) the capacity of seaside and country areas in South East England for an expansion of the Seaside and Country Homes Scheme and (b) the likely popularity and take up of the Scheme. [80090]

  Mr. McNulty
  The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is leading in the procurement of a new service to improve mobility, especially labour mobility for social housing tenants, throughout the UK. As part of the procurement of this service (currently going under the working name HEMS—Housing and Employment Mobility Services) the operation and extent of the Seaside and Country Homes scheme is being reviewed. We expect to award the HEMS contract in March 2003 and for delivery of the new service to begin in July 2003.
  631W
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, if he will place in the Library the location of the dwellings used under the Seaside and Country Homes Scheme. [80091]

  Mr. McNulty
  The information requested has been placed in the Library of the House.

  County

  Location

  Bung.

  Flat

  Total by County

  Berkshire

  Lambourne

  27

  27

  Cambridgeshire

  March

  32

  32

  Cornwall

  Illogan

  45

  Perranporth

  40

  85

  Devon

  Exmouth

  31

  Plymstock

  38

  69

  Dorset

  Burton

  35

  Gillingham

  40

  Christchurch

  42

  Poole

  22

  Swanage

  24

  163

  Essex

  Brightlingsea

  40

  Burnham on Crouch

  40

  Clacton

  24

  8

  Clacton on Sea

  39

  Dovercourt

  82

  40

  Elmstead Market

  26

  Frinton

  34

  Great Clacton

  51

  Holland on Sea

  18

  St Osyth

  86

  Walton on the Naze

  68

  556

  Gloucestershire

  Winchcombe

  39

  39

  Hampshire

  Blackfield

  18

  Botley

  44

  Emsworth

  32

  Lee on Solent

  40

  Lordswood

  40

  New Milton

  16

  Ringwood

  26

  West End

  42

  258

  Isle of Wight

  Cowes

  17

  Newport

  50

  Ryde

  24

  Wootton

  40

  6

  137

  Kent

  Birchington

  12

  Canterbury

  30

  Deal

  38

  Faversham

  36

  Folkestone

  48

  47

  Herne Bay

  14

  41

  Margate

  48

  Ramsgate

  54

  12

  Walmer

  82

  Westgate on Sea

  22

  484

  Lincolnshire

  Skegness

  80

  80

  Norfolk

  Cromer

  32

  Diss

  24

  12

  Gorleston

  22

  Hunstanton

  41

  North Walsham

  41

  172

  Shropshire

  Shrewsbury

  34

  34

  Somerset

  Bridgwater

  32

  Highbridge

  58

  Minehead

  67

  Taunton

  40

  Weston Super Mare

  41

  Worle

  40

  255

  Suffolk

  Beccles

  20

  6

  Felixstowe

  29

  Lowestoft

  35

  35

  Oulton Broad

  36

  Stowmarket

  40

  201

  632W

  County

  Location

  Bung.

  Flat

  Total by County

  Sussex

  Angmering

  35

  Bognor Regis

  40

  8

  Bracklesham Bay

  28

  Brighton

  48

  East Preston

  34

  Hailsham

  12

  Hastings

  41

  Littlehampton

  38

  38

  Peacehaven

  36

  Rustington

  22

  Saltdean

  10

  Selsey

  13

  10

  Telscombe Cliffs

  26

  Worthing

  24

  102

  565

  Wiltshire

  Warminster

  38

  Westbury

  40

  78

  Grand Total

  2253

  1005

  1258

  Housing (Overcrowding)
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what legislation is in force relating to overcrowding standards in housing; and when each provision came into force. [80092]

  Mr. McNulty
  The current overcrowding standards are set out in Part X of the Housing Act 1985. The Room Standard is breached if two people of opposite sexes who are not living together as husband and wife must sleep in the same room. The Space Standard specifies the number of people who may sleep in a dwelling according to the number of rooms and their floor area. Both standards must be met. The 1985 Act is a consolidating Act. The standards were carried forward from the Housing Act 1957, which itself consolidates those which had originated in the Housing Act 1935.

  In respect of houses in multiple occupation, local authorities also have powers under section 358 of the 1985 Act to serve an overcrowding notice where they are satisfied that there are, or there may become, an excessive number of people living in a property having regard to the number of rooms available. Such notice must specify the number of people who can occupy the property. Contravention of the notice is a criminal offence.

  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 22 October 2002,Official Report, column 284W, on overcrowding, if it is his policy (a) to end the practice of counting living rooms as rooms available to sleep in, (b) to end the practice of not counting babies under the age of one and (c) to lower the age at which males and females should no longer be expected to have to sleep in the same room for the purposes of determining overcrowding. [80093]

  Mr. McNulty
  We are considering whether overcrowding is best tackled through a modern set of standards—updating the—present legislative framework—or through the new Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), which we hope to introduce as a replacement for the housing fitness standard when Parliamentary time allows. It will be possible to assess and tackle hazards from crowding and
  633W
  space under HHSRS, but we would need to be satisfied that the problem is one that can be dealt with through this process alone.

  Local Authority Finance
  Mr. Hoban
  To ask the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister what proportion of spending by(a) Hampshire County Council, (b) Fareham Borough Council, (c) English county councils and (d) English district councils is to be financed by council tax payers in 2002–03. [80303]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Local authorities budgeted to finance the following percentages of revenue expenditure from the council tax in the year 2002–03:

  Income from council tax as a percentage (%) of spending

  Hampshire County Council

  33

  Fareham Borough Council

  41

  English County Councils

  32

  English District Councils

  40

  Source:

  2002–03 Budget Estimate (RA) Return

  Public Consultations
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what public consultations have been commenced by his Department in each month since 10 September; and what the(a) start date, (b) closing date and (c) website address of each were. [80279]

  Mr. Leslie
  Full details and the texts of public consultation exercises launched by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister since 10 September 2002 are set out on our website (www.odpm.gov.uk) in the section entitled "What's New".

  Supporting People Programme
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the impact of the introduction of Supporting People; and whether a community care assessment will be required for residents living in a leasehold sheltered housing scheme in order for its Department to meet the costs of its scheme manager and allied arrangements attributed as "having related support" as part of their income support. [80019]

  Mr. McNulty
  The Supporting People programme, which will be operational from 1 April 2003, will improve the quality of housing related support services for vulnerable people. It will provide an integrated policy and funding framework for the comprehensive review of support needs in a local area and for planning how those needs will be met.

  Those leaseholders in sheltered housing schemes who currently receive Income Support need to obtain a community care assessment in order for the costs of support to continue to be met. After 1 April, these costs will be paid from the Supporting People grant. Those people who receive Income Support and who move into leasehold housing schemes after 1 April will not need a community care assessment in order to receive Supporting People money. Local authorities are currently mapping providers of support services and,
  634W
  after 1 April, leaseholders will be eligible for Supporting People money if they receive Income Support and are living in a scheme that has been mapped by local authorities as providing support services.

  Guidance on how the Supporting People programme will apply to leaseholders was published in September and is available on the Supporting People knowledge web at: http://www.spkweb.org.uk/search/search—docdisplay.asp?doc—id = 10996

  Urban Regeneration
  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to encourage urban regeneration. [80381]

  Mr. McNulty
  The Government's policies for urban regeneration were set out in the Urban White Paper"Our Towns and Cities: the Future—Delivering an urban renaissance" which was published in November 2000. Significant achievements have been made since then. My right Hon. Friend hosted an Urban Summit in Birmingham on 31 October and 1 November to review progress and identify what more needs to be done. Key messages from the Summit will be fed into the long term plan for sustainable communities which the Deputy Prime Minister will announce to the House in January 2003.

  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many of the recommendations by Lord Rogers of Riverside's Urban Task Force have been implemented. [80380]

  Mr. McNulty
  The Government have endorsed the principles behind all of the recommendations in Lord Roger's report and in the majority of cases have accepted them in full or in part. Our response to each recommendation was set out in the Annexe to the Urban White Paper"Our Towns and Cities: the Future—Delivering an urban renaissance" which was published in November 2000. Significant progress has been made in delivering the measures laid out in the Urban White Paper. An Implementation Plan is available on the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's website.

  Fly Tipping
  Mr. Love
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what estimate he has made of the cost of fly tipping to local authorities in(a) Greater London and (b) England and Wales in each of the last five years. [78084]

  Mr. Meacher
  I have been asked to reply

  The Government do not hold any central data on the cost of fly tipping to local authorities. However, the Institute of Public Finance has produced a report entitled "Waste Collection and Disposal Statistics 2000–01 Actuals". The report states that in 2000–01, fly tipping resulted in costs to the waste collection authorities of £3,859,000 in the London Boroughs, £1,178,000 in the Metropolitan Districts and £3,941,000 in the Non Metropolitan Districts.

  This report is available on the internet at: http://www.iplco.uk/sis/environmentaliwastemanagement/2000–01/commentary.pdf.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Moscow Theatre Siege
  Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has taken to establish whether the gas used by the Russian Government to end the Moscow theatre siege contained neuro-paralytic agents. [78567]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 4 November 2002.

  EU Documents (Security)
  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on how many occasions there have been breaches of security with respect to security covered EU documents in the last three years. [78123]

  Consular Assistance Requests Oct 2001—Sept 2002

  Consular Assistance

  Detentions

  Notes

  a) Tenerife

  4000

  303

  The Consulate receives more than 10,000 visitors per year.

  b) Corfu

  1100

  48

  The Consulate receives more than 3,300 calls per year.

  c) Majorca

  1800

  197

  d) Alicante

  1100

  302

  The Consulate receives 6,000 written enquiries each year.

  Benidorm does not keep separate statistics: requests for assistance are channelled through the Consulate in Alicante, which requests the assistance of the Honorary Vice-Consul in Benidorm as required.

  e) Malaga

  1150

  240

  The Consulate receives 27,000 written enquiries each year.

  Figures for Malaga include Cadiz, Seville and Granada.

  f) Ibiza

  3000

  135

  The Consulate receives 3,000 written enquiries each year.

  We do not keep statistics on court appearances.

  European Commission
  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list those cases over the past 10 years where a staff member of the European Commission has been suspended; on what grounds; and what was the nature of the final settlement of the case. [78302]

  Mr. MacShane
  We have requested this information from the Commission. I will write to the hon. Member with a full reply as soon as this is received.

  Departmental Staff (Ethnic Minorities)
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals he has to increase the level of representations of black and Asian people in his Department. [78866]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The FCO is determined to increase the level of representation of ethnic minorities. But there is no "quick fix" without using positive discrimination, which is unlawful. We continue to seek and attract high calibre candidates from all sectors of the community. We use targeted marketing techniques to advertise career opportunities as widely as possible and encourage applications from black and Asian people. Our objective is to ensure that 10 per cent. of recruits to the Diplomatic Service are from minority ethnic backgrounds. Encouragingly, in 2002 we exceeded this target. 15 per cent. of new entrants at policy level were from black and Asian backgrounds.
  636W
  Mr. Macshane
  I will write to the hon. Member shortly.

  Consular Assistance (Tourist Resorts)
  Mr. George Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many requests have been received for consular assistance during the last 12 months in(a) Tenerife, (b) Corfu, (c) Majorca, (d) Benidorm, (e) Malaga and (f) Ibiza; how many of these were as a result of UK visitors being arrested by the police; and, of those arrested, how many have led to court appearances. [76309]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The number of registered requests requiring consular assistance during the last 12 months are set out below. However, some consular work involves providing various types of routine information to British nationals. These requests are not always recorded.

  (Over-50s) Recruitment
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what percentage of new recruits to his Department in the past two years were aged 50 and over. [79302]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The percentage of new recruits to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the past two years aged 50 and over is as follows;

  1 April 2000 to 31 March 2001 – 9.3 per cent.

  1 April 2001 to 31 March 2002 – 10.5 per cent.

  Deaths (UK Nationals)
  Mr. Kevan Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many deaths of UK nationals have been notified to his Department(a) in Greece and (b) the island of Rhodes in the last 12 months. [78993]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  There were a total of 116 deaths of UK nationals in Greece that were notified to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the last 12 months. Sixteen of those deaths were reported from the Island of Rhodes.

  Burma (International Aid)
  Mr. Leigh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information his Department has collated regarding the Thai authorities' destruction of international aid destined for persecuted
  637W
  groups in Burma; and if he will make a statement concerning the Government's response to this situation.[79006]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has not been shown any evidence of destruction by the Thai authorities of international aid destined for persecuted groups in Burma.

  Singapore
  Mr. Moore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Singapore regarding the imprisonment of the leader of the Singapore Democratic Party, Dr. Chee Soon Juan. [79012]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  None. Dr. Chee was imprisoned for failure to pay a fine imposed by the Singapore Courts in connection with an offence under the Public Entertainment Act.

  Mr. Moore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has held with the Government of Singapore regarding freedom of speech and human rights issues. [79011]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  We raise these issues with the Singaporean authorities whenever the opportunity arises. The former Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Exeter (Mr. Bradshaw), did so during his visit to Singapore in May this year.

  Child Access
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many cases of prevention of access to children of British Nationals living in Germany have been reported to each of the British consulates in Germany in the last five years; and in what proportion of these cases the problems have been solved. [79519]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  During the last five years, twenty three British parents have contacted our Consulates in Germany about difficulties in securing access to children in Germany where the other parent has custody. Of these cases, we are aware that: two have been resolved; in fifteen cases the parents have had no further contact with the Consulate, so we are not aware of progress; six are ongoing and the relevant post in Germany continues to monitor the case.

  Western Sahara
  Albert Owen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the Government's policy is on the right of the people of Western Sahara to self-determination; and what steps it is taking to ensure Morocco does not obstruct the United Nations Security Council Resolutions. [79521]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  [holding answer 5 November 2002]: The British Government support a just and durable outcome to the Western Sahara dispute. We support the position of the Secretary General and his Personal Envoy, James Baker, to find a just and lasting solution to the situation in Western Sahara. The United
  638W
  Nations Secretary General noted in his report to the Security Council on Western Sahara on 19 February 2002 that
  "Despite their assertions to the contrary, the parties have not been willing to fully cooperate with the United Nations either to implement the settlement plan or to negotiate a political solution that will bring about an early, durable and agreed resolution of their dispute over Western Sahara".

  On this basis we have called on both parties to the dispute—Morocco, the Polisario Front and Algeria—to show flexibility in the search for a long term solution, which at this point seems stalled by their mutually exclusive objectives.

  Export Licences
  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what definition of internal repression is used in considering applications for export licences. [79755]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  All export licence applications are assessed on a case by case basis against the Consolidated EU and national arms export licensing criteria announced by my right hon. Friend for the Member Neath (Mr. Hain) on 26 October 2000,Official Report, 199–203. Criterion 2 of the Consolidated criteria sets out the Government's definition of internal repression as:
  "Internal repression includes, inter alia, torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment; summary, arbitrary or extra-judicial executions; disappearances; arbitrary detentions; and other major suppression or violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms as set out in relevant international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights."

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what definition of internal repression is used in considering applications for export licences. [79844]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I refer the hon. Member to the written answer given to the hon. Member for Carmarthen, East and Dinefwr (Adam Price) today (UIN 79755).

  European Union
  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how United Kingdom citizens may obtain copies of the draft report of the Convention on the future of Europe; and what steps he is taking to publicise the document. [79965]

  Mr. MacShane
  The Convention has not produced an overall draft report at this stage. But all the Convention's documents are available to the public on the Convention's Website (http://european-convention.eu.int). This includes Valéry Giscard d'Estaing's preliminary draft constitutional treaty, as well as the final recommendations of those Working Groups that have concluded their work.

  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his policy towards qualified majority voting for deciding when national parliaments should be allowed to vote on EU proposals. [79935]
  639W
  Mr. MacShane
  The Convention Working Group on Subsidiarity has proposed the creation of a new mechanism to enable national parliaments to monitor compliance with subsidiarity. The full text is available on the Convention's website (http://european-convention.eu.int).

  This Government supports the Working Group's conclusions. We believe that national parliaments should review each new Commission legislative proposal. If a majority of national parliaments judged that a proposal infringed subsidiarity, the Commission should be required to re-examine its approach.

  Ministerial Meeting (Indian Foreign Minister)
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his recent meeting with Mr. Yashwant Sinha, the Indian Foreign Minister. [79927]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary met Yashwant Sinha, the Indian Foreign Minister, in London on 31 October. They discussed a wide range of bilateral and international issues. They agreed that the bilateral relationship is in excellent shape, and reiterated our joint commitment to developing further cooperation in line with the provisions of the New Delhi Declaration signed by the two Prime Ministers in January. The Foreign Secretary also reiterated the UK's support for India's permanent membership of the UN Security Council.

  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary welcomed the recent successful Jammu and Kashmir elections and discussed with Mr. Sinha how tensions in the region could be further reduced.

  North Korea
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contributions the United Kingdom has made through the EU to the North Korean light water nuclear reactor programme; and whether the United Kingdom was represented at the foundation laying ceremony in August. [79928]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The light water reactor project, established under the 1994 Agreed Framework, forms part of a package of measures introduced to bring DPRK into line with its international obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. The UK contributions, made through the European Atomic Energy Commission, amount to a total of £ 10.64 million (up to the end of Financial year 2001–02. This year's contribution has not yet been made).

  The European Commission represented all EU Member States at the foundation laying ceremony.

  Ascension Island
  Mr. Watts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on democratic development on Ascension Island. [80105]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The residents of Ascension Island voted overwhelmingly in August this year to establish an Island Council. This was a key step towards a640W
  democratic system of government, the first in the island's history. The election of Councillors took place on 1 November, and has resulted in a broad cross-section of the island's population being represented on the Island Council. We hope that the Island Council will work closely with the Administrator and the Governor for the long-term benefit of Ascension Island.

  Sudan
  Mr. Neil Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the application for an export licence for the supply of two de-mining vests to the United Nations Office for Project Services in Sudan.

  Mr. Rammell
  The Government recently approved an application for a licence to export two de-mining vests for the United Nations Office for Project Services in Sudan. Although the demining vests are on the Military List, they will be used to open roads and increase the cost effectiveness of the UN relief operation which is working to alleviate the suffering in Sudan. This decision does not affect the Government's continued support for the EU common position on arms exports to Sudan.

  Council of the European Union
  Lawrie Quinn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the forthcoming business in the Council of the European Union for November and major European Union events for the period from 30 November to May 2003. [80107]

  Mr. MacShane
  The information is as follows:

  NOVEMBER 2002

  4

  Brussels

  Culture Council

  5

  Brussels

  ECOFIN

  6

  Brussels

  Meeting of the Prasidium

  7

  Brussels

  Health Council

  7–8

  Brussels

  Convention Plenary

  11

  Brussels

  EU—Russia Summit

  11–12

  Brussels

  Education, Youth & Culture Council Internal Market, Consumer Affairs & Tourism Council

  14–15

  Brussels

  18–19

  Brussels

  General Affairs & External Relations council (+ Defence)

  21

  Brussels

  Meeting of the Prasidium

  21–22

  Brussels

  Aarhus—Informal Sports Ministers

  25–26

  Brussels

  Budget Meeting

  25–26

  Brussels

  Industry & Energy Council

  28

  Brussels

  Meeting of the Prasidium Justice & home Affairs & Civil protection Council

  28–29

  Brussels

  29–30

  Copenhagen

  Enhanced European Co-operation (Ministerial)

  DECEMBER

  2

  Brussels

  Meeting On Macro Economic Dialogue (Ministerial Troika)

  3

  Brussels

  ECOFIN

  2–3

  Brussels

  Employment, Social Policy, Health & Consumer Affairs Council

  4

  Brussels

  Meeting of the Praesidium

  5

  Brussels

  Transport & Telecom Council

  6

  Brussels

  Transport & Telecom Council

  9

  Brussels

  General Affairs Council

  10

  Brussels

  Environment Council

  12–15

  Copenhagen

  European Council

  16–17

  Brussels

  Fisheries Council

  641W

  19

  Brussels

  Meeting of the Praesidium Justice And Home Affairs & Civil

  20

  Brussels

  Protection Council Convention Plenary-External Action and

  20–21

  Brussels

  Defence working group conclusions

  JANUARY

  9

  Brussels

  Meeting of the Praesidium Agriculture & Fisheries Council (to be confirmed)

  9

  Brussels

  16

  Brussels

  Meeting of the Praesidium

  20

  Brussels

  EUROGROUP (evening)

  20

  Brussels

  Convention Plenary

  20–21

  Brussels

  Agriculture & Fisheries Council

  21

  Brussels

  ECOFIN Employment Council (Ministerial

  24

  Nafplion

  Informal)

  27–28

  Brussels

  General Affairs & External Relations Council

  28

  Brussels

  EU-ASEAN Ministerial

  30

  Brussels

  Meeting of the Praesidium

  FEBRUARY

  5

  Brussels

  Meeting of the Praesidium

  6—7

  Brussels

  Convention Plenary

  AGRICULTURE & FISHERIES

  10–11

  Brussels

  Council (to be confirmed)

  13

  Brussels

  Meeting of the Praesidium

  17

  Brussels

  EUROGROUP (evening)

  18

  Brussels

  ECOFIN

  EDUCATION, YOUTH & CULTURE

  20

  Brussels

  Council (to be confirmed)

  22

  Thessaloniki

  Energy Council (Ministerial Informal)

  24–25

  Brussels

  General Affairs & External Relations Council Agriculture & Fisheries

  26

  Brussels

  Meeting of the Praesidium

  27–28

  Brussels

  Convention Plenary

  27–28

  Brussels

  Justice & Home Affairs Council Employment, Social Policy, Health &

  28

  Brussels

  Consumer Affairs Council

  MARCH

  1–2

  Ioannina

  Informal Education

  3

  Brussels

  Competitiveness Council

  4

  Brussels

  Environment Council

  6

  Brussels

  Meeting of the Praesidium Employment, Social Policy, Health & Consumer Affairs Council

  6

  Luxembourg

  6

  Luxembourg

  EUROGROUP (evening)

  7

  Luxembourg

  ECOFIN

  7

  Luxembourg

  Transport, Telecom & Energy Council

  13

  Brussels

  Meeting of the Praesidium (Informal Defence Meeting)

  14–15

  Athens

  17–18

  Brussels

  Convention Plenary

  17–18

  Luxembourg

  Agriculture & Fisheries Council General Affairs & External Relations Council

  18–19

  Luxembourg

  21

  Brussels

  European Council

  27

  Brussels

  Meeting of the Praesidium Justice and Home Affairs Council (Ministerial Informal)

  27

  Veria

  27–28

  Luxembourg

  Transport, Telecom & Energy Council)

  28

  Athens

  EU-Rio Group, EU-MERCOSUR

  28–29

  Veria

  Informal Justice & Home Affairs (Veria)

  31

  Brussels

  Agriculture & Fisheries Council (to be confirmed)

  APRIL

  2

  Brussels

  Meeting of the Praesidium

  3–4

  Brussels

  Convention Plenary

  4

  Brussels

  Justice & Home Affairs

  4–6

  Hania (Crete)

  Informal ECOFIN (Ministerial)

  5

  Lisbon

  Europe—Africa Summit Ministerial Meeting on Education

  5

  Ioannina

  (Informal)

  10

  Brussels

  Meeting of the Praesidium

  11–13

  Chania

  ECOFIN (Informal)

  14

  Brussels

  General Affairs & External Relations

  14

  Brussels

  Agriculture & Fisheries

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  16

  Athens

  European Conference

  16

  Athens

  Signature Of The Accession (Provisional Date)

  23

  Brussels

  Meeting of the Praesidium

  24—25

  Brussels

  Convention Plenary

  MAY

  2–4

  (Greece)

  Gymnich (Informal Foreign Ministers)

  5

  Athens

  Informal Environment (Ministerial)

  5–6

  Brussels

  Education, Youth & Culture Council (To be confirmed)

  8

  Brussels

  Meeting of the Praesidium

  12–13

  Brussels

  Informal Agriculture (Ministerial)

  12

  Brussels

  EUROGRUP

  13

  Brussels

  ECOFIN

  14

  Brussels

  Meeting of the Praesidium

  14

  Brussels

  Transport, Telecom & Energy Council

  15–16

  Brussels

  Convention Plenary

  16

  Brussels

  EU—ACP Ministerial

  16–17

  Halkidiki

  Informal Regional Policy (Ministerial)

  16–18

  Athens (Cruise)

  Informal Transport & Merchant Marine (Ministerial)

  17

  Brussels

  EU—W. Balkans (Zagreb Process)

  19

  Brussels

  General Affairs & External Relations (+ Defence)

  20

  Brussels

  General Affairs & External Relations

  22

  Brussels

  Meeting of the Praesidium

  24

  Thessaloniki

  Informal Culture (Ministerial)

  26–27

  Brussels

  Agriculture & Fisheries Council

  26–27

  Athens

  EUROMED Conference (Mid Term Ministerial)

  27

  Brussels

  Environment Council

  28

  Brussels

  Meeting of the Praesidium

  30–31

  Brussels

  Convention Plenary

  31

  St. Petersburg

  EU—Russia Summit

  Malaysia
  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations have been made to the Government of Malaysia concerning the operation of the Internal Security Act and its compliance with international legal norms; and if he will make a statement. [79648]

  Mike O'Brien
  EU Heads of Diplomatic Missions in Kuala Lumpur raised this issue with the Malaysian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Syed Hamid, on 17 May 2001. We also regularly express our concerns about the use of the Internal Security Act with the Malaysian High Commission in London.

  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations have been made to the Government of Malaysia concerning the imprisonment of the former Deputy Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim; and if he will make a statement. [79647]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Our views on Anwar Ibrahim's continuing imprisonment were expressed in an EU statement of 12 July 2002. That statement recalled our deep concern about the fairness of the trial and expressed disappointment that the verdict had been upheld on final appeal. Our High Commissioner has also discussed this issue with Malaysian ministers.

  National Missile Defence
  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent meetings have been held with the US Deparments of(a)

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  State and (b) Defense on the United Kingdom's contribution to national missile defence; and if he will make a statement. [79651]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Missile defence issues are discussed regularly in the course of official UK/US contacts. It remains the case that there has been no formal US request for the use of UK facilities for missile defence purposes. If a request is received, the Government will consider it. But the Government would only agree to use of UK facilities if satisfied that the overall security of the UK and NATO would be enhanced.

  Bermuda
  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he has taken to ensure that the Boundary Commission in Bermuda has properly discharged its duty to invite representations from the public relating to proposals to change Bermuda's electoral system. [79867]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The Constituency Boundaries Commission invited the public to express views and attend meetings through widely advertised notices in the press and on the radio in Bermuda. Everyone had an opportunity to attend. Meetings were held in four different places, including the capital Hamilton.

  Sikhs
  Mr. Grieve
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations have been received by Her Majesty's Government from the Indian Government concerning the separate ethnic monitoring of British Sikhs in the United Kingdom. [80367]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  We have not received any representations from the Indian Government regarding the separate ethnic monitoring of British Sikhs.

  Zimbabwe
  Norman Lamb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the sale by the wife of the Zimbabwe National Army Commander, of crops seized from Chakoma Estates in Goromonji to United Kingdom supermarkets; and if he will make a statement. [80061]

  Mr. Rammell
  Mrs. Chiwenga's involvement with Chakoma Estates has been reported in both the UK and Zimbabwe media. We have no additional information about the sale of the company's produce to UK supermarkets.

  Anglo-French Summit
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) which country first proposed an Anglo-French Summit to take place in the last three months of this year; [79963]

  (2) when a place for an Anglo-French summit in the last three months of this year was agreed; [79962]
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  (3) when and by whom it was suggested that an Anglo-French summit scheduled to take place in the last three months of this year should be postponed or cancelled; and if he will make a statement on current arrangements on the summit. [79961]

  Mr. MacShane
  UK-French Summits have taken place roughly annually for over 25 years. The venue alternates between UK and France. It was France's turn to host this year and consequently for them to propose a date. They originally proposed 3 December, but have since postponed to allow more time for preparation. We look forward to receiving a new date.

  UK Consulates (California)
  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the impact on the(a) diplomatic and (b) business role of the United Kingdom Consulates in California on the creation of five separate regional development agency offices in that state. [79921]

  Mr. Rammell
  There have been no formal assessments of the impact on the Consulates in California of the local Regional Development Agency (RDA) offices. However, if an RDA wishes to open a new (or expand an existing) overseas office, it is required to present a business case for prior approval by my noble Friend the Baroness Symons, and by the Consulate General.

  Although the RDAs have no diplomatic remit, their presence can strengthen the FCO's public diplomacy effort, for example, when issues arise concerning a particular area of the UK (e.g. Northern Ireland).

  Our Consulates in California have a good relationship with the RDAs, and integrate their business activities where practicable. To ensure there is no "double handling", the inward investment activity of the RDAs is regulated by the Committee on Overseas Promotion Guidelines, which require them to notify the relevant Post in advance before visiting companies within the Post's area of responsibility.

  Charter of Fundamental Rights
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if it is his policy to make the Charter of Fundamental Rights enforceable in law. [78869]

  Mr. MacShane
  The Charter is a political declaration. The Government strongly supports it. People need to know their rights and the EU institutions need to respect them.

  The Government has always maintained that there are legal and practical problems linked to giving the text as its stands legal status. The Laeken European Council mandated the participants in the Future of Europe Convention to consider the Charter's status. We have worked hard in the Convention's Charter Working Group to find solutions to the issues of legal certainty that would need to be resolved before the UK could consider a change in the Charter's status.

  In looking at the Charter's status, two key aspects of the existing text must be maintained: that the Charter is addressed to the Institutions and the Member States only to the extent they are implementing Union law; and

  645W
  that the Charter creates no new power or tasks for the EC and does not modify powers or tasks defined by the Treaties.

  The Government welcomes the Working Group's final report, including some of the technical amendments the group recommends, as a basis for further work on the Charter's status. Any decision on the future status of the Charter will be taken by Heads of Government at an IGC.

PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

  European Scrutiny
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the President of the Council, what plans he has to bring forward proposals to give further powers to Select Committees to take evidence on matters relating to European policy and European draft legislative proposals; and if he will make a statement. [80384]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  I refer the hon. Lady to the Government's Observations on the Thirtieth Report of the European Scrutiny Committee 2001–02, European Scrutiny in the Commons (Second Special Report of that Committee 2001–02, HC 1256), particularly paragraphs 6 and 34–36. Select Committees have power already to take evidence on matters relating to European policy and European draft legislative proposals; and the Liaison Committee's recent guidance to select committees on core objectives and tasks specifically asks them to examine policy proposals from the European Commission.

WORK AND PENSIONS

  Disability Living Allowance
  Valerie Davey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people with autism and Asperger's Syndrome applied for disability living allowance in 2001; how many were(a) successful in their application and (b) refused; and how many of those who were refused were later awarded disability living allowance on appeal. [77283]

  Maria Eagle
  The information requested is not available but such information we can give is shown in the table:

  Number of new recipients of Disability Living Allowance with main disabling condition as learning difficulties or severely mentally impaired between November 2000 and November 2001

  Thousands

  Learning Difficulties

  Severely mentally impaired

  Great Britain

  13.7

  0.1*

  Notes:

  1. Figures are in thousands and rounded to the nearest hundred.

  2. Figures marked* are under 500 and therefore are subject to a high degree of sampling variation and should only be used as a guide to the current situation.
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  3. We do not have autism listed as a disability, therefore, figures for people with Kanner type autism are most likely to be classed under severely mentally impaired, and people with Asperger's Syndrome could be classified under learning difficulties, although these figures will also include other people.

  4. New recipients figures are people in receipt of DLA at November 2001 but not November 2000, there will be a small additional number of new recipients in the year to November 2001 whose DLA award had ceased before 30 November 2001. Therefore, they will not have been present on either our November 2000 or 2001 extract.

  Source:

  Figures taken from the AA/DLA computer system as at 30 November each year sample.

  Private Pensions
  Dr. Francis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what discussions he has had with(a) the pensions industry (b) employers and (c) trades unions to ensure that the public is better informed about their future pension provisions. [75031]

  Mr. McCartney
  [holding reply 21 October 2002]: The Government are committed to ensuring that individuals have access to better information to improve awareness of the importance of retirement planning. We have discussed these issues with a range of pensions representative organisations, such as the members of the Joint Working Group on Occupational Pensions and the Financial Services Authority, as part of our regular dialogue on pensions issues. We have a pension education strategy which includes:

  Raising awareness of retirement planning through a dedicated publicity campaign;
  Providing more information to people about their pension provision through combined pension forecasts; and
  Testing new ways to get information out to the public, for example through interactive digital television.

  Following the Prime Minister's statement at the TUC conference, Ministers have met with both the TUC and the CBI to discuss a range of pensions issues and officials are continuing the constructive dialogue. In addition, the Department of Work and Pensions liasies with a range of organisations on an ongoing basis, to consider ways to improve the provision of pensions information to consumers. For example, in relation to the work on the combined pension forecast we have worked closely with a range of employers such as Sainsburys and Prudential.

  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many final salary pension scheme closures there were over the last five years. [79767]

  Mr. McCartney
  I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible with the information requested and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  HSE Inspections
  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the impact of the recent change in the annual number of Health and Safety Executive inspections. [80244]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  There was a fall in the number of preventive inspections between 1996–97 to 2001–02 from 116,652 to 75,237. Over the same period, there was a 35 per cent increase in the number of investigations.
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  Investigations take much longer than inspections and so it is inevitable that more investigations mean fewer inspections. HSE has also taken action to increase their other preventive work including seminars, conferences and awareness days.

  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the level of investigations by the Health and Safety Executive into deaths and major injuries of(a) the public and (b) workers. [80242]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  The data are not available in the format requested. However, incidents that meet HSE's incident selection criteria are investigated; the criteria are in the public domain and were agreed only after thorough consultation with all interested parties.

  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the levels of prosecution following investigation by the Health and Safety Executive into deaths and major injuries of(a) the public and (b) workers. [80245]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  The data are not available in the format requested.

  However, all the Health and Safety Executive's decisions about taking enforcement action are made in accordance with the principles contained in the Health and Safety Commission's Enforcement Policy Statement (EPS).

  In addition, the HSE has to ensure that proposed enforcement action meets the requirements of the Code for Crown Prosecutors in England and Wales, and the Prosecutors Code in Scotland. These require that there is sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of obtaining a conviction, and that any proposed prosecution would be in the public interest.

  Dr. Cable (Twickenham)
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many accidents were(a) reported to and (b) investigated by the Field Operations division of the HSE in (i) 1998–99, (ii) 1999–2000, (iii) 2000–01 and (iv) 2001–02; and if he will make a statement. [75131]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  The following table shows the number of injuries to employees, self-employed people and members of the public as reported to HSE's Field Operations Directorate and the total number of incidents investigated, 1998–99/2001–02.

  Year

  Injuries Reported

  Incidents Investigated

  1998–1999

  141,549

  7,805

  1999–2000

  141,507

  9,754

  2000–2001

  138,312

  14,279

  Notes:

  1. "Injuries" includes all fatal, major and over-3-day injuries.

  2. Injuries reported as required by the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 1995.

  3. "Incidents" includes injuries, diseases, dangerous occurrences and gas safety incidents.
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  The data for investigations are not available in the form requested. The data for 2001–02 are not available as the information is subject to exemption 10 under the National Statistics Code of Practice pending the publication of HSE Statistics in December 2002

  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what plans he has to increase the proportion of(a) dangerous occurrences and (b) major injuries investigated by the Health and Safety Executive; [80241]

  (2)What assessment he has made of the reasons underlying differences between Health and Safety Executive areas in the level of (a) investigation, (b) inspection and (c) prosecution. [80243]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether housing benefit will continue to be paid four weeks in arrears in the housing benefit reform pilot areas. [80257]

  Malcolm Wicks
  Yes.

  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will place in the Library a copy of the report made to him on housing benefit at Swale Borough Council. [79920]

  Malcolm Wicks
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Scarborough and Whitby (Lawrie Quinn) on 22 October 2002,Official Report, cols 136–38W.

  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how he will indentify those vulnerable people he intends to safeguard in the housing benefit reform pilot areas; and what form these safeguards will take. [80262]

  Malcolm Wicks
  Tenants in the pilot areas will have their rent paid to them rather than to their landlord. However, we appreciate that not all tenants will be able to cope with this responsibility. For this reason safeguards will be in place to ensure that landlords and vulnerable tenants are protected.

  For example, as now, where it is considered appropriate, the pathfinder authority will be able to make the first payment of benefit direct to the landlord. And in cases where 8 weeks' rent arrears have built up, payments of Housing Benefit will be made to the landlord. In addition, certain groups of vulnerable tenants—such as those living in hostels—will not be included in the standard local housing allowance scheme.

  The details of the new scheme will be set out in regulations and we shall be consulting on these in due course.

  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how mobility within and between neighbourhoods of differing housing quality and cost will be monitored in the housing benefit reform pilot areas; whether the pre-1996 housing benefit restrictions
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  are being repealed in the housing benefit reform pilot areas; and how much he estimates the gainers in the housing benefit reform pilot areas will benefit; [80253]

  (2) how he plans to measure the impact on the supply of quality housing in the housing benefit reform pilot areas; [80260]

  (3) how he plans to monitor if rent is being negotiated in the housing benefit pilot areas; and if he will monitor the effectiveness of (a) the elderly, (b) lone parents, (c) ethnic minority groups and (d) people with disabilities in such negotiations; [80261]

  (4) if he will review the effect of the operation of non-dependent deductions in the housing benefit reform pilot areas; [80258]

  (5) whether the number and size of localities used to determine local reference rents and standard local housing allowances in the housing benefit reform pilot areas will be monitored following the Rent Offices (Housing Benefit Functions) (Amendment) Order 2001. [80252]

  Malcolm Wicks
  The standard local housing allowance will repeal the pre-1996 Housing Benefit restrictions in pathfinder local authority areas. The benefits to the gainers in the pathfinder areas will depend on the local conditions in those authorities that volunteer to become pathfinders.

  In consultation with independent researchers we are drawing up a rigorous evaluation strategy to monitor the standard local housing allowance pathfinders.

  The evaluation strategy will use a range of research techniques, including both fieldwork with key stakeholders in the pathfinder areas and analysis of administrative and operational data collected by the Department. This will enable us to understand both the impact of the pathfinders and the way in which these impacts have been achieved.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how many people are receiving housing benefit in respect of private sector tenancies,(a) in Great Britain and (b) each of the smallest geographical units for which figures are available; [76799]

  (2) when the reference rent scheme was introduced; and how many private sector tenants in receipt of housing benefit have been affected by it in each year since it was introduced; [76801]

  (3) how many private sector tenants in receipt of housing benefit whose eligible rent is capped by the reference rent are (a) pensioners, (b) couples with children, (c) childless couples, (d) lone parents and (e) other single people; [76802]

  (4) what proportion of private tenants in receipt of housing benefit have their eligible rent capped by the reference rent system in (a) Great Britain and (b) in each of the smallest geographical units for which figures are available. [76800]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  There are limits and complexities to the available data. I will write to the hon. Member shortly with more detail and place a copy of my letter in the Library
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  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people have had their housing benefit restricted to below the level of rent payable as a result of the local reference rent; and how many of those people have only one room for their exclusive use in each of the last five years. [79479]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  There are limits and complexities to the available data. I will write to the hon. Member shortly with more detail and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the impact of Swale borough council's housing benefit procedures on homelessness in Sittingbourne and Sheppey. [79919]

  Malcolm Wicks
  The Benefit Fraud Inspectorate (BFI) has an ongoing programme of inspections to help councils identify and act on weaknesses in their benefit services, and drive up standards of administration. On 25 September the BFI published a report of an inspection of Swale Borough Council conducted in spring 2002. The report commended Swale for clearing its backlog of benefit claims since the previous BFI inspection in 2000, and for improvements in the council's speed in processing benefit claims.

  Although it made further recommendations to help the council address ongoing weaknesses, we recognise the detrimental effect that delays in processing Housing Benefit claims can have on the ability of tenants to meet their rent responsibilities. That is why a key aim of our strategy for reforming Housing Benefit is to improve its administration.

  However there is no evidence to show a direct link between poor benefit administration and homelessness.

  Martin Linton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people in receipt of housing benefit in the private sector in Wandsworth have to make up the difference between the amount received and the rent stated in their claim. [77290]

  Malcolm Wicks
  The information is not available in the format requested.

  The table shows the number, the average weekly Housing Benefit payment and the average eligible rent of Housing Benefit recipients living in the deregulated private sector, in the London Borough of Wandsworth, at May 2002. There is no directly comparable information about the actual rents paid by Housing Benefit recipients.

  Local authority

  Housing Benefit Recipients

  Average Weekly Eligible Rent

  Average Weekly Amount Of Housing Benefit Paid

  Wandsworth

  2,050

  £136.00

  £128.20

  Notes:

  1. The data refer to households claiming Housing Benefit, which may be a single person, a couple or a family. More than one benefit household can live in one property, for example two or more adults in a flat or house share arrangement.
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  2. The eligible rent is the amount of rent, which may be met by Housing Benefit after any restrictions applied by the rent officer, taking account of the cost of suitable accommodation in the area.

  3. Figures include cases where Housing Benefit is paid at a reduced rate due to the tenant's income.

  4. The caseload figure is rounded to the nearest ten cases.

  5. The average amounts are rounded to the nearest ten pence.

  6. Figures exclude any extended payment cases

  Source:

  Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit Management Information Quarterly 100 per cent. statistical enquiry taken in May 2002.

  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what percentage of gainers in the housing benefit reform pilot areas are likely to benefit from the removal of housing benefit restrictions other than the local and single reference rents. [80259]

  Malcolm Wicks
  The proportions for individual pathfinder areas will depend on which local authorities agree to take part in the pilot.

  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what reasons underlay his decision on the length of the period before landlords can begin receiving housing benefit directly if a tenant gets into arrears; and what assessment he has made of the impact of his decision on possession cases in shorthold tenancies. [80255]

  Malcolm Wicks
  The requirement that housing benefit payments must be made to the landlord if a tenant builds up rent arrears of 8 weeks is an established part of the benefit scheme and is linked to housing law, under which the establishment of at least 8 weeks' worth of rent arrears is a ground for eviction. We intend to maintain this requirement for the standard local housing allowance pathfinder areas, together with other safeguards to protect landlords and vulnerable tenants.

  We have made no assessment of the practical impact of the 8 week limit on possession cases.

  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on how the rapid re-claim facility for housing benefit will operate; and what targets have been set for the time taken to process these claims. [80256]

  Malcolm Wicks
  We introduced Rapid Reclaim for Housing Benefit recipients on 28 October 2002.

  Rapid Reclaim removes barriers to taking and declaring work by reducing Housing Benefit recipients' concerns about the delays in reclaiming benefit if a job does not last. People of working age can re-claim Housing Benefit within 12 weeks of the end of their last claim, using a shortened, simplified claim form which includes a declaration that their circumstances are the same as when they previously claimed. Providing there have been no significant changes in circumstances, the local authority can process the claim based only on that declaration.

  No clearance time targets have been set for Rapid Reclaim cases over and above the targets and performance indicators that already exist. However, the nature of Rapid Reclaim means that claims will be processed much more quickly than new Housing Benefit claims and that customers will therefore receive their benefit sooner.
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  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions by what means information will be made publicly available about(a) the size and boundaries of localities determined by the Rent Service to calculate the standard local housing allowance in the housing benefit reform pilot areas and (b) what the average rent is by size of dwelling in those localities. [80251]

  Malcolm Wicks
  Under the new scheme, pathfinder authorities will be required to make information about the localities and the standard allowances publicly available. Details of the boundaries of localities and the standard allowances for different property sizes will therefore be accessible to both tenants and landlords

  The details of the scheme will be set out in regulations and we will be consulting on these in due course.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Alan Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how many persons have been found to have been claiming benefits pending an asylum application in the UK and Eire at the same time in each of the last three years; [78502]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the extent of fraud perpetrated by those claiming benefits in Eire and the UK simultaneously whilst pursuing an asylum application. [78503]

  Malcolm Wicks
  Our strategy for tackling fraud focuses on prevention by tightening the gateway to benefits, making stringent checks to verify a person's identity and details of their claim at the outset.

  People from abroad who wish to claim benefits must first provide sufficient evidence of their identity and circumstances for a National Insurance number (NINO) to be allocated.

  This process involves a rigorous face to face interview, scrutiny of supporting documentation, and corroborative checks made on the information provided prior to the allocation of a NINO. The process applies to all foreign nationals requiring a NINO. If during the allocation process suspicions are raised as to the legitimacy of an individual's right to be in the country, the case is referred to the Department's National Identity Fraud Unit for further action.

  Upon arrival in this country asylum seekers are initially supported by the Home Office National Asylum Support Service. Contact with this Department for the allocation of a NINO will therefore not normally take place until a decision has been made by the Home Office on the person's application for asylum. Once this has taken place (or if the person has been in the country for more than 6 months and is still awaiting a decision), an application for a NINO can be made.

  There are arrangements in place between this Department and the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs in the Republic of Ireland which allow fraud investigators to compare information held by both departments relating to individuals suspected of committing fraud.

  Job Advertisements
  Annabelle Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many posts were advertised in the press in each year from June 1999; and what percentage of them were advertised in the Scottish press. [76851]

  Mr. McCartney
  [holding reply 24 October 2002]: The information is not held centrally and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

  Goodwin and I v. UK
  Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the answer of 24 July, concerning the case of Goodwin and Iv. UK, Official Report, col 1308W,if he will list the several Departments which have incurred costs in this case. [75743]

  Mr. McCartney
  This litigation raised policy implications for most Government Departments, however those Departments most closely involved are the Foreign Office, Lord Chancellor's Department, Department for Work and Pensions and Department of Heath.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when he will reply to the letters dated 28 August and 20 September from the hon. Member for Buckingham. [76017]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  I replied to the hon. Member on 22 October.

  Child Support
  Mr. Alan Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many current CSA assessments would be altered by implementation of the proposed changes in procedures. [78729]

  Malcolm Wicks
  It is expected that the majority of assessments made by the Child Support Agency will alter when the new scheme is introduced for existing cases. This is expected to be about a year after the new scheme is commenced for new cases.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the average payment made in child support maintenance by the non-resident parent under the CSA system for(a) one child, (b) two children and (c) three or more children, based on the most recent five per cent. scan of the Child Support Computer System. [79360]

  Malcolm Wicks
  [holding reply 4 November 2002]: The information is in the table.

  Average maintenance payment, £ per week

  Number of qualifying children

  1

  2

  3

  27.43

  35.30

  36.24

  Notes:

  1. Figures are taken from a 5 per cent sample of "live and assessed" cases of the May 2002 quarterly scan of the Child Support Computer System and so are subject to sampling variation.
  654W
  2. Figures are based only on payments to parents with care made via the CSA collection service. Data is not held on those payments made directly by the non-resident parent to the parent with care.

  3. Averages are based on cases with Full Maintenance Assessments only.

  4. Payments made to reduce outstanding arrears are included in the calculation.

  5. The averages exclude cases assessed at zero maintenance payable; these represent nearly half of all cases with a Full Maintenance Assessment.

  6. The figures in the table represent average amounts paid by each non-resident parent for a single case.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the average child support maintenance assessment is for(a) all, (b) employed and (c) unemployed non-resident parents for (i) one, (ii) two and (iii) three or more qualifying children. [79364]

  Malcolm Wicks
  [holding answer 4 November 2002]: The information is given in the table.

  Average maintenance assessment, £ per week

  Employment status of non-resident parent

  Number of qualifying children

  1

  2

  3

  All

  19.05

  25.38

  23.45

  Employed

  33.96

  43.08

  44.86

  Unemployed

  2.27

  2.89

  1.92

  Notes:

  1. The averages take account of cases assessed at zero maintenance payable.

  2. Figures are taken from a 5 per cent sample of all "live and assessed" cases of the May 2002 quarterly scan of the Child Support Computer System and so are subject to sampling variation.

  3. Figures are for Full Maintenance Assessments only.

  4. Employment status of the non-resident parent is based on the information held on the Child Support Computer System.

  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will make a statement on the timetable for the introduction of the proposed changes in the CSA; and what assessment he has made of the impact upon the parent with responsibility of its proposed changes. [77308]

  Malcolm Wicks
  [holding reply 28 October 2002]: I refer my hon. Friend to the letter sent to right hon. and hon. Members on 19 September 2002 by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, a copy of which was placed in the Library.

  The White Paper "A new contract for welfare: children's rights and parents' responsibilities", (CM4349) published in July 1999, gives our most recent estimates.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, (1) if he will update his estimates of gainers and losers from his proposed reforms to child support; [74842]

  (2) what estimates he has made of the change in average maintenance assessment under the new Child Support Scheme for a non resident parent supporting (a) one qualifying child, (b) two qualifying children and (c) three or more qualifying children. [76109]

  Malcolm Wicks
  The White Paper "A new contract for welfare: children's rights and parents' responsibilities", (CM 4349) published in July 1999, gives our most recent estimates.
  655W
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) if he will estimate the(a) percentage and (b) number of non-resident parents who will see (i) an increase and (ii) a decrease in their child support maintenance assessment under the new scheme, based on the (A) five per cent. scan of the Child Support Computer System that was conducted in August 2000 and (B) the most recent five per cent. scan of the system; [79363]

  (2) if he will estimate the average child support maintenance assessment under the new scheme for (a) all, (b) employed and (c) unemployed non-resident parents for (i) one, (ii) two and (iii) three or more qualifying children, based on the most recent scan of the Child Support Computer System; [79365]

  (3) if he will estimate the average (a) weekly amount and (b) percentage change in child support maintenance assessment under the new scheme for (i) all, (ii) employed and (iii) unemployed non resident parents for (1) one, (2) two and (3) three or more qualifying children, based on the most recent five per cent. scan of the Child Support Computer System. [79358]

  Malcolm Wicks
  [holding answer 4 November 2002]: I refer my hon. friend to the letter sent to right hon. and hon. Members on 19 September 2002 by my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State, a copy of which has been placed in the Library.

  The White Paper "A new contract for welfare: children's rights and parents' responsibilities", (CM 4349) published in July 1999, gives our most recent estimates.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much has been paid in compensation for Child Support Agency maladministration in each of the last five years; and how many cases have been involved. [79361]

  Malcolm Wicks
  The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Mr. Doug Smith. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter to Mr. Steven Webb from Doug Smith, dated 7 November 2002:
  The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in replying to your recent parliamentary questions about the Child Support Agency promised a substantive reply from me.
  You ask how much has been paid in compensation for Child Support Agency maladministration in each of the last five years; and how many cases have been involved.
  The amounts that have been paid by the Agency's Special Payments Team in respect of consolatory and financial redress and the number of cases involved are as follows:

  Number of Cases

  Total amount Paid (£)

  1997–1998

  1,389

  786,590

  1998–1999

  8,195

  3,683,277

  1999–2000

  7,705

  2,529,695

  2000–2001

  9,821

  2,736,479

  2001–2002

  12,007

  2,518.487

  I hope you find this useful.
  656W
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to his answer of 28 October 2002,Official Report, column 649W, on child maintenance, what proportion of parents with care on income support and income-based jobseekers' allowance received maintenance for their children in (a) 1997 and (b) at the most recent date for which figures are available. [79924]

  Malcolm Wicks
  Based on data for February for both years, in 1997, 36 per cent. of the total of 255,000 parents with care, on income support or income-based job seeker's allowance and with full maintenance assessments were receiving maintenance. For 2002, that proportion was 31 per cent., but of a caseload that had increased by over 50 per cent., to some 392,000 such parents with care.

  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many complaints and queries have been dealt with by the Child Support Agency in each of the last five years; how many absent parents were no longer contactable in each of these years; how many maintenance accounts held by the agency were in arrears in each of these years(a) in the United Kingdom and (b) in Durham; and what the outstanding amounts were (i) in the United Kingdom and (ii) in Durham. [80233]

  Malcolm Wicks
  I will write to my hon. Friend as soon as possible with the information requested and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Pensions
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what income sources his Department includes when measuring progress towards the Government's target on increasing the balance of spending on pensioners' incomes that comes from the private sector, as outlined on page 103 of the 1998 Green Paper on pensions Command Paper 4179; and what the figures were for each of these income sources in each year since 1998. [78331]

  Mr. McCartney
  I refer the hon. Member to the answers given to the hon. Member for Northavon (Mr. Webb) on 20 May 2002,Official Report, column 41W, and on 3 July 2002, Official Report, columns 420W–22W.

  Harrow Benefits Agency
  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many complaints have been received about late payment of benefits by the Harrow Benefits Agency in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement. [77228]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  Over the last 12 months, a total of 1,051 complaints have been received at the Harrow Social Security Office regarding late payment of benefits.

  The last 12 months have seen substantial change in what was Harrow Benefits Agency and a period of industrial action which has had some impact on performance. The Harrow Social Security Office now forms part of the Jobcentre Plus District for Brent, Harrow and Hillingdon. The District has already begun an improvement programme including re-training for

  657W
  staff in some areas of their work. This is already showing improved results in customer service and performance, with a corresponding reduction in the number of complaints received. There were 153 complaints about late payments of benefit in October 2001. By October 2002 there were only 13 complaints.

  Disability Benefits
  Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many disabled benefit recipients have failed his Department's tests in each of the last five years for which records are available; and

  Incapacity Benefit (IB) and Severe Disablement Allowance (SDA) claims disallowed following application of the Personal Capability Assessment or the Own Occupation Test

  Incapacity Benefit

  Severe Disablement Allowance

  Year

  Personal Capability Assessment1

  Own Occupation Test

  Personal Capability Assessment1

  Own Occupation Test

  1 March 1997 to 28 February 1998

  173,400

  2,700

  1,500

  —

  1 March 1998 to 28 February 1999

  116,3002

  4,700

  1,0002

  —

  1 March 1999 to 29 February 2000

  127,600

  4,500

  900

  *100

  1 March 2000 to 28 February 2001

  96,900

  5,600

  700

  —

  1 March 2001 to 28 February 2002

  103,900

  5,100

  1,100

  —

  Notes:

  1 The Personal Capability Assessment replaced the All Work Test in April 2000.

  2 Figures are for 3 quarters only. Due to a change in the recording system reliable figures for the personal capability assessment are not available for the quarter ending 30 November 1998.

  3 National Insurance Credits Only cases are included in these figures.

  4 Numbers marked "*" are based on a very few sample cases and are therefore subject to a high degree of sampling error and should be used as a guide to the current situation only.

  5 "—" denotes nil or negligible.

  Source:

  Figures are based on 5 per cent samples of the Incapacity Benefit computer system and exclude a small number of clerically held cases.

  Appeals against disallowance of IB following a Personal Capability Assessment found in favour of the appellant

  Period

  Found in favour

  1 July 2000–31 December 2000

  6,660

  1 January 2001–31 December 2001

  12,800

  1 January 2002–30 September 2002

  11,570

  Appeals against disallowance of other benefits following a Personal Capability Assessment found in favour of the appellant

  Period

  Found in favour

  01 July 2000–31 December 2000

  165

  01 January 2001–31 December 2001

  315

  01 January 2002–30 September 2002

  260

  Notes:

  1. Includes cases where people are in receipt of SDA or Income Support with the Disability Premium.

  2. Information on appeals following the Own Occupation Test is not collected separately.

  3. All figures are subject to change as more up to date data become available.

  4. Figures are rounded to the nearest five.

  5. Figures for 2002 are provisional.

  6. Reliable data are not available prior to 1 July 2000.

  Source:

  100 per cent download of the Generic Appeals Processing System.

  Jobcentre PWS Interviews
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how many(a) income support, (b) incapacity benefit, (c) invalid care allowance,
  658W
  how many have had those benefits restored on appeal for each of the different tests for which disabled people are required to undergo. [76089]

  Maria Eagle
  Two medical assessments are used to determine incapacity for work for benefit purposes: the Own Occupation Test, which is applied during the first 28 weeks of incapacity, and the Personal Capability Assessment. Attendance Allowance (AA) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) are self-assessment benefits and as such there is no requirement for a medical assessment. However, Decision Makers may request further evidence which can include a report from an examining medical practitioner.

  The available information is in the tables.

  (d) bereavement benefit and (e) severe disablement allowance claimants have had (i) a new claim refused as a result of work focused interview non-attendance and (ii) benefit reduced as a result of failure to attend a repeat work-focused interview, under The Social Security (Jobcentre Plus Interviews) Regulations 2001; [79371]

  (2) what percentage of (a) income support, (b) incapacity benefit, (c) invalid care allowance, (d) bereavement benefit and (e) severe disablement (i) new claimants in Jobcentre Plus areas have had a claim refused as a result of work focused interview non-attendance and (ii) existing caseload claimants in Jobcentre Plus areas have had their benefit reduced as a result of failure to attend a repeat-work focused interview, under The Social Security (Jobcentre Plus Interviews) Regulations 2001. [79372]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  NIRS2 Recalculation
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what the average(a) underpayment and (b) overpayment for (i) retirement pension, (ii) widow's

  659W
  benefit, (iii) bereavement benefit, (iv) incapacity benefit and (v) jobseeker's allowance is as a result of incorrect NIRS2 calculations; [79370]

  (2) how many (a) retirement pension, (b) widow's benefit, (c) bereavement benefit, (d) incapacity benefit and (e) jobseeker's allowance cases are waiting for a review triggered by a NIRS2 calculation; [79366]

  (3) how much has been paid in arrears of (a) retirement pension, (b) widow's benefit, (c) bereavement benefit, (d) incapacity benefit and (e) jobseeker's allowance; and to how many pensioners, as a result of incorrect NIRS2 calculations; [79367]

  Benefit or pension

  Total amount underpaid

  Number underpaid

  Average amount underpaid

  Total amount overpaid

  Number overpaid

  Average amount overpaid

  Retirement pension

  £64,171,357

  190,791

  £336

  £2,895,937

  11,629

  £249

  Widow's benefit/bereavement benefit

  £29,420,184

  17,496

  £1,681

  £316,123

  722

  £438

  Incapacity benefit

  £3,339,274

  9,984

  £334

  £746,525

  793

  £941

  Jobseekers allowance

  £906,473

  2,524

  £359

  £180,251

  475

  £379

  Underpayments have been rectified. There should be no cases awaiting a review as a direct result of a NIRS2 recalculation.

  Unemployment and Sickness Benefit (Wales)
  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people are claiming(a) unemployment related and (b) sickness-related benefits in each local authority in Wales. [80240]

  Malcolm Wicks
  The information is in the tables.

  Numbers of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance in Wales by local authority at September 2002

  Local authority

  Numbers

  Blaenau Gwent

  1,740

  Bridgend

  1,730

  Caerphilly

  2,785

  Cardiff

  5,752

  Carmarthenshire

  2,485

  Ceredigion

  858

  Conwy

  1,454

  Denbighshire

  1,141

  Flintshire

  1,725

  Anglesey, Isle of

  1,554

  Gwynedd

  2,088

  Merthyr Tydfil

  1,139

  Monmouthshire

  837

  Neath Port Talbot

  2,280

  Newport

  2,714

  Pembrokeshire

  2,119

  Powys

  1,293

  Rhondda, Cynon, Taff

  3,390

  Swansea

  3,979

  The Vale of Glamorgan

  1,906

  Torfaen

  1,385

  Wrexham

  1,702

  Wales

  46,056

  660W
  (4) how much has been paid in overpayment of (a) retirement pension, (b) widow's benefit, (c) bereavement benefit, (d) incapacity benefit and (e) jobseeker's allowance and to how many claimants, as a result of incorrect NIRS2 calculations; [79368]

  (5) how much has been underpaid in (a) retirement pension, (b) widow's benefit, (c) bereavement benefit, (d) incapacity benefit and (e) jobseeker's allowance and to how many claimants as a result of incorrect NIRS2 calculations; [79369]

  (6) how many cases are waiting for a review triggered by a NIRS2 calculation. [79357]

  Malcolm Wicks
  [holding answer 4 November 2002]: Up to 30 November 2001, the information requested is as follows:

  Notes:

  The figures include those receiving either contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) or income-based JSA or both and those receiving National Insurance credits only.

  Source:

  Jobcentre Plus Computer Systems, 100 per cent. count of all unemployed people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance.

  Numbers of working age people claiming sickness-related benefits in Wales by local authority at May 2002

  Local authority

  Numbers

  Blaenau Gwent

  8,100

  Bridgend

  11,600

  Caerphilly

  17,200

  Cardiff

  18,700

  Carmarthenshire

  13,700

  Ceredigion

  4,400

  Conwy

  6,800

  Denbighshire

  5,800

  Flintshire

  7,300

  Anglesey, Isle of

  4,400

  Gwynedd

  5,900

  Merthyr Tydfil

  7,700

  Monmouthshire

  3,600

  Neath Port Talbot

  14,200

  Newport

  9,300

  Pembrokeshire

  7,200

  Powys

  6,400

  Rhondda, Cynon, Taff

  24,700

  Swansea

  17,900

  The Vale of Glamorgan

  6,100

  Torfaen

  8,300

  Wrexham

  8,200

  Wales

  217,600

  Notes:

  1. Figures are rounded to the nearest hundred.

  2. "Sickness-related" benefits are defined for the purposes of this table as Incapacity Benefit (IB), Severe Disablement Allowance and Income Support with disability premium and National Insurance credits only (1B).

  Source:

  DWP Client Group Analysis, 5 per cent. statistical samples relating to May 2002.

  Incapacity Benefit
  Mrs. Brooke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, in what circumstances incapacity benefit is means tested; and whether the incapacity benefit is reduced if a man aged 61 has an occupational pension. [76924]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  Incapacity Benefit exists to provide a measure of earnings replacement for people of working age who are incapable of work. Where a person is duplicating this provision the law provides for this to be taken into account.

  If a person claiming Incapacity Benefit receives an occupational pension, personal pension or payments through a permanent health insurance scheme of £85 a week or more, their Incapacity Benefit is reduced by half the amount which exceeds £85. Only people making new claims from 6 April 2001 are affected by the new rules.

  Focus Group Research since 1 June 2001

  Project Title

  Topics covered

  Organisation undertaking the research

  Total Cost

  Research published on Department's website?

  Employment Service

  Implementation Training and guidance

  BMRB and Insite

  £19,830

  No

  Review of the Job Entry Target

  The Jobcentre Plus Job Entry Target—focus groups with staff

  Policy Research Institute

  £24,105

  No

  Good Practice in Work Preparation

  Purpose and function of Work preparation:

  Social Policy Research Unit

  £72,288

  Yes

  Evaluation of the permitted work rules for Incapacity Benefit claimants

  The use of the new arrangements by staff who apply them or refer to them in their work.

  Institute for Employment Studies

  £199,000

  Research commissioned in Summer 2002, findings to be published in 2004

  Incapacity Benefits & Work Incentives

  Client experiences of a series of work incentive measures.

  Social Policy Research Unit

  £47,025

  Yes

  The Role of GPs in Sickness Certification

  The knowledge, attitudes and experiences of GPs acting as certifying medical practitioners.

  National Center for Social Research

  £73,333

  Yes

  Diversity in Disability

  To provide a greater understanding of the life experiences of disabled men and women from different minority ethnic groups.

  National Center for Social Research

  £136,798

  Research to be published early 2003

  Social Fund use amongst older people in Britain

  To provide an understanding of the reasons for take-up and non-take-up among eligible older people.

  Personal Finance Research Center (PFRC), University of Bristol

  £55,230

  Yes

  Attitudes to Electronic Service Delivery

  Use of the internet and computers

  Andrew Irving Associates

  £46,000

  The project is ongoing and will be published on the website when complete

  Investigating Low Labour Market Participation among Lone Parents in London.

  Six workshops conducted with lone parent "experts" such as NDLP advisers in London, Merseyside and Strathclyde.

  The National Center for Social Research.

  £22,938

  Forthcoming research to be published 2002–2003

  Partners of non JSA benefit recipients

  Attitudes and barriers to work

  ECOTEC Research and Consulting Ltd.

  £52,385

  Yes

  Reforming Services for Pensioners: Perceptions of The Pension Service Proposed Business Model for 2006 Among Today's Pensioners

  Customers' views of what they would like to see from The Pension Service in the future.

  Forum Qualitative

  £ 34,400

  No, customer testing for internal use.

  Occupational Deafness
  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when he will publish the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council report on occupational deafness. [79764]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  The Industrial Injuries Advisory Council expects to publish its report on occupational deafness shortly.

  Focus Group Research
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what use he and his Department have made of focus group research since June 2001; if he will identify for each research project the topics covered, the person or organisation carrying out the research, and the total cost; and if he will publish the research on his Department's website. [74986]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  The information is available in the table.
  663W

  Focus Group Research since 1 June 2001

  Project Title

  Topics covered

  Organisation undertaking the research

  Total Cost

  Research published on Department's website?

  Evaluation of NDLP Innovation Fund

  Client perceptions project delivery.

  York Consulting

  £80,051

  Research will be published in early 2003 and will be available on department website in due course

  Child Support Reforms

  Testing of leaflets and letters.

  Andrew Irvine Associates

  £80,403

  No

  Pay Offer Pack
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the cost was of the Pay 2002 information pack circulation; and if he will make a statement in respect of targeting information to recipients [78337]

  Mr. McCartney
  The cost for design, print and distribution of the Department 2002 Pay Offer information pack was £1.34 per pack. Around 146,500 copies were issued to staff.

  Distribution of the package was based on payroll information for staff from the former Department for Social Security, and the most recent "census" information for staff from the former Employment Service.

  This year's pay offer to staff was particularly significant because it was the first since the Department was formed in 2001, where staff were brought together from the former DSS, Employment Services and Department for Education and Employment. For the past year different terms and conditions have applied within the Department.

  The offer package provided staff with comprehensive details on a raft of harmonised changes to their terms and conditions, pay structure and conditions of employment for staff in the Department for Work and Pensions. The proposed changes to terms and conditions contained in the 2002 pay offer were complex and contractual. It was therefore, essential that all staff had the opportunity to read, understand and ask questions about the changes. The only way to ensure that this was achieved was to distribute personal copies of the information package to all staff in the Department.

  Jobcentres (Wiltshire)
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many employees there are broken down by function at(a) Avon House Jobcentre, Salisbury, (b)

  Office Name

  Verbally Abused

  Threatened

  Actual Physical Assaults

  Number of times the Police were asked to attend

  Number of prosecutions

  Avon House Salisbury

  11

  7

  3

  3

  0

  Amesbury Jobcentre

  0

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Summerlock House Salisbury

  3

  1

  1

  0

  0

  664W
  Amesbury Jobcentre and (c) Summerlock House, Salisbury; and what plans he has to change the number of jobs, broken down by function, at each location. [80301]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  The number of staff and the functions they perform in the two jobcentres are as follows:

  Salisbury Jobcentre

  Amesbury Jobcentre

  Employer Services

  1

  1

  Personal Advisers

  7

  1

  Customer Services

  9

  2

  Jobseeker's Allowance claims processing

  6

  0

  Programme Centre

  2

  0

  Management and Office services

  1

  1

  Total

  26

  5

  In the Summerlock House Social Security Office the staff deployment is as follows:

  Customer Services

  7

  Income Support claims processing

  8

  Incapacity Benefit claims processing

  10

  Home visiting

  2

  Management and Office services

  5

  Counter Fraud Investigation Service

  4

  Minimum Income Guarantee claims processing

  2

  Retirement Pension claims processing

  19

  Total

  57

  There are no plans to make significant changes to job functions in the short term. In the longer term the migration of existing Jobcentres and Social Security Offices into fully integrated Jobcentre Plus offices and the development of The Pensions Service may lead to changes in job functions in order to deliver improved services to customers.

  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many of his staff at(a) Avon House Jobcentre, Salisbury, (b) Amesbury Jobcentre and (c) Summerlock House, Salisbury were (i) threatened, (ii) verbally abused and (iii) physically assaulted in 2001; on how many occasions the police were called; and how many prosecutions followed. [80300]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  The number of incidents recorded during 2001 was as follows:
  665W
  Whilst clearly unacceptable, the physical assaults that occurred were minor incidents in which no member of staff sustained serious injuries.

  Winter Fuel Payments
  Tony Baldry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the cost would be of extending winter fuel payments to those families who receive disability living allowance. [78645]

  Maria Eagle
  We estimate that the cost of extending Winter Fuel Payments to people under 60 who are receiving any rate of Disability Living Allowance would be around £270 million a year.

  Notes:

  Based on the 2000–2001 Family Resources Survey and data taken from DWP administrative records for November 2001 and May 2002.

  Assumes that the payment is made to claimants in receipt of any rate of DLA who are aged under 60.

  Annabelle Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if the departmental computer error affecting the entitlement to the winter fuel payment of residents in separate tenement flats at the same street number has been rectified. [80083]

  Mr. McCartney
  It is not a question of a computer error but one of how we determine the number of eligible occupants of tenement flats in Scotland. This year, to ensure that the correct Winter Fuel Payments are made to people living in tenements in Scotland, staff have clerically intervened in the process.

  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when he expects pensioners to receive the winter fuel allowance this winter. [80089]

  Mr. McCartney
  The first payments were issued on 4 November, and payments will continue to be sent out over the next few weeks. The vast majority of eligible people, including those who receive payments automatically, will receive their payment before Christmas.

  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how much money has been paid as winter fuel allowance to UK citizens living abroad since the allowance was introduced. [79156]

  Mr. McCartney
  To date, we have paid Winter Fuel Payments totalling £154,200 to 2,040 eligible people who are now living in an European Economic Area country other than the UK.

  Pensions (Employer Contributions)
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many employees with personal pension plans receive an employer contribution into their pension of(a)(b) less than 3 per cent. (c) 3 to 3.9 per cent., (d) 4 to 4.9 per cent., (e) 5 to 5.9 per cent., (f) 6 to 6.9 per cent., (g) 7 to 9.9 per cent. and (h) 10 per cent. or higher (i) in total and (ii) broken down by (A) industry group (B) whether in the public or private sector and (C) employer size. [79959]
  666W
  Mr. McCartney
  The data are not available in the form requested. However, the Employers Pension Provision Survey 2000, the fourth in a series commissioned by the Department for Work and Pensions, examined different types of pension arrangements in the private sector. The survey includes information on the proportion of employers who contribute to employees' personal pensions, who provide access to group personal pensions and the contribution rates that such employers make.

  A copy of the report, entitled "Employers Pension Provision Survey 2000" by Alison Smith and Stephen McKay, Department for Work and Pensions Research Report No. 163 is available in the Library.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how many employees in defined benefit occupational pension schemes receive an employer contribution into their pension of(a) 0, (b) less than 3 per cent., (c) 3 to 3.9 per cent., (d) 4 to 4.9 per cent., (e) 5 to 5.9 per cent., (f) 6 to 6.9 per cent., (g) 7 to 9.9 per cent., and (h) 10 per cent. or higher (i) in total and (ii) broken down by (A) industry group, (B) whether in the public or private sector and (C) employer size; [79957]

  (2) how many employees in defined contribution occupational pension schemes receive an employer contribution into their pension of (a) 0, (b) less than 3 per cent., (c) 3 to 3.9 per cent., (d) 4 to 4.9 per cent., (e) 5 to 5.9 per cent., (f) 6 to 6.9 per cent. (g) 7 to 9.9 per cent. and (h) 10 per cent. or higher (i) in total and (ii) broken down by (A) industry group. (B) whether in the public or private sector and (C) employer size. [79958]

  Mr. McCartney
  Information on contributions to defined contribution occupational pension schemes and deferred benefit occupational pension scheme was collected as part of the Government Actuary Department's Occupational Pension Scheme Survey 2000, preliminary results from which were published recently.

  A full breakdown of results in the form requested not available at this time. I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible with a full breakdown of the results and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Recruitment (Over-50s)
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what percentage of new recruits to his Department in the past two years were aged 50 and over. [79300]

  Mr. McCartney
  The complete information requested is not readily available. Such information as is available is in the table.

  Percentage of new recruits aged 50 or over

  Period

  Total new entrants

  New entrants over 50

  Percentage

  01–04–00—30–09–00

  5496

  422

  7.7

  Ex ES

  01–10–00—31–03–01

  2857

  404

  14.1

  Ex DSS

  5223

  469

  8.8

  Ex ES

  Total for Period

  8080

  873

  10.8

  667W

  Percentage of new recruits aged 50 or over

  Period

  Total new entrants

  New entrants over 50

  Percentage

  01-04-01—31-03-02

  13124

  1594

  12.1

  Ex DSS

  8758

  732

  8.4

  Ex ES

  Total for period

  21882

  2326

  10.6

  01-04-02—31-10-02

  8439

  1037

  12.3

  Ex DSS

  2691

  214

  8

  Ex ES

  Total for Period

  11130

  1251

  11.2

  Helpline

  DWP Public enquiry Office

  BA & ES Chief Executive Helpline1

  Chief Executive's helpline Jobcentre Plus2

  Chief Executive's Helpline The Pension Service2

  Employer Direct3

  Jobseeker Direct

  National Benefit Fraud Hotline

  Telephone Number(s)

  020 7712 2171

  Discontinued

  020 7273 6060

  0113 232 4143

  0845 601 2001

  0845 6060 234

  0800 854 440

  Sep-01

  7,402

  334,405

  20,644

  Oct-01

  10,044

  395

  351,863

  18,852

  Nov-01

  7,658

  407

  417,758

  15,771

  Dec-01

  5,162

  342

  178,736

  8,299

  Jan-02

  8,776

  400

  193,854

  617,598

  16,147

  Feb-02

  8,582

  354

  159,230

  505,711

  12,809

  Mar-02

  9,381

  294

  140,285

  429,282

  15,013

  Apr-02

  15,649

  250

  194

  163,170

  475,210

  14,139

  May-02

  13,185

  230

  112

  172,674

  507,160

  15,747

  Jun-02

  13,099

  297

  120

  151,079

  500,873

  11,390

  Jul-02

  20,939

  245

  131

  144,405

  508,151

  14,569

  Aug-02

  23,868

  245

  119

  188,132

  578,813

  10,735

  Total

  143,745

  2,192

  1,267

  676

  1,312,829

  5,405,560

  174,115

  Helpline

  Child Benefit Enquiry Line4

  CSA National enquiry Line

  CSA Midlands Customer Help Line

  CSA South Eastern CHL

  CSA Eastern CHL

  CSA South Western CHL

  CSA Wales North West CHL

  CSA Scotland and North East CHL

  Telephone Number(s)

  08701 555540/08701 555501

  0845 713 3133

  08457 131 000

  08457 134 000

  08457 132 000

  08457 137 000

  08457 138 000

  08457 136 000

  Sep-01

  225,073

  45,728

  39,466

  30,994

  46,859

  34,520

  39,403

  43,836

  Oct-01

  262,668

  44,722

  38,213

  30,386

  43,396

  34,795

  36,616

  41,285

  Nov-01

  214,731

  56,039

  45,429

  37,422

  40,393

  46,645

  45,475

  53,099

  Dec-01

  158,633

  28,776

  30,490

  22,595

  57,806

  27,294

  31,949

  35,364

  Jan-02

  259,415

  36,513

  38,782

  29,663

  35,126

  34,764

  41,389

  42,664

  Feb-02

  233,487

  59,661

  38,907

  30,560

  46,914

  38,260

  39,496

  45,571

  Mar-02

  216,689

  43,729

  45,056

  34,464

  48,647

  47,403

  50,958

  57,514

  Apr-02

  222,148

  52,531

  37,091

  28,818

  53,130

  35,983

  35,395

  42,901

  May-02

  221,342

  63,376

  45,327

  36,301

  41,876

  46,646

  44,783

  53,505

  Jun-02

  213,215

  45,700

  35,875

  27,234

  50,475

  35,711

  29,128

  41,489

  Jul-02

  260,523

  48,453

  37,476

  28,275

  38,167

  34,991

  34,769

  44,066

  Aug-02

  227,970

  58,028

  43,760

  35,677

  47,949

  41,230

  41,389

  53,911

  Total

  583,256

  475,872

  372,389

  550,738

  458,242

  470,750

  555,205

  Helpline

  International Pension Centre

  Pension Direct

  Retirement Pension Teleclaims

  Retirement Pension Forecasting Team5

  Minimum income Guarantee Claimline

  Benefit Enquiry Line

  DLA AA

  Telephone Number(s)

  0191 218 7777

  0845 301 3011

  0845 300 1084

  0845 300 0168/0191 22 87585

  0800 0281111

  0800 882200

  08457 123456

  Sep-01

  16,894

  78,755

  38648

  27,323

  7,387

  96,150

  358,946

  Oct-01

  14,061

  88,502

  42823

  32,946

  10,060

  99,869

  424,764

  Nov-01

  14,375

  106,923

  29077

  29,366

  16,606

  123,403

  406,454

  Dec-01

  11,632

  73,849

  28156

  15,448

  8,595

  63,484

  292,704

  Jan-02

  16,297

  110,517

  51271

  39,686

  15,702

  137,473

  413,295

  Feb-02

  14,738

  118,186

  42403

  37,113

  16,703

  112,503

  386,341

  Mar-02

  12,993

  115,360

  41986

  37,887

  17,110

  113,234

  340,135

  Apr-02

  13,240

  107,855

  43930

  43,234

  26,969

  117,225

  395,570

  May-02

  17,875

  103,395

  39991

  40,838

  22,494

  136,573

  428,375

  Jun-02

  13,886

  76,998

  33217

  34,858

  19,472

  98,095

  312,259

  Telephone Helplines
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will list the telephone helplines run by his Department and its agencies including(a) the relevant telephone numbers and (b) how many calls each helpline has received in each of the last 12 months. [74729]

  Mr. McCartney
  The following tables list: the numbers of calls received for each of the last 12 months by each helpline run by the Department for Work and Pensions for which figures are collected centrally; and the published telephone numbers for each of these centres.
  669W

  Helpline

  International Pension Centre

  Pension Direct

  Retirement Pension Teleclaims

  Retirement Pension Forecasting Team5

  Minimum income Guarantee Claimline

  Benefit Enquiry Line

  DLA AA

  Jul-02

  16,550

  97,403

  38538

  47,861

  20,042

  110,567

  416,802

  Aug-02

  13,879

  88,175

  34325

  39,506

  15,515

  129,478

  347,579

  Total

  176,420

  1,165,918

  464,365

  426,066

  196,655

  1,338,054

  4,523,224

  Notes:

  1 Closed in March upon the foundation of Jobcentre Plus and The Pension Service.

  2 Opened in April following the formation of Jobcentre Plus and the Pension Service.

  3 Employer Direct—The 11 centres were established incrementally mainly during 2001. Meaningful national figures are only available from January 2002.

  4 The first of the two telephone numbers shown is in widest use.

  5 The first of the two telephone numbers shown was introduced recently but the second number is still used widely.

  Supported Employment
  Valerie Davey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions which disability-specific national programmes his Department is funding for supported employment; and what plans he has to fund a national supported employment programme for people with autism and Asperger Syndrome. [77282]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  WORKSTEP is a national supported employment programme for disabled people who have complex barriers to finding and keeping work. The programme is not specific to any one disability but instead is designed to help all disabled people meeting the criteria to work in a supportive environment and, where possible, to progress in mainstream employment.

  In addition, Disability Employment Advisers based in Jobcentres work with local employers to place people into jobs, making use of other specialist programmes such as Access to Work where necessary. These arrangements have enabled people with many different disability-related barriers to work, including those with autism and Asperger syndrome, to move successfully into jobs.

  Stakeholder Pensions
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will make a statement on the take up of stakeholder pensions. [78222]

  Mr. McCartney
  Figures from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) show that up to the end of June 2002 1,011,934 stakeholder pensions had been sold. A detailed breakdown of sales will not be available until next year. Sales of over a million in their first 15 months on the market represents a very encouraging start.

  In addition the ABI figures show that 330,296 employers had designated a scheme for their workforce. This means more people have the chance to save for a decent income in retirement through the workplace.

  The ABI said that stakeholder pensions have also had a wider beneficial effect on pension provision by helping to increase the size of the overall pensions market. Stakeholder pensions have driven down other personal pension charges, some employers have widened access to their occupational pension schemes and other employers have set up group personal pensions with an employer contribution.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, on how many occasions between 31 March 2001 and 31 March 2002(a) departmental and (b) non-departmental special advisers have travelled abroad in an official capacity; what places were visited; and how much each visit cost. [80359]

  Mr. McCartney
  None.

  Public Consultations
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what public consultations have been commenced by his Department in each month since 10 June; and what the(a) start date (b) closing date and (c) website address of each were. [80277]

  Mr. McCartney
  Since 10 June 2002 the Department for Work and Pensions has commenced one public consultation entitled the Social Security Advisory Committee Review.

  (a) 16-10-02

  (b) 08-01-03

  (c) http://www.dwp.gov.uk/consultations/2002/index.htm

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to his answer of 28 October 2002,Official Report, column 632W, on post offices, what alternative methods he is assessing to pay benefit recipients who cannot be paid directly into an account. [79925]

  Malcolm Wicks
  Work is currently underway to identify an alternative for those people who cannot be paid directly into an account. We will ensure that the method introduced will be secure, efficient and available from outlets including Post Offices.

  Jobcentre Plus Staff (Assaults)
  Mr. Brazier
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the latest quarterly figures are for incidents of violence against staff in Job Centre Plus offices. [79070]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  [holding reply 4 November 2002]: We estimate that during the period July to September 2002 over 10 million callers visited Jobcentre Plus offices. The number of recorded assaults (excluding incidents of verbal abuse) in Jobcentre Plus offices during this period are shown in the table. The figures show a decrease on the previous quarter's statistics.
  671W

  Actual Assaults

  Attempted Assaults

  April to June 2002

  92

  191

  July to September 2002

  86

  154

  These figures include all offices within the Jobcentre Plus network including Jobcentres, Social Security Offices and newly integrated Jobcentre Plus Offices.

  Outset Ltd
  Alistair Burt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what process he went through to satisfy himself of the solvency and fitness for purpose of the company Outset Ltd before it was contracted to deliver services to disabled people in the Bedfordshire area under New Deal; whether he has investigated its liquidation; and whether he intends to compensate disabled people who may have suffered loss through its failure. [79256]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  [holding reply 4 November 2002]: In line with standard procurement processes, an assessment of the legal status and financial capacity of Outset Limited was made prior to the awarding of a contract. The information provided by Outset was assessed by a panel comprising a range of officials and external stakeholders, including professionally qualified procurement staff, qualified accountancy staff and representatives of disability organisations. The process was audited by independent consultants.

  It is not within this Department's remit to investigate the company's liquidation, although Jobcentre Plus officials have been in discussion with the Official Receiver regarding its effect on the New Deal for Disabled People.

  Those people registered for New Deal help with Outset have been offered alternative provision that fully replaces the support that they were formerly receiving. In addition, officials are also addressing, on an individual basis as they are raised, concerns of those who were receiving other forms of provision delivered by Outset.

  Pensioner Poverty
  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of projected pensioner poverty. [79766]

  Mr. McCartney
  We are committed to tackling poverty and social exclusion among older people. The Government are spending an extra £6 billion a year in real terms on pensioners as a result of policies introduced since 1997. This includes £2½ billion more on the poorest third of pensioners.

  Our annual Opportunity for all reports monitor progress against a range of indicators of the many different aspects of poverty and social exclusion affecting older peoples' lives.

  Home Energy Efficiency Scheme
  Tony Baldry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the cost would be of extending the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme to Families with disabled children. [78646]
  672W
  Mr. Morley
  I have been asked to reply.

  To qualify for a grant under the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme, now marketed as Warm Front Team, the householder or their spouse must be in receipt of a qualifying income or disability related benefit. Householders in Receipt of the Disability Living Allowance are currently entitled to assistance up to the value of £1500. There are currently over 241,000 recipients of Disability Living Allowance aged under 16. If Warm Front was extended to include this group, allowing for a 100 per cent. take up the extra cost to the scheme would be over £361 million.

  Warm Front is aimed at householders on low income. We believe that receipt of benefit is the best mechanism with which to assess the ability of the householder or their spouse to be able to afford to keep their home warm at a reasonable cost. We realise that this is a difficult issue, whatever the cut-off point, there will always be those who just miss out, but we must take a decision in order to ensure the most effective possible use of the available resources.

  Radiation Exposure
  Chris Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Works and Pension, what the maximum permitted levels of radiation exposure are for(a) workers in the nuclear industry and (b) members of the public; and how many times these have been exceeded in each of the last 20 years. [77643]

  Mr. Wilson
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 (IRR99) set the limit on effective dose for radiation exposure of any employee of 18 years and above as 20 millisieverts (mSv) in any calendar year. The limit on effective dose for radiation exposure of any member of the public is 1 millisievert in any calendar year.

  IRR99 came into force on 1 January 2000. The previous annual limits were set out in the Ionising Radiation Regulations 1985 (IRR85) that came into force on 1 January 1986, and were 50 millisieverts for employees and 5 millisieverts for members of the public.

  The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) does not hold details in a readily accessible form of the number of cases where it has been notified that the statutory limits have been exceeded in respect of all nuclear workers. The following data have been drawn from the HSE's national database of occupational exposure to ionising radiation—the Central Index of Dose Information (CIDI).

  Year

  Number Of Cases Greater Than 50mSv Under IRR85

  1986

  1

  1987

  2

  1988

  1

  1989

  3

  1990

  1

  1991

  0

  1992

  0

  1993

  0

  1994

  0

  1995

  2

  1996

  1

  1997

  0

  673W

  Year

  Number Of Cases Greater Than 50mSv Under IRR85

  1998

  0

  1999

  0

  Number of cases greater than 20mSv under IRR99

  2000

  1

  2001

  0

  The database started in 1986 and its main purpose is to provide a continuous record throughout the lifetime for employees who, at the same time in their working lives, have been designated by their employer(s) as "classified person" under IRR99 or IRR85.

  Blind/Partially Sighted People
  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what percentage of(a) blind and (b) partially sighted people in each of the nations of the UK are unemployed. [79763]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  There is no central register of people who are clinically blind or partially sighted. However, some information on the number of people reporting a visual impairment is available from the Labour Force Survey. The available information is in the table.

  People Of Working Age Who Report That They Have Difficulty In Seeing

  Percentage Not In Employment

  England

  62

  Wales

  66

  Scotland

  67

  Northern Ireland

  *

  United Kingdom

  63

  Notes:

  1. Percentages are calculated from the Spring 2002 Labour Force Survey.

  2. The data do not include respondents whose eyesight problems are effectively compensated for by wearing glasses or contact lenses. However, the LFS may overstate the numbers because some of those who identify difficulty in seeing would not necessarily be diagnosed as blind or partially sighted.

  3. The term "not in employment" includes people who are not actively seeking work as well as those who are covered by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) definition of unemployment. The ILO unemployment rates for people with visual impairments are only available for England and the UK because of small sample sizes.

  Payment Methods
  John Thurso
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Harwich (Mr. Henderson) of 21 October 2004 Official Report, column 14, on the Universal Bank, what alternative arrangements he will put in place for those people who will not be able to use the PIN number associated with a Post Office card account. [78076]

  Malcolm Wicks
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Northavon (Mr. Webb) on 28 October 2002,Official Report,column 652W.

  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions which benefits he intends to transfer from cash payments to direct bank transactions in April 2003; and of these(a) what proportion of recipients he
  674W
  expects will opt to continue receiving payments in cash and (b) what saving his Department will make in the cost of making payments. [79414]

  Malcolm Wicks
  From April 2003 the normal method of payment for benefits and pensions will be direct into bank and building society accounts (including the Post Office card account).

  Customers will be able to access their cash at banks/building societies and Post Office Branches.

  Even where a customer is paid directly into an account, they can still collect their cash at post office branches, either through existing network banking arrangements between Post Office Ltd and several banks or, from 2003, through universal banking services at post offices.

  On costs, I refer the hon. Member to the Written Answer I gave the hon. Member for Twickenham (Dr. Cable) on Monday 22 July 2002, Official Report, column 806W.

  Income Support
  Mrs. Brooke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether it is possible for somebody to become financially worse off as a consequence of moving from a position of receiving income support and housing benefit and council tax benefit to a position of receiving incapacity benefit with the right to put a claim in for housing benefit and council tax benefit. [77085]

  Malcolm Wicks
  Where a person is not in receipt of Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, entitlement to Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit is assessed by comparing a person's net income with an amount which is broadly similar to what they would receive on either Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance. For each pound that their income exceeds that level, the amount of benefit payable is reduced by fixed tapers of 65 pence for Housing Benefit and 20 pence for Council Tax Benefit. As a consequence people will generally see an improvement in their overall financial position.

  Anti-fraud Strategy
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many staff are employed by Jobcentre Plus on anti-fraud work; and how many people were employed in total on this work in the two predecessor departments. [74846]

  Malcolm Wicks
  The overall aim of the Department's anti-fraud strategy is to have a benefit system, which is secure from first claim to final payment. The implementation of this strategy means that an anti-fraud focus is integral to the work of all staff in the Department, as is dealing with the wider agenda of error and incorrectness in benefit payments.

  When the Department for Work and Pensions was established, the Employment Service, which was an Agency of the former Department for Education and Employment, did not have any staff dealing specifically with benefit fraud.

  675W
  The information currently available suggests that, over recent years, around 5.000 staff have been employed by the Department and its agencies in work to investigate suspicions of fraud. However, taking account of changes in data collection measures over time and the integration of investigators more fully with frontline staff, it is clear to me we need to improve the validity of and reliability of year on year comparisons, and I have asked the Department to undertake further work on this. I have concluded that it is not possible to make valid comparisons between figures year-on-year.

  I have therefore asked the Department to undertake a review to improve the consistency of centrally collected information for the future.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the rate of staff turnover in each of the last three years in(a) benefit fraud inspection work and (b) his Department as a whole. [74847]

  Malcolm Wicks
  The overall aim of the Department's anti-fraud strategy is to have a benefit system which is secure from first claim to final payment. The implementation of this strategy means that an antifraud focus is integral to the work of all staff in the Department, as is dealing with the wider agenda of error and incorrectness in benefit payments.

  The information currently available suggests that, throughout the period, around 5,000 staff have been employed by the Department and its agencies in work to investigate suspicions of fraud. However, on examination, it is clear that data on the number of staff is not consistent as data collection measures have changed over time and as the deployment of investigators has become more fully integrated with front line staff. I have concluded that it is not possible to make valid compariaons between the figures year-on year.

  I have therefore asked the Department to undertake a review to improve the consistency of centrally collected information for the future.

  The following table provides information available on the total numbers of permanent staff and numbers of leavers in the last three years, for the areas that now come under the Department for Work and Pensions.

  Year(1 April to 31 March)

  Permanent Staff

  Leavers

  1999–2000

  118,926

  Insufficient date held

  2000–2001

  126,942

  9,642

  2001–2002

  134.247

  5,692

  Employers' Liability Insurance
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate he has made of the number of companies conducting business without employers' liability insurance. [75850]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Social Fund
  Mrs. Calton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) if he will review the rules that require family members not on qualifying benefits to pay for funerals, rather than receiving help from the Social Fund; [79179]

  (2) if he will increase the amount of grant available for funeral expenses in the funeral payment from the Social Fund; [79180]

  (3) if he will review the operation of the rules that require the liability of family members not on a qualifying benefit to be considered when application for a funeral grant is made. [79211]

  Malcolm Wicks
  The Social Fund targets help on people with the lowest incomes who qualify for income-related benefits.

  Social Fund funeral payments cover the cost of necessary charges including fees levied by burial authorities and crematoria. In addition, up to £600 is allowed for other funeral expenses. This gives the person arranging the funeral the freedom to select the items or services they consider appropriate.

  We have no plans to change these arrangements, but we keep the level of support provided with funeral costs under review.

  Mrs. Calton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) if he will make a statement on his policy on the future availability of Social Fund loans and their extension to a wider group of people on low incomes, with particular reference to(a) providing support to families with children and (b) combating social exclusion; [68221]

  (2) if he will ensure that the Social Fund continue to provide (a) loans and (b) an improved system of grants; [79206]

  (3) if he will review the arrangements for access to Crisis Loans; [79208]

  (4) if he will abolish the qualification period of 26 weeks for Budgeting Loans; [79213]

  (5) if he will change the eligibility criteria to enable people whose sole income is contributory benefit such as incapacity benefit or contribution based jobseeker's allowance to apply for help from both the discretionary and the regulated Social Fund. [79215]

  Malcolm Wicks
  Our priority is to tackle poverty and combat social exclusion by helping those who are able into work and making work pay, and increasing support for the most vulnerable members of society: children, pensioners, and disabled people.

  The Social Fund supports that strategy by giving help to millions of people on low incomes for a variety of intermittent expenses. Social Fund help is targeted on the neediest people in our society.

  Access to a Crisis Loan is available to anyone in an emergency or as a consequence of a disaster where there is no other means of preventing serious damage or serious risk to their health or safety or that of their family. There is no requirement for a Crisis Loan

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  applicant to be receiving an income-related benefit, but any income or capital they have will be taken into account.

  Over 1 million Budgeting Loans were provided to people last year. We believe it is right that there should be a waiting period before these loans become available and that six months is a reasonable period for people to rely on their own resources before turning to the state.

  We keep all aspects of the Fund under review.

  Mrs. Calton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will change the eligibility criteria to allow people who qualify for the maximum child credit and working tax credit to apply for help from both the discretionary and the regulated Social Fund. [79178]

  Malcolm Wicks
  With the introduction of the New Tax Credits from April 2003, anyone who receives the Child Tax Credit at the maximum rate or any other rate greater than the family element, or the Working Tax Credit where a disabled worker is included in the assessment, will qualify for Sure Start Maternity Grants and Funeral Payments from the regulated Social Fund, provided that all of the other eligibility criteria are met.

  Patsy Calton
  To ask the the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will ensure that from April 2003, people who qualify for maximum child credit and/or who qualify for Working Tax Credit are eligible to apply for grants from the regulated Social Fund, with particular reference to(a) Sure Start Maternity Grants and (b) Funeral Grants. [79207]

  Malcolm Wicks
  From April 2003, Sure Start Maternity Grants and Funeral Payments will be payable to families receiving Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Child Tax Credit at the maximum rate or any other rate greater than the family element, or Working Tax Credit where a disabled worker is included in the assessment.

  Crisis Loans
  Mrs. Calton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will review the arrangements for the granting and collection of Crisis Loans, with particular reference to accessibility in rural areas. [79181]

  Malcolm Wicks
  We believe that the current arrangements are sufficiently flexible to support a good standard of delivery to customers, regardless of their location.

  Budgeting Loans
  Mrs. Calton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) if he will ensure that regular statements are issued showing the outstanding balance on any budgeting loan; [79218]

  (2) if he will amend the repayment formulae to allow the option of more modest repayment rates;[79219]

  (3) if he will (a) increase the maximum possible budgeting loan and (b) review the treatment of outstanding loans. [79220]

  Malcolm Wicks
  We have improved the standard of information given to applicants to explain Budgeting Loan decisions. In addition to the standard letter of 678W
  notification, we now provide a calculation sheet which sets out, in clear stages, how the final decision has been reached.

  The scheme already provides for anyone who finds the repayments terms offered unacceptable to opt for a lower size of loan and lower repayments. In addition, anyone who has difficulty maintaining repayments can ask for the repayment period to be extended so that weekly repayments are reduced to a more manageable level.

  The £1000 limit on total debt to the Social Fund has been set to ensure access to a reasonable and manageable level of credit which recognises the possible needs of people on Income Support and income-based Jobseeker's Allowance. It means that debt owed to the Social Fund is kept to a manageable level. Keeping the limit at its present level means repayment deductions from benefit can be set at a reasonable level.

  We continue to keep all elements of the Social Fund under review to see whether further improvements can be made to its operation and to ensure that the Fund supports our wider welfare reforms.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Organised Crime
  Mr. Dodds
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what the membership is of the Organised Crime Task Force in Northern Ireland. [79416]

  Jane Kennedy
  The Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF), which I chair, is a Government led multi-agency initiative to tackle organised crime. It is made up of the Northern Ireland Office. Police Service of Northern Ireland, Her Majesty's Customs & Excise, National Criminal Intelligence Service, Home Office and the Inland Revenue. The Task Force is supported by a number of sub groups and expert groups comprising of other Government departments and agencies with a role to play in tackling organised crime including the Health and Safety Executive, Trading Standards Services and the Environment and Heritage Service

  Mr. Dodds
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what funds have been allocated specifically for tackling organised crime in Northern Ireland. [79417]

  Jane Kennedy
  It is for the law enforcement agencies to decide what resources should be allocated to tackling organised crime effectively in order to deliver their operational strategies.

  The Organised Crime Task Force seeks to bring the Agencies together in a way that respects their independence and autonomy and allows them to share information and agree priorities. This enables the agencies to agree shared priorities at a senior level and to commit resources and assistance to each other.

  Mr. Dodds
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what the terms and conditions are of the appointment of Professor Ronald Goldstock as an adviser to the Secretary of State on organised crime; and what his remuneration is. [79415]
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  Jane Kennedy
  The Secretary of State appointed Professor Goldstock, ex-director of the New York State Organised Crime Task Force, in March 2002 to act as an independent expert and to provide an international perspective on the problem of organised crime in Northern Ireland.

  He has been asked to report to the Secretary of State, with recommendations for tackling the problem and, in particular, to formulate proposals for securing cross-community support for action, drawing on international experience.

  His remuneration is 1,000US dollars per diem.

  Academic Selection
  Mrs. Iris Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Pursuant to the answer of the Minister of State on 28 October,Official Report, column 513W, on the 11-plus, on what evidence he bases the Government's view on the ending of academic selection and the extent of opposition to this proposal. [79742]

  Jane Kennedy
  The responses to the consultation and the extent of support for and opposition to academic selection and the other proposals in the Burns Report are set out in a Report on the Consultation published on 8 October by the Department of Education for Northern Ireland. Copies of the Report are being placed in the Library.

  No decisions have been taken on academic selection and my officials will be discussing the responses to consultation with our educational partners and representatives of parents over the coming weeks.

  Parades Commission
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, when he received the Quigley review of the operation of the Parades Commission; when he transmitted the report to the(a) Government of Ireland, (b) Northern Ireland political parties, (c) members of the Parades Commission, (d) Loyal Orders and other marching organisations and (e) principal residents' group; what the recommendations of the report are; and when he plans to put it into the public domain. [78985]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Sir George Quigley submitted his report on 27 September 2002. It has now been printed and copies have been placed in the Library. I have circulated the report today and intend to allow a period of consultation up to the end of January next year. I will be seeking a broad cross-section of opinion, including from those parties referred to by my hon. Friend.

  Blind/Partially Sighted People
  Mr. Dodds
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people in Northern Ireland suffer from(a) serious sight loss and (b) blindness. [79424]

  Desmond Browne
  Information is not available in the form requested.

  Information collected by the Department from Health and Social Services Trusts showed that, at the end of March 2002, there were around 2,200 people in Northern Ireland registered as visually impaired.
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  During the financial year 2001–2002, there were 2,604 blind and 3,283 partially sighted people recorded by Trusts as being in contact with Social Services personnel.

  The numbers of registrations and the numbers of people in contact with Social Services are underestimates of the total number of people with a visual impairment, as not all such people are registered or in regular contact with Social Services.

  General Practice
  Mrs. Iris Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what(a) area is covered by and (b) the greatest travelling time between doctor and patient is in each general practice out of hours cooperative in Northern Ireland. [79781]

  Desmond Browne
  The areas covered by each general practice out-of-hours co-operative in the four Health and Social Services Boards is shown in the table below. Also shown is the estimated greatest travelling time between patient and Co-operative.

  Eastern Health and Social Services Board

  Out-of-Hours Co-OP

  Areas covered

  Estimated greatest travelling time

  Belfast Doctors on Call (BELDOC)

  North and West Belfast

  30 mins

  South East Belfast Doctors on Call(SEBDOC)

  South and East Belfast

  20 mins

  North Down and Ards Doctors on Call (NDADOC)

  North Down and Ards Peninsula

  1 hour

  South Down Doctors on call (DOWNEDOC)

  South Down

  30 mins

  Southern Health and Social Services Board

  Association of Southern Area Doctors on Call (ASADOC) Moy Centre

  Armagh and Dungannon

  1 hour

  ASADOC Moylinn Centre

  Craigavon and Banbridge

  1 hour

  ASADOC Newry Centre

  Newry and Mourne

  1 hour

  Northern Health and Social Services Board

  Dalriada Doctors on Call(DALDOC) operates from 4 permanent out-of-hours centres in Ballymena, Coleraine, Moneymore and Newtownabbey and 2 part time in Antrim Hospital and Moyle Hospital

  Coleraine, Moneymore, Ballymena, Antrim and Newtownabbey

  40 mins

  Western Health and Social Services Board

  Foyle Doctors on Call (FOYLEDOC)

  Londonderry and Eglington Limavady,

  30 mins

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  Western Health and Social Services Board

  Dungiven, Feeny

  ROEDOC

  and Claudy

  35mins

  Satrabane,

  Castlederg and

  MOURNEDOC

  Newtownstewart

  30mins

  Fermanagh,

  Fintona, Dromore,

  Drumquin,

  Carrickmore,

  Gortin and

  WESTDOC

  Plumbridge

  30mins

  Mrs. Iris Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how many(a) doctors and (b) practices are involved in each of the general practice out of hours co-operatives in Northern Ireland. [79782]

  Desmond Browne
  The number of doctors and practices involved in general practice out-of-hours cooperatives in each of the four Health and Social Services Boards is shown in the table below.

  Eastern Health and Social Services Board

  Out-of-Hours Co-OP

  Number of GPs

  Number of Practices

  Belfast Doctors on Call (BELDOC)

  63

  22

  South East Belfast Doctors on Call (SEBDOC)

  80

  28

  North Down and Ards Doctors on Call (NDADOC)

  79

  29

  South Down Doctors on call (DOWNEDOC)

  32

  13

  Southern Health and Social Services Board

  Association of Southern Area Doctors on Call (ASADOC) Moy Centre

  63

  22

  ASADOC Moylinn Centre

  75

  25

  ASADOC Newry Centre

  51

  22

  Northern Health and Social Services Board

  Dalriada Doctors on Call(DALDOC) operates from 4 permanent out-of-hours centres in Ballymena, Coleraine, Moneymore and Newtownabbey and 2 part time in Antrim Hospital and Moyle Hospital

  244

  78

  Western Health and Social Services Board

  Foyle Doctors on Call (FOYLEDOC)

  71

  16

  ROEDOC

  20

  7

  MOURNEDOC

  23

  36

  WESTDOC

  55

  25

  Diabetes
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what action he is taking to increase screening for children and adults in cases where a family member has already been diagnosed as being diabetic. [80357]

  Desmond Browne
  No screening for diabetes in any children or adults takes place at present. The National Screening Committee, which is responsible for providing advice to Health Ministers on all aspects of screening policy, is presently developing proposals for research into the area of screening for type 2 diabetes among high-risk groups. The Committee has made a commitment to provide definitive advice on this topic to Health Department in 2005

  European City of Culture
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what measures he proposes to advance the application of Belfast to be named European City of Culture. [78355]

  Angela Smith
  On 30 October 2002, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport announced the shortlist of six cities which were successful in being nominated as Centres of Culture and will now be under consideration for the final nomination of European Capital of Culture 2008 in Spring 2003.

  I regret that Belfast was not among the six cities shortlisted by the independent judging panel and therefore Belfast is no longer in competition for designation as European Capital of Culture in 2008.

  Personal Care
  Mrs. Calton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the report of the Inter-Departmental Group on Personal Care will be completed; when he expects to publish the report; and what public consultation he plans on its findings.

  [79439]

  Desmond Browne
  The Inter-Departmental Group's Report on Free Personal Care was forwarded to the First Minister and Deputy First Minister on Thursday 8 August 2002. Following discussion at the Executive on 12 August, Ministers asked for further work to be undertaken. That work has not yet been completed. In any event, it is not possible at this stage to give any indication about the timing or subsequent handling of the report, since this is a matter which should be determined by the Executive.

  Castlereagh Break-in
  Mr. Donaldson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how many police officers have had to move home in response to the security threat arising from the break-in at Castlereagh Police Station; and what has been the cost to the taxpayer. [76152]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The PSNI has, to date, processed 92 SPED applications in relation to the break-in at Castlereagh. Information on cost for specific applications is not available. Under the SPED Scheme, a Chief Constable's certificate is sufficient for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to invoke the
  683W
  scheme, without the need for further background as to the individual or the actual incident concerned. However I can confirm that the total number of SPED applications accepted since April this year is 169 and the cost to date is £17.7m.

  Business Manifesto
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what assessment he has made of the Business Manifesto issued by the Confederation of British Industry for Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [77600]

  Mr. Pearson
  I welcome this Business Manifesto, which sets out how the CBI sees the important interaction between the public and private sectors to achieve a better economic future. The Manifesto addresses many of the issues which are of critical importance to the development of the Northern Ireland economy and which relate closely to the strategic priorities developed by the Economic Development Forum. I look forward, with my ministerial colleagues, to exploring the proposals contained in the Manifesto.

  Law and Order Task Force
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what the terms of reference are of the Law and Order Task Force; what its membership is; how frequently and where it will meet; what resources have been made available to it over the next two years; what body will provide its secretariat and staff; and what decisions the Task Force has made. [74795]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The terms of reference for the Law and Order Action Group are"to monitor the effectiveness and co-ordination of action to combat crime and reinforce law and order in Northern Ireland."

  The Group will help support the independent operational agencies in their co-ordinated approach to tackling all aspects of crime. I chair the Group. The other members are Jane Kennedy, Des Browne, Lord Goldsmith, Rosie Winterton and their advisers. The Chief Constable and the Director of Public Prosecutions attended the first meeting on 24 September and will be invited to attend future meetings. The Group will meet on a regular basis, the location to be decided as appropriate for each meeting. No specific resources have been allocated to the Group. The Northern Ireland Office provides the Secretariat. The Group is taking a broad look at the crime spectrum; public order issues were discussed at the first meeting.

  European Court Cases
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will place in the Library a copy of the paper delivered on 8 October to the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in relation to the cases of Jordan, McKerr, Kelly and Others v. UK and Shanaghan v. UK; and it he will list the members of the group of officials established to consider the Government response to these cases. [78146]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Today, I have placed in the libraries of both Houses a copy of the package of measures sent to the Secretariat to the Council of 684W
  Europe. On receipt of the judgements, an article 2 group was established to provide advice to Ministers on the judgements and the Government's response. The group consisted of Northern Ireland Office Officials and legal advisers, and representatives from FCO, MOD, Northern Ireland Court Service and the Attorney General's Office. Representatives of the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Department of the Director of Public Prosecutions attended meetings to provide advice as to any practical implications that arose.

  Police Service
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what the cost was of organising and publicising the PSNI New Directions conference; what monies were expended on external consultancies and promoters; how many persons attended, broken down by sex and perceived community background; and if he will place the major speeches and papers from the conference in the Library. [78795]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The costs of the PSNI's conference ("New Directions: a human rights and racial equality focus on policing with ethnic minority communities") have not yet been finalised but it is anticipated that the final costs will be approximately £60,000.

  About 230 delegates attended the conference which took place on 21 and 22 October, including my hon. friend the Member and Northern Ireland Office colleague, the member for Kilmarnock and Loudoun. Community background information was not sought from delegates but a list of the organisations invited to attend is below. From the register of attendance, the gender breakdown was approximately 50:50.

  Key speakers at the conference included: Hugh Orde, Chief Constable, PSNI; Lord Herman Ouseley, former Chairman of the Commission for Racial Equality; Imran Khan, solicitor; Cressida Dick, Commander, Diversity Directorate in the Metropolitan police; Joe Stewart, head of human resources for the PSNI; Ravi Chand, President of the National Black Police Association; Maqsood Ahmed, Director of Diversity for the National Probation Service; Zelda Holtzman, Deputy Provincial Commissioner of the Western Cape, South Africa; and Sam Kinkaid, Assistant Chief Constable in the PSNI with responsibility for human rights issues.

  Representatives from all district command units in the PSNI were invited to attend the conference as well as representatives of the following groups:

  Al-Nisa Association of Northern Ireland

  Amnesty International

  An Garda SÍochána

  Belfast Islamic Centre

  Belfast Travellers Education and Development Group

  Belfast Travellers Support Group

  British Irish Rights Watch

  Chinese Community Association

  Chinese Welfare Association

  Committee on the Administration of Justice

  Craigavon Vietnamese Club

  Concept 11

  Council of Europe

  Director of Public Prosecutions

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  Equality Commission of Northern Ireland

  Indian Community Centre

  Mediation Northern Ireland

  Mid-Ulster Group

  Multi-cultural Resource Centre

  National Black Police Association

  Northern Ireland African Cultural Centre

  Northern Ireland Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders

  Northern Ireland Council for Ethnic Minorities

  Northern Ireland Council for Refugees and Asylum Seekers

  Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action

  Northern Ireland Filipino Association

  Northern Ireland Gay Rights

  Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission

  Northern Ireland Office

  Northern Ireland Pakistani Association

  Northern Ireland Policing Board

  Northern Ireland Victim Support

  Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister—Racial

  Equality Unit

  Office of the Oversight Commission

  Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland

  Traveller Movement of Northern Ireland

  Wah-Hip Chinese Community Association

  Women of the World

  A conference report is being compiled which will contain any materials submitted by speakers and participants. This will be made available on the PSNI website in due course and a copy will be placed in the Library.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what consultancy fees(a) the Policing Board, (b) The RUC/PSNI and (c) the Northern Ireland Office have paid in (i) 2000 and (ii) 2001 and to which companies; what the purpose was of the consultancy contracts; and what estimates he has made of consultancy fees for the next two financial years. [78145]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I will write to my hon. Friend. A copy of the letter will be placed in the Library.

  Parliamentary Boundary Commission
  Mr. Tom Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will announce the name of the newly appointed member of the Northern Ireland Parliamentary Boundary Commission. [80099]

  Paul Murphy
  I am pleased to announce that I have recently issued a Warrant of Appointment for the Northern Ireland Parliamentary Boundary Commission to Mr.Richard Mackenzie, CB. The appointment will run until 29 October 2006

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  East Timor
  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the creation of a UN International Tribunal to bring to justice the major perpetrators of crimes against humanity during Indonesia's occupation of East Timor;686W
  and what discussions her Department has had with (a) the UN, (b) the USA and (c) the Government of East Timor concerning the establishment of such a Tribunal. [78719]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I have been asked to reply.

  In February 2000, the United Nations Security Council accepted Indonesia's pledge to conduct its own enquiry and prosecute those responsible for crimes committed in East Timor in 1999. This led to the establishment of an Ad Hoc Tribunal on 14 March 2002. As it is still considering several of the cases it would be premature to push for an alternative justice mechanism now. If we judge that it has not delivered justice we will certainly consider the case for an international tribunal with our EU partners and others in the international community. Officials in Washington and Dili have already discussed the idea of an international tribunal with US and UN officials and representatives of the East Timorese government.

  The East Timorese government with the assistance of the UN Special Crimes Unit is also investigating serious human rights violations that have taken place during the last 25 years. The East Timor Commission for Truth and Reconciliation which was established on 7 February 2002 is dealing with less serious violations.

  Malawi
  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment her Department has made of the arrest and subsequent release of the leader of the opposition in Malawi; and what discussions she has had with the government of Malawi on the subject. [78679]

  Mr. Rammell
  I have been asked to reply.

  The arrest on 20 October of Gwanda Chakuamba, President of the main opposition Malawi Congress Party, and three of his colleagues, followed the circulation of a letter purportedly detailing the ruling party's strategy on changing the Constitution to allow President Muluzi to run for a third term in office. Mr.Chakuamba was released by the court on bail the following day having been charged with libel, forgery and disseminating false information in connection with the letter.

  The proposal for a third term has generated intense political debate in Malawi. We and other international partners have urged that there should be broad consultation on the issue and that it should be conducted in an atmosphere free from violence and intimidation.

  Health and Education
  Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what proportion of the UK's overseas aid budget is allocated to a) basic health provision and b) education. [78073]

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what percentage of her Departments budget has been allocated to(a) basic healthcare and (b) primary education in each year since 1997. [76973]
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  Clare Short
  Since 1997 my Department has committed over £870 million to support education and £1.5 billion to support health care in partner countries. This represents 13 per cent. and 24 per cent. respectively of bilateral commitments over the same period. Of this, over £700 million went to primary education and £1.3 billion to basic health care, representing 11 per cent. and 20 per cent. respectively of bilateral commitments.

  These figures are based on the bilateral portfolio as a whole rather than annual allocations and could only be disaggregated at disproportionate cost. They do not include support for education and health provided through our multilateral contributions.

  Rwanda/Uganda
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if she will make a statement on the outcome of the meeting between President Museveni and President Kagame in London last week. [76970]

  Clare Short
  President Museveni and President Kagame recommitted themselves and their Governments to the Understanding they signed last November in London on not interfering in each others' political and security affairs. They agreed to make more regular and effective use of the mechanisms that had been put in place to resolve differences and to avoid recourse to the use of the media. The UK agreed to continue to act as Third Party in this process.

  Equally importantly Presidents Museveni and Kagame agreed to work together to achieve peace and stability in the region. They urged President Mbeki of South Africa, as Chairman of the African Union, to convene an urgent Regional Summit to call on all parties to fully implement the Pretoria and Luanda Peace Agreements.

  Presidents Museveni and Kagame shared my deep concern at the situation in Burundi and agreed we should all work together, especially with the Governments of Tanzania and South Africa, to get a full cease fire and support the Transitional National Government under the Arusha Accords.

  Water Supplies (Palestinian Territories)
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment her Department has made of the water security situation in the Palestinian Territories; and if she will make a statement. [78203]

  Clare Short
  Water has long been a major problem for rural Palestinian communities. The severe economic and social decline caused by closures and curfews has compounded the problem. Many villages without water networks are facing shortages, as water tankers cannot access villages, or people can no longer afford the escalating price of tankered water. The situation has been exacerbated by the recent Israeli ban on drilling for water in the West Bank. Households cope by going into debt, seeking alternative water sources (that are often not clean), and cutting back on consumption. All of these responses pose threats to family well-being. In conjunction with other donors, we are working with the Palestinian Water Authority, and a number of rural 688W
  communities, to help improve water security. We are also supporting a study by PWA of the western aquifer water source, to assess its sustainable yield.

  Lira Refugee Camp
  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if she will make a statement on the overcrowding in the refugee camp in Lira, Uganda; what discussions her Department has had with non-governmental organisations working in the camp; what assessment her Department has made of the vulnerability of women as a result of the sleeping arrangements in the camp; how much aid her Department will give to Uganda in 2002–03; what plans her Department has to give aid to the refugee camp in Lira; and what assessment her Department has made of(a) starvation and (b) health levels of the refugees in the camp. [79541]

  Clare Short
  The circumstances faced by internally displaced people in Lira are of grave concern. We are monitoring the situation closely with international partners and the Government of Uganda, and are considering an appropriate response in the light of a detailed report recently issued from local NGOs.

  The total DFID aid programme for Uganda for 2002–03 is scheduled to be £75 million. In response to the recent escalation in insecurity, DFID has committed £450,000 for humanitarian supplies for internally displaced persons in Northern Uganda.

  Ageism
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what strategies her Department has to ensure that there is no ageism in recruitment and retention processes. [79296]

  Clare Short
  My Department's Equal Opportunities Policy Statement makes it clear that DFID does not permit discrimination on grounds of age in either its recruitment or any of its other personnel management processes.

  The only age-related practice has been the operation of an age of retirement of 60—consistent with the normal retiring age specified in the Principal Civil Service Pensions Scheme and with the purposes of section 109(1)(a) (i) of the Employment Rights Act 1996. However, agreement has recently been reached that, with the exception of the Senior Civil Service, staff may, if they so wish, continue to serve until age 65, which will make that the normal retiring age for the purposes of the 1996 Act.

  European Bank of Reconstruction and Development
  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what financial support her Department has given to the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development in each of the last five years; and what support her Department will provide in the next three years. [79151]

  Clare Short
  As a shareholder (8.5 per cent.) in the EBRD, the UK Government makes payments towards its capital subscription in the Bank.

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  As part of the General Capital Increase, agreed in 1996, my Department has made cash payments and issued promissory notes as detailed below:

  Cash Element

  Promissory Notes

  1998

  Euro 9,582,000

  Euro 14,373,281

  1999

  Euro 9,582,000

  Euro 14,373,281

  2000

  Euro 9,582,000

  Euro 14,373,281

  2001

  Euro 9,582,000

  Euro 14,373,281

  2002

  Euro 9,582,000

  Euro 14,373,281

  Over the next three years the following payments will be made:

  Cash Element

  Promissory Notes

  2003

  Euro 9,582,000

  Euro 14,373,281

  2004

  Euro 9,582,000

  Euro 14,373,281

  2005

  Euro 9,582,000

  Euro 14,373,281

  My Department has also provided grant funding to support EBRD's technical cooperation work. The EBRD has received the following contributions from DFID over the last five years:

  1998—£1,100,000

  1999—£300,000

  2000—£950,000

  2001—£1,690,125

  2002—£899,000.

  We have outstanding commitments of £1,813,000.

  Intellectual Property Rights
  Tony Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if the Government will recommend extending TRIPS implementation deadlines for all developing countries. [78220]

  Ms Hewitt
  I have been asked to reply

  The TRIPS Agreement lays down procedures for extending implementation deadlines for the Least Developed Countries (LDC). The general implementation deadline is 2005 but an extension to 2016 was agreed for pharmaceutical products at the WTO Ministerial Conference in Doha. There is no specific—mechanism—for—extending—TRIPS implementation deadlines for all developing countries.

  The UK government works through the EU on issues relating to the TRIPS Agreement. The UK government supports the development of objective criteria to form the basis upon which extensions of TRIPS transition periods should be agreed. The UK government therefore supports the introduction into TRIPS of a mechanism for extending transition periods for individual developing countries.

MINISTER FOR WOMEN

  Equal Pay
  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Minister for Women, what assessment she has made of the impact of the Government's policies on reducing the disparities between men and women's pay. [78825]
  690W
  Ms Hewitt
  Since the Equal Pay Act was introduced in 1970, the pay gap has reduced from 37 per cent to 19 per cent. today. Action taken by the Government to close the pay gap is having a positive impact.

  We are leading by example, through our commitment to equal pay reviews in the Civil Service. We are making it easier for women to get equal pay through changes in the Employment Act 2002. We are making it easier for employers to pay fairly through the work of the Fair Pay Champions and the Castle Awards. We are tackling the wider causes of the pay gap by helping mothers stay attached to the labour market, investing more resources in childcare, improving the skill levels of those already in the labour market and helping employers make the most of their female workforce.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  War Memorials
  Jim Dobbin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps he is taking to protect war memorials in England and Wales. [80103]

  Hilary Benn
  With assistance from Friends of War Memorials, the Imperial War Museum, English Heritage, and others, we are tomorrow publishing a code of practice on the preservation and management of war memorials. A copy of the text is being placed on the Home Office web site and is in the Library. A leaflet will be available shortly.

  Race Equality
  Vera Baird
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when he will publish the third edition of Race Equality in Public Services. [80104]

  Beverley Hughes
  I have today placed in the Library a copy of the document "Race Equality in Public Services". The publication shows a number of areas of general improvement in public service delivery and in representation of ethnic minorities in the public sector workforce.

  Smoking (Public Places)
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans he has to ban smoking in public places. [77808]

  Ms Blears
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Government has no plans to ban smoking in public places. Instead, we want to work with businesses and others to achieve real change, highlighting and building on best practice. We have worked closely with the hospitality trade to develop a public places charter designed to provide customers with clear information on the type of smoking policy operating in a particular establishment and allow them to make an informed choice.

  Specifically aimed at local action, the Department this year has provided project funding to local tobacco control alliances to tackle health inequalities and passive smoking. Local alliances are promoting smoke free areas in workplaces and public places. These

  691W
  projects will be evaluated and examples of good practice will be shared across the tobacco control alliance network.

  Passports (Hong Kong)
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what representations he has received from Sir James Hodge concerning the status of BNOCO BDTC passports in Hong Kong. [78874]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I have been asked to reply.

  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs has not received any representations from Sir James Hodge, HM Consul General in Hong Kong about the status of BN (0) passports in Hong Kong. Sir James, however, has received two approaches from the Indian Community on this subject.

  Immigration Control
  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans he has to improve immigration control to ensure that people coming into the United Kingdom do so in accordance with the Immigration Rules. [80101]

  Beverley Hughes
  The Government are firmly committed to ensuring that those who seek to migrate to the United Kingdom do so properly under the Immigration Rules, and that those who do not have such grounds are prevented from doing so.

  Throughout this year there has been an increase in the number of Zimbabwe nationals who on arrival at UK ports are found to be inadmissible. Therefore, from 00.01 hours on Saturday 9 November we will require nationals of Zimbabwe to obtain visas to come to the United Kingdom. Zimbabwe nationals will also have to obtain a Direct Airside Transit Visa when they intend to remain airside while in transit through the United Kingdom.

  To avoid any undue hardship for those who have already made their travel plans, we have agreed to the operation of the following grace period. From 00.01hours on 9 November to 23.59hours on 15 November, any Zimbabwe national who purchased their ticket on or before 7 November and is travelling to the UK on a direct journey from Zimbabwe, will not be refused entry solely on the basis of not holding a valid visa.

  Engagements
  Colin Burgon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans he has to meet Governor Ridge, the Head of Homeland Security, on his visit to the United Kingdom, and if he will make a statement. [80102]

  Mr. Blunkett
  I met Governor Ridge and his staff yesterday and will have further meetings with them today for a discussion of the current terrorist threat and the measures we are both taking in response. To assist Governor Ridge, I have prepared a briefing paper on the 692W
  UK dimension, a copy of which is available in the Library and on the website www.homeoffice.gov.uk/new.htm.

  National Insurance Numbers
  Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when he expects the Department of Work and Pensions to make progress in respect of delays in issuing national insurance numbers and consequent non-payment of housing benefit. [73689]

  Malcolm Wicks
  I have been asked to reply.

  In April 2001, the Department introduced an Enhanced National Insurance Number Process to provide more secure procedures for the allocation of national insurance numbers (NINOs) to adults living in the UK. These tighter controls combined with an increasing number of applications have regrettably led to delays in allocating permanent NINOs. Jobcentre Plus is addressing this through a national recovery plan implemented in April this year. We expect the backlog of applications to be fully cleared by March 2003.

  However, the payment of Housing Benefit is not dependent on a customer having a NINO, as long as sufficient information and evidence of identity is provided for a NINO to be traced or allocated. Once the local authority is satisfied that this has been provided, and that all other conditions of entitlement have been met, Housing Benefit should be paid.

SCOTLAND

  Firefighters' Strike
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what preparations she has made to ensure the safety and continuity of service to the public in the event of a firefighters' strike; and what the cost is to the Department of these actions. [77663]

  Mrs. Liddell
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my rt. hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government and the Regions, on 28 October 2002,Official Report, columns 527W. The cost of providing emergency cover in Scotland is a matter for the Scottish Executive and will depend on the extent and nature of any industrial action.

  Skills Migration
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if she will make a statement on the impact of regional gross domestic product disparity of skills migration. [79494]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The Government are working to increase wealth in all parts of the UK. Economic stability and sound public finances provide the foundation for rising prosperity.

  The decision to migrate is affected by many factors that contribute to the quality of life.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many(a) parliamentary questions and

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  (b) letters to her from hon. Members in this session remain unanswered, broken down by those which are (i) one month old, (ii) two months old, (iii) three months old, (iv) four months old and (v) over six months old. [79944]

  Mrs. Liddell
  No parliamentary questions or letters from hon. Members remain unanswered at the end of this session.

  Unemployment
  John Thurso
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimates her Department has made of the sectors which have contributed to the change in unemployment in Scotland in the last seven months. [80224]

  Mrs. Liddell
  Sectoral Labour Force Survey employment data are not seasonally adjusted. However, over the past year employment growth in Scotland has been driven by the Banking, Finance and Insurance sector and the Public Administration, Education and Health sector. In the last six months the main growth sectors have been Energy and Water and Agriculture and Fishing. However, performance in these sectors is affected by seasonal variation.

ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

  Agriculture Regulations
  Mr. Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many regulations have been introduced in each year since 1992 related to agriculture. [80341]

  Alun Michael
  This information is not available in the form requested as it would involve looking at all legislation, both E.C. and UK, introduced by different Government Departments to consider whether it related to agriculture. Such information could only be assembled at disproportionate cost.

  Focus Group Research
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what use she and her Department has made of focus group research since June 2001; if she will identify for each research project the topics covered, the person or organisation carrying out the research, and the total cost; and if she will publish the research on her Department's website. [74990]

  Alun Michael
  The Department makes use of focus group research to gain a better understanding of the public and stakeholder perception of many of its projects. Records of this type of research are not held centrally for Defra, its Executive Agencies or NDPBs and the cost of this research is normally subsumed within the total cost of a project. Further information and costs could only be obtained at a disproprtionate cost.

  Below is a table of focus group research that can be identified from our records.
  694W

  Research Project/Topic

  Organisation/Person

  Web

  Foot and Mouth Disease Focus Group Research

  Andrew Irving Associates/COI

  To be published on Defra Website

  Public Perceptions Concerning Vaccination FMD Case Study

  Professor Glynis M. Breakwell

  Summary to be published on Defra Website

  Improving the public awareness and understanding of flood risk.

  Consortium lead by Scott Wilson Kirkpatrick Ltd

  To be published on completion

  The appraisal of the intangible human health related impacts of flooding

  Risk and Policy Analysis Ltd

  To be published on completion

  Water-based Sport and Recreation—the facts

  The University of Brighton

  Published on Defra Website

  Sustainable Development Community Issues Groups

  IPPR

  Decision pending

  Sustainable Development Stakeholder Seminars

  Green Alliance

  Decision pending

  Illegal Imports Campaign Defra Corporate Identity

  Solutions Strategy Research/COI Bamber Forsyth-Fitch

  Decision pending Decision pending

  Community Rail Partnerships
  Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much has been spent by her Department on Community Rail partnerships in rural areas in(a) 2000–01, (b) 2001–02 and (c) 2002–03 to date. [78396]

  Alun Michael
  Community Rail Partnerships are supported financially through the Rural Transport Partnership programme, administered by the Countryside Agency on behalf of Defra. The Strategic Rail Authority also allocates £12,500 per annum to Community Rail Partnerships, currently up to September 2003. Annual spending by the Countryside Agency is shown below, which includes funding to the Association of Community Rail Partnerships for providing advice on improving platforms at rural railway stations.

  Countryside Agency

  2000–2001

  £48,629

  2001–2002

  £128,634

  2002–2003

  £79,081 (Spent up to October 31)

  Rural Expenditure
  Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to her answer of 28 October 2002,Official Report, column 587W, on rural expenditure, to the hon. member for SouthEast Cornwall (Mr. Breed), how much was (a) available, and (b) spent in (i) 2000–01, (b) 2001–02 and (iii) 2002–03 to date through the following, the (A) Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund, (B) Local Heritage Initiative, (C) Support for Rights of Way,

  695W
  (D) Doorstep Greens, (E) Millennium Greens and (F) Walking the Way to Health schemes, broken down by region. [79728]

  Alun Michael
  This information is not readily available. I have asked whether it can be collected and will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  Organic Products
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what legislation governs the sale of products labelled as organic; and what bodies are responsible for(a) implementation of and (b) inspections related to such legislation. [79828]

  Mr. Meacher
  EC Council Regulation 2092/91 (as amended) sets out the labelling requirements, which must be used in organic farming and growing, and the inspection system, which must be put in place to ensure this.

  All food sold as organic therefore must originate from growers, processors and importers who are registered with a body approved by the United Kingdom Register of Organic Food Standards (UKROFS) and subject to an annual inspection by these bodies.

  The sale of products labelled as organic is governed in England by The Organic Products Regulations 2001 (2001 No. 430). Local Authorities have enforcement powers to implement these Regulations.

  Farm Incomes
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the average farm income was(a) in 1997 and (b) at the most recent available date in real terms. [76465]

  Mr. Morley
  Expressed in real terms at 2001–02 prices, average net farm income in England was £17,400 in 1997–98, and £11,400 in 2001–02. This last figure was a forecast made last January.

  The final figure for 2001–02 will be published on 28 November and the forecast for 2002–03 will be released on 30 January.

  Net farm income is defined as the return to the principal farmer and spouse for their labour and on the capital of the business

  Dairy Farming
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what support and assistance she is providing to dairy farmers. [79226]

  Mr. Morley
  Annual EU expenditure on the Dairy CAP runs at almost 2 billion euro. Over the last year, mindful of the difficult market situation in the dairy sector, measures have taken in Brussels, backed by the Government, to increase support in the sector. For example, export refunds have been increased for skimmed milk powder, whole milk powder and butter to help encourage exports by making up the difference between Community and world prices. Despite this considerable expenditure, the farmgate price of milk remains below the level at which many dairy farmers can 696W
  make the investment required to sustain their business. This clearly shows that the current Dairy CAP is failing farmers and is in need of reform.

  We believe that a sustainable future for dairy farming is best secured through the recommendations in the Report of the Policy Commission on the Future of Food and Farming, together with the Milk Task Force Report. The Government has already announced measures to take forward some of the recommendations in the Policy Commission Report and we will publish our Sustainable Agriculture Strategy shortly. Furthermore, my noble friend Lord Whitty has convened a number of meetings of an informal dairy supply chain group, including representatives of dairy farmers, which has addressed issues of concern to those in the dairy supply chain that came out of these reports. This group is also likely to consider how the industry can best address any lessons that emerge from the ongoing KPMG study on the structure of the UK dairy sector and milk pricing, which was commissioned by the Milk Development Council.

  Recycling
  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research her Department has undertaken to investigate funding of doorstep recycling schemes. [79020]

  Mr. Meacher
  We have commissioned no specific research on this topic. However, the Strategy Unit of the Cabinet Office are currently reviewing waste issues, including the costs of delivering the diversion from landfill to which we are committed. This takes account of door-step recycling. We expect their report to be published very shortly.

  Home Energy Efficiency
  Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what assessment has been made by her Department of the cost and potential savings at a different initial levels of energy efficiency of property of the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme; [77590]

  (2) what assessment has been made by her Department of the cost effectiveness of the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme in reducing fuel poverty amongst owner-occupiers and private sector tenants; [77586]

  (3) what (a) assesment she has made, (b) discussions she has had or plans and (c) representations she has received in relation to the research conducted by the institute of Fiscal Studies on the cost-effectiveness of the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme; [77591]

  (4) what assessment (a) has been made and (b) is planned of the effects of the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme on reducing fuel poverty (i) to date and (ii) under the fuel poverty strategy. [77589]

  Mr. Meacher
  The information requested will take time to collate and I will write to the hon. Member shortly. I will place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.
  697W
  Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) if she will estimate how many households would be taken out of fuel poverty if their properties were to be improved by the average SAP rating achieved by Warm Front and Warm Front plus assistance; [79512]

  (2) what funding (a) was available for the Warm Front scheme in 2001–02 and 2002–03 and (b) will be available in 2003–04; how such funding relates to the annual budgets set out in the statement of 30 November 2000, Official Report. column 765; and if she will make a statement; [79508]

  (3) what research has been carried out into the match between fuel poverty and eligibility for Warm Front assistance; and if she will make a statement; [795061

  (4) which of her Department's Public Service Agreements relate to fuel poverty reduction; and what progress has been made in achieving them; [79514]

  (5) what assessment has been made of the administration costs incurred by the two Warm Front scheme managers in terms of (a): cost effectiveness and (b): efficiency programmes; [79510]

  (6) in how many cases private sector landlords have been obliged to repay costs of heating and insulation installations as a result of properties that have bene fited from Warm Front no longer being occupied by eligible tenants; [79505]

  (7) what progress has been made on establishing a common definition of fuel poverty for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland; [79513]

  (8) what training is undertaken by individuals providing advice to households under the Warm Front scheme; and what formal qualification verifies that the adviser is a skilled and competent person; [79509]

  (9) how many households are eligible for (a) Warm Front grants and (b) Warm Front plus grants; and by how many these numbers would be increased if there were to be 100 per cent take up of the qualifying benefits; [79507]

  (10) what resources are expected to be expended on domestic energy efficiency improvements over the next three years through (a) the Warm Front Programme, (b) the Energy Efficiency Commitment, (c) capital budgets of local authorities and (d) Registered Social Landlord energy efficiency programmes. [79511]

  Mr. Meacher
  The information requested will take time to collate and I will write to my hon. Friend shortly. I will place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

  Abattoirs
  Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much has been spent by her Department on supporting small and medium sized abattoirs in(a) 2000–01, (b) 2001–02 and (c) 2002–03 to date, broken down by category of support. [78403]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 31 October 2002]: Information relating specifically to small and medium sized abattoirs is not readily available without incurring
  698W
  a disproportionate cost. However, actual spending and spending in the pipeline (2002–2003 to date) on the abattoir sector is as follows:

  £'000s (to nearest thousand)

  2000–01

  2001–02

  2002–03 to date

  Rural Enterprise Scheme

  —

  —

  6

  Processing and Marketing Grant

  —

  27

  516

  Agricultural Development Scheme

  11

  —

  —

  Radioactive Waste
  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she received the latest annual report from the Radioactive Waste Management Advisory Committee; what response she has made; and what plans she has to make changes to its membership. [80348]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Radioactive Waste Management Advisory Committee's 2002 annual report was supplied on 30 October 2002. No response has yet been made to it. The Managing Radioactive Waste Safely consultation paper considered possible changes in the Government's advisory machinery in the radioactive waste management area. Future membership needs of the Radioactive Waste Management Advisory Committee have yet to be decided in light of the outcome of that review.

  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will publish the list of prospective sites for the disposal of radioactive waste drawn up by NIREX. [80097]

  Mr. Meacher
  There is no current list of prospective sites for the disposal of radioactive waste drawn up by NIREX. Any such historical list does not have any bearing at all on current considerations of disposal policy.

  Weeds Act
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the amount of ragwort growing in the UK; and if she will propose amendments to the Weeds Act 1959 to include commercial equine activities. [80333]

  Alun Michael
  Defra has provided funding totalling £420,000 to underpin the preparation of The New Atlas of the British and Irish Flora. This divides the country into ten by ten kilometre squares and charts the distribution of plants, including Ragwort across Britain and Ireland. The New Atlas, which was published in September, shows that the general distribution of Ragwort has not changed since the 1962 Atlas was prepared.

  Under the Weeds Act 1959, primary responsibility for weed control rests with the occupier of the land on which the weeds are growing. Where there is a risk that one of the five injurious weeds to which the Act applies might spread, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs can serve a notice on the occupier of

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  the land requiring action to be taken to prevent its spread. Under section 1 of the Act the authority to serve a notice applies to any land.

  Defra will consider all complaints about the spread of weeds but in determining what action to take, priority is given to those complaints where there is a threat to farmland or land that is being used for the keeping of horses as part of a diversified farm business.

  Parliamentary Questions/Correspondence
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many(a) parliamentary questions and (b) letters to her from hon. Members in the current session remain unanswered, broken down by those which are (i) one month old, (ii) two months old, (iii) three months old, (iv) four months old and (v) over six months old. [79938]

  Alun Michael
  My Department anticipates answering all parliamentary questions that have been tabled during this session by the rising of the House today.

  The Cabinet Office publishes a report to Parliament on an annual basis, setting out the volume of Members' correspondence received by Departments. The Report for 2001 was published on Friday 24 May, Official Report, column 677W. Copies of previous reports are available in the Library of the House.

  The table below shows the number of letters in my department which had not received an answer at 5 November.

  With a Received Date Between

  Number

  1 & 2 months

  135

  2 & 3 months

  138

  3 & 4 months

  69

  4 & 6 months

  64

  greater than 6 months

  119

  Plant Health Directive
  Mr. Hayes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on Directive 2002/36/EC (OJ L116, 3 May 2002) as it relates to measures in the United Kingdom; and in what circumstances, as per Recital 8,(a) applicant states and (b) OCTs are included as European states for political definitions. [77249]

  Mr. Meacher
  Directive 2002/36/EC amends the technical annexes to the Plant Health Directive (2000/29/EC) to provide better protection against the introduction into, and spread within, the EC of a number of serious pests and disease of plants. Three new pests are added to the list of those which are prohibited. The scope of the plant passport regime, which governs movements of plants within the Community, and the scope of import controls on plants from outside the EC, are extended to reflect more accurately the wide range of host plants attacked by some listed pests. The amendment also strengthens measures to ensure that plants are free from Bemisia tabaci before entering the area recognised as a "protected zone" for that pest (which includes the whole of the UK). Directive 2002/700W
  36/EC will be implemented in the UK by amendments to the Plant Health (Great Britain) Order 1993 and the Plant Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1993.

  Decisions on listing countries and regions in the Annexes of the Plant Health Directive are based on their plant health status. In the case of Malta and Cyprus the ranges of plant pests and diseases which occur in those countries are known to be similar to those of continental Europe. Conversely the EC Overseas Countries and Territories are treated separately from European territories, according to Article 1.1 of the Plant Health Directive, because of the different pest risks in those territories.

  Agricultural Wages Board
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she plans to abolish the Agricultural Wages Board; and if she will make a statement. [79244]

  Alun Michael
  No.

  ARBRE Energy
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy is towards the recovery of grants paid to ARBRE Energy in respect of the Eggborough power station. [76844]

  Margaret Beckett
  Under the Energy Crops Scheme, grants to plant crops are payable to growers. In the case of crops to provide fuel for the ARBRE power station, the Department was asked by the growers to make the payments to ARBRE Energy. The scheme requires that crops are used to produce energy, and the Department would be required to consider recovering grant from growers where crops are used for other purposes. It is too early to consider this as discussions on the future of ARBRE are continuing. In addition, if it does become necessary, the Department will work closely with growers to access the alternative energy markets which are being developed.

  British Cattle Movement Service
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what investigation she has made of delays in sending out claims forms by the British Cattle Movement Service; and if she will make a statement. [79280]

  Alun Michael
  The British Cattle Movement service does not send out any claim forms. Its work does not involve directly the processing or payment of subsidy claims. The orgnisation deals only with the registration and tracing of cattle and when a fully correct birth registration is received, I understand that the organisation issues cattle passports the next day.

  Carbon Dioxide Emissions
  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her most recent estimate is of annual emissions of carbon dioxide in the UK; and what the level was in 1997. [77461]
  701W
  Mr. Meacher
  The UK's carbon dioxide emissions in 2000, the last year for which confirmed data are available, were 152.1 million tonnes of carbon, compared to 152.5 million tonnes of carbon in 1997. A provisional estimate of carbon dioxide emissions for 2001, based on energy use, was published by the Department for Trade and Industry in March in its "Energy Trends" publication. This estimated that carbon dioxide emissions were 154.4 million tonnes of carbon, approximately 6 per cent. below the UK's 1990 baseline emissions of 164.4 million tonnes of carbon.

  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what future reductions in CO2 emissions are expected by 2010 as a result of Government policy in (a) the domestic sector, (b) transport, (c) industrial sector, (d) the tertiary sector, (e) the public sector and (f) other changes. [77463]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Government have estimated that the additional policies and measures in the UK climate change programme, published in November 2000, could by 2010 reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the domestic sector by at least 7.8 million tonnes of carbon; in the transport sector by 5.7 million tonnes of carbon; in the business sector, which includes both the industry and commerce, by at least 4.5 million tonnes of carbon; and in the public sector by at least 0.5 million tonnes of carbon. Other policies, which includes afforestation and those policies that cut across sectors, could achieve further savings of 2.6 million tonnes of carbon.

  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will commission an independent analysis of the likelihood of current Government policies being able to deliver a 20 per cent. cut in CO2 by 2010; and if she will make a statement. [77467]

  Mr. Meacher
  It is estimated that the quantified policies and measures identified in the climate change programme could lead to a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of 19 per cent. below 1990 levels by 2010. Carbon savings, which have not been quantified, from additional policies in the programme, could help us achieve our domestic goal. There will be a formal review of the climate change programme in 2004, which will be an opportunity to assess the effectiveness of existing policies and, if necessary, to develop new ones.

  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what her assessment is of the change in carbon dioxide emissions that will result from households switching to digital television and the use of set-top boxes; [77475]

  (2) what progress has been made (a) on the Government sustainability index on climate change and (b) towards the Government's domestic target for a 20 per cent. reduction in CO2 emissions based on 1990 levels; and if she will make a statement. [77462]

  Mr. Meacher
  (a) The latest figures for the Headline Sustainable Development Indicator for Climate Change were published in a Defra Statistical Press Release on 28 March. Emissions of the 'basket' of six greenhouse gases covered by the Kyoto Protocol, weighted by global warming potential, fell by 13.2 per cent. between the 1990 base year and 2000, the last year for which
  702W
  confirmed data are available. There was no change between 1999 and 2000. The UK has a target under the Kyoto Protocol to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 12.5 per cent. below 1990 levels by 2008–12. We remain on course to achieve this target.

  (b) A provisional estimate of carbon dioxide emissions for 2001, based on energy use, was published by the Department for Trade and Industry in March in its Energy Trends publication. This estimated that carbon dioxide emissions were 154.4 million tonnes of carbon, approximately 6 per cent. below the UK's 1990 baseline emissions of 164.4 million tonnes of carbon.

  Cold Sector (Energy Efficiency)
  Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what Energy Efficiency Index targets have been set for the United Kingdom cold sector as part of the market transformation programme; and what role has been played by the Department in(a) setting and (b) meeting the targets. [77556]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Market Transformation Programme (MTP) does not itself set targets, but operating largely in the public domain, seeks to establish and maintain an informed consensus on the risks, potential and scope for achieving sustainable beneficial market changes over time (e.g. increased volume sales of energy efficient appliances or elimination of inefficient products by specified dates) and, in parallel, on the detailed policy measures and other actions necessary to achieve those changes, taking into account underlying trends, timing and wider issues. In that regard, my Department both sponsors and participates in MTP's open consultations on feasible market transformation targets and it seeks to negotiate integrated programmes of policy measures to meet them. These include, for example, EU directives to label and to set minimum standards for domestic refrigeration, voluntary agreements with industry on improvement targets, public domain product procurement information, the promotional programmes supported by the Energy Saving Trust and the Carbon Trust, including the Energy Efficiency Recommended scheme, the Energy Efficiency Commitment and Enhanced Capital Allowances.

  Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what(a) discussions she has had, (b) representations she has received and (c) meetings she has attended in relation to energy efficiency improvements by the cold sector. [77558]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Department has on-going dialogue with business and other stakeholders on the potential for energy savings in the cold sector and on the practical strategies and policy measures that could help deliver these. In particular, discussions have taken place and representations received from business, enforcement agencies and other EU member states under the aegis of the Energy Efficiency Partnership, the Market Transformation programme, and in response to formal consultations on such matters as EU mandatory energy labelling and voluntary industry agreements. Recently,
  703W
  my officials have attended meetings held by the Energy Saving Trust, the Market Transformation Programme, and by the European Commission.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she intends to reply to the letter dated 4 March from the hon. Member for Banff and Buchan regarding his constituent, Mr. A. Rogers of Banff. [50074]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 17 April 2002]: I am sorry that the hon. Member has not yet received a response to his letter. I have asked that this be looked at as a matter or urgency so that I may reply shortly.

  Mr. Peter Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she will respond to the letter of the hon. Member for Hexham of 25 April, ref 168998. [65643]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 2 July 2002]: I am sorry that the hon. Member has not yet received a response to his letter. I have asked that this be looked at as a matter of urgency so that I may reply shortly.

  David Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she will answer the letters of 11 June and 13 August from the right hon. Member for Penrith and The Borders on behalf of Mrs. J. Kerr of Wigton, Cumbria. [77551]

  Alun Michael
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will be responding to this letter shortly.

  Countryside Agency
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the budget for the Countryside Agency is for 2002–03; and how it is allocated among the Agency's main projects. [79060]

  Alun Michael
  The Agency's total budget for 2002–03 is £93 million. Its main projects, including Vital Villages, are as follows (with estimated programme spend this year):

  £ million

  Market Towns

  2.49

  Rural Transport Fund

  10.11

  Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund

  4.8

  Local Heritage Initiative

  1.68

  Support for Rights of Way

  1.35

  Doorstep Greens

  1.24

  Millennium Greens

  0.44

  Walking the Way to Health

  1.42

  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the next review of the Countryside Agency's funding will be. [79061]

  Alun Michael
  Funding for the work of the Countryside Agency is decided as part of the corporate planning process.

  Energy Policy
  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she will publish the White Paper on Energy Policy. [77476]

  Mr. Wilson
  I have been asked to reply.

  I plan to publish the Energy White Paper in the New Year.

  Farm Mapping
  Mr. Liddell-Grainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what procedure will be followed if farmers disagree with field size calculated by digital mapping. [78746]

  Alun Michael
  Farmers are being given the opportunity to check and agree the areas digitised. If they are unable to agree with the field size calculated, they will be asked to provide evidence in the form of a suitably qualified surveyors report to support the size that they believe it to be.

  GM Fish
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the Government's policy towards the continuing development of GM fish. [77306]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 28 October 2002]: The release and marketing of GMOs in the EU is governed by European Directive 2001/18/EC. In England, Directive 2001/18 is implemented by part VI of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release) Regulations 2002. The devolved Administrations for Scotland and Wales are responsible for implementing Directive 2001/18 in their respective territories.

  The above legislation covers any proposed release of GM fish into the environment for research or commercial purposes, including any proposed release of GM fish in nets, tanks or cages in the sea or in rivers, lakes or streams. Before any such release could go ahead, it would have to be authorised by a consent from the relevant authority. Decisions on whether or not to allow a release would be based on a detailed assessment of any risks that may be posed by the GMO to human health or the environment in each case. It is difficult to envisage any circumstance in which a release of GM fish would be authorised in England.

  There are no GM fish being held in aquatic net-pens in the UK and no approval has yet been sought or granted for the commercial production of GM fish.

  The Department for International Development is funding research on GM techniques that may accelerate the growth rate and confer sterility in tilapia, a freshwater fish widely farmed in Africa and Asia. This work is being carried out by the University of Southampton in strictly controlled contained tank conditions in accordance with GMO (contained use) legislation. It is designed to provide a better understanding of how poor producers and consumers in developing countries could benefit, and to help these countries to decide for themselves whether they want to use the techniques.

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  At the fifth North Sea Conference at Bergen in March 2002, Ministers also agreed to take all possible actions in accordance with the requirements of Directive 2001/18/EC and comparable national legislation, to ensure that the culture of genetically modified marine organisms is confined to secure, self-contained, land-based facilities in order to prevent their release to the marine environment.

  Halons
  Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment her Department has undertaken to ascertain whether halons from fire-extinguishing systems made illegal after 2003 should be(a) destroyed and (b) recycled to critical users. [77562]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 28 October 2002]: In October 1998, WS Atkins and the Halon Users National Consortium (HUNC) produced a report for the former DETR entitled, "Assessment of the Use of Halon in the United Kingdom". This estimated that about 81 tonnes of Halon 1211 and about 238 tonnes of Halon 1301 would be decommissioned from fire-extinguishing systems by the end of 2004. Assumptions made by the consultants estimated that about 20 per cent. of the Halon 1211 and about 60 per cent. of the Halon 1301 would be recycled. The remainder would be destroyed.

  Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many tonnes of Halons remain in service in the United Kingdom, and of this tonnage, how much comprises(a) H1301 and (b) H1211. [77564]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 28 October 2002]: In 2000, the European Commission produced "A Strategy for the Management and Elimination of the Use of Halons in the European Community". For the UK, it was estimated that 300–315 tonnes of Halon 1301 and 162 tonnes of Halon 1211 were installed in fire-extinguishing systems. In addition, it was estimated that 400 tonnes of Halon 1310 and 180 tonnes of Halon 1211 were held in stock.

  Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her Department is taking to ensure atmospherically friendly products are being promoted as a preferable option to fire extinguishing systems which contain HFCs. [77565]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 28 October 2002]: The Government issued the UK Climate Change Programme in November 2000, and its publication was widely publicised. The programme sets out the key elements of the Government's policy on HFCs to enable industry and users to make investment decisions with more certainty. These elements include that HFCs should only be used where other safe, technically feasible, cost-effective and more environmentally acceptable alternatives do not exist, and that HFCs are not sustainable in the long term. The Government have a voluntary agreement with the UK fire-fighting industry in order to reduce emissions of HFCs and PFCs, which is currently under review.

  In May 2001, jointly with the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department issued guidance to the industry and users entitled, "Phase out of Halons:
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  Advice on Alternatives and Guidelines for Users of Fire Fighting and Explosion Protection Systems". The guidance suggests a range of alternatives to ozone-depleting halons, including systems using water, carbon dioxide and foams.

  Household Waste
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many times a week she recommends household rubbish collections should take place; and what measures are in place to ensure that such collections take place. [77007]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 29 October 2002]: Section 45 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 places a duty on each waste collection authority to arrange for the collection of household waste in its area. It is up to each authority to decide on the most appropriate method and frequency of collection, and the resources required.

  The waste collection authority will need to monitor the service to ensure that it is delivered in the manner they have prescribed. Ultimately, a waste collection authority can be referred to the local authority ombudsman if it is deemed to he failing to fulfil its statutory duty in this area.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many local authorities have systems for recycling household waste from the doorstep; where they are located; and what plans there are to introduce doorstep recycling in all authorities. [77006]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 29 October 2002]: We are clear that there needs to he a significant increase in kerbside recycling. We have provided significant extra funds to local authorities through the standard spending assessment and a separate ring-fenced fund for recycling and waste minimisation. We are currently assessing the second tranche of bids for funding from that budget. The Prime Minister's Strategy Unit is currently reviewing waste strategy and its funding and is due to report shortly.

  The following 288 local authorities reported that they undertook some form of kerbside recycling scheme in the 2000–01 Municipal Waste Management Survey.

  Market Transformation Programme
  Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will place in the Library copies of the minutes from meetings of the Market Transformation Programme, attended by her Department. [77557]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Market Transformation Programme works by engaging with stakeholders who have policy interests across a range of product and service sectors, mainly by exposing its analysis of issues and illustrative strategies to public scrutiny and open consultation, and doing this largely through internet communication. From time to time the contractors who service this programme for the Department hold meetings with experts and other interested parties (eg, from business, NGOs, research organisations and Government Departments) to help build consensus on
  707W
  the relevant data and analysis. No formal minutes are made of such discussions, but the outcomes of all consultations are reflected in updates to the documented analysis, the position papers and the programme action plans, which are all published for the Department on the programme's public domain website, www.mtprog.com. In addition, the Department holds meetings concerned with the steering and management of the programme's work, as distinct from its content. These meetings are minuted and I will arrange for copies of the minutes and supporting papers covering the most recent meeting to be placed in the Library of the House.

  Peninsular Proteins Ltd.
  Mr. Burnett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she will make a decision in respect of an appeal by Peninsular Proteins Ltd. against a refusal to grant a licence to operate their rendering plant at Great Torrington; and if she will make a statement. [78201]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 29 October 2002]: A letter, outlining the decision which the Department proposes to make in respect of the appeal by Peninsular Proteins Ltd., will be sent shortly.

  Plastic Products
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proposals she has for reducing householders' use of plastic products that are not biodegradeable. [70257]

  Mr. Meacher
  We are concerned that re-use and recycling of plastic remains very low and that non-biodegradeable plastic remains in and litters the environment almost indefinitely. A substitute for plastic made from potato starch is now being developed, which is being used for some types of packaging by some retailers. Such material is entirely biodegradeable and can be composted. A number of companies are marketing degradeable plastics technology and products manufactured from these materials. These new technologies are based on modified plastics manufactured from mineral oil and still have to be sent for recycling after use. But we do strongly support the development of boidegradeable plastics made from non-fossil sources.

  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what consultation she is undertaking on the introduction of a charge for plastic bags given out in shops; and if she will make a statement. [79638]

  John Healey
  I have been asked to reply.

  Taxes are a matter for the Chancellor.

  Sellafield Discharges
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what action will be taken to eliminate the discharges of Technetium-99 from Sellafield into the Irish Sea. [77599]

  Mr. Meacher
  Following a decision in 1999 to reduce the technetium-99 discharge limit from 200 TBq/year to 90 TBq/year, Ministers requested the Environment 708W
  Agency to carry out a review of technetium-99 discharges from Sellafield. The Agency published its proposed decision concerning these discharges on 20 September 2001 and set out various actions that, subject to technical problems being overcome, and HOUSE being content about the safety implications, could be undertaken to reduce the current technetium-99 discharge limit to 10 TBq/year by 2006. The Agency's proposed decision is currently under consideration by the Secretaries of State for Health and for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, who jointly have the decision-making responsibilities in this area. We expect that their response to the Agency's proposals will be published shortly.

  SF6 Emissions
  Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how her Department regulates the use of SF6 and its emissions in electricity transmission and distribution in the United Kingdom. [77567]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 28 October 2002]: The Government do not regulate the use of SF6 from the electricity transmission and distribution sectors. Emissions from electrical insulation currently account for less than 20 per cent. of the UK's total emissions of SF6. While there has been a small increase in emissions from this sector since 1995, and they are forecast to continue increasing until 2010, estimated emissions reduction in other sectors are projected to offset this increase and lead to a fall in total SF6 emissions of about 3 per cent. between 1995 and 2020.

  Sustainable Development
  Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what(a) assessment has been made and (b) discussions have taken place, or are planned by her Department, of the political declarations emerging from the recent World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg from (i) the Inter-Parliamentary Union, (ii) local government groups and (iii) regional government groups. [77561]

  Mr. Meacher
  The relevant declarations are (i) the declarations by parliamentarians at the session organised by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU); (ii) the declaration by local government representatives at the session organised by the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI); and (iii) the declaration by regional government representatives at the regional government event (known as the Gauteng Declaration).

  We are in the process of assessing the contents of these declarations, and will discuss their implications with the relevant stakeholders, including how they might contribute to sustainable development in the UK.

  Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions her Department has had with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister in relation to the role of local government in the delivery of objectives agreed at the
  709W
  recent World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg; and what the outcomes of the discussions have been. [77563]

  Mr. Meacher
  Discussions have begun with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and other Government Departments about how to take forward the UK's commitments from WSSD at the local, national and international level. There are many aspects to consider and we anticipate these discussions continuing for some time.

  We will be launching a major review of the UK Sustainable Development Strategy in the new year. We will use this opportunity to consult stakeholders, including local authorities, on action to implement the Johannesburg commitments across the UK.

  Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for what reason the UK did not have a stand at the Umbuntu Village and the NASREC exhibition space at the recent World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg. [77569]

  Mr. Meacher
  After careful consideration, the UK Government decided not to have a stand at Umbuntu Village as we believed that the benefits to be gained from exhibitioning did not justify the use of the limited human and financial resources we had available.

  NASREC was the location for the Global People's Forum, which ran in parallel to the main summit, and was a forum for all forms of civil society to coalesce and discuss sustainable development. It was not a forum for Governments to exhibit. I visited it during the WSSD Conference and spent half a day there. I also visited Umbuntu Village twice.

  Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps have been taken to develop national coalitions to assist in the delivery of(a) outcomes of the recent World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg and (b)additional non-binding agreements or pledges made by the UK Government relating to the recent World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg. [77578]

  Mr. Meacher
  The United Kingdom Government are co-operating with like-minded Governments, both bilaterally and through international institutions such as the United Nations, European Union and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), to assist the delivery of the outcomes of the Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development and related non-binding commitments which it has made.

  Such co-operation will not necessarily involve the development of publicly identified 'coalitions'. However, at Johannesburg the EU member states and a number of like-minded countries, commonly referred to as the 'Renewable Energy Coalition', made a declaration on "The Way Forward for Renewable Energy". This commits us to work together to further develop and promote renewable energy technologies and substantially increase the global share of renewable
  710W
  energy resources; and to work with others to achieve this goal, especially through partnership initiatives and through forthcoming international conferences.

  Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans her Department has to(a) attend and (b) support events relating to outcomes of the recent World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg. [77595]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is committed to follow-up the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) both at a national and international level. Within the UK, Defra is supporting numerous events on the outcomes of WSSD, these include stakeholder meetings to discuss follow-up action in the UK, a Conservation Foundation workshops on WSSD looking at the local dimension, the Royal Institute of International Affairs General Meeting on the outcomes of WSSD, a DEMOS seminar on sustainable business and a keynote speech by my right hon. Friend the Secondary of State for Defra on the outcomes of WSSD at the Associate Parliamentary Environment Group Christmas reception.

  The Department is also committed to attending numerous international meetings, particularly at EU and UN level, relating to the outcomes of WSSD.

  Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which individuals and organisations who were consulted by her Department in relation to(a) Prepcom meetings and discussions relating to the recent World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg; and (b) the negotiations and involvement of the UK Government delegation at the World Summit. [77573]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Department for Environment, Food and rural Affairs (Defra) worked closely with various stakeholder groups in our preparations for the World Summit on Sustainable Development. Consultations with civil society were through umbrella organisations such as UNED-UK and the BOND Network (British Overseas NGOs for Development).

  Defra engaged with the business community and the Prime Minister instigated five sectoral initiatives in March 2001, which were partnerships for the delivery of sustainable development between Government, civil society. Stakeholders groups, including NGOs, local authorities and business were invited to be part of the delegation at the Prepcoms and at the summit itself.

  Negotiations at the summit were inter-governmental. However, daily UK delegation meetings and regular briefing sessions with civil society enabled nongovernmental stakeholders to feed in their views.

  Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her Department has taken to(a) develop a system for monitoring of and (b) produce guidelines for Type II agreements relating to the delivery of objectives relating to the delivery of (i) sustainable development and (ii) outcomes of the recent World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg. [77576]
  711W
  Mr. Meacher
  Defra negotiators were instrumental in the development and adoption by the UN of a set of guiding principles for Type II partnerships at the fourth Preparatory Committee meeting for WSSD in Indonesia in May this year. We also fought extremely hard for the inclusion of relevant text in the Plan of Implementation agreed at Johannesburg, with the result that the UN Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) has been mandated to develop a follow-up mechanism for partnerships.

  Domestically, a policy lead has been identified for each of those Type II partnerships in which the UK Government are involved. These include officials from FCO, Forestry Commission, DfID and DTI in addition to Defra.

  Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list Type II agreements in place relating to the delivery of(a) sustainable development and (b) outcomes of the recent World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg. [77577]

  Mr. Meacher
  I refer the hon. Member to the UN website for the World Summit on Sustainable Development which lists more than 600 Type II partnerships (http://www.johannesburgsummit.org/html/sustainable_dev/partnership_initiatives.html).

  The UK Government instigated or was involved in more than 20 partnerships developed for WSSD. Those that were registered as formal Type II partnerships are:

  UK-led Water Partnershi—partners For Water and Sanitation (PAWS)

  UK-led Sustainable Tourism Initiative (STI)

  EU Water Initiative—Water for Life

  EU Energy Initiative—'Energy for Poverty Eradication and Sustainable Development'

  Global Village energy Partnership (GVEP)

  Global Network on Energy for Sustainable Development

  Partnership For Principle 10 (Environmental Democracy)

  Oceans Initiative: "White Water to Blue Water: A Crosscutting Approach to Regional Oceans and Coastal Ecosystem Management"

  Congo Basin Forest Partnership

  Japanese led Asian Forest Partnership

  Details of these, and the other partnerships in which we are involved, are available on the Government sustainable development website (http://www.sustainable-development.gov.uk/wssd/).

  Timber
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent measures her Department has taken to ensure that the National Building Standards (Government Works) standard has been amended to reflect Government policy on timber procurement; and if she will make a statement. [77673]

  Mr. Meacher
  My officials contacted the National Building Specification, a trading name of RIBA Enterprises Ltd., on 1 October drawing their attention to the timber scoping study report (published on the internet at http://www.forestforum.org.uk), and asking them to consider reviewing the NBS (Government 712W
  Works) standard format to reflect Government policy on its own timber procurement. The Government committed Departments and their agencies in July 2000 actively to seek to procure their timber and timber products from legal and sustainably managed sources.

  The National Building Specification does not contain specification clauses for the procurement of timber. It is left to the specifier to decide the content of the specification because currently, NBS considers the issue of sustainability complex, imprecise and the subject of conflicting information. However, general guidance to the National Building Specification refers to advice from the Forests Forever Campaign, that was established in 1990 by the Timber Trade Federation. This says: "…as yet there is no internationally agreed definition of, or accepted criteria for, 'sustainability'. At present a supplier may only be able to provide evidence that timber comes from a 'sustained yield' source i.e. managed to provide a continuous supply of timber…".

  NBS is compiling a dossier on the subject of timber procurement and has agreed to meet officials to discuss the issue. In the meantime, we have asked Government Departments to ensure that anyone employed by Government on any construction, maintenance or supplies contract is made aware that the Government's policy on timber procurement should be complied with when drawing up specifications. This message will be reinforced by an Information Note to be issued by the Office of Government Commerce shortly.

  Veterinary Surgeons and Students
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many unqualified people have been found guilty of impersonating a veterinary(a) surgeon and (b) student in each of the last 10 years. [76615]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 24 October 2002]: (a) Two. The first in 2001 and the second in 2002. (b) None.

  Village Halls
  Dr. Stoate
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures she is taking to improve funding arrangements for village halls; and if she will make a statement. [78435]

  Alun Michael
  Central funding for village halls, from the recent Government and the National Lottery has increased substantially in recent years. About £10 million per year was available in the 1980s, which increased to around £50 million per year in the late 1990s, largely due to the contribution from the Millennium Fund which funded over 500 village halls and community centres to the value of nearly £100 million. That programme was specifically intended as an injection of extra funds over the millennium period and has benefited many local communities. Since the millennium the annual assistance to village halls remains three times the previous level at approximately £33 million per year now.

  It must be remembered that the finances of village halls have traditionally come from local sources with come support from central government and that this Government have been active in encouraging local

  713W
  action. While this approach has been productive the contribution of central government must not be seen as an alternative to local leadership and fund raising.

  Nevertheless the Government are working with stakeholders to quantify the funding needs of village halls and how best to meet these needs. My officials met representatives of Action with Communities in Rural England and others on 22 October to discuss how available funds, from central and local government and the lottery distributors, can best support local investment in village halls and the services and facilities they provide for their local communities. I shall be meeting the National Village Halls Forum during November.

  Waste Dumping
  Dr. Richard Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what regulations there are and how they can be enforced by(a) the Environment Agency and (b) local councils, to prevent developers dumping contaminated waste on sites that are being recontoured and are not licensed tips. [77241]

  Mr. Meacher
  The disposal and recovery of waste is regulated primarily through the Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994, for which the Environment Agency is the competent authority and primary regulator. Paragraph 9 of schedule 3 of the 1994 regulations allows certain types of material to be spread to land for the purposes of reclamation or improvement under an exemption from waste management licensing. This material includes soil, rock, ash or sludge, or waste from any dredging of inland waters or arising from construction or demolition work. The material can only be spread provided it meets the requirements of Article 4 of the Waste Framework Directive ie to ensure protection of the environment and human health.

  Any activity being carried out under this exemption must be registered with the Environment Agency, and failure to adhere to the 'general rules' of the exemption is an offence that is punishable by a fine if convicted in court.

  The Government will be consulting shortly on amendments to some exemptions (including paragraph 9). These amendments are being designed to tighten the requirements and to prevent abuse of the controls.

  Operator

  Location

  Size: t/yr

  Planning status

  Permit status

  NEWLINCS Developments

  Grimsby

  56,000

  Granted

  IPC authorised—PPC application to be submitted

  Onyx

  Portsmouth

  165,000

  Granted after appeal

  IPC authorised—PPC application expected this year

  Onyx

  Marchwood, Southampton

  160,000

  Granted

  IPC authorised—PPC application being determined

  Surrey Waste Management

  Capel, Surrey

  116,000

  Granted, but subject to judicial review

  PPC permit issued

  Grundons

  Slough

  400,000

  Granted

  IPC authorised—PPC application expected

  Onyx

  Chineham, Surrey

  110,000

  Granted

  PPC permit issued

  HLC Waste Management Services

  Neath, Port Talbot

  85,000

  Granted

  PPC permit issued

  Waste Recycling Group

  Hull

  150,000

  Application refused—planning appeal in

  PPC permit issued

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  Along with the Environment Agency, local authorities have more general powers under section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 in relation to fly tipping, ie depositing controlled waste without a waste management licence ore registered exemption. In the event of a conviction, severe penalties are available to the courts including an unlimited fine or imprisonment of up to five years.

  Waste Incinerators
  Dr. Whitehead
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many waste incinerators are planned by waste disposal authorities; what the capacity is of each incinerator planned; and what information she collates on the contractual arrangements for waste disposal. [77745]

  Mr. Meacher
  There are at present 14 municipal solid waste incinerators in the whole of the UK, two of which are in Scotland. Details of facilities where planning applications are determined by local planning authorities are not held centrally.

  There are many hundreds of other incinerators for-sewage sludge, hazardous waste, clinical waste, production waste from factories etc. In England and Wales, the larger plant generally is regulated by the Environment Agency and details of their locations are available on the Environment Agency's public register. Other plant that is part of another process regulated by the Agency may not be shown separately on the register. Smaller plant is regulated by local authorities. In Scotland, all such plant are regulated by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency.

  A new plant will need planning permission to start construction and a PPC permit to start operations. The table gives the number and status, as at 21 August 2002, of new municipal waste incineration plants in England and Wales. The table contains information shared with the Environment Agency by prospective applicants for pollution control permits. There may also be other planning applications or amendments which have been submitted to local authorities over which the Agency has not been consulted. The planning status may have been changed since the data were supplied.

  The Department does not routinely collect information on contractual arrangements for waste disposal. It is the responsibility of waste disposal authorities to make appropriate contractual arrangements with respect to their requirements for waste disposal.
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  Operator

  Location

  Size: t/yr

  Planning status

  Permit status

  progress

  Kent Enviropower

  Maidstone, Kent

  500,000

  Granted

  PPC permit being determined

  Riverside Resource Recovery

  Belvedere, London

  500,000

  Refused

  IPC authorised

  Shanks

  Milton Keynes

  353,000

  Application submitted

  PPC application to be submitted if planning permission granted

  Onyx

  Sheffield

  225,000

  Application submitted

  PPC application determined

  Sita

  Ridham Dock, Kent

  200,000

  Subject to a planning appeal

  No application

  County Environment Services

  Roche, Cornwall

  64,000

  Application submitted

  No application

  Web Sites
  Dr. Vincent Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the web site links associated with her Department, including sites now dormant or closed, and indicating whether they are live, dormant or closed; what the start up costs were for each site listed; what the operating costs were in each year since start up for each site; which company hosted each site; what assessment takes place for each site; which company does the assessment; if she will place the assessment reports in the Library; and if she will make a statement. [75590]

  Alun Michael
  In addition to its overall strategic functions. Defra has a range of specialist responsibilities in the fields of environment, food, animal welfare, agriculture and rural policy. Website links therefore range from small or specialist sites established by the Department (or its predecessors) and its agencies and NDPBs for specific purposes to DEFRA's own main website and those of its agencies and NDPBs. We are also checking whether joint sites have been established with other organisations by operational units within Defra or within its agencies and NDPBs.

  The information requested is currently being collated. I will write to the hon. Member as soon as it is available.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

  Children in Care
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what action she is taking to raise the educational standards of children in care. [73928]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  [holding answer 15 October 2002]: We are committed to raising the educational standards of all children, including those who are in care, in order to build a fair and inclusive society. In May 2000 we issued comprehensive Guidance on the Education of Children and Young People in Care to help local authorities, in their role as corporate parents to raise the educational attainment of children and young people in public care and to bring them closer in line with those of their peers. The Department seeks through it's policies to help LEAs work towards achieving the PSA target set by the Department of Health that, by 2004, 15 per cent. of children leaving care at age 16 or over shall have achieved at least 5 GCCEs at grade A*-C.

  The Guidance is backed up by an Implementation Programme, Education Protects, which is jointly supported by the DfES and the Department of Health.
  716W
  Currently, a team of advisors work with ten networks of Lead Officers for Children in Public Care across the country.

  The Implementation Team is also gathering examples of best practice to help inform future work locally and nationally. Examples of best practice will shortly be disseminated through the upgraded Education Protects DfES website.

  We are currently consulting on a revised School Admissions Code of Practice that will require all admission authorities in their over subscription criteria, to give top priority to looked after children, after children with statements of special educational needs.

  For 2002–03 there is £10 million in the DfES Standards Fund to raise the achievement for children in public care and sick children. A new £20 million Capital Modernisation Fund scheme to increase access to information technology for children in and leaving care is available over the 2 financial years 2002–03 and 2003–04. The money is being distributed as part of the Department of Health's Quality Protects programme. This is on top of the overall budget of £885 million made available over 5 years for the Department of Health's children's services quality protects grant.

  The Social Exclusion Unit are are currently undertaking a project looking into the educational achievement of children in public care. We will be considering any recommendations made when their report is published. This is currently expected to be in December 2002.

  Firefighters' Dispute
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what preparations she has made to ensure the safety and continuity of service to the public in the event of a firefighters' strike; and what the cost is to the Department of these actions. [77656]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  My Department has set up an Incident Team representing all policy and services directorates led by a senior Board member. The Team is liaising closely with central Government to keep abreast of updates on the situation outlined by my right hon. Friend, the Ministery for Local Government and the Regions in his answer to this question of the 28 October 2002 Official Report, column 527W. Briefing has been circulated to all Local Education Authorities, colleges and universities. Further communications will be sent as appropriate. Risk Assessments have also been carried out on departmental premises and specific measures introduced to safeguard people—which include large numbers of visitors as well as staff—on strike days.

  717W
  The cost of providing emergency cover will depend on the extent and nature of any industrial action.

  Ethnicity Statistics
  Mr. Watts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, how ethnicity is measured by schools and local education authorities and what checks are carried out to ensure the accuracy of those figures. [78609]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  In January this year the Department issued to LEAs updated guidance on how schools should obtain and record pupils' ethnic group. This guidance was prompted in part by a new ethnic group classification introduced by the 2001 national Census of Population, which meant that all existing information had to be re-collected on this new basis. The main features of the guidance are:

  once the re-collection exercise is complete, information for new pupils to be collected on first entry to school, and then passed on from school to school;
  information to be collected via parents, who, in the case of pupils aged 11 or over, are encouraged to involve the pupil in the decision;
  any refusal to provide information must be respected. However if a parent merely fails to respond to the school's enquiries, the school may, subject to certain conditions, ascribe an ethnic group based on its own best judgement. In these cases the fact that the information has been derived in this way, rather than provided by the parent or pupil, must be recorded;
  LEAs have discretion to adopt a more detailed ethnic group classification where necessary to meet local monitoring needs (within a framework specified by the Department).
  The steps taken to ensure the accuracy of the information obtained and recorded by schools under the new guidance are:
  the guidance was drawn up following extensive discussions with the Commission for Racial Equality and the Information Commissioner, and a major consultation exercise involving (amongst others) the teacher unions, LEAs and a sample of schools;
  great emphasis has been placed on the need for LEAs to take the lead in ensuring that their schools implemented the guidance fully and correctly, and have all the advice and support necessary to enable them to do so;
  each LEA has been asked to nominate and notify the Department of a senior officer within authority who will take overall responsibility for implementation of the guidance, and all authorities have now done so. Feedback on progress has been obtained through these contacts, and further guidance or clarification issued as required;
  an explanatory leaflet (with translations into 14 languages) has been produced by the Department for distribution by schools to parents. A model letter and completion form for parents has also been provided for schools' use;
  a dedicated website (www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/ethnicminorities) has been set up through which all guidance and key documents (including translations) can be viewed and downloaded;
  LEAs have been required to submit to the Department for approval any refinements of the national ethnic categories which they propose to adopt for local monitoring purposes in order to ensure that consistency of data at national level is maintained;
  the Department has worked very closely with the suppliers of management information systems to schools and LEAs to ensure these systems are developed in order to store and process the new data correctly, and enable it to be transferred electronically from school to school as pupils move.
  718W
  The new information will be collected by the Department for the first time in the Pupil Level Annual Schools Census (PLASC) taking place in January 2003. These data will be analysed closely to verify that they accord with the guidance. Any apparent gaps or anomalies will be taken up with the LEA concerned.

  Connexions Card
  Mr. Flook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what the estimated annual cost is of the Connexions card; and what the card has cost so far. [79123]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  [holding answer 6 November 2002]: The Connexions Card contract is valued at £109.7m over seven years.

  Due to the agreed implementation plan the annual cost of the Card is not a fixed amount per annum. The £109.7m is spread as follows (these figures are subject to annual review);

  Financial Year

  01–02

  02–03

  03–4

  04–5

  05–6

  06–7

  07–8

  08–9

  Annual Budget (£m)

  14.5

  15.5

  14.5

  14.0

  13.6

  13.6

  13.1

  10.9

  To date, the Card has cost £18.9m.

  Mr. Flook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, which third party organisations and companies have(a) received and (b) bought information contained on the Connexions card. [79124]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  [holding answer 6 November 2002]: Only the Connexions Service has received information contained on the Connexions Card. No third party organisation or company has bought information contained on the Connexions Card.

  Mr. Flook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, whether information held on individuals who have Connexions cards has been passed on to third parties(a) for no consideration and (b) for a consideration. [79125]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  [holding answer 6 November 2002]: Only the Connexions Service has been passed information held on individuals who have Connexions Cards and this is for no consideration. No information held on individuals who have a Connexions Card has been passed to a third party for a consideration.

  Mr. Flook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, how many Connexions cards have been issued. [79126]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  [holding answer 6 November 2002]: As of 5 November, there have been 175,161 Connexions Cards issued.

  Mr. Flook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, how old the youngest person is who has received a Connexions card. [79127]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  [holding answer 6 November 2002]: The youngest person who has received a Connexions Card is 14 years old.
  719W
  Mr. Flook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what information can be held on an individual who uses a Connexions card. [79128]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  [holding answer 6 November 2002]: The young person's name, date of birth and photo is shown on the Card and their name, date of birth and unique Connexions Card number are recorded on the chip.

  In addition to the above information, each young person's record on the Connexions Card database holds details of the learning centre(s), attendance, points collected and redeemed, and rewards chosen.

  Recruitment (Over 50s)
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what percentage of new recruits to his Department in the past two years were aged 50 and over. [79299]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  Some 3.5 per cent. of new recruits to the Department for Education and Skills since 9 June 2001, when the Department was established, were aged 50 and over.

  Parliamentary Questions/Correspondence
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, how many(a) parliamentary questions and (b) letters to him from hon. Members in this session remain unanswered, broken down by those which are (i) one month old, (ii) two months old, (iii) three months old, (iv) four months old and (v) over six months old. [79939]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  There are no Parliamentary Questions tabled to this department which are over a month old. Information on letters from hon. Members is not collected in this format and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. The Cabinet Office, publishes a report to Parliament on an annual basis, setting out the volume of Members' correspondence received by departments. The Report for 2001 was published on Friday 24 May 2002,Official Report, column 677W. Copies of previous reports are available in the Library of the House.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, how many staff have been employed at his Department in each year from 1995–6 to 2002–3; and if he will make a statement. [80235]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  The staffing numbers—as at 1 April in each year—are given below.

  To note: Two numbers are given for the year 1995 as the Employment Department and Department for Education were then separate Departments. The numbers for 1996 to 2001 are for the Department for Education and Employment. Those for 2002 are for the Department for Education and Skills.

  Year

  Staff numbers

  1995—

  4,890 (Employment)

  —

  1,630 (Education)

  1996—

  5,050

  720W

  Year

  Staff numbers

  1997—

  4,480

  1998—

  4,500

  1999—

  4,560

  2000—

  4,970

  2001—

  5,430

  2002—

  4,820

  Public Consultations
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what public consultations have been commenced by his Department in each month since 10th July; and what the(a) start date, (b) closing date and (c) website address of each were. [80266]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  A list of the public consultations undertaken by my Department since 10 July, 2002 is attached. Information includes the start dates and closing dates as requested. The website address for all public consultations is www.dfes.gov.uk.consultations.

  Departmental Funding (Huntingdon)
  Mr. Djanogly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, if he will list the projects to which his Department has allocated funding in the Huntingdon Constituency since 1997, indicating the amount in each case. [79565]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  My Department does not allocate funding at constituency level. The information requested could only be provided at disproportionate cost. Details of overall allocations for all my departmental programmes are listed at table 4.2 in the Departmental Annual Report.

  Online Centres
  Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, how many United Kingdom online centres(a) have been and (b) are intended to be established in Scotland. [80062]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  The UK online centres initiative is administered by the Department for Education and Skills and covers England only. The devolved administration in Scotland has an equivalent project details of which can be found on their website http://www.scotland.gov.uk/digitalscotland/

  LEA Costs
  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, pursuant to his answer of 23 October,Official Report, column 383W, on LEA costs, what, in real terms, was (a) the total cash not devolved by each LEA to schools and (b) the total cash spent by the LEA on its staff and other overheads and administration, in each year from 1996–97 to 2002–03; what the annual real growth rate of such expenditure was in each LEA; and if he will make a statement. [80248]

  Mr. Miliband
  The information requested is not readily available. I will write to the hon. Member when I am able to reply and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Bramwood County Primary School
  Tony Baldry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, when he expects to be able to give Surrey County Council section 77 consent in respect of approval for sale of the former Bramwood County Primary School in Surrey. [80234]

  Mr. Miliband
  The Department has no record of a Bramwood County Primary School in Surrey. The Department has, however, received an application from Surrey County Council for the Secretary of State's consent to sell the site of the former Barnwood Primary School. The application will be considered by the School Playing Fields Advisory Panel as soon as Surrey County Council provides the additional information that has been requested.

  Criminal Records Bureau
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, if he will make a statement on the abolition of Criminal Records Bureau checks for school governors. [80038]

  Mr. Miliband
  In the light of the continuing problems being encountered by the Criminal Records Bureau, checks on school governors have been suspended for the foreseeable future. General advice was posted on the Department's School Governors' website on Monday 4 November. Further guidance for registered bodies will be issued shortly.

  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what amendment he intends to make to the School Governance (Constitution) Regulations to abolish the requirement for Criminal Records Bureau checks. [80037]

  Mr. Miliband
  The School Governance (Constitution) (England) Regulations 2003 are currently out for consultation. The suggested wording in Schedule 6 on disqualifying governors from holding, or continuing to hold, office is triggered by an individual's refusal to agree to an application being made for a criminal records certificate when a request is made. While this wording does not in itself require all governors or potential governors to automatically undergo a Criminal Records Bureau check we will consider whether this disqualification should be removed or reworded before the Regulations are laid next spring.

  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, how many school governors have(a) received and (b) not received a Criminal Records Bureau check. [80036]

  Mr. Miliband
  Information on the number of newly appointed and re-appointed school governors who either have received or have not received a Criminal Records Bureau check is not routinely collected by the Department.

  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, when his Department will publish guidance to registered bodies about the postponement of Criminal Records Bureau checks as set out in the announcement made on 1 November. [80020]
  722W
  Mr. Miliband
  In the light of the continuing problems being encountered by the Criminal Records Bureau, checks on school governors have been suspended for the foreseeable future. General advice was posted on the Department's School Governors' website on Monday 4 November. Further guidance for registered bodies will be issued shortly.

  Mr. Djanogly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, how many school days were lost owing to teachers being unable to gain clearance from the Criminal Records Bureau before the first day of this school year in(a) Cambridgeshire and (b) East of England. [79564]

  Mr. Miliband
  We do not hold this information.

  School Staff (Legal Actions)
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) if he will make a statement on the settlement reached in the case of Higginson v. Cheshire County Council; [79973]

  (2) what guidance he has given to LEAs on informing governing bodies of the outcome of legal actions involving the authority and past or present members of a school's staff: and if he will make a statement. [79974]

  Mr. Miliband
  The conclusion reached in the case of Higginson versus Cheshire County Council is a matter for the parties concerned. My Department has not, to the best of my knowledge, issued advice to LEAs on disclosure of the outcomes of legal actions to governing bodies where such actions involve members of school staff.

  Modern Apprenticeships
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what progress he has made in increasing the use of modern apprenticeships. [78459]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  There are currently 100,000 more young people on Advanced Modern Apprenticeships and Foundation Modern Apprenticeships than at the same time in 1998. The Government has published a target for 2004 for at least 28 per cent. of young people to start a Modern Apprenticeship by age 22. The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) has a lead role in meeting the target and has in place robust plans to do so. It is working closely with the Connexions Service, the new Sector Skills Councils and others to increase demand for places from both young people and employers. The LSC and Ministers are advised on MA developments by a Board made up of employers and others. New publicity campaigns are underway, including one aimed at employers which began last week.

  IT Skills Shortages
  Ross Cranston
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what recent representations he has received from(a) right hon. and hon. Members, (b) trade associations and employers organisations and (c) training companies, concerning higher level skills shortages in the information technology sector. [79834]
  723W
  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  I have not received any significant representations on higher level skills shortages in the Information Technology (IT) sector in the last six months. Skills deficits in the sector have declined from their peak in 1999 when the Stevens report, "Skills for the Information Age" highlighted these issues. Since that time, an £8 million programme of measures has been put in place to improve the image of the IT industry, build greater understanding of the labour market and strengthen links between education and industry.

  Grant-maintained Schools
  Mr. Hammond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, if he will list the former grant-maintained schools which are parties to operating leases in respect of buildings. [79912]

  Mr. Miliband
  The information is not held centrally. Decisions in respect of operating leases were a matter for the governing bodies of former grant maintained schools.

  Examinations (Irregularities)
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, how many cases of irregularities with SATs results and tests were reported to the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority in each local education authority in(a) 2000, (b) 2001 and (c) 2002 to 10 October; and how many investigations were carried out by the QCA into these reports. [80049]

  Mr. Miliband
  The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) has made a concerted effort to raise awareness of the need to report every event, which could lead to an allegation of malpractice or maladministration in national tests. This has led to an increase in the number of events reported. All such reports are logged, but not all merit further investigation. Reports which do not normally require further investigation would include, for example, where a school has received its test pack with the external sealing damaged.

  The total number of events reported to the QCA and investigated by the QCA in each of the last three years is as follows:

  2000

  2001

  2002

  Events reported to QCA

  147

  270

  479

  Cases investigated by QCA

  47

  59

  96

  The breakdown of these totals by Local Education Authority is still being compiled. I shall write to my hon. Friend with this information when it becomes available and place a copy in the library.

  School Boredom
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, if he will make a statement on the causes of the boredom suffered by British secondary school pupils in the classroom. [79436]

  Mr. Miliband
  There are various factors which can lead to boredom in secondary school classrooms, including: lessons which are not challenging enough;724W
  lessons that do not cater for pupils with special educational needs; lessons that recover old ground; lack of progress on transition to secondary school; pupils' lack of awareness of their learning goals; and perceived lack of relevance of the curriculum to pupils' personal goals.

  We believe good teaching and a good curriculum are the best ways to engage and motivate pupils. We have introduced a wide range of strategies to improve teaching and learning, including our widely-acclaimed Literacy and Numeracy Strategies. Since September 2001 we have been implementing our new strategy to improve the attainment of 14 year olds (the Key Stage 3 Strategy). There have already been major improvements: OFSTED now rate nearly 70 per cent. of lessons as good compared with 40 per cent. five years ago.

  Learning and Skills Council
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, if he will list the members of the board of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Council of the Learning and Skills Council, indicating(a) their place of residence and (b) those of them who represent or serve on local district, city or county councils. [79487]

  Margaret Hodge
  The board members of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Learning and Skills Council, are as follows;

  Learning And Skills Council Herefordshire And Worcestershire Council Member names, sector representation and residence location

  Mr. C Swan (Business) Chairman of LSC Herefordshire and Worcestershire Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire Work: Herefordshire

  Mrs. C Bucknell (Further Education) Hereford Work: Warwickshire

  Mr. A Curless Executive Director of LSC Herefordshire and Worcestershire Ross on Wye, Herefordshire Work: Herefordshire

  Mr. N Pringle (Local Authority Chief Executive Officer) Bredwardine, Herefordshire Work: Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

  Mr. N Bromley (FE College Principal) Bromsgrove, Worcestershire Work: Worcestershire

  Mr. N Price OBE (Regional Development Agency Representative) Kidderminster, Worcestershire Work: Worcestershire

  Cllr D Wicksteed (Councillor, Worcestershire County Council) Worcester Work: Worcestershire

  Mr. John Worker (Business) Pershore, Worcestershire Work: Worcestershire

  Mr. R Quallington (Voluntary) Little Witley, Worcestershire Work: Herefordshire And Worcestershire

  Mr. Stuart Houghton (Business) Colwall, Malvern, Worcestershire Work: Herefordshire

  Mr. P Bannister (Trade Union) Bromsgrove, Worcestershire Work: Worcestershire

  Mr. Mark Day (Business) Redditch, Worcestershire Work: Worcestershire

  Mr. N Helme (Business) Leominster, Herefordshire Work: Herefordshire

  Vacant post advertised for school Headteacher from either Herefordshire or Worcestershire.

  Graduate Employment
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, how many students graduated from university and how many graduates gained

  Full-time UK domiciled first degree graduates from HE institutions in England

  Year of graduation:

  1995

  1996

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  Graduates from HEIs in:

  North

  10,080

  10,216

  10,550

  10,702

  10,859

  11,052

  10.864

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  20,319

  21,523

  22,218

  21,689

  22,722

  23,458

  23,320

  East Midlands

  14,910

  16,282

  15,353

  16,818

  16,849

  16,569

  16,241

  East Anglia

  4,453

  4,739

  4,744

  4,560

  4,635

  4,744

  4,716

  South East

  27,717

  33,581

  33,796

  32,970

  33,372

  30,928

  30,853

  Greater London

  29,630

  28,633

  27,573

  27,080

  27,231

  29,500

  28,919

  South West

  13,595

  13,811

  14,492

  14,762

  15,112

  15,720

  15,308

  West Midlands

  15,544

  17,076

  16,859

  16,942

  17,398

  17,123

  17,370

  North West

  21,948

  22,594

  23,261

  22,772

  23,259

  24,191

  24,180

  Percentage gaining employment in their region of graduation1

  North

  11.7

  16.0

  22.6

  23.8

  23.3

  24.7

  27.5

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  14.1

  18.6

  21.2

  21.7

  22.6

  22.8

  24.1

  East Midlands

  4.3

  5.0

  7.8

  19.0

  18.1

  18.8

  20.0

  East Anglia

  2.0

  3.8

  5.4

  8.4

  10.3

  10.1

  11.4

  South East

  11.7

  12.5

  18.0

  25.6

  24.3

  24.8

  25.9

  Greater London

  12.5

  11.5

  16.6

  24.8

  30.5

  26.0

  29.2

  South West

  10.3

  12.4

  14.8

  21.4

  21.0

  21.9

  22.1

  West Midlands

  10.7

  10.5

  16.3

  18.8

  19.9

  21.0

  21.4

  North West

  9.4

  10.3

  12.0

  21.2

  24.7

  28.1

  31.7

  Source:

  Higher Education Statistics Agency's First Destination Record.

  1 In the early years of the time series, not all graduates specified the region in which they obtained employment, and this has contributed to the lower employment rates in these years.

  Departmental Costs
  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what his estimate is of the gross administrative costs of his Department in(a) cash and (b) real terms in each year from 1995–96 to 2002–03; what the growth rate was of each category of expenditure in each year; and if he will make a statement. [80236]

  (a) DfES Gross Administrative Costs—Cash (£000s)

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  2002–03

  DEL

  248,103

  220,825

  206,650

  213,987

  212,834

  217,326

  219,170

  AME

  2,561

  6,752

  6,998

  4,404

  8,767

  8,269

  8,649

  Total

  250,664

  227,577

  213,648

  218,391

  221,601

  225,595

  227,819

  Growth rate

  n/a

  -9%

  -6%

  2%

  1%

  2%

  1%

  (b) DfES Gross Administrative Costs—Real Terms @ 2002–03 Prices

  DEL

  288,051

  248,707

  226,520

  229,017

  222,846

  222,759

  219,170

  AME

  2,973

  7,605

  7,671

  4,713

  9,179

  8,476

  8,649

  Total

  291,024

  256,311

  234,191

  233,731

  232,025

  231,235

  227,819

  Growth rate

  n/a

  -12%

  -9%

  0%

  -1%

  0%

  -1%

  Note:

  DEL figures relate to the Departmental Expenditure Limit

  AME figures relate to Annually Managed Expenditure

  Education Finance (Cheshire)
  Sir Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, how many representations he has received from residents of(a) Cheshire and (b) Macclesfield constituency registering their response to his Department's review of revenue grant
  726W
  employment in the region in which they graduated, broken down by region in each year since 1995. [78556]

  Margaret Hodge
  [holding answer 4 November 2002]: The available information is shown in the table.

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The information requested is set out in the table below; the figures for the Department include Sure Start and the Children's Fund. The information for 1995–96 is not available in the form requested.

  distribution; when he expects to announce his decision following his Department's consultation; and if he will make a statement. [79274]

  Mr. Miliband
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government on 6 November.

  Student Bursaries
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, how many opportunity bursaries have been awarded to students from each Government Office region in the academic years(a) 2001–02 and (b) 2002–03. [80048]

  Margaret Hodge
  In 2001–02, 6,580 Opportunity Bursaries were allocated to students from Excellence Challenge areas entering higher education in England. In 2002–03, 8,210 new Opportunity Bursaries were allocated for those entering HE in England.

  Information on the allocation and uptake of Opportunity Bursaries by government office regions is unavailable.

  Child Care Facilities
  Mrs. Laing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, how many(a) day nurseries, (b) childminders and (c) out of school clubs there were on 31 March and what percentage of these were provided by the private sector. [78593]

  Mr. Miliband
  We are unable to provide a breakdown on providers as requested, however information on the number of places is shown in the following table.

  Round

  Programme

  Approved revenue grant (£000)

  Capital

  2000–01

  2001–02

  2002–03

  1

  South Fenland

  718

  629

  805

  905

  1

  East Cleveland

  469

  597

  645

  791

  2

  East Bolsover

  218

  723

  733

  163

  3

  Berwick

  —

  319

  621

  839

  3

  Restormel China Clay

  —

  441

  466

  800

  3

  East Lindsey

  —

  325

  589

  750

  3

  West Allerdale

  —

  375

  737

  761

  3

  Kington and Leominster

  —

  350

  629

  800

  3

  North Devon

  —

  276

  654

  800

  3

  Oswestry

  —

  441

  715

  800

  4

  North East Derbyshire

  —

  140

  480

  750

  4

  Staffordshire Moorlands

  —

  180

  450

  750

  4

  West Somerset

  —

  109

  500

  750

  Total grant funding

  £1.405m

  £4.905m

  £8.024m

  £9.659m

  The capital funding shown above was based on the capital strategy submitted by each programme, and is intended to fund major capital projects in the first three years of the programme. An additional £250,000 per programme may also be available to the programmes, if needed, to meet further capital expenditure in year 4 and 5 or earlier.

  We have also established a pilot initiative of 50 smaller Sure Start programmes (48 programmes approved to date) in rural areas and pockets of deprivation, which would not normally be covered by the traditional Sure Start model. These programmes are managed through Early Years Childcare and Development Partnerships and linked to Neighbourhood Nurseries, Early Excellence Centres or other existing provision to deliver Sure Start-type services to some 150–170 children in each
  728W

  Number of and places in, day care providers by type1 England

  Position at 31 March 2001

  Number

  Places

  Day nurseries2

  7,800

  285,100

  Registered childminders2

  72,300

  304,600

  Out of school clubs3

  4,900

  152,800

  Notes:

  1 Figures have been rounded to the nearest hundred.

  2 Day nurseries and childminders provide care for children under eight years of age.

  3 Out of school clubs provide care for five to seven year old children.

  Latest figures on Day Care facilities in England were published by the Department in the Statistical Bulletin "Children's Day Care facilities at 31 March 2001 (08/01)" in October 2001, a copy of which is available from the Library. An electronic copy of this publication is also available on the Department's web-site (www.dfes.gov.uk/statistics).

  Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, how much of the Sure Start Rural Fund was spent in(a) 2000–01, (b) 2001–02 and (c) 2002–03 to date, broken down by project. [78408]

  Mr. Miliband
  [holding answer 31 October 2002]: There is no separate fund identified from Sure Start's resources for rural areas. We have to date, however, approved 13 full Sure Start programmes where the catchment area covers predominantly rural areas.

  The expenditure committed to each programme, by year is shown in the table.

  catchment area. Revenue funding up to £100,000 for each year and capital of up to £250,000 is available. The total budgeted provision for these programmes in 2002–03 is £10.25m. 48 of the 50 Mini Sure Start programmes have now been approved.

  A list of the local authority districts where the 50 Mini Sure Start programmes are located is shown below.

  Local Authority

  Number of small Sure Start programmes for rural areas and pockets of disadvantage

  Bedfordshire

  1

  Buckinghamshire

  1

  Cambridgeshire

  1

  Cornwall

  3

  Cheshire

  1

  Cumbria

  3

  729W

  Local Authority

  Number of small Sure Start programmes for rural areas and pockets of disadvantage

  Derbyshire

  2

  Devon

  3

  Dorset

  1

  Durham

  2

  East Sussex

  1

  Essex

  1

  Gloucestershire

  1

  Hampshire

  1

  Hertfordshire

  1

  Leicestershire

  1

  Lincolnshire

  3

  Norfolk

  3

  Northamptonshire

  1

  Northumbria

  2

  North Yorkshire

  1

  Nottinghamshire

  1

  Oxfordshire

  1

  Shropshire

  1

  Somerset

  2

  Staffordshire

  1

  Suffolk

  2

  Surrey

  1

  Warwickshire

  1

  West Sussex

  1

  Wiltshire

  2

  Worcestershire

  1

  East Riding of Yorkshire

  1

  Herefordshire

  1

  50

  Ageism
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what strategies his Department has to ensure that there is no ageism in recruitment and retention processes. [79288]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  I will write to my hon. Friend when the information is available and will place a copy of my reply in the Library.

  Staff Recruitment
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, how much has been spent in recruiting staff to his Department in(a) London and (b) the south east in each year since 1997. [78557]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  [holding answer 4 November 2002]: I will write to my hon. Friend when the information is available and will place a copy of my reply in the Library.

  Higher Education
  Mr. Damian Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) what the annual real terms funding per student in higher education has been in each year since 1997; [78383]

  (2) what projections he has made of the annual real terms funding per student in higher education in each year until 2010. [78384]

  Margaret Hodge
  [holding reply 31 October 2002]: I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my reply in the Library.
  730W
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, when he will publish his annual grant letter to the Higher Education Funding Council for England. [80278]

  Margaret Hodge
  The grant letter to the Higher Education Funding Council for England will be published in due course.

  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, if he will make a statement on the overall financial position of the higher education sector in each of the last three years; and how many institutions were in(a) surplus and (b) deficit in each of those years. [80317]

  Margaret Hodge
  The table shows the overall financial position of the publicly funded higher education sector in England and the number of institutions with deficits in the last three years for which information is available.

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  Total income £m

  9,915

  10,402

  11,069

  Operating surplus £m

  173

  125

  44

  Number of HEIs in deficit

  28

  52

  48

  In 2000–01, there were 130 higher education institutions funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England.

  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what research he collates on the correlation between higher education expenditure and changes in Gross Domestic Product. [80337]

  Margaret Hodge
  Data for OECD countries shows a positive correlation between the proportion of GDP spent on higher education institutions and levels of Gross Domestic Product. It is difficult to isolate the impact of higher education on growth due to the many other things which determine economic growth. Evidence suggests that higher education is more important for growth in developed countries than other levels of education. The returns from higher education enjoyed by individuals are high. For example, graduates earn around 64 per cent. more than non-graduates. Participation in higher education generates wider social benefits such as improved health and reduced crime. Research also suggests that the spill-over effects of higher education R&D on productivity are extremely high.

  Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, if he will calculate the(a) amount spent per pupil on primary and secondary education by Cheshire County Council and (b) average amount spent per pupil on primary and secondary education by local authorities in England in the last financial year for which figures are available; what assessment he has made of the effect on educational provision in Cheshire if the average sum were to be spent; and if he will make a statement. [80005]

  Mr. Miliband
  The requested information is as follows:

  (a) Net Current Expenditure per pupil in Cheshire

  Primary

  £2310

  Secondary

  £2920

  Both

  £2580

  731W

  (b) Net Current Expenditure per pupil in England

  Primary

  £2440

  Secondary

  £3060

  Both

  £2710

  All figures in cash terms and rounded to the nearest £10.

  The data has been taken from Cheshire Education Authority's section 52 Outturn statement for the 2000–01 financial year. Variations in spending per pupil between authorities reflect higher area costs and greater incidence of deprivation in some areas. The Government will be announcing later this year the outcome of its review of formula funding for local authorities.

  Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, how many representations he has received from residents of(a) Cheshire and (b) Congleton constituency registering their response to his Department's review of revenue grant distribution; when he expects to announce his decision following his Department's consultation; and if he will make a statement. [80004]

  Mr. Miliband
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government on 6 November.

  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, how many students were attending a full-time degree level course or its equivalent in each year since 1990, broken down by local education authority. [79252]

  Margaret Hodge
  [holding answer 4 November 2002]: I will write to my right hon. friend when the information is available and will place a copy of my reply in the Library.

  Mr. Djanogly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, if he will consult(a) students and (b) parents of students living in Cambridgeshire on the findings of the review of higher education. [79571]

  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what plans the Government has to consult student organizations on the outcome of the review of higher education. [79449]

  Margaret Hodge
  We have announced our intention to publish in January a strategy document setting out our vision for the development and reform of higher education, including the outcome of the review of student support. Once the document is published there will be opportunity for interested parties to respond.

  Schools (Cambridgeshire)
  Mr. Djanogly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, if he will ensure that no schools in Cambridgeshire have a cash budget cut in the next financial year. [79567]

  Mr. Miliband
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Castle Point (Bob Spink) on 6 November 2002.
  732W
  Mr. Djanogly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, how many representations his Department has received in connection with the funding of(a) schools and (b) school pupils in Cambridgeshire over the last year. [79570]

  Mr. Miliband
  My right hon. Friend has received 25 letters in connection with the funding of schools in Cambridgeshire over the last year. In addition a number of Cambridgeshire residents responded to the consultation on Local Government Funding reform which closed on 30th September: to identify precisely these letters from amongst the very large numbers of responses to the consultation would incur disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Djanogly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, how many schools in Cambridgeshire had a cash budget cut in this financial year. [79568]

  Mr. Miliband
  In Cambridgeshire Local Education Authority 46 schools had a fall in their cash budget share in 2002–03, but of these only 7 also had a fall in their cash budget share per pupil. Changes in pupil numbers are the principal reason for changes in budget share from year to year. 199 schools had a rise in their cash budget share, but of these 12 had a fall in their cash budget share per pupil: this was largely in cases where small primary schools had rising rolls and therefore received less of the extra funding that goes to the smallest schools under the authority's formula.

  The information is taken from data published in the LEA's section 52 budget statements for 2001–02 and 2002–03.

  Student Finance
  Dr. Palmer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) when the Government will publish its review of student funding; [78522]

  (2) To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, if the Government will reintroduce targeted maintenance support for students from poorer backgrounds. [78521]

  Margaret Hodge
  The outcome of the student finance review will form part of the strategy document setting out our 10-year vision for the development and reform of higher education. The document will be published in the next few months; it would not be right to pre-empt it here by saying what is or is not planned.

  School Funding
  Ms Drown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what the average funding per pupil is in(a) Swindon and (b) England in 2002–03 [79960]

  Mr. Miliband
  In 2002–03 Swindon's average funding per pupil is £3,170 compared with the average in England of £3,610.

  Note:

  Figures in cash terms for pupils aged 4–19—rounded to the nearest £10. The figures include the Education SSA plus grants.
  733W
  Sir Patrick Cormack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, how much his Department spent in 2001 on each(a) primary and (b) secondary school pupil in (i) Staffordshire and (ii) Hertfordshire. [79849]

  Mr. Miliband
  The requested information for 2000–01 is as follows:

  (a) Net current expenditure per pupil in maintained pre-primary and primary schools:

  (i) Staffordshire £2,240

  (ii) Hertfordshire £2,310.

  (b) Net current expenditure per pupil in secondary schools:

  (i) Staffordshire £2,780

  (ii) Hertfordshire £2,950.

  Source:

  The LEA Section 52 Outturn statements relating to the 2000–01 financial year.

  All figures in cash terms and rounded to the nearest £10.

  Sir Patrick Cormack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, how much additional funding has been provided to secondary schools in (i) Staffordshire and (ii) Hertfordshire in the current financial year. [79850]

  Mr. Miliband
  Most additional funding for schools is allocated to local education authorities and cannot be disaggregated between different types of schools. The following table shows the additional funding that is specifically allocated for secondary education in Staffordshire and Hertfordshire in 2002–2003. Secondary schools will receive more than this from grants that cover all types of school, but the exact amount will depend on local decisions.

  Grant

  Staffordshire £

  Hertfordshire £

  School Standards Grant

  4,929,600

  5,975,100

  Specialist Schools

  1,624,659

  2,023,168

  Training Schools

  -

  155,000

  Beacon Schools

  92,000

  190,500

  Key Stage 3 Strategy

  1,637,400

  1,897,685

  School Achievement Awards

  317,560

  578,020

  Vocational GSCEs

  58,732

  73,203

  Electronic Registration Systems

  17,200

  113,810

  Total

  8,677,151

  11,006,486

  Sir Patrick Cormack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, how many representations on the funding of education in Staffordshire his Department has received since June 2001. [79848]

  Mr. Miliband
  The Department has answered 87 letters on the funding of education in Staffordshire since June 2001, and has received 5 petitions from schools. In addition a number of Staffordshire residents responded to the consultation on Local Government Funding reform which closed on 30 September: to identify precisely these letters from amongst the very large numbers of responses to the consultation would incur disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Djanogly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, how much was spent on each(a) primary and (b) secondary school pupil in (i) 2001–2 and (ii) 2002–3 in (A) Cambridgeshire, (B) Bedfordshire, (C) Hertfordshire, (D) Northamptonshire, (E) Norfolk, (F) Essex, (G) London, (H) Liverpool and (I) Birmingham. [79569]
  734W
  Mr Miliband
  The following table contains information from 2000–01, the latest year for which data is available:

  LEA

  Net Current expenditure per pupil (primary)

  Net Current expenditure per pupil (secondary)

  A

  Cambridgeshire

  2,290

  2,930

  B

  Bedfordshire

  2,320

  2,730

  C

  Hertfordshire

  2,240

  2,950

  D

  Northamptonshire

  2,330

  2,940

  E

  Norfolk

  2,360

  3,150

  F

  Essex

  2,390

  3,090

  G

  Inner London

  3,230

  4,220

  G

  Outer London

  2,590

  3,230

  G

  Inner and Outer London

  2,820

  3,540

  H

  Liverpool

  2,670

  3,570

  I

  Birmingham

  2,610

  3,360

  England

  2,440

  3,060

  Source:

  Section 52 outturn statements relating to the 2000–01 financial year

  All figures are in cash terms and rounded to the nearest 10.

  Tuition Fees
  Mr Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what percentage of students from families resident in each government office region were(a) exempt from tuition fees, (b) paying less than full tuition fees and (c) paying no fees at all in the academic year 2002–03 [80047]

  Margaret Hodge
  Data on contributions towards the cost of tuition by government office region for academic year 2002–03 are not available.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, if he will place in the Library the research analysis that led to his conclusion that a graduate had lifetime earnings £400,000 greater than non-graduates; from which period these data were gathered; whether the sum stated is gross or net of tax; and if he will estimate the sum(a) gross and (b) net of tax. [80065]

  Margaret Hodge
  The relevant data come from the four quarters Autumn 2000 to Summer 2001 in the Labour Force Survey. The £400,000 figure is gross, and is consistent with conventional practice used by ONS when quoting earnings figures. The equivalent figure, net of income tax, national insurance and other contributions, is around £250,000. For the avoidance of doubt, £400,000 is the earnings premium of a graduate over that of the national average rather than for a non-graduate. The premium over a non-graduate would be significantly higher.

  Student Loans
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what the(a) stock and (b) net annual investment is of student loans; and what the additional cost would be at full market rate of interest. [79851]

  Margaret Hodge
  At the end of the 2000–01 financial year there were some 2,253,000 borrowers with student loans, either mortgage style or income contingent. This
  735W
  includes 705,000 borrowers with loans which have been sold to the private sector. The total amount outstanding on student outlay was £7,833.2m of which £1,789.9m was in respect of loans sold to the private sector.

  The resource cost for student loans issued in the 2000–01 financial year was estimated to be £794m.

  Student loans are charged interest at the rate of inflation. A full market rate of interest would be higher and would not increase the costs to public funds. It would, however, increase the total amount repaid by HE leavers and graduates. It would also increase the time taken to repay their loans and the likelihood of loans being written off.

  Annabelle Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) what discussions he has had with the Scottish Executive regarding his Department's review of post-16 student support; [78782]

  (2) what discussions he has had with the Scottish Executive regarding the interest rate on student loans. [78779]

  Margaret Hodge
  My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State has had no such discussions so far.

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

  Paul Burrell
  Ian Lucas
  To ask the Solicitor-General what discussions her Department had in the case of Regina v. Paul Burrell with the Crown Prosecution Service concerning the making of an application for a public interest immunity certificate. [79838]

  The Solicitor-General
  No such discussions took place. There was never any question of continuing with the prosecution while withholding disclosure of the information and no attempt was made to do so. No Minister was asked to give a PII certificate or signed one, nor was a draft certificate ever prepared, nor was any consideration given by anyone to preparing such a certificate to place before the judge. The judge agreed to postpone the disclosure of the information in the public interest until further enquiries had been carried out and a fuller picture obtained so as to enable properly informed decisions to be made, in particular as to the future conduct of the trial.

  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Solicitor-General, if she will investigate the circumstances surrounding the decision of the CPS to prosecute Paul Burrell; and what the cost of the action was to public funds. [79845]

  The Solicitor-General
  On the information known to the Crown Prosecution Service at the time of the decision last year to bring a prosecution, I have no reason to doubt the assessment made that there was a realistic prospect of securing a conviction and that the public interest was in favour of a prosecution. The cost of the prosecution to public funds has not yet been ascertained.

  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Solicitor-General, if she will undertake an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the collapse of the court case Regina v. Paul Burrell. [79847]
  736W
  The Solicitor-General
  A full statement was made by the prosecution and the facts of the case are already known. A copy of the statement has been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. The Crown Prosecution Service will be considering carefully the lessons of what happened but, as the Prime Minister has stated, there is no need for an inquiry. This was a unique set of circumstances.

  Llew Smith
  To ask the Solicitor General, what plans she has to review the procedure for issuing public interest immunity certificates. [80095]

  The Solicitor-General
  None.

  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Solicitor-General, which Ministers signed PII certificates in the case of Regina v. Burrell; and which categories of information these certificates covered. [79843]

  The Solicitor-General
  No Minister was asked to give a PII certificate or signed one, nor was a draft certificate ever prepared, nor was any consideration given by anyone to preparing such a certificate to place before the judge.

  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Solicitor-General, if she will make a statement on the discussions between the Attorney-General and the Director of Public Prosecutions about the prosecution of Paul Burrell prior to the decision to end the case; and when he first discussed the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions to end the case against Paul Burrell. [80059]

  The Solicitor-General
  The Attorney-General first learnt about the case shortly after his appointment. The Director of Public Prosecutions had drawn the case to the attention of his predecessor in May last year. Thereafter, the case was included in a list of high profile cases in respect of which brief reports are provided to Law Officers on a monthly basis. The Law Officers were not asked for and did not give their views about whether the case should proceed. On Tuesday last week, the Crown Prosecution Service and prosecution counsel drew the attention of the Attorney-General to the new information that had been disclosed by the Palace to the police. Naturally, the Attorney-General's views were sought on how to proceed in the light of that development and he gave them. But in the end, as he made plain should be the case, the decision was made by the CPS following further consideration and having taken leading counsel's advice. At the time that decisions were made, the Director of Public Prosecutions was abroad. He kept in close touch with his office and approved the decision, but there were no direct discussions between the Attorney-General and the Director of Public Prosecutions. They first spoke directly of the matter on 3 November.

  Robert Hamill
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Solicitor General, when the Department of Public Prosecutions in Northern Ireland received papers on the investigation into the death of Robert Hamill and when he expects a decision on prosecution to be made. [77619]
  737W
  The Solicitor-General
  [holding answer 30 October 2002]: A police investigation file relating to the death of Robert Hamill was received in the Director's Office on 7 August 1997. Following consideration of that file a direction was issued on 27 January 1998 to prosecute one person, Paul Hobson, for the scheduled offence of murder and affray. On 25 February 1999 at Belfast Crown Court Hobson was found not guilty of murder but guilty of affray and sentenced to 4 years imprisonment.

  On 12 June 2001 a second police investigation file dealing with matters arising out of the investigation into the death of Robert Hamill was received in the Director's Office. Following consideration of the second file, on 20 August 2001 a direction was issued to prosecute two persons, Michael McKee and Andrea McKee, for the offence of doing an act with intent to pervert the course of justice. On 7 May 2002 at Craigavon Crown Court the two persons pleaded guilty to the offence. Michael McKee was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment and Andrea McKee was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years.

  On 19 December 2001 a third police investigation file dealing further with matters arising from the investigation into the death of Robert Hamill was received in the Director's Office. Following consideration of the third file together with further material which became available in May 2002, a decision as to prosecution of persons reported in that file will issue shortly.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Pesticides
  Sue Doughty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the pesticides and pest repellent chemicals that have been withdrawn from use in commercial products following EU directives in the last five years; and what the reason was for their withdrawal in each case. [79378]

  Mr. Morley
  Directive 91/414/EEC concerns the marketing of plant protection products (these are basically pesticides and pest repellent chemicals used in agriculture). From 1998 to 2002 the following chemicals were withdrawn from the market under the first stage of the 91/414/EEC review programme: chlozolinate; dinoterb; DNOC, fentin acetate; fentin hydroxide; fenvalerate; lindane; monolinuron; pyrazophos and quintozene. Decisions to withdraw a further 8 chemicals have been taken but in all these cases the marketing can continue into 2003–2004.

  Chlozolinate, fenvalerate, monolinuron and pyrazophos were withdrawn because the companies concerned did not provide, sufficient information to support their review. The other chemicals were withdrawn because they did not meet the requirements laid down in Directive 91/414/EEC. In all these cases concerns were expressed regarding the safety of operators potentially exposed to the chemicals and for some there were also concerns regarding the behaviour of the chemicals in the environment and their possible impact on non-target organisms.
  738W
  Finally, marketing authorisations for 320 chemicals throughout the EU (of which 45 had UK approvals) will be withdrawn in July 2003 (although a few "essential uses" of some of these chemicals can continue to 2007). In all these cases withdrawal arises because the companies concerned have not supported the chemicals in the second and third stages of the review programme.

  Aggregate Imports
  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much aggregate has been imported in each of the last five years. [79758]

  Mr. Wilson
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of the letter in the Libraries of the House.

  Offshore Transmission Grid
  Mr. Alan Reid
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when she plans to publish her response to the PB Power Report Concept Study-Western Offshore Transmission Grid published in February. [79529]

  Mr. Wilson
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of the letter in the Libraries of the House.

  Solar Power
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the estimated cost is of delivering a 100,000 solar PV roof programme funded by 50 per cent. capital grants by 2010; and if she will make a statement. [79949]

  Mr. Wilson
  The Government Industry Photovoltaic Group Report of March 2001 recommended "The most effective means of encouraging the deployment of PV in the UK would be a major Market Stimulation Programme featuring a 50 per cent. capital grant for 70,000 domestic roofs and a similar grant scheme for larger non—domestic buildings costing around £150 million over 10 years." Taken together this is equivalent to a 100,000 PV roofs programme.

  Nuclear Liabilities
  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the public consultation held on the proposals for a nuclear liabilities management authority; how many responses were made to the consultation; and if she will place copies of consultation submissions in the Library. [80098]

  Mr. Wilson
  I will write to my hon. friend and place a copy of the letter in the Libraries of the House.

  Energy White Paper
  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if she will make a statement on the purpose, agenda and attendance of each workshop held with stakeholders on the energy White Paper; and if she will make a statement on the outcomes of each. [80346]

  Mr. Wilson
  We organised expert workshops with stakeholders to stimulate debate on energy issues with a view to informing the preparation of the Energy White Paper. The workshops covered a wide range of issues and included three opening workshops in London,
  739W
  Glasgow and Newport, a final integrative conference in London and workshops on regional issues, energy policy and long term carbon reductions, energy efficiency renewables and the energy implications of PIU energy review. Workshops and focus groups were also held with the general public. These workshops contributed to the 6,500 contributions received to the consultation. Details are being posted on the DTI's web site at http://www.dti.gov.uk/energy/developep/reports.shtml.

  Magnox Fuel
  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the(a) technical feasibility and (b) cost of converting the dry store for spent magnox fuel at Wylfa into a hardened sub-surface storage vault. [80347]

  Mr. Wilson
  None. Any such assessment would be a mater for BNFL Magnox Generation and would be subject to regulatory scrutiny.

  Renewable Energy
  Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much capital grant funding is available from 2002 to 2006 for the(a) offshore wind, (b) biomass and (c) solar PV industries as a result of the Comprehensive Spending Review; and if she will make a statement. [80213]

  Mr. Wilson
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of the letter in the Libraries of the House.

  Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the progress made in implementing regional assessments and targets for renewable energy provisions; and what effect they have on the planning and promotion at regional and local level of on-shore wind farms. [80010]

  Mr. Wilson
  The Government initiated regional assessments throughout all regions in the UK. These studies identified each region's renewable energy resource. This information is now available on the DTI Website at: http://www.dti.gov.uk/renewable/oxerareport.pdf.

  This report also sets out each region's possible contribution to our national 10 per cent. target.

  We would encourage Local Planning Authorities to earmark sites in their local development plans for renewable energy developments.

  Development plans provide the basis for decisions on specific development proposals. These ensure that planning decisions are not arbitrary and that developers have a measure of certainty about what development is allowed.

  Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, how many applications to develop(a) onshore and (b) offshore wind farms her Department has received in each year since 1997; and how many of these have been approved. [80009]

  Mr. Wilson
  The following is the information requested:740W

  Onshore Windfarms

  Applications

  Approvals

  1997–99

  0

  0

  2000

  1

  0

  2001

  0

  0

  2002 (to date)

  0

  1

  Offshore Windfarms

  Applications

  Approvals

  1997–2000

  0

  0

  2000

  1

  0

  2001

  0

  0

  2002 (to date)

  7

  2

  Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Harrow, West (Mr. Thomas) of 17 October 2002,Official Report, c. 891W, what criteria are being used in the development of the United Kingdom wind speed database. [80063]

  Mr. Wilson
  The UK windspeed database has now been made available on the DTI website at: http://www.dti.gov.uk/renewable/windspeed/online.html.

  The data is the result of an air flow model that estimates the effect of topography on wind speed. Each value stored in the database is the estimated average windspeed for a 1 km square at 10m, 25m and 45m above ground level. The database does not take account of local thermally driven winds, topography on a small scale or local surface roughness. The data is intended as a guide to be followed by on-site measurements.

  The database uses the Ordnance Survey grid system for Great Britain and the grid system of the Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland.

  Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what percentage of the United Kingdom's energy is generated from wind energy; and what percentage it will have to be if the Renewables Obligation is to be met in 2010. [80011]

  Mr. Wilson
  In 2001 0.03 per cent. of the total primary inland consumption of energy in the United Kingdom was accounted for by onshore and offshore wind, with all renewable sources together accounting for 1.3 per cent. Electricity generated from wind accounted for 0.3 per cent. of electricity sold in the UK in 2001 with all renewable sources eligible for the renewables obligation together accounting for 1.5 per cent.

  The Government have a target for 10 per cent. of licensed electricity supplies in the UK to be generated from sources eligible for the Renewables Obligation by 2010, but this Obligation is a market based approach and the deployment levels for individual renewables technologies are for the industry rather than the Government. We would, however, expect a significant contribution to the 10 per cent. target to be from onshore and offshore wind energy.

  Mobile Phone Masts
  David Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what research is under-way into the health and safety issues surrounding the siting of mobile telecommunications masts. [79883]
  741W
  Mr. Timms
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of the letter in the Libraries of the House.

  Regulatory Costs
  Mr. Bellingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate her Department has made of the cost to business of the draft regulations to outlaw discrimination on the grounds of(a) sexual orientation and (b) religion. [79073]

  Alan Johnson
  Unfortunately I have not been able to glean the information necessary to answer before Parliament is prorogued, but I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of the letter in the Libraries of the House.

  Trade Liberalisation
  Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what role her Department played in the development on the non-paper on trade liberalisation at the recent World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg; and what outcomes emerged from discussions relating to this paper involving her Department. [77568]

  Ms Hewitt
  At the end of the World Summit on sustainable Development (WSSD) Bali Prepcom in June, the Chair asked Member States for ideas on how to resolve those areas (which included parts other trade text amongst others) of the Plan of Implementation which had yet to be agreed. The European Commission (acting in accordance with its general mandate from EU member states to negotiate trade issues) and the US agreed a non-paper on the trade, finance and globalisation texts which was submitted to the South Africans as an informal contribution in advance of WSSD in Johannesburg. This was not a formal EU position agreed by member states. The formal EU position was adopted in the Development Council conclusions on WSSD agreed in May prior to the WSSD Bali Prepcom.

  All discussions on trade liberalisation issues at Johannesburg itself were based on text negotiated at the Bali Prepcom and developed through subsequent drafts produced by the Chair of the Trade Group (the Antiguan Ambassador to the UN) during WSSD itself. I welcome the fact that the final trade sections of the WSSD text strongly reinforce the commitments made at the WTO Ministerial in Doha in November 2001. The text as agreed by consensus is publicly available on the WSSD website (www.johannesburgsummit.org/).

  Shipbuilding
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what financial assistance was provided by the Government to the(a) Shipbuilding Intervention Fund and (b) Home Shipbuilding Credit Guarantee Scheme in (i) 1997–98, (ii) 1998–99, (iii) 1999–00, (iv) 2000–01 and (v) 2001–02; what amounts are outstanding under the HSCGS; what amounts have been written off under the HSCGS; what assessment has taken place of (A) the SIF and (B) the HSCGS; and if she will make a statement. [78269]
  742W
  Alan Johnson
  Unfortunately I have not been able to glean the information necessary to answer before Parliament is prorogued, but I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of the letter in the Libraries of the House.

  Broadband
  Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Totnes (Mr. Steen) of 22 October 2002,Official Report, column 250W, how the £30 million Broadband Fund is being divided amongst the regions and devolved administrations. [80064]

  Mr. Timms
  The £30 million UK Broadband Fund has been divided amongst the regions and devolved administrations as follows:

  Region/Nation

  Total Amount Awarded From Broadband Fund (£million)

  Scotland

  4.39

  Wales

  2.67

  Northern Ireland

  1.46

  North East

  1.46

  North West

  2.68

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  3.10

  West Midlands

  2.08

  East Midlands

  2.09

  East of England

  3.22

  South West

  3.78

  South East

  2.90

  London

  0.11

  Michael Fabricant
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what assessment she has made of the cost arising from broadband interference caused by powerline telecommunications to high frequency radio transmissions by broadcasters and short range devices used by the police and Government agencies. [78531]

  Mr. Timms
  The Radiocommunications Agency intends to publish a national consultation later this month to determine the implications, including costs, associated with a number of possible options for limiting emissions from powerline and other wired telecommunication systems that have potential to cause interference to high frequency radio services.

  Michael Fabricant
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what steps she is taking to minimise broadband interference caused by powerline telecommunications to high frequency radio transmissions by broadcasters and short range devices used by the police and Government agencies. [78530]

  Mr. Timms
  The Radiocommunications Agency established a Technical Working Group in March 2001 to determine the compatibility of powerline telecommunication and other broadband wireline systems with radio services operating between 1.6 MHz and 30 MHz. Membership of the group was open to all interested parties and its final report will be published later this month as part of a national consultation. The outcome of the consultation is expected in early 2003. It will be used to inform the Government's contribution to work that is underway in the relevant international standards bodies concerned with limiting broadband telecommunication interference.
  743W
  Michael Fabricant
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if she will make a statement on the Government's policy toward internet access via powerline telecommunications. [78529]

  Mr. Timms
  The Government has set a target of making the UK the most competitive and extensive broadband market of all the G7 countries. We believe this can best be achieved through deployment of a wide range of competing delivery technologies and this includes powerline telecommunications. This technology has the potential to provide broadband connectivity to isolated communities and is currently undergoing some small project trails in Scotland that are part funded by government.

  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) how many applications were considered and by whom for the position of DTI South West Regional Broadband Advisor; and if she will make a statement on the training and experience held by the incumbent; [78922]

  (2) what the nature is of the relationship between Smart South West and the UK Online for Business Regional Broadband Champion; [78924]

  (3) when, by whom and at what cost the appointment of the UK Online for Business Regional Broadband Champion was advertised; [78921]

  (4) if she will make a statement on the experience and technical training of the successful candidate selected to be the South West Regional Broadband Unit Broadband Expert; [78923]

  (5) if she will make a statement on the competition for the appointment by Smart South West of a UK Online for Business Regional Broadband Champion; and what the remuneration offered was. [78925]

  Mr. Timms
  [holding answers 5 November 2002]: The Department of Trade and Industry is currently setting up a UK Broadband Taskforce, with the aim of extending the availability and take-up of broadband throughout the United Kingdom.

  A regional broadband co-ordinator is being appointed in each English region and Devolved Administration. This person will work alongside Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) and Devolved Administrations in order to achieve the unit's overarching aim.

  Competition for each of the contracts has been undertaken on an open and transparent basis. Contracts were advertised through the Broadband Stakeholder Group, the Communication Managers' Association and a recruitment agency. In a number of cases RDAs also put forward candidates. The advertising process was run at no cost; the recruitment agency charges a fee if one of their candidates is placed—in line with industry standards. From the candidates put forward a shortlist was compiled in discussion between DTI and the relevant RDA, based on the match between the candidate's CV and the job description. The shortlisted candidates were generally interviewed by a representative of the DTI, the new Head of the UK Broadband Taskforce and a representative of the Regional Development Agency.
  744W
  In the case of the South West Regional Development Agency, the long-list consisted of seven candidates of which three were interviewed. The successful candidate was considered by each interviewer, independently, to have the required combination of communication skills, knowledge of broadband and regional understanding to perform the role of regional broadband co-ordinator. The remuneration package for the successful candidate is approximately in line with the total remuneration package offered to a Range 10 Civil Servant in the DTI (up to £46,502 plus superannuation, outside London).

  Smart South West is a Public Private Partnership whose purpose is to map IT-related projects in the South West Region. The new regional broadband coordinator in the South West Region is a former part-time employee of Smart South West. The broadband coordinator will work across the region, including with bodies such as Smart South West in order to extend the availability and take-up of broadband.

  As part of the appointment and contract management process, we are putting appropriate measures in place in order to ensure that we avoid or minimise potential conflicts of interest.

  Nuclear Power Stations
  Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps will be taken in respect of the decommissioning dismantling and clearance of Nuclear Magnox Reactors in Great Britain. [77598]

  Mr. Wilson
  BNFL has announced its strategy for the Magnox stations including projected latest dates for their generating lifetimes. As is stated in CM2919 "Review of Radioactive Waste Management Policy—Final Conclusions" published in 1995, the decommissioning strategies of nuclear operators are subject to quinquennial review by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Such a review of the decommissioning strategy for the reactors operated by Magnox Electric plc was completed by HSE in February 2002. Details of the strategy, and the outcome of the review, can be found in HSE's report which is available on the HSE website at www.hse.gov.uk/nsd/magdecom.pdf.

  As indicated in the recent white paper "Managing the Nuclear Legacy—A Strategy for Action", the detailed timing and operational plans for decommissioning the Magnox stations is one of the matters to be considered by the Liabilities Management Authority (LMA) once established. The LMA will operate openly and transparently and its plans will be published.

  Parliamentary Questions/Correspondence
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many(a) parliamentary questions and (b) letters to her from hon. Members in this Session remain unanswered, broken down by those which are (i) one month old, (ii) two months old, (iii) three months old, (iv) four months old and (v) over six months old. [79945]
  745W
  Ms Hewitt
  The Cabinet Office publishes a report to Parliament on an annual basis setting out the volume of Members' correspondence received by Departments. The Report for 2001 was published on Friday 24 May,Official Report column 677W. Copies of previous reports are available in the Library of the House.

  The following table shows the number of letters to hon. Members which remain outstanding.

  1 Month old

  2 Months

  3 Months

  4 Months

  Over 6 Months

  71

  47

  22

  8

  —

  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to the answer from the Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, of 19 September 2002,Official Report, c.238W, when she will reply to the letter dated 31 January from the hon. Member for Banff and Buchan regarding the Johannesburg Earth Summit. [79338]

  Mr. Timms
  [holding answer 5 November 2002]: I apologise for the delay in responding to the hon. Member's letter. A reply has been sent out today.

  Consumer Sector
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what percentage of(a) United Kingdom GDP and (b) the United Kingdom work force the consumer goods and business and consumer services sector accounts for; and if she will make a statement. [78109]

  Ms Hewitt
  Industries covered by the DTI consumer goods and services unit represented about 14 per cent. of UK total Gross Value Added at basic prices in 2000. The estimate has been derived from the ONS Input-Output Analyses and the ONS Annual Business Inquiry.

  Estimate of the UK work force involved in the sector are not available in sufficient detail to provide an estimate, but the ONS Annual Business Inquiry shows it provides 18 per cent. of GB employee jobs.

  Subscriptions
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, how much was spent on the UK's subscription to the(a) WTO, (b) Energy Charter Treaty Secretariat, (c) International Energy Agency, (d) International Atomic Energy Agency, (e) Safeguards Support Programmes and (f) Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in (i) 1997–98, (ii) 1998–99, (iii) 1999–00 and (iv) 2000–01; what the budget is for 2001–02; and if she will make a statement. [78291]

  Ms Hewitt
  Please see table below.

  [all figures in £000s]

  Organisation

  Actual 97–98

  Actual 98–99

  Actual 99–00

  Actual 00–01

  Actual 01–02

  WTO

  2,794

  3,075

  3,016

  3,348

  3,288

  Energy Charter Treaty Secretariat (European Energy Charter)

  318

  217

  238

  253

  260

  746W

  [all figures in £000s]

  Organisation

  Actual 97–98

  Actual 98–99

  Actual 99–00

  Actual 00–01

  Actual 01–02

  International Energy Agency

  859

  494

  783

  739

  861

  International Atomic Energy Agency

  9,346

  3,046

  5,999

  12,539

  10,165

  Safeguards Support Programmes1

  1,391

  1,369

  1,548

  1,208

  1,450

  Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons

  5,091

  1.547

  906

  1,539

  3,561

  Note

  1 These are voluntary contributions, not subscriptions

  BAE System
  Harry Cohen
  To ask the secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to the answer of 17 June 2002 Official Report, column 28W, on BAE Systems, if she will list the meetings she and her ministers have had with BAE Systems since June 2001, stating in each case the date and subject of the meeting. [79878]

  Alan Johnson
  Since June 2001, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and her Ministers have had meetings with BAE Systems on the following dates:

  3 July 2001

  16 July 2002

  13 September 2001

  25 July 2002

  20 November 2001

  5 September 2002

  23 May 2002

  24 September 2002

  12 June 2002

  23 October 2002

  1 July 2002

  31 October 2002

  A range of subjects was discussed at these meetings

  Brian Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will estimate the number of domestic animals which received veterinary treatment as a result of an accident involving a firework during October, November and December 2001; and what plans she has to launch an investigation into how the health of domestic animals is affected by fireworks. [76529]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  I have no records of accidents to domestic animals involving fireworks. My colleagues at DEFRA are considering amendments to the Protection of Animals Act 1911 and they will look into whether there is scope to take more effective action where the welfare of captive or domestic animals is being endangered through the reckless discharge of fireworks.

  Miners Compensation
  Paul Farrelly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) how many mining compensation claims resolutions she estimates are being held up by delays in releasing to solicitors the chronic bronchitis and emphysema pensions model on computer disk; [80321]

  (2) what proportion of relevant outstanding mining compensation claims she expects to be speeded by release of the first phase of the chronic bronchitis and emphysema pensions model on computer disk; and what proportion will have to await subsequent phases of the model for speedy resolution. [80320]
  747W
  Mr Wilson
  I will write to my hon. Friend.

  British Energy
  Mr Flight
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what criteria British Energy will have to meet in order for them to gain an extension to their loan agreement with the Government. [78987]

  Mr.Wilson
  No decisions have been taken and no commitments given on British Energy's long term future at this time.

  Mr.Flight
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry under what terms the Government loan was agreed with British Energy; and whether these terms are under review. [78988]

  Mr.Wilson
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 15 October 2002,Official Report, c.665W, to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (Mr. Yeo) about the credit facility agreement provided to British Energy.

  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what interest rate was attached to the recent loan made to British Energy; and what contingencies have been put in place in the event that British Energy is unable to repay the loans. [80345]

  Mr. Wilson
  Full details of the credit facility agreement are commercially confidential unless and until it is made public by British Energy. The Government has taken security over British Energy's assets for the facility provided to the company.

  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what communications she has had with the European Commissioner Monti in respect of the loan provided to British Energy. [80383]

  Mr. Wilson
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry met Commissioner Monti on 10 October to discuss various matters including rescue aid to British Energy.

  Women in Science
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what plans she has to publish the Greenfield Report. [74918]

  Ms Hewitt
  I am looking forward to receiving the final version of Baroness Greenfield's report on a stronger strategic approach to promoting women in science, engineering and technology by the end of this month and will publish it as soon as possible thereafter. We will also publish the Government's response once we have had a chance to consider the report's recommendations properly.

  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) when she will publish the Greenfield Report on women in science; [74964]

  (2) when she will publish her responses to the recommendations in the Greenfield Report. [74965]

  Ms Hewitt
  I am looking forward to receiving the final version of Baroness Greenfield's report on a stronger strategic approach to promoting women in science, engineering and technology by the end of this month and will publish it as soon as possible thereafter. We will 748W
  also publish the Government's response once we have had a chance to consider the report's recommendations properly.

  Women's Enterprise
  Stephen Hesford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what she is doing to increase the number of women setting up their own business; and if she will make a statement. [76228]

  Ms Hewitt
  DTI is addressing the issue of women's enterprise principally through the Small Business Service and its network of Business Link Operators.

  SBS has been leading on cross-government work on developing Women in Business policy. It has built up good relations with a number of organisations looking into this area—including the recently formed Prowess which brings together representatives of business support organisations targeting help at female entrepreneurs. Prowess has been supported by my Department's Phoenix fund. The Phoenix Development Fund is funding 96 projects to support innovative approaches to promoting enterprise in disadvantaged areas and under-represented groups, including women. All of the projects are open to women, but 20 focus specifically on their needs.

  I attended the formal launch of Prowess on 30 October which highlighted their role in raising awareness of the needs of women entrepreneurs and the need to work towards equal numbers of women and men starting in business.

  Post Office
  Paul Holmes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry who holds the contracts to provide the IT system to run the post office card system for ACT. [79152]

  Mr. Timms
  These are matters that fall within the day-to-day responsibility of Post Office Limited and I have therefore asked the Chief executive to reply direct to the hon. Member.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what the(a) start date, (b) planned completion date, (c) current expected completion date, (d) planned cost and (e) current estimated cost are of the IT system to support the Post Office Card Account. [79956]

  Mr. Timms
  These are matters that fall within the day to day responsibility of Post Office Ltd. and I have therefore asked the Chief Executive to reply direct to the hon. Member.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether Horizon swipecard software will be used to support the Post Office Card account. [79923]

  Mr. Timms
  These are matters that fall within the day to day responsibility of Post Office Ltd. and I have therefore asked the Chief Executive to reply direct to the hon. Member.

  Engineering Industry
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what measures she is taking to promote British engineering; [79545]

  (2) what measures she is taking with the Department of Education and Skills to increase the number of graduates in the engineering sector. [79466]

  Mr. Wilson
  I am taking a number of measures to promote British engineering. British engineering is able to benefit from the services of British Trade International in competing in overseas markets. And there is a range of specialist activity such as the "Capability Statement" documents on education and training in the oil and gas industry which describe the roles UK trained and educated engineers play in all the major centres of oil and gas production world-wide.

  The Department promotes engineering in key overseas markets through the deployment of International Technology Promoters who promote collaboration between UK firms and overseas counterparts. Smaller engineering firms have access to additional support through a secondments programme, which enables SMEs to improve their competitive position by spending up to a year in a foreign company.

  I am taking a range of measures: to encourage young people to consider engineering as a rewarding career choice; to increase the attractiveness of degree courses in engineering; and to provide a clear progression path though school, FE and HE. I am particularly keen to ensure individual learners and employers are offered flexible training opportunities for people in the workforce.

  The Government accept that without an adequate supply of young people studying the sciences, technologies, engineering and mathematics, the UK's long-term prospects are bleak. The Government aims to increase young people's engagement in science and technology through increased activity in schools that will inspire young people and improve perceptions of the relevance of the curriculum to the world of work. For its part the DTI is working closely with our colleagues in the DfES to ensure that in response to Sir Gareth Roberts' Report "SET for Success" a number of measures are taken to improve the supply of people with science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills. For example: an additional investment of £100 million a year by 2005–06 (in addition to extra resources for the Department for Education and Skills) to implement the recommendations of the Review

  Government will also be funding the Research Councils to increase the minimum PhD stipend to £12,000 by 2005–06, which should also enable the average PhD stipend to rise to over £13,000 by 2005–06 and investing in research careers by increasing funds for PhD training.

  Sir Gareth's Report recommends that the Government increase its support for SETNET, (the Science, Engineering, Technology and Maths Network) and the UK-wide network of 53 SETPoints that it administers which channel Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) activities supported by industry into schools. This network also administers the
  750W
  Science and Engineering Ambassadors programme. The Government is still considering how best to respond to these specific recommendations.

  The Government are also committed to supporting the new Engineering and Technology Board, which has replaced the former Engineering Council and has the more effective promotion of science, technology, engineering and maths as one of its key objectives.

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate she has made of the number of engineers educated in the UK who were working abroad in each of the last five years. [79574]

  Mr. Wilson
  This information is not available.

  Recruitment (Over-50s)
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of new recruits to her Department in the past two years were aged 50 and over. [79310]

  Ms Hewitt
  7.8 per cent. of new recruits to my Department in the past two years were 50 and over.

  Lighter Refills
  Mr. Love
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what action she will take in accordance with European legislation to allow cigarette lighter refills to be limited to a 25ml can size. [79585]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of the letter in the Libraries of the House.

  Environmental and Social Responsibility
  Linda Perham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) how many of the FTSE 350 companies have reported on the environmental and social implications of their activities since January; and what assessment she has made of the quality of these reports; [79054]

  (2) what assessment she has made of the merits of companies' reportings of environmental and social impacts of their activities. [79056]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  In July 2002, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs contacted all companies in the FTSE 350 to assess the number companies reporting on their environmental performance.

  99 companies currently report on their environmental performance, including data on their key impacts. Of those 99 companies, 20 have produced their first report since December 2001. 140 companies make information on their environmental performance publicly available, but fall short of full reporting.

  The General Guidelines on Environmental Reporting published in November 2001, suggests contents and key indicators for the quality of individual company environmental reports.
  751W
  Linda Perham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, how the Government will ensure that its corporate policies on social and environmental responsibility of companies help meet its sustainable development targets. [79053]

  Mr. Timms
  The Government's approach on both Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development is subject to extensive inter-departmental co-ordination and co-operation. The teams in DTI supporting these processes are both located in the Department's Sustainable Development Unit with a unified management structure, ensuring a closely integrated approach on the Government's sustainable development and CSR objectives.

  Linda Perham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to the answer of the Prime Minister on 16 October 2002,Official Report, c. 310, what discussions her Department has held regarding social responsibility with (a) business and (b) groups representing civil society, the environment, labour standards and human rights and (c) other organisations. [79170]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The Department has consulted widely on Corporate Social Responsibility with a range of different stakeholders. A series of Ministerial Round Tables were held last year, and two further Round Tables took place in September with, respectively, business and groups representing civil society. In addition, Ministers and officials regularly meet representatives of the different interest groups bilaterally, as well as participating in meetings and events organised by them.

  Miners Pensions
  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the average pension paid to members of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme is in(a) Wales, (b) Scotland and (c) England; and what the average pension paid to widows and widowers is in the same scheme. [78969]

  Mr. Wilson
  These are matters for the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme. I am informed, however, that the average pensions paid for the year to 30 September 2002 were:

  Average pension paid

  £

  Wales

  8,948.60

  Scotland

  8,598.53

  England

  10,331.54

  Average pension paid to widows or widowers

  £

  Wales

  5,198.71

  Scotland

  5,237.99

  England

  5,586.34

  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the average pension paid to members of the miners pension fund is in(a) Wales, (b) Scotland and (c) England; and what the average pension paid to widows or widowers is in the same scheme. [78960]
  752W
  Mr. Wilson
  These are matters for the Mineworkers Pension Scheme. I am informed, however, that the average pensions paid in the year to 30 September 2002 were:

  Average pension paid

  £

  Wales

  2,010.50

  Scotland

  1,997.56

  England

  2,564.19

  Average pension paid to widows or widowers

  £

  Wales

  1,456.67

  Scotland

  1,508.07

  England

  1,629.51

  Insolvency Service
  Mr. Reed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress she has made on introducing new pay scales for the Insolvency Service; and what recent discussions she has had with the Treasury about their introduction. [79063]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The outline of the new Pay and Grading system for The Insolvency Service was contained in a pay remit which has been formally submitted to the Treasury and discussions are continuing.

  World Trade Organisation
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the brief was of the British civil servant who accompanied the Ghanaian delegation to the Doha talks. [78840]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 5 November 2002]: No British civil servant accompanied the Ghanaian delegation to the Doha talks. At the specific request of the Government of Ghana, a consultant working in the Ghanaian Ministry of Trade and Industry on a two-year long DFID funded Trade Policy Project accompanied the Ghanaian delegation. The consultant's role, as set out in an official statement by the Ghana Ministry of Trade & Industry in December 2001, was to observe the WTO process and analyse the issues for the Ghanaian Government. The consultant did not participate in any of the negotiations.

  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how the staff of the World Trade Organisation are selected; and what the process was by which the deputy director generals were recently appointed; and if she will make a statement. [79193]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 6 November 2002]: WTO staff at all grades below Deputy Director General are selected on merit after open advertisement. Interviews are conducted by WTO management on the basis of staff rules agreed by WTO members.

  The appointment of the four Deputy Director Generals is a matter for the Director General who makes his decision in consultation with WTO members.

  753W
  The Director General is chosen by all WTO members, after a call for candidates, on the basis of consensus.

  Renewables Obligation
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will introduce banding of renewable obligation certificates under the Renewables Obligation; and if he will make a statement. [79950]

  Mr. Wilson
  There are no plans to introduce banding of the Renewables Obligation. The Renewables Obligation is a market led measure and will remain so. The Obligation is helping the UK renewable industry to take forward those renewable technologies that are close to becoming commercially competitive. Government grants continue to support the development of technologies still some way from commercial viability.

  Public Service Agreements
  Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which of her Department's Public Service Agreements relate to fuel poverty reduction; and what progress has been made to date in achieving them. [79500]

  Ms Hewitt
  My Department has recently agreed a PSA target for 2003–2006 to ensure the UK ranks in the top 3 most competitive energy markets in the EU and G7 in each year, whilst on course to maintain energy security and to achieve fuel poverty objectives. We also have a joint target with DEFRA to improve the environment and the sustainable use of natural resources, including through the use of energy saving technologies, to help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 12.5 per cent. from 1990 levels and move towards a 20 per cent. reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2010.

  Fuel poverty objectives will be measured using the relevant fuel poverty targets for England, as defined and set out in "The UK Fuel Poverty Strategy",

  The number of households in fuel poverty has been reducing since 1996 as has the number of vulnerable fuel poor. In broad terms it is estimated that the number of fuel poor households in England has fallen from about 4.3 million in 1996 to about 2.8 million in 2000 (when housing costs and ISMI are included as income), with the number of vulnerable fuel poor estimated to have fallen from about 3.0 million to about 2.3 million in the same time.

  The 2001 English House Condition Survey will update the information on the extent of fuel poverty in England. Results from this will be published in the annual update of the UK Fuel Poverty Strategy which should be published early in 2003.

  Nuclear Power
  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade, and Industry what assessment she has made of the proposals put forward by the European Commissioner de Palacio to the Commission on 6 November concerning the harmonisation of nuclear reactor safety and radioactive waste management across the EU. [80343]
  754W
  Mr. Wilson
  Officials in my Department and DEFRA are taking preliminary steps to assess the implications for the UK. It is important to remember that the proposals currently under discussion within the Commission could be changed significantly before any proposal is made to the Council.

  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what additional resources have been made available to her Office of Civil Nuclear Security following the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001. [80344]

  Mr. Wilson
  It has been agreed with the Treasury that the budget for the Office for Civil Nuclear Security will be increased by £200,000 for the financial year 2002–2003 and by £300,000 for the financial year 2003–2004

  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the public consultation on the proposed revisions to civil nuclear security arrangements; how many responses were received; and if she will place copies of them in the Library. [80094]

  Mr. Wilson
  The Department has drawn up proposals for the Nuclear Industries Security Regulations which will provide a clarified and updated legislative basis for security regulation in the UK's civil nuclear industry.

  The Department has carried out a public consultation exercise on the proposals and is considering the 27 responses it has received with a view to making the regulations as soon as possible.

  The Department will publish a document summarising the responses received, and its responses to the points raised. As explained in the consultation document for the regulations, this will not identify individual responses. This is for security reasons. Nor will the summary document refer to issues with potential implications for operational security.

  A copy of this document will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Liabilities Management Unit
  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the cost of creating and operating the Liabilities Management Unit has been to date; and what the projected cost of the LMU until its dissolution is. [77298]

  Ms Hewitt
  Between 1 April and 30 September 2002, my Department spent £4.26m on setting up and running the Liabilities Management Unit. I expect the full cost for the 02–03 financial year to be around £10.9m. Similar annual expenditure is expected in the run up to the establishment of the Liabilities Management Authority.

  Women's Rights
  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and Minister for Women what assessment her Department has made of the recent Economic and Social Research Council Report on disparities in salaries between men and women. [78824]
  755W
  Ms Hewitt
  The Government welcome the ESRC's recent report, entitled "Diversity in Britain's Labour Market", as a contribution to the debate about women's earnings.

  The report confirms that the pay gap has many complex causes. The government is tackling these underlying problems by encouraging equal pay reviews; introducing the annual Castle Awards and Fair Pay Champions and providing additional funding of £151,867 (on top of the initial £145,000) to trade unions, for training representatives in equal pay issues in the workplace. Work-Life Balance initiatives, the right to request reduced hours, improved and extended maternity rights and the National Childcare Strategy will also help to tackle both the full-time and part-time pay gap.

  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on(a) the work of the UN Commission on the Status of Women and (b) her Department's financial support for the Commission. [78665]

  Ms Hewitt
  I have been asked to reply.

  The UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) plays an important role in promoting women's rights, developing follow up to the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women and has a catalytic role in mainstreaming a gender perspective into policies and programmes of the UN system. It was established by the Economic and Social Council, which elects CSW's 45 members for four-year terms.

  The UK is an active member of the Commission and takes a leading role in the development of its policy and work programme, reflecting the UK's commitment to promote gender equality. The UK sends a strong delegation to the annual session of the Commission in New York, including officials from the DTI, FCO and DfID, plus members of the Women's National Commission.

  The Commission's operating costs are funded through the UN Regular Budget to which the UK contributes 5.6 per cent. (the total Regular Budget is $2,625 million per year). Additional voluntary UK funding is provided to support the work of the UN Secretariat to prepare for CSW. In 2002, this included £10,000 from DfID for development-related expert group meetings held in advance of CSW to facilitate discussion and help the Secretariat produce reports on the Commission's priority themes. In preparation for CSW's 2003 session DfID will provide similar funding for expert group meetings.

  Trade Partners UK
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will place in the Library a copy of the standard contract letter which is drawn up between Trade Partners UK and secondees from private companies before they start their secondment. [78150]

  Ms Hewitt
  Trade Partners UK is the Trade and Development arm of British Trade International—the joint DTI/FCO Trade Development and Inward Investments body. Depending on the nature of the secondment the contracts can be with either DTI or 756W
  FCO. I have today arranged for the standard contract letter between the DTI and the secondee, and the standard contract between the Department and the company to be placed in the Library of the House. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs has arranged for standard contract letters with the FCO also to be placed in the Library.

  General Agreement on Trade in Services
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to her answer to the hon. Member for Morley and Rothwell (Mr. Challon) of 31 October 2002.Official Report, 989, if she will define what the (a) commercial and (b) competitive bases are for supplying public services under the GATS agreement. [79906]

  Ms Hewitt
  The GATS agreement contains no definition of these terms. WTO Members retain the right to define their own public services.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on how many occasions between 31 March 2001 and 31 March 2002(a) departmental and (b) non-departmental special advisers have travelled abroad in an official capacity; what places were visited; and how much each visit cost. [80361]

  Ms Hewitt
  Between 31 March 2001 and 31 March 2002 a Departmental Special Adviser accompanied me to Brussels on one occasion, to Madrid on two occasions and to Washington on one occasion. It is not practicable separately to identify the cost of these visits, but each journey complied with the Civil Service Code.

  Corporate Governance
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations she has made on the European Commission's plans to enhance regulation on corporate governance. [80042]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  I welcome publication on 4 November 2002 by the Commission of the Report of the High Level Group of Company Law experts ("A Modern Regulatory Framework for Company Law in Europe") on matters related to company law and corporate governance. I recognise the considerable work that has gone into this against a very demanding timetable and will be reviewing its recommendations in detail.

  I consider that the United Kingdom is well placed to contribute to the debate on corporate governance regulation within the European Union. Important UK initiatives include:
  Publication of the White Paper ("Modernising Company Law") in July following completion of the Company Law Review last year;
  An independent review of Non-Executive Directors led by Derek Higgs which began in April;
  The work of the Co-ordinating Group on Audit and Accounting Issues which issued an Interim report in July;
  and Review of the Regulatory Regime of the Accountancy Profession which published a consultation document in October 2002.

  757W
  In order that this work can be reflected in the Commission's emerging plans. I have ensured that the Commission has been kept fully informed and aware of the ideas and thinking being generated by these, and other, domestic corporate governance initiatives through personal meetings and correspondence with the Commission, attendance at the Competitiveness Council on 30 September 2002 and follow up meetings at senior official level with the Commission.

  Turkey
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to visit Turkey. [79933]

  Ms Hewitt
  I have no plans to visit Turkey in the immediate future.

  EU Agency Workers Directive
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will place in the Library a copy of the EC legal appraisal of the competence of the proposed agency workers draft directive to cover pay; and if she will make a statement. [76662]

  Alan Johnson
  I am not able to put the requested information in the House of Commons library. As we said in the Explanatory Memorandum which we laid before this house in May 2002, "there is an issue as to whether the directive can cover pay. The proposal applies an equal treatment principle to certain 'basic working and employment conditions' listed at article 3.1(d), including 'pay'. However, Article 137(6) provides that, 'the provisions of this article shall not apply to pay'. In the light of this, the Government took the view when agreeing to directives 97/81/EC and 99/70/EC on part-time work and fixed term work respectively, that these directives, which also have article 137 as a legal base, could not cover pay. On the face of it, it seems difficult to reconcile the specific inclusion of pay in the directive with the provision in Article 137(6)." The House of Commons European Scrutiny Committee has endorsed this approach, following a scrutiny debate on 10 July 2002.

  Employment Tribunals
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make provision to enable employment tribunal cases to be heard in North Staffordshire; and if she will make a statement. [79007]

  Alan Johnson
  Unfortunately I have not been able to glean the information necessary to answer before Parliament is prorogued, but I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy in the Library of the House.

  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many cases were referred to the employment tribunals in Shrewsbury for dispute resolution from Stoke-on-Trent in each of the last five years. [79009]

  Alan Johnson
  It is not possible to interrogate the Employment Tribunals Service database at the Shrewsbury tribunal office to ascertain this information and a manual search of the public register of applications could only be done at disproportionate cost.
  758W
  However, a recent manual exercise which recorded the originating postcode of tribunal applications between 1 February and 28 June 2002 indicated that 275 cases came from postcode areas prefixed ST1–13 (covering Stoke-on-Trent and those surrounding ST postcode areas which fall within the jurisdiction of the Shrewsbury office). During the same period, the tribunals in England and Wales registered 31,609 applications.

  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if she will revise the map advising those travelling to the employment tribunal in Shrewsbury to include details of how to arrive by car and by public transport from Stoke-on-Trent. [79008]

  Alan Johnson
  Unfortunately I have not been able to glean the information necessary to answer before Parliament is prorogued, but I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy in the Library of the House.

  Electricity Disruption (Herefordshire)
  Mr. Wiggin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will set up an inquiry into the response of the electricity industry to the situation in Herefordshire caused by the storms of 26 and 27 October. [79980]

  Mr. Wilson
  I have already launched a study into the performance of companies in their handling of the storms.

  It will look at:

  the robustness of the networks

  the preparations for the storms—acting on weather warnings

  the comparisons of performance with previous storms and events

  the telephone system and provision of information to customers

  the automated information systems

  the availability of management and deployment of staff and resources

  the availability of materials and the companies' perception of lessons learned.

  The findings will be mapped across to those of a study carried out earlier into the resilience and robustness of our electricity infrastructure.

  Intellectual Property Rights
  Tony Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will seek to lift restrictions on the export of generic drugs within the TRIPS Agreement at the WTO mini-ministerial meeting in Sydney on 14 November. [79726]

  Ms Hewitt
  The Doha "Declaration on TRIPS and Public Health" made clear that the TRIPS Agreement should be interpreted and implemented in such a way as to protect public health and promote access to medicines for all.

  The EU is currently working with all WTO Members to find a solution to the issue of how WTO Members with insufficient manufacturing capacities in the pharmaceutical sector (mainly developing countries and Least Developed Countries) can make effective use of compulsory licensing under the TRIPS Agreement. We are hopeful that an effective and workable solution will be reached by the deadline of the end of the year.
  759W
  Tony Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what plans she has following the Commission on Intellectual Property rights report to call for a substantive review and revision of TRIPS; and what plans she has to recommend extending TRIPS implementation deadlines to all developing countries. [79727]

  Ms Hewitt
  The Government are currently considering the report of the Commission on Intellectual Property Rights (CIPR) and plans to respond to the recommendations contained in the CIPR report early in the New Year. However, the Government have no plans to call for substantive review and revision of TRIPS.

  The TRIPS Agreement lays down procedures for extending implementation deadlines for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs). The general implementation deadline is 2005 but an extension to 2016 was agreed for pharmaceutical products at the WTO Ministerial Conference in Doha. There is no specific mechanism for extending TRIPS implementation deadlines for all developing countries.

  The UK Government work through the EU on issues relating to the TRIPS Agreement. The UK Government support the development of objective criteria to form the basis upon which extensions on TRIPS transition periods should be agreed. The Government therefore support the introduction into TRIPS of a mechanism for extending transition periods for individual developing countries.

  Airship Technology
  David Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to the answer of 31 October 2002,Official Report, c.963W, what support has been given to British companies in the development of airship technology that could be used for fixed mobile telecommunications purposes. [79970]

  Mr. Timms
  The Department has provided support to the development of airship technology through the Smart Exceptional Project scheme and its civil aeronautics research programme. The aim of the support has been to enhance technical capability for a number of potential applications, which could include mobile telecommunications purposes.

  Regulation
  Mr. Bellingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many new regulations were imposed on UK businesses in each year since 1997–98. [79074]

  Nigel Griffiths
  The number of Statutory Instruments (SIs) that this Department has passed is as follows:

  Year

  SIs

  1997

  130

  1998

  135

  1999

  178

  2000

  148

  2001

  126

  Jan-Oct 2002

  100

  760W
  Only a small proportion of SIs have a significant impact on business. Of the 100 SIs so far produced in 2002, 11 have produced benefits to business and 78 have had negligible or no impact. A regulatory impact assessment is produced for all SIs that have a cost to or benefit for business and copies are available from the Libraries of the House.

  The information is currently being collated.

  Export Licences
  Mr. Berry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many licence applications for the export of mass spectrometers to Iran have been made in each year since 1997; how many applications have been granted; how much and what value of mass spectrometers have been exported to Iran in each year; what undertakings were sought about end-use; and what end-use monitoring has been undertaken. [78862]

  Nigel Griffiths
  Unfortunately I have not been able to answer before Parliament is prorogued, but I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy the letter in the Library of the House

  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many high-risk products/dual use pathogens and component materials related to the production of chemical and biological warfare capabilities have been refused export licenses to(a) Israel, (b) Egypt and (c) Sudan since the implementation of the her Department's Dual Use Items (Export Control) Regulations in 2001. [79196]

  Nigel Griffiths
  The export of dual use pathogens is controlled under entries 1C351, 1C352, 1C353 and 1C354 of Council Regulations (EC) 1334/2000 and 1C992 of the Dual Use Items (Export Control) Regulations of 2000. The Dual Use Items (Export Control) Regulations 2000 came into force on 28 September 2000.

  Between 28 September 2000 and 25 October 2002, no Standard Individual Export Licence applications or Open Individual Export Licence applications were refused, for items with the above ratings, where the end users were in Israel, Egypt or Sudan.

  Paul Farrelly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what applications for export licences have been made by BAE Systems/the British Aerospace group, and for which destinations, in the last five years for(a) Hawk aircraft and (b) spare parts for Hawk aircraft. [80323]

  Nigel Griffiths
  Unfortunately I have not been able to answer before Parliament is prorogued, but I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of the letter in the Libraries of the House.

  Paul Farrelly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what export licences have been issued, when and for which destinations, for(a) Hawk aircraft and (b) spare parts for Hawk aircraft in the last five years. [80322]

  Nigel Griffiths
  Unfortunately I have not been able to answer before Parliament is prorogued, but I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of the letter in the Library of the House.
  761W
  Paul Farrelly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what export licences have been issued in the last 10 years for(a) arms and (b) military supplies to Zimbabwe. [80326]

  Nigel Griffiths
  Unfortunately I have not been able to answer before Parliament is prorogued, but I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of the letter in the Library of the House.

  Paul Farrelly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what applications for arms export licences have been made by(a) John Bredenkamp and (b) companies controlled by John Bredenkamp, and for which destinations in the last five years; and which of these applications for licences were granted. [80324]

  Nigel Griffiths
  Unfortunately I have not been able to answer before Parliament is prorogued, but I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of the letter in the Library of the House.

  Paul Farrelly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what applications have been made in the last five years for licences for the export of(a) arms and (b) military supplies to the Democratic Republic of the Congo; and how many such licences were issued. [80327]

  Nigel Griffiths
  Unfortunately I have not been able to answer before Parliament is prorogued, but I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of the letter in the Libraries of the House.

  Paul Farrelly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what applications for export licences have been received in the last five years for(a) arms and (b) military supplies to Zimbabwe. [80325]

  Nigel Griffiths
  Unfortunately I have not been able to answer before Parliament is prorogued, but I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of the letter in the Libraries of the House.

  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many British export licences to Iraq have been authorised in the last 12 months. [79931]

  Nigel Griffiths
  Unfortunately I have not been able to answer before Parliament is prorogued, but I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of the letter in the Libraries of the House.

  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many British export licences have been issued, and to which countries, in the last 12 months. [79932]

  Nigel Griffiths
  It would entail disproportionate cost to establish how many British export licences have been issued, and to which countries, in the last 12 months. However, details of all relevant British export licences are published by calendar year and destination in the Government's Annual Reports on Strategic Export Controls; copies of which are available from the Libraries of the House.

  Tony Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on her assessment of the need for end-user controls within UK legislation on arms; and whether she plans secondary 762W
  legislation under the Export Control Act 2002 that will introduce a more rigorous system of end-user controls. [79725]

  Nigel Griffiths
  The Government have made clear its commitment to effective monitoring of the end-use of UK defence exports where this can make a genuine contribution to preventing their diversion or misuse. However, follow-up monitoring can only confirm if UK exports have been misused or diverted after the export as taken place. We believe that the most effective way to prevent misuse or diversion of UK equipment is by rigorous assessment at the export licensing stage. To this end we have taken a number of steps to strengthen end-user risk assessment in the export licensing process. Before taking a decision on export licences, Ministers take into account all reliable information about end-users of potential concern, including reporting from other Government Departments and UK posts overseas, and also from any relevant information received from Non-Governmental Organisations and other external sources. Overseas posts have standing instructions to report any misuse of UK-origin defence equipment so that it can be taken into account in the licensing process. These measures do not require legislation and the Government does not therefore propose to include specific provisions on end-use monitoring in the secondary legislation to be introduced under the Export Control Act 2002.

  Tony Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the consultation period on secondary legislation on the Export Control Act 2002 will begin. [79722]

  Nigel Griffiths
  The Government expect to publish the draft orders they propose to make under the Export Control Act 2002 and an accompanying consultation document before the end of the year.

  Tony Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what plans she has to propose legislation on arms covering the activites of UK arms brokers wherever they are located: and if she will make a statement;[79723]

  (2) what plans she has for secondary legislation on the Export Control Act 2002 to cover extra-territorial controls on the activities of UK arms brokers. [79724]

  Nigel Griffiths
  The Export Control Act 2002 contains a new general power that allows controls to be introduced on arms trafficking or brokering (referred to in the Act as trade) by persons in the UK and UK persons overseas. The Government has stated that it will use these powers to introduce extra-territorial controls on trade in controlled goods to embargoed destinations, trade in equipment the export of which has already been banned because of evidence of its use in torture, and trade in long-range missiles.

  Mr. Berry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many licence applications for the export of furnaces to Iran have been made in each year since 1997; how many applications have been granted; how many and what value of furnaces have been exported to Iran in each year; what undertakings were sought about end-use; and what end-use monitoring has been undertaken. [78863]
  763W
  Nigel Griffiths
  Unfortunately I have not been able to answer before Parliament is prorogued, but I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of the letter in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Berry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, how many licence applications for the export of inertial equipment using accelerometers to Iran have been made in each year since 1997; how many applications have been granted; how many and what value of such equipment have been exported to Iran in each year; what undertakings were sought about end-use; and what end-use monitoring has been undertaken. [78860]

  Nigel Griffiths
  Unfortunately I have not been able to answer before Parliament is prorogued, but will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of the letter in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Berry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, how many licence applications for the export of maraging steels to Iran have been made in each year since 1997; how many applications have been granted; how much and what value of maraging steels have been exported to Iran in each year; what undertakings were sought about end-use; and what end-use monitoring has been undertaken. [78861]

  Nigel Griffiths
  Unfortunately I have not been able to answer before Parliament is prorogued, but I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of the letter in the Library of the House.

  Training Initiatives
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment has taken place of(a) Stockholding 2000, (b) Export Strategy and (c) Benchmarking club training initiatives; what costs were associated with each project in each year since 1997–98; and if she will make a statement. [78268]

  Ms Hewitt
  It is not clear which initiatives the hon. Member is referring to. If he writes with further information I will respond in detail.

  John Bredenkamp
  Paul Farrelly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussion her Department's officials have had in the last three years with(a) John Bredenkamp and (b) companies controlled by John Bredenkamp. [80329]

  Nigel Griffiths
  Unfortunately I have not been able to answer before Parliament is prorogued, but I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of the letter in the Libraries of the House.

  Ageism
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what strategies her Department has to ensure that there is no ageism in recruitment and retention processes. [79295]

  Ms Hewitt
  All applications for employment in my Department are considered on their merits, against the criteria and competences specified for the advertised vacancies.
  764W
  The Department's internal career development structure is governed by a diversity and equality policy which ensures that job opportunities are open to all staff regardless of their age. We are also working with the Employers Forum on Age to further develop initiatives and to share best practice with a range of public and private employers.

  The normal age of retirement for staff in my Department is either 60 for the Senior Civil Service or 65 for other staff.

  Departmental Initiatives
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the schemes and initiatives sponsored by her Department and its agencies which are not the subject of national roll out, showing(a) the authorities or areas covered by the scheme and (b) the budget of the scheme in the last year for which information is available. [75674]

  Ms Hewitt
  Many DTI sponsored services are delivered at a regional and local level through Regional Development Agencies, Business Links and other local and regional organisations. These bodies often undertake local publicity campaigns for Government-sponsored services. To provide a list of this activity could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

  My Department does run pilot schemes in certain localities from time to time, for example the SBS is currently piloting the City Growth Strategy in four regions in England (London, East Midlands, South West and North West). The total budget for this pilot is £1.5 million.

  Public Consultations
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what public consultations have been commenced by her Department in each month since 10 September; and what the(a) start date, (b) closing date and (c) website address of each were. [80274]

  Ms Hewitt
  The consultation documents published by the Department from 10 September until 5 November are as follows:

  Date Published

  Date Closes

  Consultation on Topics for Forsight Projects

  10-09-02

  04-12-02

  Consultation on Competition Commission Monetary Penalties

  18-09-02

  16-12-02

  Consultation on Competition Appeal Tribunal Draft

  18-09-02

  16-12-02

  Possible Introduction Of "Promote" Licences To Encourage Exploration Activity On The UKCS

  27-09-02

  29-11-02

  New award for 28 GHz licences. Broadband Fixed

  15-10-02

  14-11-02

  Wireless Access (BFWA) at 28 GHz: proposals to amend new and existing licences and for the next stage of the award process Consultation on commencement dates for employment regulations

  16-10-02

  30-01-03

  765W

  Date Published

  Date Closes

  Equality and Diversity: The Way Ahead

  23-10-02

  24-01-03

  Equality and Diversity: Making it Happen

  23-10-02

  24-01-03

  Developing the National Performance Framework for Trading Standards services

  30-10-02

  21-01-03

  Consultation on extending the Working Time Regulations to previously excluded sectors

  31-10-02

  31-01-03

  Public Wireless Networks—Exemption of User Stations

  04-11-02

  21-02-03

  All DTI Consultation documents are available on the Departmental Website at www.dti.gov.uk

  National Minimum Wage
  Mr. Love
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many successful prosecutions for failure to pay the national minimum wage there have been in(a) the London Borough of Enfield, (b) Greater London and (c) the United Kingdom since its introduction; and if she will make a statement. [78088]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I have been asked to reply.

  The National Minimum Wage Act 1998 contains a number of provisions empowering enforcement officers to take civil action against non-paying employers and the Inland Revenue always use these in the first instance.

  Since the minimum wage was introduced in April 1999 the Inland Revenue has issued around 450 enforcement notices requiring employers to start paying the minimum wage and make good any arrears, and identified over £11 million in arrears. A minority of disputed cases have been considered by employment tribunals. To date there have been no criminal prosecutions in relation to underpayment of the minimum wage.

TREASURY

  Fuel Duty
  Paddy Tipping
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer If he will make a statement on his policy on the rates of duty on biodiesel and bioethanol. [78237]

  John Healey
  All duty rates are reviewed annually as part of the Budget process. In doing so, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer takes into account a range of economic, social and environmental factors.

  Tax Incentives (Pensions)
  Mr. Tynan
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on tax incentives for occupational pension schemes. [78238]

  Ruth Kelly
  The Government understand how important tax incentives are in encouraging retirement provision. The current pensions tax system is under review and we will consult on proposed changes later this year.
  766W
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to change tax incentives for pensions provision. [78257]

  Ruth Kelly
  I refer my hon. Friend to my answer of earlier today to the Member for Hamilton, South (Mr. Tynan)

  Small Business
  Mr. Baron
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry regarding the impact of taxes and his deregulation policy on small businesses. [78239]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Chancellor meets regularly with my right hon. Friend, at which time he discusses a full range of relevant issues, including the Government's success at reducing the corporate tax burden on companies and introducing such reforms as a R&D tax credit and improvements to the capital gains tax regime.

  Dividend Tax Credits (Pension Funds)
  Phil Sawford
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the long-term implications are of the abolition of dividend tax credits for pension funds; and if he will make a statement. [78240]

  Ruth Kelly
  The withdrawal of payable tax credits on dividends was part of a package of reforms that included cuts in corporation tax and the abolition of advance corporation tax. These changes were designed to improve the climate for long-term investment in the UK. In the long run, this should benefit all investors—including pension funds and those saving for retirement.

  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has with other Ministers on the effects of his policies on pension funds. [78254]

  Ruth Kelly
  Treasury Ministers have many discussions with other Ministers on a range of matters, including pensions.

  EU Stability Pact
  Mr. George Osborne
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions he has had with other EU finance Ministers about the stability and growth pact. [78241]

  Ruth Kelly
  The Government support a prudent interpretation of the Stability Pact, which takes into account the impact of the economic cycle, sustainability and the important role of public investment. We continue to discuss this with our EU colleagues.

  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made on his five economic tests for euro entry of the effect of the operation of the stability and growth pact. [78249]

  Ruth Kelly
  The Government have consistently made clear that it supports a prudent interpretation of the Stability and Growth Pact that takes into account the economic cycle, sustainability and the important role of public investment.
  767W
  Dr. Ladyman
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the differences between his rules governing the level of public spending and those operated within the stability pact adopted within the Eurozone. [78246]

  Ruth Kelly
  As set out in paragraph 2.65 of the Economic and Fiscal Strategy Report, the Budget 2002 projections are consistent with the Government's prudent interpretation of the Stability and Growth Pact which takes account of the economic cycle, sustainability and the important role of public investment (as specified in Article 104 of the EU Treaty).

  Manufacturing Employment (North-West)
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the change in the manufacturing employment in the North West in 2001. [78242]

  John Healey
  Manufacturing employment declined at a much slower rate in the North West than in the UK as a whole in the 12 months to June 2002, despite declining at a faster rate than in the UK as a whole through 2001.

  BCCI
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received concerning the settlement arrangements for the creditors and ex-employees of BCCI. [78243]

  Ruth Kelly
  The hon. Gentleman wrote to the Paymaster General, who arranged for him to meet Inland Revenue officials recently to discuss the tax issues arising. I understand the meeting was a constructive and helpful one.

  Overseas Aid Budget
  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects the UK Overseas Aid Development budget to reach the UN target level of 0.7 per cent. of gross national income. [78244]

  John Healey
  The Government remain fully committed to reaching the UN 0.7 per cent. ODA/GNI target. In the 2002 Spending Review we made substantial increases to the aid budget. The UK's level of overseas development assistance will be increased to 0.33 per cent. by 2003/04, up from 0.26 per cent. in 1997, and will reach 0.40 per cent. of GNI by 2005/06. This is the largest ever increase in UK aid and represents a 93 per cent. real terms increase since 1997.

  Aid effectiveness is also important as well as aid volumes. We are committed to redirecting the development assistance budget to the poorest countries, particularly those with effective governments pursuing high growth and pro-poor economic and social policies. In addition, we have untied all our aid as from 1 April 2001.

  Debt Relief (Africa)
  Norman Lamb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on debt relief in respect of those countries affected by famine in Africa. [78245]
  768W
  John Healey
  The Government are very concerned about food crises in Africa and is acting decisively to limit the impact of famine on those countries affected. We have already committed a total of £68 million for humanitarian assistance and recovery programmes to the region and will continue to monitor the situation closely. Of the eight countries currently affected by famine, 4 are already benefiting from US$11 billion of debt relief that has been committed under the HIPC initiative.

  DfID's Southern Africa Humanitarian Crisis Unit (SAHCU) is currently being established in Johannesburg. The unit will assist the ongoing DfID response, carry out situation and needs assessments; and identify opportunities for further UK interventions if necessary.

  As part of this commitment to providing humanitarian assistance, DfID is supporting infrastructure programmes, such as the rehabilitation of the rail link between the port of Nacala in Mozambique and land-locked Malawi. The improved link is essential to the special emergency operation being run by the World Food Programme on behalf of the Malawian government to get food to those most at need. The total cost of the programme is £4.26 million, £4.1 million of which will be funded by DfID.

  In Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe food shortages have followed a poor season when coping mechanisms are already stretched. Poor governance has played a major role in the shortages, particularly in Zimbabwe where lack of inputs for small-holder agriculture, and the ruling party's disastrous economic and land policies, have both caused shortages and undercut survival strategies. Throughout the region HIV and AIDS has also weakened communities' capacity to cope with additional stress.

  The crisis underlines the need for good governance in Africa. The three worst affected countries (Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe) have been hit by drought, but have also suffered in varying degrees from economic problems and poor governance, which have turned a fall in agricultural production into a crisis. The drought has been exacerbated by corruption in Zambia under the previous administration, poor management of food stocks in Malawi, and disastrous land and economic policies in Zimbabwe.

  At the spring meetings of the IMF and World Bank, the UK argued strongly that we should be prepared to use the flexibility in the HIPC initiative to provide additional debt relief to ensure a robust exit from unsustainable debt, particularly for those countries affected by extreme circumstances.

  The Government is working to strengthen the HIPC initiative to help the most vulnerable countries. In a speech to the United Nations General Assembly Special Session last year, the Chancellor set out the UK's agenda for strengthening the HIPC initiative. In addition to pressing for more cautious forecasts to assess debt sustainability, the Chancellor stressed the importance of additional debt relief (or topping-up) at Completion Point for those countries which have

  769W
  experienced external shocks such as natural disaster. In order to deliver these reforms, the UK has called for a further $1 billion to the HIPC initiative.

  At Kananaskis the UK was at the forefront of the international debate on debt relief, helping to secure agreement from the G7 that they fund their share of the $1 billion financing shortfall in the HIPC initiative. The UK is the second largest donor to the HIPC Trust Fund, pledging over $300 million in total since 1999.

  Ahead of the September meetings the UK made clear that, once again, we were prepared to shoulder our share of the burden, and called on other countries to follow our lead. The Development Committee welcomed these announcements of support and called upon other countries to make firm pledges and contributions as early as possible. I am pleased to report that, at a recent HIPC Technical Meeting in Paris, not only did the UK reaffirm its commitment to providing $120 million towards the $1 billion financing gap, but was joined by nearly all donors in making firm commitments totaling around $850 million.

  Credit Unions
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to expand the role for credit unions. [78247]

  Ruth Kelly
  Credit unions have an important role to play in tackling financial exclusion and in providing greater choice and diversity in the financial services sector. That is why we have been involved in initiatives to help the movement grow and to enable credit unions to offer a greater range of services to their members.

  We are in the process of delivering a programme of legislative and regulatory changes to help improve the operational flexibility of credit unions. Also, through the Financial Services and Markets Act, we have brought credit unions under the regulatory supervision of the Financial Services Authority and given depositors with credit unions similar protection to those with banks or building societies. The new regulatory system, combined with our programme of deregulation, will give the movement a strong position from which to build and thrive.

  The Government will continue to work closely with the movement to support and encourage its future development.

  Company Taxation
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions he has had with the Confederation of British Industry regarding the impact of company taxation on state UK businesses. [78248]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Treasury Ministers meet regularly with business leaders and others to discuss a wide range of topics.

  Employment, Scotland
  Mr. David Stewart
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the future prospects for employment in Scotland. [78250]
  770W
  Ruth Kelly
  Since 1997 in Scotland, total employment has risen by 100,000 (or 4.4 per cent.) and claimant count unemployment has been reduced by 60,700 (or 37.4 per cent.).

  The UK Government and the Scottish Executive have put in place a comprehensive range of policies designed to reduce unemployment and get people back into work. These policies have already paid dividends and, as the figures show, will continue to benefit the Scottish labour market into the future.

  Environmental Taxation
  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the need for further changes to the taxation system to help deliver reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. [78252]

  John Healey
  The Government have introduced a range of fiscal measures to tackle carbon emissions, including the Climate Change Levy, and reforms to both Vehicle Excise Duty, fuel duties and the taxation of company cars. The Chancellor considers all relevant social, economic and environmental factors when deciding taxation policy.

  Tax Concessions (Sports Clubs)
  Mr. Reed
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress he has made implementing his tax concessions scheme for community and amateur sports clubs. [78253]

  John Healey
  The legislation enabling community amateur sports clubs to benefit from certain tax reliefs was contained in Finance Act 2002. The Inland Revenue is now accepting applications for registration from qualifying sports clubs.

  Landfill Tax
  Tom Brake
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on his plans for landfill tax. [78255]

  John Healey
  The Government announced in Budget 2002 that we anticipate the need for significant increases to the landfill tax in the medium term and that we will take future decisions on the tax in the light of the report of the Cabinet Office Strategy Unit waste project, which is due to be published later this year.

  National Insurance (Women)
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with the Minister for Women and the Department of Work and Pensions regarding the position of women who paid national insurance contributions at the reduced rate for married women. [78256]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Chancellor discusses a wide range of issues with his Cabinet colleagues.

  Deprived Communities
  Mr. Love
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to sponsor investment and enterprise in deprived communities. [78258]
  771W
  Dawn Primarolo
  The Government are committed to encouraging enterprise, investment and wealth creation across all regions in Britain.

  We believe that enterprise can make a valuable contribution to the regeneration of disadvantaged communities, and bring significant benefits to these communities, such as new sources of employment for local people. In order to ensure that our most disadvantaged communities share in the country's rising prosperity, we have introduced a range of measures to encourage investment and enterprise in these areas. These include the Community Investment Tax Credit, the Bridges Community Development Venture Fund, the Phoenix Fund, and the introduction of an exemption from stamp duty for most property transactions in the 2000 most disadvantaged areas of the UK.

  Many of the Government's other policies are contributing to the creation of an environment in which businesses can start and grow in disadvantaged areas, including policies to develop the skills of the workforce, help the unemployed into work and improve the planning regime.

  Tax Credits
  Mr. Plaskitt
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people in Warwick and Leamington will benefit from the introduction of the working tax credit. [78259]

  Dawn Primarolo
  1,829 families in Warwick and Leamington were receiving WFTC or DPTC on 31st May 2002.

  The Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit, to be introduced in April 2003, are expected to benefit around 6 million families.

  Ross Cranston
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the implications for levels of social exclusion of any inability of individuals in low income employment to access Tax Credits for the cost of higher level skills training in the information technology sector. [79837]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Government recognises that improving the skills of the workforce plays an important part in reducing social exclusion. The financial assistance available to adult learners is being reviewed in the context of the development of the Government's

  Department/Project

  Capital Value £million

  Start of operation

  Accounting Treatment

  DCMS

  Royal Parks Agency—Pembroke Lodge

  1

  1997

  On

  British Library—Catering Service

  1

  1998

  Off

  DETR

  Dartford Crossing

  180

  1987

  On

  Second Severn Crossing

  331

  1990

  On

  A50 DBFO Road

  21

  1996

  On

  A19 DBFO Road

  29

  1996

  On

  A40 DBFO Road

  65

  1996

  On

  A417/419 DBFO Road

  49

  1996

  On

  A30/35 DBFO Road

  65

  1996

  On

  A1(M) DBFO Road

  128

  1996

  On

  772W
  Skills Strategy, which will be published next year. In addition, the Government keeps all taxes under review as part of the normal Budget process.

  Pensioners
  John Robertston
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on measures to raise the standard of living of Britain's poorest pensioners. [78260]

  Ruth Kelly
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 9 May 2002 (Official Report, 9 May 2002, column 339 W).

  Unemployment (London)
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the 12-month change in the claimant measure of unemployment in London. [78228]

  Mr. Boateng
  Despite a relatively small rise over the past year, claimant unemployment in London is more than 40 per cent. down since spring 1997.

  Tax Residence and Domicile Rules
  Mrs. Calton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the amount of foreign investment in the UK that results from the non-domicile tax rules. [78231]

  Dawn Primarolo
  My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced on Budget Day that we are reviewing the residence and domicile rules as they affect tax liabilities of individuals. We believe that modernisation of these rules needs to be based on clear principles: the rules should be fair, clear, easy to operate and support the competitiveness of the British economy. As part of the review, various fact-finding exercises will be carried out, drawing on a range of sources.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will publish the full results of the retrospective application of the revised Treasury technical note, How to Account for PFI Transactions; and if he will make a statement. [74125]

  Mr. Boateng
  The results to date of the retrospective application of the revised Treasury Taskforce Technical Note are set out in the table below. The table shows, for all PFI contracts that were operational by the end of the 2001–02 financial year, the accounting treatment that has been adopted.
  773W

  Department/Project

  Capital Value £million

  Start of operation

  Accounting Treatment

  M1/A1 Link DBFO Road

  214

  1996

  On

  A13 DBFO Road (Transferred to GLA)

  146

  2000

  Off

  Birmingham Northern Relief Road

  485

  1992

  Off

  LUL Northern Line Trains

  409

  1995

  Off

  LT Prestige (transferred to TfL)

  137

  1998

  Off

  QEIICC—Catering

  3

  1997

  Off

  DoH

  Queen Elizabeth Hospital—Woolwich

  118

  2001

  Off

  North East London Mental Health NHST—Reprovision and Geriatric Day Centre

  11

  2002

  Off

  Dartford & Gravesham NHST

  94

  2000

  Off

  South Buckinghamshire NHST

  45

  2000

  On

  West Sussex Health & Social Care NHST

  22

  2000

  Off

  Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital NHST

  158

  2001

  Off

  Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospital

  17

  2000

  Off

  North Staffordshire Combined NHST

  19

  2001

  Off

  Calderdale Healthcare NHST—redevelopment of services

  65

  2001

  Off

  North Durham Healthcare NHST

  61

  2001

  Off

  DTI

  ELGAR—IT service provision

  30

  1999

  Off

  Re-build of NPL

  82

  2000

  Off

  DWP

  ITSA

  1

  2000

  Off

  Newpay

  6

  1999

  Off

  IT Partnership Project

  116

  1998

  Off

  Home Office

  Parc Prison

  47

  1999

  On

  Altcourse Prison

  68

  1999

  On

  Lowdham Grange

  25

  1998

  On

  Ashfield (Pucklehurst) Prison

  26

  1999

  On

  Forest Bank Prison

  45

  2000

  On

  Rye Hill Prison

  37

  2001

  On

  Dovegate Prison

  64

  2001

  On

  Inland Revenue

  IR Manchester

  32

  1998

  Off

  IR Glasgow

  10

  1998

  Off

  IR Edinburgh

  10

  1998

  Off

  IR St. John's House Bootle

  12

  2000

  Off

  Newcastle Estates Development

  163.8

  1999

  Off

  Steps (joint IR with C&E)

  220 (IR 157 and C&E 63)

  2001

  Off

  LCD

  Court Service—Probate Records

  11

  1999

  Off

  Centre Contract

  LCD HQ—Libra

  68

  2001

  Off

  LCD—Aramis

  40

  1998

  Off

  Court Service—LOCCS

  20

  1996

  On

  MOD

  Attack Helicopter Training Service

  165

  2002

  Off

  Defence Helicopter Flying School

  74

  1998

  On

  Medium Support Helicopter Aircrew

  114

  1999

  Off

  Training Facility

  Joint Services Command and Staff College

  93

  2001

  Married quarters Off.

  Main student/residential facilities On

  Training, Administration & Financial Management Information System

  41

  1998

  Off

  Electronic Messaging Services

  17

  1998

  Off

  Material Handling Equipment

  8

  1997

  Off

  Tornado GR4 Simulator

  62

  2002

  Off

  RAF Cosford/RAF Shawbury Family Quarters

  15

  2001

  Off

  Central Scotland Family Quarters

  25

  2001

  Off

  National Assembly for Wales

  A55 Llandegai to National Savings

  112

  1998

  Off

  PPP for Operational Services

  37

  2000

  Off

  Scottish Executive

  Skye Bridge

  24

  1997

  Off

  M6 DBFO

  103

  1999

  Off

  774W 775W
  Lynne Jones
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate by how much public borrowing as a percentage of GDP would have to be raised to cover the capital expenditure of all current and past projects financed through PFI/PPP. [76012]

  Mr. Boateng
  It is estimated that, by the end of this year, the value of PFI/PPP contracts signed will increase private sector capital expenditure on public services to over £25 billion. Revised estimates are published annually in the Budget and updated during the financial year under arrangements agreed with the National Audit Office.

  It is not possible to calculate accurately the increased level of public debt that would be created if these projects were funded instead by the public sector. That would depend on the way in which the project was taken forward. Since the abolition of universal testing, public authorities choose the method of procurement which is best suited to individual projects.

  Partnerships UK
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the members of Partnerships UK and their interest in companies involved in past privatisation projects in each case. [78517]

  Mr. Boateng
  The private sector shareholders of Partnerships UK are as listed:

  Abbey National Treasury Services plc

  Sun Life Assurance Society plc (HSBC Global Custody Nominees (UK) Limited)

  The Prudential Assurance Company Limited

  Barclays Industrial Investments Limited

  Royal Bank Project Investments Limited

  The Governor and Company of Bank of Scotland (Uberior Investments plc)

  Halifax Project Investments Limited

  Serco Limited

  The British Land Company plc (Boldswitch Limited)

  Group 4 Falck Joint Venture Limited

  Jarvis plc

  The details of their holdings in the companies involved in past privatisations are not held centrally.

  Mapeley
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) which IR and C and E buildings are owned by(a) Mapeley UK Ltd, (b) Mapeley Steps Ltd,

  Department

  Property Address

  Tenure

  HMCE

  Garage, 60 Inchinnan Road, Paisley, Strathclyde, PA3, Scotland

  Freehold

  HMCE

  Custom House, Killyhevlin, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, BT74 4EJ, Northern Ireland

  Leasehold

  HMCE

  Portcullis House, No4 Gate, Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 3NT, England

  Freehold

  HMCE

  Custom House, Orchard Place, Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 3NS, England

  Freehold

  HMCE

  Chaucer's Walk, Furthergate Industrial Park, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB1 3AF, England

  Freehold

  HMCE

  Custom House, The Strand, St. Marys, Isles of Scilly, Cornwall, TR21 OPS, England

  Freehold

  HMCE

  44 York Place, Edinburgh, Lothian, EH1 3JW, Scotland

  Freehold

  HMCE

  Custom House, Custom House Quay, Greenock, Strathclyde, PA15 1EQ, Scotland

  Leaseland

  HMCE

  24 West Argyll Street, Ullapool, Highland, IV26 2UB, Scotland

  Freehold

  HMCE

  Custom House, 10 Harbour Terrace, Wick, Highland, KW1 5HB, Scotland

  Freehold

  HMCE

  Priory Court, St. John's Road, Dover, Kent, CT17 9SH, England

  Freehold

  HMCE

  Custom House, Lower Thames Street, London, Greater London, EC3R 6EE, England

  Leasehold

  776W
  (c) Mapeley Steps Contractor Ltd and (d) Mapeley Columbus Ltd; and whether the companies owning and maintaining the IR offices is based in Britain;[78519]

  (2) what independent valuation was carried out on the Tax and Customs offices sold to Mapeley; and what it indicated the buildings were worth; [78537]

  (3) how much stamp duty has been paid by Mapeley on the purchase of Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise Offices; [78518]

  (4) what difference is between the amount the Inland Revenue will pay in rent each year to Mapeley and what it would have cost them if they still owned the buildings themselves. [78520]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 31 October 2002]: The information to answer the HM's question about the amount of stamp duty paid by the Mapeley consortium is covered by the Inland Revenue's legal duty of taxpayer confidentiality which is laid down by S182 of Finance Act 1989 which states, at sub section 1.

  A person who discloses any information which he holds or has held in the exercise of tax functions, tax credit functions or social security functions is guilty of an offence if it is information about any matter relevant, for the purposes of any of those functions.
  Valuation of the Inland Revenue and Customs & Excise buildings was carried out as part of the STEPS process by independent valuers. This was performed by Insignia Richard Ellis in conjunction with Gerald Eve. Their opinion of Market Value was £370 million.

  Under the Mapeley contract the Inland Revenue pays Mapeley STEPS Contractor Ltd for the provision of fully serviced accommodation. A full appraisal was done at the time of the contract and that appraisal indicated that there would be a significant benefit to the Departments from the proposed arrangement over the lifetime of the contract compared with the status quo at that time.

  The table below lists the Departments' properties which (with three exceptions) were transferred to Mapeley STEPS Ltd which is registered in Bermuda. The three exceptions were Custom House Southampton, Rutland House Bradford and 23 Piccadilly York which were sold to Mapeley STEPS Contractor Ltd which is UK registered. Some buildings were considered to be of particular importance (including primarily buildings of historical significance) and were not sold. Those properties within this category over which Mapeley STEPS Ltd are granted a long lease are included on the list. The maintenance and day to day services are provided by Mapeley STEPS Contractor Ltd which is a UK registered company.
  777W

  Department

  Property Address

  Tenure

  HMCE

  C&E Garage & Wreck Shed, Crittens Road, Cobholm, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 1HZ, England

  Leasehold

  HMCE

  Custom House—Gravesend, The Terrace, Gravesend, Kent, DA12 2BW, England

  Freehold

  HMCE

  The Watch House, Watch House Lane, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7QH, England

  Freehold

  HMCE

  Eaton Court, 104–112 Oxford Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7FU, England

  Freehold

  HMCE

  Garrison Point, Sheerness Docks, Sheerness, Kent, ME12 1PB, England

  Freehold

  HMCE

  Custom House, 90–100 Albion Street, South Wick, Shoreham, East Sussex, BN4 4EE, England

  Freehold

  HMCE

  Queens Dock, Kings Dock (off Chaloner Street), City Centre, Liverpool, Merseyside, L74 4AA, England

  Freehold

  HMCE

  Portcullis House, 27 Victoria Avenue, Southend, Essex SS2 6AL, England

  Freehold

  HMCE

  Phoenix House, 1 Wards Road, Elgin, Grampian, V30 1QL, Scotland

  Freehold

  HMCE

  Portcullis House, New Harbour Road South, Poole, Dorset, BH15 4AJ, England

  Leasehold

  HMCE

  Custom House, Furness Quay, Salford, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M5 2XX, England

  Leasehold

  HMCE

  Bretonside Garage, 29 Bretonside, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 OBB, England

  Leasehold

  HMCE

  Boundary House, Cheadle Point, Cheadle, Cheshire, SK8 2JZ, England

  Freehold

  HMCE

  Custom House, Newhaven Harbour, Newhaven, East Sussex, BN9 0BD, England

  Leasehold

  HMCE

  Multi Storey Car Park, Baxter Avenue, Southend, Essex SS2 9XX, England

  Leasehold

  HMCE

  Custom House, Alexandra Dock, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 1LR, England

  Leasehold

  HMCE

  Custom House, The Parade, Barbican, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 2JP, England

  Freehold

  HMCE

  Custom House, Queens Quay, Londonderry, County Derry, BT48 7AR, Northern Ireland

  Freehold

  HMCE

  Carne House, 20 Corry Place, Belfast, County Antrim, BT3 9HY, Northern Ireland

  Leasehold

  HMCE

  Custom House, Queens Square, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 3ET, Northern Ireland

  Leasehold

  HMCE

  Lingate House, 102 Chapel Lane, Wigan, Greater Manchester, WN3 4BJ, England

  Leasehold

  HMCE

  Northstar House, Great North Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, England

  Freehold

  HMCE

  Computer Complex, Campfield Road, Shoeburyness, Essex, SS3 9BX, England

  Freehold

  HMCE

  Custom House. Clayton Street, Avonmouth, Avon. BS11 9DX, England

  Leasehold

  HMCE

  Custom House, View Point Road, Felixstowe Dock, Felixstowe, Suffolk, IP11 8RF, England

  Freehold

  HMCE

  Custom House, Main Road, Dovercourt, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3PG, England

  Freehold

  HMCE

  Pontoon Pier & Jetties, Custom House, The Terrace, Gravesend, Kent, DA12 2BW, England

  Freehold

  HMCE

  East Lock, Alexandra Dock, Newport, Gwent, NP9 2NP, Wales

  Leasehold

  HMCE

  Custom House, Heathrow, Nettleton Road, Heathrow Airport, Hounslow, Greater London, TW6 2LA, England

  Leasehold

  HMCE

  Custom House, Carnbane Way, Carnbane Industrial Estate, Newry, County Down, BT35 6QG, Northern Ireland

  Freehold

  HMCE

  Garage (Portline House), 2–16 Pope Street, London, Greater London, SE1 3PR, England

  Freehold

  HMCE

  Towergate, 163 Towerbridge Road, London, Greater London, SE1 3LT, England

  Freehold

  HMCE

  Chaucer House, 12 Vikingway, Church Manor Way, Erith, Kent, DA8 1EW, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Crown Building, 47 Clarendon Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD1 1HC, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Lyndhurst House, 120 Bunns Lane, London, Greater London, NW7 2AP, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Gracemead House, Woods Avenue, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 8NJ, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Crown Building, 41–55 Windmill Hill, Ruislip, Greater London, HA4 8BR, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Park House, 22 Park Street, Croydon, Surrey, CR9 1UX, England

  Leasehold

  IR

  Woolwich Crown Building, 48 Woolwich New Road, Woolwich, London, Greater London, SE18 6DY, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Charles House, 375 Kensington High St., London, Greater London, W14 8QS, England

  Leasehold

  IR

  Kew Sorting Centre. Ruskin Avenue, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 4DW, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Bush House S.W.Wing, Strand, London, Greater London, WC2 4RD, England

  Leasehold

  IR

  Newton Road, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 6RH, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Iceni House, Newland Street, Witham, Essex, CM8 2AX, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Dencora Court, Tylers House, Tylers Ave, Southend, Essex, SS1 2BE, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Bowback House, 299 Silbury Boulevard, Witan Gate West, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK9 1NG, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Saxon House, 1 Causeway Lane, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE1 4AA, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Portman Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP2 2ED, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Bondgate Hall, Bondgate Without, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1PX, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Foyle House, Duncreggan Road, Londonderry, County Derry, BT48 0AA, Northern Ireland

  Freehold

  IR

  Downshire House, Merchants Quay, Newry, County Down, BT35 6HS, Northern Ireland

  Freehold

  IR

  Dorchester House, 52–58 Great Victoria Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT2 7BB, Northern Ireland

  Freehold

  IR

  Warwick House, Grantham Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE2 1QH, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Albion House, Northway, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, Y012 7AN, England

  Freehold

  IR

  23 Piccadilly, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 1PG, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Fern House, 1A Adelaide Avenue, Coleraine, County Derby, BT52 1AJ, Northern Ireland

  Freehold

  IR

  Abbey House, Head Street, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, BT74 7JL, Northern Ireland

  Freehold

  IR

  63 College Street, St. Helens, Merseyside, WA10 1TN, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Dukes House, 34 Hoghton Street, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 0RJ, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Eskdale House, Shap Road, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 6RF, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Birchen House, 2 Hamilton Street, Birkenhead, Merseyside, L41 6QS, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Towneley House, Kingsway, Burnley, Lancashire, BB1 1AA, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Albert Bridge House, 1 Bridge Street, Manchester. Greater Manchester, M60 9AF, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Bridgeman House, Bridgeman Terrace, Wigan, Greater Manchester, WN1 1TR, England

  Leasehold

  IR

  Stone Cross House, 21–27 Churchgate, Bolton, Greater Manchester. BL1 1YA, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Comben House, Bridle Road, Netherton Estate, Netherton, Sefton MBC, Merseyside, L30, England

  Leasehold

  IR

  Ruby House, 8 Ruby Place, Aberdeen, Grampian, AB9 2ZP, Scotland

  Freehold

  IR

  Russell House, King Street, Ayr, Strathclyde, KA8 0BD, Scotland

  Leasehold

  IR

  2 Muiryhall Street, Coatbridge, Strathclyde, ML5 3EJ, Scotland

  Freehold

  IR

  St. Mungo's Road, Cumbernauld, Strathclyde, G70 5TR, Scotland

  Freehold

  778W 779W

  Department

  Property Address

  Tenure

  IR

  Anchorage House, High Street, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4QR, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Medval House, Mote Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 6AE, England

  Freehold

  IR

  8 Ogle Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 7HY, England

  Freehold

  IR

  IRO Durrington, Barrington Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BN12 4XL, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Durrington Bridge House, Barrington Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BN12 4SE, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Northbank House, North Road, Bideford, Devon, EX39 2NX, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Westgate House, North Street, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 3PL, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Revenue Buildings, Chequergate, Louth, Lincolnshire, LN11 0LL, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Crown House, 50–52 Scalford Road, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE13 1JL, England

  Freehold

  IR

  11–21 Millgate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 4XW, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Inland Revenue Accounts Office, Victoria Street, Shipley, West Yorkshire, BD98 8AA, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Government Buildings, Holland Road, Spalding, Lincolnshire, PE11 1UJ, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Holland House, 17 High St, Spalding, Lincolnshire, PE11 1TS, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Huntingdon Court, 90–94 Mansfield Road, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG1 3HG, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Joseph Locke House, Heelis Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 1LG, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Symons House, Belgrave Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 8DD, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Lawress Hall, Riseholme Park, Riseholme, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN2 2BJ, England

  Leasehold

  IR

  Chaucer House, Commercial St, Off Station St, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, NG18 1SY, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Castle Meadow Campus, Castle Meadow Road, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG2 1BE, England

  Freehold

  IR

  161 Brooms Road, Dumfries, Dumfries & Galloway, DG1 3EX, Scotland

  Freehold

  IR

  Auchincraig House, Argyll Road, Dunoon, Strathclyde, PA23 8ED, Scotland

  Freehold

  IR

  Meldruin House, 15 Drumsheugh Gardens, Edinburgh, Lothian. EH3 7UY, Scotland

  Freehold

  IR

  Grayfield House, Bankhead Ave, Edinburgh, Lothian, EH11 4AE, Scotland

  Freehold

  IR

  1 Barrack Street, Hamilton, Strathclyde, ML3 0HS, Scotland

  Freehold

  IR

  51 North Bridge Street, Hawick, Borders, TD9 9QH, Scotland

  Freehold

  IR

  9 King Street, Rothesay, Strathclyde, PA20 0DE, Scotland

  Freehold

  IR

  1–3 Water Vennel, Perth, Tayside, PH1 5UD, Scotland

  Freehold

  IR

  Moray House, East Cathcart Street, Buckie, Grampian, AB5 1AN, Scotland

  Freehold

  IR

  Saltire House, Pentland Park, Glenrothes, Fife, KY6 2AL, Scotland

  Freehold

  IR

  Marress House, Friars Croft, Irvine, Strathclyde, KAl2 8EE, Scotland

  Freehold

  IR

  Meadowbank Street, 15 Meadowbank Street, Dumbarton, Strathclyde, G82 3JR, Scotland

  Freehold

  IR

  Queensway House, Stewartsfield Way, Peel Park, Eastkilbride, Strathclyde, G79 1AA, Scotland

  Freehold

  IR

  34–36 Wellesley Road, Ashford, Kent, TN24 8EN. England

  Freehold

  IR

  Vespasian House, Bridport Road, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1PX, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Madford House, Madford Lane, Launceston, Cornwall, PL15 9EG, England

  Leasehold

  IR

  Penlowarth, St. Marys Terrace, Penzance, Cornwall, TR18 4EB, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Lysnoweth, Infirmary Hill, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 2JD, England

  Freehold

  IR

  20 Priory Road, Wells, Somerset, BA5 1TB, England

  Freehold

  IR

  The Apex, 2 Brest Road, Derriford Business Park, Plymouth, Devon, PL6 5XX, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Penhaligon House, Trinity Street, St. Austell, Cornwall, PL25 5BG, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Sherborne House, Kingsteignton Road, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 2PF, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Piran House, Nettles Hill, Redruth, Cornwall, TR15 1SN, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Horsefair House, 35 King Street, Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 9BR, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Rutland House, 116 Manningham Lane, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD8 7JW, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Crown House, Heaton Street, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, DN21 2BJ, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Ty Glyn, High Street, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 1YN, Wales

  Freehold

  IR

  Government Buildings, 48 Free Street, Brecon, Powys, LD3 7BP, Wales

  Freehold

  IR

  Ty Glas, Ty Glas Road, Llanishen, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, CF4 5ZD, Wales

  Freehold

  IR

  Government Buildings, 1 Cherry Grove, Haverfordwest, Dyfed, SA61 2NW, Wales

  Freehold

  IR

  Government Buildings, Castle Street, Merthyr Tydfil, Mid-Glamorgan, CF47 8SX, Wales

  Freehold

  IR

  11 Chepstow Road, Newport, Gwent, NP9 8WA, Wales

  Freehold

  IR

  Ty Moelwyn, Britannia Terrace, Porthmadog, Gwynedd, LL49 9NB, Wales

  Freehold

  IR

  Ty Nant, 180 High Street, Swansea, West Glamorgan, SA1 5AP, Wales

  Freehold

  IR

  Dolanog House, 24 Severn Road, Welshpool, Powys, SY21 7DA, Wales

  Freehold

  IR

  Plas Gororau, Wrexham Technology Park, Wrexham, Clwyd, LL13 7YY, Wales

  Leasehold

  IR

  Inland Revenue House, Parabola Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 3BE, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Lower Leys, Burford Road, Bengeworth, Evesham, Hereford & Worcester, WR11 5AE, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Broadway House, 32/35 Broad Street, Hereford, Hereford & Worcester, HR4 9AZ, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Jephson House, Newbold Terrace, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV32 4EJ, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Plas Ffynnon, 12/14 Middleton Road, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 2PW, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Bennfield House, 12 Corporation Street, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 2DP, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Crown Building, Alcester Road, Stratford On Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 9BU, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Merrywalks House, 2 The Hill, Merrywalks, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 1QD, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Crown House, Birch Street, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV1 4JY, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Powell House, Church Street, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV11 4DS, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Old Meb Buildings, Riddings Road, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY6 1TF, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Boyd House 1, Lawn Central, Telford, Shropshire, TF3 4HQ, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Matheson House, Grange Central, Telford, Shropshire, TF3 4ER, England

  Freehold

  IR

  Boyd House II, Lawn Central, Telford, Shropshire, TF3 4HQ, England

  Freehold

  VOA

  34 Southway, Colchester, Essex, CO2 7BB, England

  Freehold

  VOA

  Wagonway Rd, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1QL, England

  Freehold

  VOA

  Darwin House, 2 The Mount, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY3 8PU, England

  Leasehold

  VOA

  6 Dormer Place, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV32 5AF, England

  Freehold

  HMCE

  Custom House, 18 Quay Walls, Berwick, Northumberland, TD15 1HB, England

  Freehold

  780W 781W

  Department

  Property Address

  Tenure

  HMCE

  Custom House, Hedon Road, King George Dock West, Hull, Humberside, HU9 5PW, England

  Leasehold

  VOA

  Charnwood House, Charnwood Road, Dumfries, Dumfries & Galloway, DG1 3AG, Scotland

  Freehold

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what renegotiation is taking place on the Inland Revenue Customs STEPS contract with Mapeley; and who initiated it. [80217]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Discussions have taken place between the Departments and Mapeley following an approach from the company.

  Social Fund Budget
  Mrs. Calton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will increase the Social Fund budget, with particular reference to(a) the Community Care Grant and (b) the Budgeting Loan budgets. [79214]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Government are examining options to enable the Social Fund better to fulfil its aim of helping the poorest and most vulnerable people in society meet certain needs.

  Alternative Fuels
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will introduce fiscal incentives to encourage consumers to purchase and use combined electric and petrol engine powered vehicles. [79409]

  John Healey
  The Government have introduced fiscal incentives for the purchase of combined electric and petrol powered vehicles through discounts in vehicle excise duty and company car tax.

  Furthermore, the Government are also promoting the use of cleaner fuels through schemes such as the PowerShift programme, which offers grants for motorists to buy or convert vehicles which run on LPG, natural gas or electricity.

  Ann Winterton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what fiscal incentives he has made available for the wider use of alternative fuels for motor vehicles. [78229]

  John Healey
  In successive Budgets, the Chancellor has introduced a number of initiatives to promote the use of cleaner fuels. These include duty differentials for road fuel gases and bio-diesel, discounts to vehicle excise duty for cars using cleaner fuels, and the environment-focused changes to the company car tax system.

  Furthermore, the Government continues to promote the use of cleaner fuels through schemes such as the PowerShift programme, which offers grants for motorists to buy or convert vehicles which run on LPG, natural gas or electricity, and the Green Fuel Challenge which is supporting projects for the development of biogas, ethanol and hydrogen through duty reliefs.

  VAT Compliance Costs
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 23 October 2002,Official Report, column 352W, on VAT, for what reason he is unable to give a publication date; and if he will make a statement. [79517]
  782W
  John Healey
  Ministers are considering the research methodology, data and analysis in this research, in accordance with their continuing commitment to reduce compliance costs for VAT—registered businesses.

  Gift Aid
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Chancellor of the Excheque what the value of shares given in Gift Aid was in the last tax year. [79105]

  John Healey
  There is no Gift Aid scheme on gifts of shares. However, Budget 2000 introduced relief at a taxpayer's marginal tax rate on gifts of shares and other qualifying investments.

  The value of shares and other qualifying investments given to charities in 2000–01 is estimated at £100 million.

  Regional GDP
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps the Government are taking to decrease disparities in regional gross domestic product per capita; and which Minister is in charge of these efforts. [79322]

  Mr. Boateng
  [holding answer 7 November 2002]: The Government set out in the 2002 Spending Review White Paper (Cm 5570) the steps which it is taking to promote prosperity in every region of the UK. Given the Government's long term ambition to reduce the persistent gap in performance between regions, the Spending Review established a new Public Service Agreement target to make sustainable improvements in the economic performance of all English regions and over the longer term reduce the persistent gap in growth rates between the regions. This target, as described in full in the 2002 Spending Review White Paper, is jointly owned by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, DTI and the Treasury. Devolved policies are the responsibility of the devolved administrations.

  Third World Debt
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on recent measures he has taken to reduce third world debt. [78234]

  John Healey
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Chancellor to the hon. Member for Richmond Park (Dr. Tonge) earlier today.

  Census
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the groups recognised in Census 2001 with numbers of less than 700,000 as recorded in the 1991 Census; which groups other than Sikhs requested separate monitoring for the Census 2001 but were denied their request; and which groups recognized
  783W
  in law as distinct ethnic groups requested separate monitoring for the Census 2001 but were denied their request. [78212]

  Ruth Kelly
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Menzies Campbell, dated 7 November 2002:
  As National Statistician and Registrar General for England and Wales I have been asked to reply to your recent question concerning the groups recognised in the 2001 Census with numbers of less than 700,000 as recorded in the 1991 Census; which groups other than Sikhs requested separate monitoring for the 2001 Census but were denied their request; and which groups recognised in law as separate ethnic groups requested separate monitoring for the Census but were denied their request.
  Those ethnic group categories identified in the 2001 Census question on ethnic group by a separate tick box responses, but for which less than 700,000 responses had been recorded in the 1991 Census question, were:

  Mixed White and Black/Caribbean

  Mixed White and Black African

  Mixed White and Asian

  Pakistani

  Bangladeshi

  Black Caribbean

  Black African

  Chinese

  The matter of determining which ethnic group categories should be specifically identified in the 2001 Census resulted from a programme of wide consultation with census users on their requirements for information and with representatives of the various ethnic communities, and of extensive small-and large-scale testing of potential questions, including a major Census Test in 1997 and the Census Rehearsal in 1999.
  The question that was eventually proposed in the Government's White Paper on the 2001 Census in March 1999 and which was subsequently included in the 2001 Census in England and Wales, following approval by Parliament, had been revised in consultation with users, both to meet their requirements for additional information, particularly about the Irish population in Great Britain and people of mixed origin, and to be as acceptable as possible to respondents.
  Special attention had been given to using words or terms that encompassed the widest range of attributes including birthplace, race and cultural characteristics.
  The new response categories were such as to provide optimum comparability with the 1991 Census question while, at the same time, attempting to improve response to the question particularly among those communities who, tests had shown, preferred to describe themselves as "Black British" or "Asian British".
  Prior to the 2001 Census, a number of representations were made to ONS to include in the ethnic group question, additional tick boxes response categories for the purpose of recognising particular groups. Other than those from the Sikh community, these included representations concerning the following groups that could not, in the event, be included in the question, either because there was not a sufficiently wide enough user support or because the case was made too late:

  Welsh

  English

  Cornish

  Kashmiri

  Arab

  Greek

  Turkish

  Kurdish

  Cypriot

  784W

  Vietnamese

  Gypsies/Travellers

  However no such group—whether or not subject to any lawful recognition as an ethnic group—was denied the opportunity of being recognised as such in the 2001 Census, since the form of the ethnic group question provided for write-in responses within each of the main groups in order to allow persons to describe their ethnicity in whichever way they chose. I announced at the time of the Census that such responses would be identified in coding and that counts would be made available in the results if there were a user requirement for the information.
  Additional and specific information on Sikhs was, however, collected in the 2001 Census through the new question on religion.

  Tax Fraud
  Mrs. Lawrence
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the present practice of the Board of Inland Revenue is with regard to instituting criminal proceedings in cases of suspected serious tax fraud. [80100]

  Mr. Gordon Brown
  Further to the statement made on 18 October 1990 at column 882 by the then Chancellor, the right hon. John Major, the practice of the Board of Inland Revenue in cases of suspected serious tax fraud is as follows:The Board reserves complete discretion to pursue prosecutions in the circumstances it considers appropriate.
  Where serious tax fraud has been committed, the Board may accept a money settlement instead of pursuing a criminal prosecution.
  The Board will accept a money settlement and will not pursue a criminal prosecution, if the taxpayer, in response to being given a copy of this Statement by an authorised officer, makes a full and complete confession of all tax irregularities.

  Royal Mint
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 10 July 2002.,Official Report, column 1030w, on the Royal Mint; if he will make a statement on progress on the independent review. [74288]

  Ruth Kelly
  The independent review has now been completed.

  Mr. Simon
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many meetings each of the Royal Mint's non-executive directors have attended in the last 12 months. [78340]

  Ruth Kelly
  The table shows the number of occasions on which each of the Royal Mint's non-executive directors have been able to attend meetings of the Board and Audit Committee in the last year (period covered 1 November 2001 to 31 October 2002).

  Management Board

  Audit Committee

  David Stark

  6

  2

  Lyndon Hadden

  6

  2

  Jan Smith

  6

  2

  David Trapnell

  5

  1

  Lucy Woods

  2

  —

  The non-executive directors' contribution of course goes much wider than this, offering advice and challenge in less formal ways.
  785W
  Mr. Simon
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the(a) statutory, (b) economic and (c) security reasons preventing the Treasury from splitting its contract for circulating coins between manufacturer, design and specification. [78347]

  Ruth Kelly
  The Royal Mint, a government department financed by a trading fund, is the part of central government currently responsible for the manufacture and issue of UK circulation coins. It carries out these functions in agreement with HM Treasury as the department with overall responsibility for the economy and financial affairs. The Royal Mint Advisory Committee, a separate public body, the members of which are appointed by the Queen on the recommendation of the Chancellor, is currently responsible for advice on coin design.

  Mr. Simon
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of the Royal Mint's fixed costs are covered by its Treasury contract for UK coin production in 2001–2002. [78345]

  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the Royal Mint is benefiting from the contribution to overheads made on its monopoly circulating coin contract with the Treasury to price down overseas contracts in competition with the privately owned Birmingham Mint. [78343]

  Ruth Kelly
  The detail of the Royal Mint's agreement with the Treasury for the supply of domestic circulating coin is commercially confidential and cannot be disclosed in accordance with Exemption 13 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. The agreement is a challenging one for the Mint, providing a commercial rate of return below that expected of the business overall. The Mint believes that there is no cross-subsidisation involved between the UK circulating coin element of the business and the overseas business, and is preparing with the involvement of the National Audit Office a confidential note for the Public Accounts Committee which sets out the evidence.

  Mr. Simon
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what(a) statutory and (b) security issues preclude the Treasury from putting out to tender its requirement for (i) UK circulating coins and (ii) manufacture of blanks-for-sterling coins. [78338]

  Ruth Kelly
  There are no insurmountable statutory obstacles to putting the arrangements for the supply of circulation coins out to tender. Of key importance however is security of supply.

  The Treasury keeps the arrangements for the supply of circulation coins under review. The current arrangements with the Royal Mint have several years to run. They are designed to enable both the Treasury and the Mint to plan for the medium term on a commercial basis, and to ensure a cost-effective supply of coins to meet demand.

  It is only finished coins that are obtained from the Royal Mint. Whether to purchase blanks from outside sources, for use in the production of UK circulation coinage, is a commercial decision for the Mint.
  786W
  Mr. Simon
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which joint ventures have been(a) concluded and (b) disbanded by the Royal Mint in the period since December 1999. [78341]

  Ruth Kelly
  The Royal Mint enters into and terminates a wide variety of business relationships, contracts and other ventures.

  Mr. Simon
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what the(a) sales and (b) revenue forecasts for (i) UK and (ii) overseas coin sales the Capital Investment Programme for the Royal Mint in 1997 to 2000 was based. [78342]

  Ruth Kelly
  The underlying internal commercial assumptions and forecasts used were drawn from the Royal Mint's Corporate Plan and based on the experience of management at the time.

  Mr. Simon
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on how many occasions the Royal Mint has bought in coin blanks in the last five years, and what the quantity has been in each of these cases. [78339]

  Ruth Kelly
  The following table gives the number of contracts awarded for circulating coin blanks for the last 5 years together with the total quantity ordered in each year.

  Contracts

  Tonnes

  2001–02

  2

  3

  2000–01

  6

  559

  1999–00

  —

  —

  1998–99

  8

  1737

  1997–98

  4

  715

  Inheritance Tax
  Nick Harvey
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer to my hon. Friend Member for Truro and St. Austell Matthew Taylor of 15 October 2002,Official Report, column 600W, on inheritance tax, if he will break down the cost of the inheritance tax cultural exemption scheme; and what the value was of each object accepted. [78648]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The breakdown is as follows:

  Yield+/Cost-

  Net effect of conditional exemption (relief £8 million, less tax clawed back in respect of items losing conditional exemption £10 million)

  +£2 million

  Tax value of items accepted in lieu of tax

  -£8 million

  Cost of other heritage reliefs (private treaty sales and maintenance funds)

  -£2 million

  Net cost for 2001–2002

  -£8 million

  These costs are recorded for the year in which all heritage aspects of a particular case are settled. Details of items accepted in lieu of tax, and the tax they can settle, are published by the Council for Museums, Archives and Libraries by reference to the year (often earlier) when an acceptance is agreed. Their 2000–2002 Report can be found at http://www.resource.gov.uk/action/ail/OOail.asp.

  787W
  Exemption 15 (Statutory and other restrictions) of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information applies to the value of objects taken into account for purposes of the other heritage reliefs.

  Stamp Duty
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his Department's projected income from stamp duty on share transactions is for(a) the current financial year and (b) each of the next three financial years; and what income has been received in each financial year since 1997. [79099]

  Ruth Kelly
  Details of the Stamp Duty projections are not published. Stamp Duty receipts arising from transactions in shares and other securities, for the financial years since 1997, are given on the Inland Revenue website at: http://www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/stats/stamp—duty/sd—t01—1.htm.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions he has had with the European Commission on stamp duty. [80212]

  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions he has had with the European Commission regarding his proposed policy of abolishing stamp duty on commercial properties in rundown areas; and when he expects approval to be given. [80379]

  John Healey
  The extension of the stamp duty relief for non-residential property in disadvantaged areas is a key part of the Government's overall drive to regenerate deprived areas. We have already exempted from stamp duty all property transactions in disadvantaged areas where the consideration is less than £150,000.

  We now want to extend that relief to exempt all non-residential properties in disadvantaged areas.

  Officials have been pursuing full approval of this relief as state aid since we notified the measure to the European Commission. In addition, I met Commissioner Monti in September to discuss our application for approval as state aid of this measure. As part of a wider discussion on a range of issues, the Chancellor discussed this issue with Commissioner Monti in October.

  The European Commission is currently conducting a thorough review of our application. Clearly we cannot pre-empt the timing of state aid approval since this is a matter for the European Commission.

  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many applications have been received for relief from stamp duty on houses worth less than £150,000; [80382]

  (2) what he estimates the total amounts of stamp duty is that purchasers have saved from the abolition of stamp duty on houses worth less than £150,000. [80378]

  John Healey
  Between the implementation of the relief at the end of November 2001 and the end of August 2002, relief had been granted for around 35,000 residential properties. This figure does not include transactions where the consideration is less than £60,000 since these are not currently chargeable to stamp duty.
  788W
  Forecasts of the amount of stamp duty exemption for disadvantaged areas were given in table A2.1 of the Budget 2002 report and will be updated in the Pre-Budget Report.

  Mr. Flight
  To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will estimate to how many purchases last year his proposed policy of abolishing stamp duty on commercial properties in rundown areas would have applied had it been in operation; [80375]

  (2) how many commercial properties he estimates his proposed policy of abolishing stamp duty on commercial properties in rundown areas would apply to. [80376]

  John Healey
  The number of properties affected by the proposed policy depends on market conditions in the affected areas but is estimated to be in the order of 1,000 a year.

  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what provision he has made to encourage urban regeneration in the event that the European Commission rejects his proposed policy of abolishing stamp duty on commercial properties in rundown areas. [80377]

  John Healey
  We continue to work closely with the European Commission to progress our application for state aid approval for the extension of the existing relief from stamp duty in disadvantaged areas which is part of a wider package of measures designed to regenerate the most deprived areas of the UK.

  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how much tax revenue he estimates the Treasury saved last year through purchasers failing to apply for relief from stamp duty on purchases of properties worth less than £150,000; [80373]

  (2) how many purchasers he estimates since the inception of the scheme could have applied for relief from stamp duty on purchases of houses worth less than £150,000 but failed to. [80374]

  John Healey
  I regret that this information is not available. The Government is committed to ensuring that everyone who is entitled to this relief receives what is due to them. Where the relief is not claimed but is subsequently discovered to have been due, the Inland Revenue will make a full repayment of any duty paid.

  Information Technology
  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the new contractor will be required to ensure that the service remains(a) unified, (b) accountable and (c) within the United Kingdom under the Inland Revenue's tendering process for IT services. [79457]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The service will be unified and will be let as a single contract covering all existing and future IT needs of the Inland Revenue. The scope of the contract was set out in an OJEC notice, dated 2 March 2002, which announced the start of the procurement process. The UK Government complies fully with its EU and WTO treaty obligations. It is the intention of the Inland Revenue, through the Invitation to Tender, to specify a unified service which is accountable and within the UK.

  Customs and Excise
  Mr. Hammond
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many agency agreements HM Customs and Excise have in place with private companies whereby Customs are paid to police intellectual property rights on behalf of the companies in question. [79038]

  John Healey
  As of 31 October 2002, HM Customs and Excise have a total of 152 agency agreements in place with private companies.

  Prostate Cancer Statistics
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many male deaths from prostate cancer there were in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement. [80046]

  Ruth Kelly
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Paul Marsden, dated 7 November 2002:
  As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent question concerning the number of male deaths from prostate cancer since 1997. [80046]
  The most recent available mortality data are for the calendar year 2001. Figures for each year from 1997 to 2001 are given in the table below.

  Number of deaths from prostate cancer1, England and Wales, 1997 to 20012

  Calendar year

  Number of deaths

  1997

  8,523

  1998

  8,573

  1999

  8,533

  2000

  8,293

  2001

  8,912

  Notes:

  1 The cause of death was defined using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) code 185 for the years 1997 to 2000, and for the year 2001, the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) code C61.

  2 Figures are for deaths occurring in each calendar year.

  3 The introduction of ICD-10 for coding cause of death in 2001 means that data for prostate cancer in this year are not comparable with data for earlier years. The introduction of ICD-10 has led to an apparent increase of 4 per cent. in the number of deaths coded to prostate cancer. The figures should therefore be interpreted with caution.

  The effect of the change in classification in 2001 is described in a report published in May 2002i

  Student Top-up Fees
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer by how much, in their current ratios, the small companies and mainstream rates of corporation tax would have to rise to yield the current revenues of student top-up fees. [79265]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 6 November 2002]: Universities do not charge top-up fees. The amounts that can be raised by changing the small companies and mainstream rates of corporation tax are contained in Table 1.6 on Inland Revenue's Website www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/stats/tax—expenditures/g—t06—1.htm

  Suicide Statistics
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many suicides of young men aged 15 to 24 years there were in each year from 1979; and if he will make a statement. [80052]

  Ruth Kelly
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Paul Marsden, dated 7 November 2002:
  As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent question concerning the number of suicides in young men aged 15 to 24 in each year since 1979. [80052]
  The most recent available mortality data are for the calendar year 2001. Figures for each year from 1979 to 2001 are given in the table below.

  Number of deaths from suicide and undetermined whether purposely inflicted or not1 occurring in men aged 15 to 24, England and Wales, 1979 to 20012

  Calendar year

  Number of deaths in men aged 15–24

  1979

  355

  1980

  353

  1981

  403

  1982

  365

  1983

  377

  1984

  407

  1985

  460

  1986

  491

  1987

  544

  1988

  618

  1989

  574

  1990

  623

  1991

  572

  1992

  571

  1993

  556

  1994

  530

  1995

  484

  1996

  451

  1997

  502

  1998

  461

  1999

  436

  2000

  398

  2001

  434

  Notes:

  1 The cause of death was defined using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes E950–E959 and E980–E989 excluding E988.8 for the years 1979 to 2000, and, for the year 2001, the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes X60–X84 and Y10–Y34 excluding where the verdict was pending.

  2 Figures are for deaths registered in each calendar year from 1979 to 1992 and for deaths occurring in each calendar year from 1993 to 2001.

  3 The introduction of ICD-10 for coding cause of death in 2001 means that data for suicide and undetermined whether purposely inflicted or not in this year are not comparable with data for earlier years. The introduction of ICD-10 has led to an apparent increase of 1 per cent. in the number of deaths coded to undetermined whether purposely inflicted or not. The figures should therefore be interpreted with caution. The effect of the change in classification in 2001 is described in a report published in May 2002.i

  i Office for National Statistics. Results of the ICD-10 bridge coding study, England and Wales, 1999. Health Statistics Quarterly 14 (2002), 75–83.

  IT Skills
  Ross Cranston
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations his Department has received from(a) right hon. and hon. Members, (b) trade associations and employers organisations and (c) training companies concerning the economic impact of higher level skills shortages in the information technology sector. [79835]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Chancellor of the Exchequer receives a large number of representations from trade and employers organisations, firms and members of the House of Commons in relation to a wide variety of different areas of Government policy.

  Ross Cranston
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to review the financial assistance to, and tax treatment of, individuals in employment who choose to meet the costs of their own training in higher levels skills in the information technology sector. [79836]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Government keep all taxes under review as part of the normal Budget process. The financial assistance available to adult learners is being reviewed in the context of the development of the Government's Skills Strategy, which will be published next year.

  Energy Efficiency
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make it his policy further to promote energy efficiency in(a) new buildings and (b) existing buildings. [78468]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Government have a range of policies for promoting energy efficiency of both existing and new buildings. Details of current and proposed fiscal policies are set out in the Budget 2002 report. In Budget 2002 the Government announced that it would consider ways in which economic instruments might be used to improve household energy efficiency. The Treasury and DEFRA published a joint consultation document, "Economic Instruments To Improve Household Energy Efficiency", in July 2002. The consultation period ended on 8 October 2002. The Government is currently considering the responses to that consultation.

  The Climate Change Levy introduced in April 2001 provides an incentive to all businesses and the public sector to improve their energy efficiency in all areas including their building stock.

  The Government's Climate Change Programme sets out our other measures to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors of the economy.

  NIRS2
  Mr Webb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what the value was of duplicate National Insurance payments made into personal pension plans triggered by the NIRS2 computer system; and if he will make a statement; [79951]
  792W
  (2) what the value was of duplicate National Insurance payments that were recovered from personal pension plans that were triggered by the NIRS2 computer system. [79953]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The value of payments affected is £61.95m. The vast majority of this has been recovered from the pension schemes affected.

  Mr Webb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many personal pension plans received duplicate National Insurance payments triggered by the NIRS2 computer system; [79952]

  (2) how many personal pension plans were recovered from which duplicate National Insurance payments triggered by the NIRS2 computer system; and what action his Department took to inform (a) individuals and (b) the managers of personal pension plans that duplicate National Insurance payments triggered by the NIRS2 computer system would be recovered. [79954]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Up to 1255 pension schemes were affected and we have recovered any amount overpaid from the vast majority of these. We have worked very closely with the pension industry's representative bodies and with the individual pension schemes affected to keep them informed and to consider how they should best deal with their individual members.

  Research and Development Tax Credit
  Mr Hoban
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 24 October 2002,Official Report, column 429W, on small firms, what assessment he has made of the impact of the research and development tax credit for small firms. [80310]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Both the research and development (R&D) tax credit for small or medium companies (SMEs) and the new R&D tax credit for large companies, introduced this year, are measures for the long term. At present we only have figures for the first year of the SME credit. However, in that first year, the response from small companies was good and all the signs are that interest is growing.

  Tobacco Imports
  Mr Drew
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what advice he took from health experts before deciding to change the personal allowance for tobacco imports. [80008]

  John Healey
  Within the European Union there are no personal allowances for tobacco imports. Since the creation of the Single Market in 1993 travellers have been able to bring back as much EU duty paid tobacco and alcohol as they wish as long as it is for their own use. The recent changes to indicative levels simply act as a guide to assist shoppers and make it easier for Customs officers to distinguish between the honest shopper and the illegal smuggler.

  The new package of measures against tobacco smuggling, which I announced on 29 October, is designed to continue the successful crackdown on the illicit supply of cigarettes. It is this illegal supply of cheap, unregulated cigarettes which presents the principal threat to keeping the effective price of smoking high in support of the Government's health objectives.

  793W
  For details of these measures I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Preseli Pembrokeshire on 29 October, Official Report, column 686w.

  Office Rents
  Mr Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much rent was paid by(a) Inland Revenue and (b) Customs for their offices in the last nine months of 2001; to which companies; and if he will give the equivalent information for (i) the first six months of 2002 and (ii) a forecast of the total for the next 10 years. [80220]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The majority of the Departments' accommodation is now occupied as serviced accommodation under a number of PFI/PPP contracts. Under some of these contracts the Departments pay a unitary charge in return for serviced accommodation which includes the accommodation, related facilities management and maintenance. The unitary charge does not include any separately identifiable amount in respect of rent. The main such contract is the STEPS contract with Mapeley.

  The Departments have paid the following unitary charges to Mapeley Steps Contractor Ltd:

  Inland Revenue

  HM Customs & Excise

  Last 9 months of 2001

  First 6 months of 2002

  Last 9 months of 2001

  First 6 months of 2002

  Payment (plus VAT)

  £99,375,490

  £67,512,708

  £35,541,277

  £24,000,123

  It has not proved possible to obtain corresponding information for the other PFI/PPP contracts in the time available. I will write to the HM with this information and put a copy of my letter in the House Library.

  In addition both Departments occupy certain property outside the PFI/PPP contracts where rent is payable to a number of landlords. For example the Customs & Excise posts at ports and airports. The information on the rent payable on these properties could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

  Annuities
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether Inland Revenue regulations, as they relate to annuities, preclude an annuitant to transfer from one provider to another; and what plans he has to change the regulations. [79968]

  Ruth Kelly
  The tax rules do not prohibit the transfer of liability to pay an annuity to a different provider so long as the terms of the annuity are not altered. It is a matter of contract between the parties whether this can occur at the request of the annuitant.

  As indicated in the reply given on 18 July 2002 to the hon. Member for Bridgwater (Mr. Liddell-Granger),Official Report, column 467W, the Government plans to bring forward powers to make it possible to offer people buying annuities more choice and flexibility. Any
  794W
  reforms to annuities will need to dovetail with simplification and other reforms being considered in the pensions Green Paper this autumn.

  Public Consultations
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what public consultations have been commenced by his Department in each month since 20 July; and what the(a) start date, (b) closing date and (c) website address of each were. [80275]

  John Healey
  A full list of recent public consultations including start date, closing date and a link to the relevant document can be found by following the consultations link on the Treasury web site at: www.hm-treasury.gov.uk.

  Euro
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list Government statements and publications that demonstrate how adoption by the United Kingdom of the euro would alter its power to manage the economy. [80211]

  Ruth Kelly
  The Government have said that they will complete an assessment of the five economic tests within two years of the start of this Parliament. The assessment will be comprehensive and rigorous. Once the assessment is complete, it will be published and will be subject to intensive public scrutiny and debate.

  Company Auditors
  Andrew Rosindell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make a statement on his plans to implement Commission Recommendation 2002/590/EC on Statutory Auditors' Independence. [78127]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  I have been asked to reply

  Recommendation 2002/590/EC was adopted by the European Commission on 16 May 2002.

  The UK requirements on the independence of statutory company auditors and in the Companies Act 1989 to supervise statutory company auditors and in auditing standards set by the Auditing Practices Board. These bodies are preparing the changes needed to ensure that their requirements are in line with the Recommendation. No changes are needed to auditing standards to bring our requirements into line with the Recommendation.

  The Recommendation also suggests the disclosure of fees paid by major companies to their auditors in respect of audit services and non-audit services, broken down into major categories. The UK already requires large companies to disclose in their accounts the fees paid to their auditors in respect of audit and non-audit services. We will consult on changes to the existing regulations to require a breakdown of the non-audit services provided by the auditors.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many(a) parliamentary questions and (b) letters to him from honourable Members in this session remain unanswered, broken down by those which are (i) one

  795W
  month old, (ii) two months old, (iii) three months old, (iv) four months old and (v) over six months old. [79947]

  John Healey
  One Parliamentary question for answer in July, which was transferred to the Treasury in September, has not been answered.

  The information relating to letters from Members to Treasury Ministers is as follows:

  Amount

  (i) one month

  54

  (ii) two months

  37

  (ii) three months

  19

  (iv) four months

  7

  (v) over six months

  0

  The Cabinet Office publishes a report of Parliament annually setting out the volume of Members' correspondence received by departments. The report for 2001 was published on 24 May 2002 Official Report, column 674W. Reports for earlier years are available in the Library of the House.

  British Museum
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations his Department received prior to the announcement of the revenue increase for the British Museum. [78838]

  Mr. Boateng
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

  Share Indices
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received regarding the impact of Treasury policy on the performance of(a) the FTSE 100 and (b) the all share index with particular reference to international competitiveness. [79109]

  Ruth Kelly
  The Chancellor of the Exchequer and other Treasury Ministers receive numerous representations concerning the impact of Treasury policy on FTSE 100 companies, the all share index and the competitiveness of UK industry and the City of London. These are taken into consideration in the development of Government policy in these important areas.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how the discount rate of 6 per cent. For HMG PFI projects was calculated. [65533]

  Mr. Boateng
  I have been asked to reply. I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what funding has been authorised in each financial year since May 1997 for raising capital via the Private Finance Initiative, broken down by Department; and what limits on sums authorised were imposed under European Community law, identifying the relevant EU instruction in each case. [79833]

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what rate of interest the Government pay in the PFI schemes. [78418]

  Mr. Boateng
  I will write to the hon. Members and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

  Spinning (Investment Banks)
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received from the Financial Services Authority regarding the alleged practice of spinning by investment banks; and if he will make a statement. [79096]

  Ruth Kelly
  This is a matter for the Financial Services Authority. I understand the FSA has begun an informal inquiry into spinning and has requested information on what processes UK regulated firms have in place to prevent spinning, while seeking views on a possible rule change which would explicitly outlaw certain types of conduct.

  Tax Havens
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether account is taken in PFI and PPP contracts of whether bidders are based in tax havens; and what assessment is made in awarding such contracts of the competitive advantage given to such companies; [80216]

  (2) if he will ban companies based in tax havens from participation in Government contracts. [80215]

  Mr. Boateng
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

LORD CHANCELLOR

  Court Accommodation (Northern Ireland)
  Mrs. Humble
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department whether she is yet in a position to announce their proposals relating to court accommodation in Northern Ireland. [80108]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  After full consideration of all the information gathered during the public consultation exercise which followed the issue of the consultation document "Court Accommodation in Northern Ireland 2001–2010", I have decided that the courthouses at Clogher and Cookstown will close at the end of this year and business will be transferred to the new courthouse at Dungannon. Business currently dealt with in rented accommodation in Kilkeel will transfer to Newry courthouse.

  The courthouses at Banbridge and Larne will remain as court venues as will Limavady courthouse. Hearings at Limavady courthouse will be restricted to magistrates courts adult criminal business. The future of Limavady courthouse will be reviewed in light of business trends and with particular regard to the outcome of the Review of Public Administration in Northern Ireland and any changes this necessitates in court divisional boundaries.

  The Court Service will conduct a feasibility study in the North Down area on the possibility of replacing the existing courthouses at Bangor and Newtownards. Consideration will also be given to upgrading or replacing the courthouse at Lisburn.

  Damages
  Mrs. Humble
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary Lord Chancellor's Department how the Lord Chancellor intends to take forward proposals which she consulted on in her consultation paper, "Damages for Future Loss: Giving Courts the Power to Order Periodical Payments for Future Loss and Care Costs", published on 13 March. [80109]

  Yvette Cooper
  The Lord Chancellor has today published the post-consultation report to the consultation paper "Damages for Future Loss". Copies of the report have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. A majority of respondents agreed with the Government's proposal that courts should have the power to award damages for future loss and care costs in the form of periodical payments. The Government intend to legislate when a suitable opportunity arises.

  Public Consultations
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary Lord Chancellor's Department what public consultations have been commenced by her Department in each month since 20 July; and what the(a) start date, (b) closing date and (c) website address of each were. [80272]

  Yvette Cooper
  It is not possible to answer the question before prorogation and I will write with the answer and a copy of the letter will be placed in the Library.

  Better Public Buildings Initiative
  Ms Shipley
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary Lord Chancellor's Department if she will name the projects the departmental design champion has sponsored as part of the Better Public Buildings Initiative; and if she will make a statement on the extent of her personal input in respect of each. [80338]

  Yvette Cooper
  It is not possible to answer the question before prorogation and I will write with the answer and a copy of the letter will be placed in the Library.

  Ageism
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what strategies her Department has to ensure that there is no ageism in recruitment and retention processes. [79292]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  The Department is committed to equality of opportunity, a key feature of all civil service employment: ageism is not tolerated. Retirement age is determined on business needs only (currently 60, 62 or 65 depending on grade).

  Recruitment, development, performance management and retention policies are reviewed continuously.

  Child Abduction
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many cases of prevention of access to children of British Nationals living in Germany have been reported to the Child Abduction Unit in the last five years. [79518]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  Any parent resident in England and Wales may apply to the Child Abduction Unit (CAU) for access (contact) to their child living in a contracting state. The CAU does not keep statistics on whether cases involve British Nationals. The table shows combined figures for applications to Germany from England and Wales in the last five years for access (under Article 21 of the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction); and applications seeking registration of existing contact orders (under the 1980 Luxembourg (Council of Europe) Convention on Recognition and Enforcement of Decisions concerning Custody of Children and on the Restoration of the Custody of Children).

  Access (contact) cases from applicants within England and Wales pursued in Germany

  Cast Outcomes

  Year

  Total cases

  Ordered

  Refused

  Withdrawn

  Pending

  1997

  10

  4

  3

  3

  0

  1998

  6

  4

  1

  1

  0

  1999

  7

  3

  1

  3

  0

  2000

  4

  2

  0

  2

  0

  2001

  3

  1

  0

  0

  2

  Lay Justices
  Dr. Francis
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when the national strategy on the recruitment of lay justices to achieve benches that reflect the community they serve will be published. [78690]

  Yvette Cooper
  As of 1 April 2002 there were 28,479 active magistrates in England and Wales. A great deal of work has been carried out over the last few years to improve the balance of the lay bench. The latest available figures show 50.91 per cent. male and 49.09 per cent. female magistrates, 8.29 per cent. of whom are from ethnic minority groups. In the next few months, my noble and learned friend the Lord Chancellor, will publish a national recruitment strategy, the core aims of which are to develop a structured campaign to raise the profile of the magistracy and encourage applicants from as wide a cross-section of the community as possible.

  Local Management Boards
  Dr. Francis
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what role is envisaged for magistrates in the proposed local management boards; which agencies will sit on such boards; and who will ensure that objectives are(a) set and (b) met. [78691]

  Yvette Cooper
  It is the Government's stated intention to bring together the administration of all courts in England and Wales, below the House of Lords, into a new executive agency. We intend to set up local boards to enable representatives of users and the wider community to be involved in the decision making process about the administration of courts in their area. The precise membership of the boards is yet to be determined, although we envisage that the magistracy will be represented. The setting of the objectives for the new organisation as a whole and the assessment of performance will be a matter for the Lord Chancellor. The local boards will be involved in ensuring that the objectives are met.

  Magistrates Courts
  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary Lord Chancellor's Department when will the next annual report of the chief inspector, Magistrates Courts Service Inspectorate, be published. [80387]

  Yvette Cooper
  I have today placed copies of the chief inspector's annual report in the Library of both Houses.

  For the first time the annual report includes the inspectorate's new responsibility for the inspection of the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS). In March 2002 the inspectorate published a progress report on its work with CAFCASS ("Setting Up") which highlighted some of the difficulties the new body had faced during its first year in existence. In his latest report, the chief inspector points to encouraging signs of progress, such as the publication of CAFCASS's first corporate plan and their work on developing draft national standards.

  Magistrates Courts Committees (MCCs) are seen to have contributed significantly to achieving the Government's target to reduce delay in the processing of persistent young offenders. The chief inspector reports
  800W
  that MCCs have also handled well the transfer of warrant execution from the police to the courts. This was a major piece of work and for understandable reasons there was some slippage in performance. Some criticisms remain of MCCs ability to ensure systems are in place to manage performance at a strategic level.

  Rape Cases
  Vera Baird
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department (1) which of the(a) High Court and (b) Crown Court judges who hear rape trials are criminal law specialists; and of those who are not, by what means they have been selected as experienced to try rape cases; [80250]

  (2) pursuant to the Answer of 24 July, Official Report, column 1282W, on rape trials, what efforts are made by the Lord Chancellor to ensure that only those judges with appropriate experience and sensitivity at (a) High Court and (b) Crown Court level hear rape cases; how the experience and sensitivity of judges at each level are ascertained; what record is retained of how judges are selected according to these criteria; and how often the record is updated with regard to their trial performance. [80249]

  Yvette Cooper
  It is not possible to answer the question before prorogation and I will write with the answer and a copy of the letter will be placed in the Library.

  Vera Baird
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department (1) what training for trying cases of rape and sexual assault is given to High Court Judges (a) on appointment and (b) at a later date; and whether, in each case, this training is compulsory; [80246]

  (2) what training High Court Judges undergo on appointment; and whether this training is compulsory. [80247]

  Yvette Cooper
  It is not possible to answer the question before prorogation. I will write with the answer and a copy of the letter will be placed in the library.

  Contact Orders
  Ms Debra Shipley
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, the Lord Chancellor's Department, pursuant to her Answer of 11 July (Official Report, column 1200W) on contact orders, what amendments are proposed to court rules to ensure consistency in the treatment of applications for contact where there are allegations of violence. [79719]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  We have set up a Safety Working Group (including, amongst others, representatives from children's and women's organisations) to assist in consideration of what practical measures, including possible amendments to court rules and forms, are required to ensure consistency in how courts deal with applications for contact where there are allegations of domestic violence. We hope to have proposals from the Working Group in mid-December.

  Columbus House, Newport
  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has for the Home
  801W
  Office leased building at Columbus House on the Langstone Business Park in Newport, South Wales; and if it will be used for residential purposes. [79704]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  I have been asked to reply. The Home Office has not leased the building Columbus House, Langstone Business Park, Newport. It has been leased by the Court Service for use by the Immigration Appellate Authority as an immigration hearing centre.

  The centre has no residential facilities and appellants will attend, on a daily basis, only in connection with oral appeal hearings.

  Recruitment (Over-50s)
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what percentage of new recruits to her Department in the past two years were aged 50 and over. [79307]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  23.7 per cent. of staff recruited in the two year period between 1 April 2000 and 31 March 2002 were over the age of 50.

  Broken down into the two separate years the percentages are:

  Percentage

  1 April 2000 to 31 March 2001

  14.8

  1 April 2001 to 31 March 2002

  29.3

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Prison Overcrowding
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to reduce overcrowding of prisons. [74927]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the effect of prison overcrowding on the treatment of remand prisoners. [76628]

  Hilary Benn
  As of 30 September 2002, the total prison population was 72,315. Of these 7,963 were on remand, and a further 5,227 were remanded awaiting sentence.

  It is obvious that such a high level of prison population will affect both convicted and unconvicted prisoners alike. The Prison Service closely monitors the effects of overcrowding and the conditions in which all prisoners are held are of equal concern.

  Asylum Seekers (Private Contractors)
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the private contractors providing accommodation and support for asylum seekers that have been dropped since 1997 because of dissatisfaction with their performance. [78582]
  802W
  Beverley Hughes
  The National Asylum Support Service (NASS) became operational on 3 April 2000. Since that date NASS has not terminated any contracts with private sector contractors providing accommodation or support for asylum seekers.

  Information Technology
  Dr. Francis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of how the additional funds dedicated to information technology to promote closer working and streamline case management across the criminal justice system departments will(a) increase efficiency and (b) improve the system of measuring outcomes. [78686]

  Mr. Wills
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Animal Experimentation
  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what funding has been allocated each year since 1997 to develop alternative tests to replace animal experimentation; to which Departments it has been allocated; and what plans there are to increase future funding. [79749]

  Mr. Bob Ainsworth
  The United Kingdom Government, across various Government Departments, spends in the region of £2 million each year and at an international level, we will continue to support the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM) through contributions to the European Union. However, most work on the search for and development of alternatives to using animals in scientific procedures is neither done by Government nor with Government money—it is conducted and funded by the research industry itself, which spends many millions of pounds on it each year.

  Every year the Home Office makes available to the Animal Procedures Committee a budget for research aimed at developing or promoting the use of alternatives which replace animal use, reduce the number of animals used, or refine the procedures involved to minimise suffering (the 'Three Rs'). Details of annual budgets and completed research projects are published in the annual report of the Animal Procedures Committee, which is available from the Stationery Office. The amount made available to the Committee each year since 1997 was:

  £

  1997–98

  182,000

  1998–99

  259,000

  1999–2000

  259,000

  2000–01

  265,500

  2001–02

  280,000

  2002–03

  280,000

  The use of alternatives is widely encouraged, and the use of animals in regulated procedures is prohibited by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 in cases where a scientifically valid non-animal alternative is available. Any lack of progress in research into alternatives is more often due to the limitations of science rather than inadequate funding. However, this will be considered further in the context of the

  803W
  recommendation of the House of Lords Select Committee on Animals in Scientific Procedures that a Centre for the 3Rs should be set up. The Government are considering their response to the Select Committee's report.

  Criminal Records Bureau
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to his Answer of 16 October,Official Report, column 872W, on NHS staff, which countries will be included in the Criminal Records Bureau's advisory service to employers about the availability of criminal records checks; and which countries perform a reciprocal service. [78374]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Mr. Damian Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) when he expects the Criminal Records Bureau to have completed its backlog of checks on(a) teachers and (b) classroom assistants in England and Wales; [74348]

  (2) how many outstanding Criminal Records Bureau checks there are on (a) teachers and (b) classroom assistants in England and Wales. [74350]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Mrs. Brooke
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how long it is taking on average for checks on care workers to be completed by the Criminal Records Bureau at the latest available date. [77087]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many care home staff who would have required Criminal Record Bureau checks for existing staff before 1 April have had checks postponed until(a) 31 March 2003 and (b) 2004. [79813]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research was undertaken by(a) his Department and (b) Capita to determine the (i) likely level of demand for Criminal Records Bureau checks and (ii) Criminal Records Bureau customers' preferred means of submitting applications for checks. [80024]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when his Department will publish guidance to registered bodies about the postponement of Criminal Records Bureau checks as set out in the announcement made on 1 November. [80026]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Mr. Hendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications for criminal record checks have been made using the Criminal 804W
  Records Bureau's telephone checking service; and what proportion this constitutes of the total number of record check applications. [77982]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) teaching and (b) non-teaching staff have been subject to Criminal Records Bureau vetting; and (i) how many and (ii) what percentage of each category failed. [74310]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many(a) appeals and (b) overturned Criminal Records Bureau checks for each local authority for (i) social workers and (ii) voluntary organisations who work with children there were in each of the last 12 months; [74542]

  (2) how many applications (a) were processed by and (b) were outstanding with the Criminal Records Bureau for each local authority for (i) social workers and (ii) voluntary organisations who work with children for each of the last 12 months. [74544]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to publish the final report by Patrick Carter into the Criminal Records Bureau. [80035]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the(a) value of contract and (b) evaluation mechanism for successful delivery of contract are in the running of the CRB by Capita; and whether penalty charges are in place. [80057]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Mr. Damian Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many outstanding Criminal Records Bureau checks there were on childminder applicants in England and Wales on 23 September. [74347]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) nurses supplied by nurses agencies and (b) staff supplied by domiciliary care agencies will no longer have to have Criminal Record Bureau checks. [79808]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what compensation his Department will offer to(a) staff, (b) private care homes, (c) voluntary organisations and (d) local authorities for the delays in Criminal Record Bureau checks; and if he will make a statement. [75570]
  805W
  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Mr. Paul Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to his Answer of 16 October,Official Report, column 868W, on Criminal Records Bureau checks, how many checks on (a) social workers, (b) other social care staff and (c) voluntary health organisations working with children have been outstanding for (i) one month, (ii) two months, (iii) three months and (iv) longer than six months. [78373]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) teaching and (b) non-teaching staff who had received Criminal Records Bureau clearance prior to the start of the school term were subsequently checked and found to be unfit for work with children. [74306]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copyof my letter in the Library.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of those subjected to checks by the Criminal Records Bureau as a result of their employment in schools have contested the factual basis of information disclosed about them as a result of such checks; what steps need to be taken by a person who contests such information; and what action he proposes to take in respect of cases where the information disclosed about individuals is found to be incorrect. [74453]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Mr. Flook
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how long it has taken on average for checks on care workers to be completed by the Criminal Records Bureau in the last six months. [77759]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will estimate how many persons caring for(a) children and (b) vulnerable adults will now not have Criminal Records Bureau checks; [80023]

  (2) what the (a) planned time and (b) actual time taken was for each stage in commissioning the Criminal Records Bureau; [80025]

  (3) how many existing staff requiring Criminal Records Bureau checks will have the check postponed from March 2003 to 2004; [80033]

  (4) how many Criminal Records Bureau checks have been delayed for (a) teachers and (b) classroom assistants in each of the last six months by (i) one, (ii) two, (iii) three, and (iv) six months or more. [80039]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.
  806W
  Mrs. Anne Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how long it took on average over the last period for which figures are available to carry out Criminal Records Bureau checks on taxi drivers. [80318]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Prison-building Programme
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his Department's proposed spending plans on new prison building in 2003–04. [78627]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures he will take to ensure that the contractors in the expanded prison building programme comply with Government requirements regarding the use of timber from legal and sustainable sources; and if he will make a statement. [77672]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Racial Equality (Sikhs)
  Mr. Grieve
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when his Department will have in place means to monitor Sikhs separately with respect to(a) employment and (b) the provision of public services. [80370]

  Beverley Hughes
  We have no plans to do this,

  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will amend the statutory Code of Practice on the Duty to Promote Race Equality so that it requires public authorities to monitor Sikhs separately. [78213]

  Beverley Hughes
  Some Sikh organisations have argued that Sikhs should be monitored as a separate ethnic group rather than subsumed in one of the generic monitoring categories used in the 2001 census. The fact that case law has established Sikhs as an ethnic group for the purposes of the Race Relations Act does not, of itself, justify different treatment from the many other ethnic and racial groups in the United Kingdom. Therefore, we do not intend to amend the statutory Code of Practice.

  The statutory Code of Practice is not prescriptive about the form of ethnic monitoring. Rather it encourages authorities to use the same ethnic classification system as used in the 2001 census, or categories that match them very closely. However the statutory Code also recognises that authorities may choose to collect more detailed information to reflect local circumstances. Public authorities with significant Sikh populations in their area may opt to do this. Helpfully, demographic information about British Sikhs will be available for the first time from the results of the religious identity question in the 2001 census due to be published next February.
  807W
  Mr. Grieve
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many public authorities are monitoring Sikhs as a separate ethnic group following the issue of the statutory Code of Practice on the Duty to Promote Race Equality. [80372]

  Beverley Hughes
  I will write to the hon Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Sentencing
  Dr. Francis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the Government's policy on consistency of approach to sentencing; [78689]

  (2)when he will implement the provisions in the Crime Sentences Act 1997 regarding (a) the imposition of curfew orders, (b) community punishment orders and (c) driving disqualifications for fine defaulters. [78682]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Sentencing Powers
  Dr. Francis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which magistrates' powers will be increased to allow their sentencing powers to be raised(a) to 12 months and (b) subsequently to 18 months as indicated in the White Paper, Justice for All. [78687]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Terrorism
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what research he has taken into the threat to departmental computer systems from e-terrorist attack; [78977]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the threat to e-government from e-terrorist attack. [78976]

  (3) what assessments she has made of the threat to UK business from e-terrorist attack. [78975]

  Mr. Blunkett
  The threat from terrorists to the Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), in Government and the private sector, is growing but unpredictable. While there is always the possibility of a low level attack (eg, website defacements or narrowly targeted denial of service attacks) we think the current likelihood of a successful major damaging attack against United Kingdom interests is low. However, we keep the situation under constant review, a task which lies with the National Infrastructure Security Co-ordination Centre (NISCC) (see www.niscc.gov.uk). Although focused on CNI institutions, other systems administrators may like to look at the advice and information available through the NISCC website, and also at the linked Unified Incident Reporting and Alert Scheme, www.uniras.gov.uk which contains information on best practice, new vulnerabilities and mitigating actions. www.dti.gov.uk also contains useful information on information security.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what request for assistance he has received from the FBI concerning the links of a UK 808W
  Moslem cleric with James Ujaama, currently under arrest and indicted in Portland, Oregon concerning an alleged terrorist training camp. [79526]

  Mr. Blunkett
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Ageism
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what strategies his Department has to ensure that there is no ageism in recruitment and retention processes. [79287]

  Hilary Benn
  The Home Office has made a commitment to provide staff of all ages and backgrounds with opportunities to maximise their skills and achieve their potential. This is incorporated into our employment policy on discrimination and is set out in equal opportunities statement which was revised and updated in March 2002.

  The Department continues to monitor recruitment, selection and appraisal statistics to ensure that neither age discrimination nor any other form of discrimination is taking place.

  Following a comprehensive review of the Department's age retirement policy, all Home Office staff below the Senior Civil Service now have the option to retire at any point between the ages of 60 and 65.

  This move was reflected in the Department's recruitment policy. The Home Office will consider job applications from people up to age 64, subject to their meeting normal standards of health. Provided that there is an expectation of a reasonable period of employment and a return on the investment in recruitment and training, the primary criterion for selection will be the ability of the candidate to carry out the duties of the vacant post. In making these various changes, the Home Office is implementing the recommendations of the Performance and Innovation Unit report "Winning the Generation Game".

  Separate arrangements apply to Her Majesty's Prison Service who have conducted their own review to tackle age discrimination.

  Air Support (Surrey Police)
  Mr. Hammond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will grant the application by Surrey police authority for funding to assist with the purchase of a new EC135 helicopter for use in policing in the county. [79911]

  Mr. Denham
  Surrey police authority has submitted an application for funding to assist in the purchase of a new police role-equipped helicopter. This application has been made under the guidelines for the allocation of Home Office capital funding for police air support (2003–04).

  A number of police forces have submitted applications for funding in 2003–04 for air support purposes and a decision on the allocation of the available funding will be announced in the new year.

  Antisocial Behaviour Orders
  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many anti-social behaviour orders have been made in each local authority area in England since May 1997; how many of these orders have been broken by the offender; and what average prison term has resulted from such breaches of ASBOs. [56239]

  Mr. Denham
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Huw Irranca-Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many anti-social behaviour orders and acceptable behaviour contracts have been issued, broken down by police authority area in England and Wales. [76257]

  Mr. Denham
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many anti-social behaviour orders have been issued in(a) Hampshire and (b) Portsmouth South in the last six months; and if he will make a statement. [76502]

  Mr. Denham
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Mr. Pickles
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many anti-social behaviour orders have been issued since their introduction, broken down by local authority area; and if he will make a statement. [79592]

  Mr. Denham
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Area-based Initiatives
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will list for each area-based initiative for which his Department is responsible the amount originally budgeted for in(a) 2000–01 and (b) 2001–02, stating in each year what funds budgeted for were not spent and if they were carried forward. [71459]

  Mr. Denham
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Arrests (Portsmouth, South)
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have been arrested in the Portsmouth, South constituency in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement. [78964]

  Mr. Denham
  Information on the number of arrests for notifiable offences is collected centrally at police force area level only. Available information shows that in 1999–2000 there were 42,598 arrests for notifiable offences within the Hampshire police force area and in 2000–01 (latest available) 39,420. Information for earlier years is not available on a consistent basis. Figures for 2001–02 will be available in due course.

  Asylum Appeals
  Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many applicants under the expedited appeals process(a) between 1 April 2001 and 31 March 2002 and (b) since 1 April 2002 received
  810W
  (i) legal advice and assistance in preparing their asylum appeal and (ii) legal representation at the appeal hearing; [79615]

  (2) how many asylum appeals (a) between 1 April 2001 to 31 March 2002 and (b) since 1 April 2002 have been (i) lodged and (ii) heard under the expedited appeals process; how many of these appeals have been refused; and in relation to these refusals, how many applications for judicial review have been lodged. [79616]

  Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 6 November 2002]: The expedited appeal process commenced in August 2002.

  Appeals are expedited where the appellant's claim has been processed at Oakington, they remain detained after leaving Oakington, and the appeal has been certified as falling within paragraph 9(4)(a) or (b) or paragraph 9(5)(a) or (b) of schedule 4 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (appeals which are manifestly unfounded).

  Appeals in the expedited process have no first hearing and are listed for a full hearing no earlier than six and no later than eight working days from receipt of the appeal by the Immigration Appellate Authority (IAA).

  Advice and assistance for preparing an asylum appeal is available to all asylum applicants at Oakington. The Immigration Advisory Service and Refugee Legal Centre both have on-site representatives and will act for any asylum applicants held at Oakington. Subject to means and merits tests, applicants will be entitled to receive legal representation funded by the Legal Services Commission at their appeal hearing.

  Asylum statistics are published quarterly. The latest published figures give information up to and including June 2002. Data relating to the period beyond June 2002 are not yet available. The next publication giving figures up to and including September will be available from 29 November 2002 on the Home Office Research Development and Statistics Directorate website at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigration1.html.

  Asylum Reception Policies
  Mr. Malins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place in the Library the results of his research to examine asylum reception policies and practice of Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands and Germany; and if he will make a statement. [75401]

  Beverley Hughes
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Asylum Seekers
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent research he has commissioned on the factors which are attracting asylum seekers and illegal immigrants to Britain. [78585]

  Beverley Hughes
  Research examining the decision making of asylum seekers and the reasons why they seek asylum in the UK in preference to other countries has already been conducted. This was based on interviews with a small sample of asylum seekers and refugees. Because the sample size was relatively small, the
  811W
  conclusion that can be drawn from the research must be interpreted with caution. The report of the findings was published by the Home Office in July 2002 ('Understanding the Decision Making of Asylum Seekers' by Vaughan Robinson and Jeremy Segrott Home Office Research Study number 243/Home Office Findings number 172).

  My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has commissioned research to survey a small sample of people in detention centres who have been illegally resident in the UK (some of whom may not have entered illegally but have become illegal since entering the UK). My right hon. Friend is considering commissioning a study of a small sample of overstayers. Again, the relatively small sample size means that any results would need to be interpreted with caution. Both research studies take the form of in-depth interviews with these people, and the findings are expected to include some information about the factors that attracted them to the UK.

  John Thurso
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his policy is on asylum towards those seeking refuge from slavery in the UK; and if he will make a statement. [79339]

  Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 5 November 2002]Applications for asylum in the United Kingdom are considered individually on their merits in accordance with the UK's obligations under the 1951 UN Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the 1967 Protocol. Unless the Dublin Convention applies or the applicant may reasonably be expected on other grounds to seek asylum in a third country, asylum is granted where the applicant fulfils the criteria of the 1951 UN Convention.

  Slavery can constitute persecution. Where the application is based upon slavery we will assess whether that slavery relates to one of the Convention grounds, whether the state authorities are willing or able to offer effective protection against it, and whether the applicant could reasonably be expected to move to another part of the country where he or she would be safe.

  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy to employ independent consultants to assess the effectiveness of asylum accommodation centres that are opened as part of the initial trial of such centres. [79480]

  Beverley Hughes
  The evaluation will be led by the Immigration, Research and Statistics Service—part of the Home Office Research Development and Statistics Directorate. It will include a combination of management information, consultation with relevant people and more formal research carried out by independent researchers under contract to the Home Office. The results of the accommodation centres evaluation will be publicly available and made available to Parliament.

  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he plans to invite contractors to tender for the construction and operation of the trial asylum accommodation centres. [79482]

  Beverley Hughes
  Tender documents for each for the trial accommodation centre sites will not be issued until planning consent has been obtained.
  812W
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had about the provision of(a) a floating asylum accommodation centre with possible suppliers of such facilities and (b) core and cluster asylum accommodation centres with the Refugee Council; and if he will make a statement. [79484]

  Beverley Hughes
  I met the Refugee Council on 21 October to discuss their proposals. That dialogue will continue. We have not ruled out the possibility of using floating accommodation centres for asylum seekers.

  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers there are in Blackburn; and how many are resident in(a) private accommodation and (b) publicly provided accommodation. [79702]

  Beverley Hughes
  The information is not available in the form requested. We currently only have statistics on the location of asylum seekers supported by the National Asylum Support Service (NASS).

  As at the end of June 2002 there were 8801 asylum seekers (including dependants) who were being supported in NASS accommodation in Blackburn. The number of asylum seekers who have been placed by NASS into private or publically owned accommodation is not available.
  1 Figure rounded to the nearest five and excludes cases where support has been ceased.

  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to provide new accommodation for asylum seekers in Newport, South Wales. [79705]

  Beverley Hughes
  Newport is a designated cluster area. As at 30 June 2002 there were 20* asylum seekers including dependants supported in the National Asylum Support Service accommodation in Newport. Within Wales as a whole a further 175* asylum seekers, including dependants, are in receipt of subsistence only support.

  * figures rounded to nearest five.

  Bail
  Mr. John Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has to deal with the bailing of prolific offenders especially where there is a history of non-compliance; if he will offer guidance to magistrates in these matters; and if he will make a statement. [77101]

  Hilary Benn
  The decision on whether to grant bail or remand a defendant in custody is, of course, one for the courts to make, in each case, in line with the statutory framework primarily set out in the Bail Act 1976.

  To help the courts to tackle the problems of persistent offending on bail by juveniles, I announced on 16 April 2002 the extension of the existing powers to enable courts to place on secure remand any 12 to 16-year-old where they are of the opinion that the child or young person has a recent history of repeatedly committing imprisonable offences on bail or in local authority accommodation and that it is necessary to remand him into secure accommodation in order to protect the

  813W
  public from serious harm or to prevent him committing more imprisonable offences. This came into force nationally on 16 September 2002 after implementation on 22 April 2002 in the 10 street crime areas.

  In addition to this, the national implementation of electronic tagging for 12 to 16-year-olds on bail and local authority remand was introduced from 1 June 2002. Tagging will strengthen the powers of the courts by increasing their options for dealing with young people who commit repeated imprisonable offences (such as theft and criminal damage) while on bail.

  We also intend to include provision, as soon as parliamentary time allows, to weight the court's discretion against granting bail to a defendant who has been charged with an imprisonable offence committed while on bail for another offence. Once this has been introduced we will provide the courts with guidance on the new provision in the usual way.

  Brixton Police
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 11 February, Official Report, column 56W, on Brixton Police, for what reasons staff were absent during the periods in question. [37513]

  Mr. Denham
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Burglar Alarms
  Chris Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many false burglar alarm call outs there were in each police force in England and Wales, and what the percentage increase or decrease was in each of the last five years. [37430]

  Mr. Denham
  The requested information is not available centrally.

  Burglary
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what the clear-up rate by police force was for burglaries in(a) urban, (b) rural and (c) suburban areas in each year since 1979; [78757]

  (2) what the average clear-up rate by police force was in each year since 1979. [78756]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 4 November 2002]Recorded crime and detection statistics are not recorded by whether the crimes are committed in urban, rural or suburban areas. The requested figures for clear-up (detections) rate by police force area for each year since 1979 are given in the table, which has been placed in the Library.

  There was a change in counting rules for recorded crime on 1 April 1998, which increased the total number of crimes counted in each police force area, and therefore may have affected the detection rate. Detection rates after this date are therefore not directly comparable with previous years.

  There was also a change in the counting rules for detections on 1 April 1999, the new instructions providing more precise and rigorous criteria for
  814W
  securing a detection, with the underlying emphasis on the successful result of a police investigation. For example, detections obtained by the interview of a convicted prisoner were no longer included. Numbers of detections before and after this date are therefore not directly comparable.

  The adoption of the National Crime Recording Standard (NCRS) in April 2002, aimed to move the crime counts for the 43 forces of England and Wales onto a more consistent national basis, and to take a more victim-centred approach to crime recording. A small number of forces adopted the principles of the standard prior to April 2002. As a result both recorded crime and detection rates will have been affected for 2001–02. Had this effect not occurred, it has been estimated that the overall detection rate in England and Wales in 2001–02 would have been 24 per cent., the same as the previous year.

  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many burglaries with entry per 10,000 households in(a) 2000–01, (b) 2001–02 and (c) 2002–03 took place in (i) urban and (ii) rural areas of England and Wales; and if he will break them down by region. [78856]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 5 November 2002]Recorded crime statistics are not recorded by whether the crimes are committed in urban, rural or suburban areas. However, the British Crime Survey (BCS), indicates the percentage of households victims of burglary with entry (once or more) by area type for interviews conducted in the 2001–02 financial year. The BCS estimates that 1.2 per cent. of households in rural areas were victims of burglary with entry (once or more) compared to 2.1 per cent. of those in urban areas.

  The latest British Crime Survey produced for the first time, for BCS interviews conducted in 2001–02 estimates of burglary with entry per 10,000 households, and attempted burglary per 10,000 households, by region. Figures were not recorded on this basis before this, and the figures for 2002–03 are not yet available. Regional figures are only given for the BCS due to the variability of specific offence figures at police force level. The figures for 2001–02 BCS interviews are given in the table.

  Burglaries recorded by the BCS, by region 2001–021

  Rates

  BCS Figures2

  Region

  Burglary with entry per 10,000 households

  Attempted burglary per 10,000 households

  North East Region

  454

  167

  North West Region

  310

  280

  Yorkshire and the Humber Region

  364

  221

  East Midlands Region

  198

  198

  West Midlands Region

  188

  279

  East of England Region

  188

  111

  London Region3

  308

  204

  South East Region

  149

  143

  South West Region

  239

  156

  Wales

  159

  76

  England and Wales

  252

  190

  England and Wales4

  243

  188

  1 Household data have been revised since publication on 12 July 2002

  815W
  2 Regional figures only are given for the BCS due to the variability of specific offence figures at police force area level.

  3 The BCS does not identify City of London and Metropolitan areas within the London Region.

  4 Excluding London Region.

  Care Home Staff
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the estimated waiting times were in each of the last six months for(a) new care home staff, (b) registered care home providers, (c) managers of care homes, (d) foster carers and (e) adoptive parents who apply for a Criminal Records Bureau check. [80031]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Category D Prisoners
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Category D prisoners have been transferred from an open to a closed prison for breaching prison regulations in each year since 1997. [77396]

  Hilary Benn
  The information requested is not routinely collected.

  Commission for Racial Equality
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with(a) Ms Beverley Bernard and (b) Mr. Trevor Phillips about the chairmanship of the CRE. [78864]

  Mr. Blunkett
  The Chair of the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) is a public appointment governed by the Nolan rules. Ministerial involvement in the process is limited to making the final appointment from a shortlist of candidates drawn up independently by an advisory panel which includes an independent assessor.

  Police Service (Civilian Staff)
  Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the policy of the Government is in relation to the police service employing civilian staff with(a) spent and (b) unspent convictions. [79617]

  Mr. Denham
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Columbus House
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has for the Home Office leased building at Columbus House on the Langstone Business Park in Newport, South Wales; and if it will be used for residential purposes. [79704]

  Mr. Blunkett
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Community Court Orders
  Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many community court orders were not allocated to probation officers in England and Wales in the last 12 months. [79628]
  816W
  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Community Orders
  Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons have been imprisoned following breach proceedings in respect of criminal community orders(a) during 2001–02 and (b) during the first quarter of the current financial year. [79692]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Computers
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many computers were replaced in his Department, including those used by regional staff outside the central departmental offices in each of the past three years; how the replaced units were disposed of and by which companies; and at what cost. [60754]

  Beverley Hughes
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Constabulary (Sussex)
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many police officers have left Sussex constabulary in the last 12 months because of(a) retirement, (b) early retirement, (c) injury and (d) other employment; [75555]

  (2) how many anti-social behaviour orders have been issued in West Sussex in the last six months. [75556]

  Mr. Denham
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Cookham Ward Secure Training Centre
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the total savings to public funds of the private finance initiative contract for Cook ham Ward (Medway) Secure Training Centre by comparison with a non-private finance initiative alternative. [49654]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Corporate Killing
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on progress towards the introduction of an offence of corporate killing. [78898]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Corporate Manslaughter
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to introduce an offence of corporate manslaughter; and if he will make a statement. [77918]
  817W
  Hilary Benn
  The Government are committed to extending criminal liability for involuntary manslaughter to corporations, and will legislate when parliamentary time allows.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Torbay of 18 June concerning Mr. Elias Massif Bousaleh. [74856]

  Beverley Hughes
  I wrote to the hon. Member on 7 November. I apologise for the delay in replying.

  Virginia Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when his Department will send a full response regarding a constituent, Miss Barker; and if he will make a statement on his handling of the correspondence. [72405]

  Mr. Denham
  I will write to the right hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  CRB and Capita
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to receive the report from Patrick Carter on the strategy and operations of CRB and Capita. [79810]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Crime Reduction (Portsmouth, South)
  Mr Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list(a) those schemes which have received funding under the targeted policing initiative, (b) the amount received and (c) the targets set to reduce crime under the schemes in Portsmouth South; and if he will make a statement. [78962]

  Mr. Denham
  We did not receive any bids for funding for targeted policing projects in the Portsmouth South area.

  Crime Reduction Strategy
  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the participation by the London borough of Islington and the police in a crime reduction strategy. [53233]

  Mr. Denham
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Crimestoppers
  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the number of crimes which have been solved as a direct result of Crimestoppers in the last 12 months. [12014]

  Mr. Denham
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Criminal Convictions
  Mr. Pickles
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many convictions there were of those prosecuted in magistrates courts in England and Wales, broken down by local authority area since 1997. [79663]
  818W
  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Criminal Justice
  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many criminals have been brought to justice in each of the last 20 years; and if he will make a statement. [77499]

  Hilary Benn
  [holding answer 28 October 2002]Information on offences brought to justice in England and Wales is only available on a consistent basis for the years 1998–99,1999–2000 and 2000–01 and is shown in the table.

  Notifiable offences and those brought to, justice in England and Wales, 1998–99,1999–2000 and 2000–01

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  Notifiable offences

  5,109,116

  5,301,171

  5,170,196

  Offences convicted

  755,705

  756,629

  706,277

  Offences cautioned

  260,264

  249,486

  228,814

  Offences taken into consideration

  105,323

  97,640

  88,657

  Total offences brought to justice

  1,121,292

  1,103,755

  1,023,748

  Criminal Justice White Paper
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will propose that any bill arising from the Criminal Justice White Paper is subject to pre-legislative scrutiny on-line. [77783]

  Hilary Benn
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave him on 30 October 2002,Official Report, column 844W.

  Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will publish the responses to his Department on the consultation on the Criminal Justice White Paper, and place them in the Library. [79610]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  CS Spray
  Rachel Squire
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the follow-up studies into the long-term effects on persons sprayed with CS spray have been commissioned; what the specification for these will be; and if the studies will look at susceptible groups including those being treated with neuroleptic drugs. [77691]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 4 November 2002]The follow-up studies into the longer-term effects on persons sprayed with CS spray commenced in February 2002.

  The specification for the study is to evaluate the longer-term medical effects of CS spray, if any, and to produce a report detailing the findings. The study will include susceptible groups and those being treated with neuroleptic medication.

  Television Licences (Non-payment)
  Mr. Mark Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people received a custodial sentence in 2001 for non-payment of the BBC licence fee. [80335]
  819W
  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Daniel Bishop
  Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what form the investigation into the case of Daniel Bishop, who was released in error from Cardiff prison in March, is taking; and if he will make a statement. [79807]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Day Prison Release
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which types of criminal he proposes should be eligible for day release from prison; what sort of work inmates will carry out if they are on day prison release; and what measures will be put in place to ensure that prisoners on day release do not abscond. [35723]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the(a) capital and (b) revenue underspend in his Department is expected to be in the financial year. [47794]

  Beverley Hughes
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Departmental Expenditure (Televisions)
  Nick Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) analogue and (b) integrated digital television sets his Department has purchased in each of the last 24 months; and if he will make a statement. [38177]

  Hilary Benn
  The number of(a) analogue and (b) integrated digital television sets bought by the Home Department in each of the last 24 months are as follows.

  Month

  Digital

  Analogue

  January 2000

  0

  0

  February 2000

  0

  0

  March 2000

  0

  0

  April 2000

  2

  4

  May 2000

  0

  0

  June 2000

  0

  0

  July 2000

  4

  1

  August 2000

  1

  2

  September 2000

  0

  1

  October 2000

  0

  0

  November 2000

  0

  1

  December 2000

  1

  112,477

  January 2001

  1

  2

  February 2001

  0

  0

  March 2001

  0

  7

  April 2001

  0

  3

  May 2001

  0

  2

  June 2001

  0

  3

  July 2001

  0

  0

  August 2001

  1

  0

  September 2001

  1

  0

  820W

  Month

  Digital

  Analogue

  October 2001

  0

  0

  November 2001

  0

  0

  December 2001

  0

  112,471

  Total

  11

  24,974

  1 Prison Service end of year totals. Month by month split could not be provided without incurring disproportionate costs.

  The high number of television sets purchased by the Prison Service in the years 2000 and 2001 is a result of a programme of providing prison establishments with in cell television sets.

  No guidance as been issued relating to the purchasing of television sets.

  Departmental Job Vacancies
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many job vacancies there were at(a) administrative assistant or equivalent, (b) administrative officer or equivalent, (c) administrative executive officer, (d) higher executive officer, (e) senior executive officer, (f) grade 7 principal and (g) positions above grade 7 level in his Department for jobs located in (i) London and (i) the South East between 1 April 2001 and 31 March; and what is the total employment for each Civil Service grade. [76562]

  Hilary Benn
  [holding answer 28 October 2002]The information requested is not available for all parts of the Department. The tables provide a snapshot of vacancies and staffing at 1 April 2001 and 1 April 2002 for the Home Office and the Prison Service.

  Table A: Position as at 1 April 2001 for the Home Office1

  London region

  South East region

  Responsibility level

  Vacancies2

  Total staff3

  Vacancies

  Total staff3

  Grades 6 and above

  23

  273

  —

  9

  Grade 7

  25

  442

  —

  19

  Senior Executive Officer

  30

  621

  —

  41

  Higher Executive Officer

  74

  1,509

  —

  158

  Executive Officer

  47

  3,140

  —

  848

  Administrative Officer

  55

  2,285

  —

  308

  Administrative Assistant

  32

  1,318

  —

  73

  Other (not included above)

  6

  —

  —

  —

  Total non-industrial staff

  292

  9,588

  —

  1,456

  Table B; Position as at 1 April 2002 for the Home Office1

  London region

  South East region

  Responsibility level

  Vacancies2

  Total staff3

  Vacancies

  Total staff3

  Grades 6 and above

  18

  261

  —

  4

  Grade 7

  22

  439

  —

  19

  Senior Executive Officer

  26

  648

  —

  44

  Higher Executive Officer

  27

  1,562

  —

  172

  Executive Officer

  57

  3,002

  —

  793

  Administrative Officer

  72

  2,113

  —

  304

  Administrative Assistant

  17

  1,321

  —

  89

  Other (not included above)

  2

  —

  —

  —

  Total non-industrial staff

  241

  9,346

  —

  1,425

  1 Includes IND and the Forensic Science Service unless otherwise indicated.

  2 Vacancies shown are only for the central London-based staff, excluding the Immigration and Nationality Directorate and the Forensic Science Service.

  3 Figures include administrative and equivalent grades.

  821W
  The Immigration and Nationality Directorate cannot provide information on vacancies at 1 April 2001 for 1 April 2002 without incurring disproportionate cost. The Forensic Science Service does not collect information on vacancies filled by internal candidates.

  The 241 vacancies shown at 1 April 2002 have been filled through a variety of external recruitment, Job Specific Selection, managed postings, Selection Boards and trawls to other Government Departments.

  Table C: Position as at 1 April 2001 for the Prison Service1

  London region and HQ

  South East region

  Responsibility level2

  Vacancies3

  Total staff4

  Vacancies

  Total staff

  Grades 6 and above

  6

  100

  11

  37

  Grade 7

  -1

  209

  -5

  48

  Senior Executive Officer

  5

  235

  -7

  113

  Higher Executive Officer

  30

  463

  10

  171

  Executive Officer

  129

  747

  20

  591

  Administrative Officer

  106

  1,107

  12

  1,079

  Administrative Assistant

  433

  3,589

  36

  4,041

  Other (not included above)

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total non-industrial staff

  708

  6,450

  77

  6,080

  Table D: Position as at 1 April 2002 for the Prison Service1

  London region and HQ

  South East region

  Responsibility level2

  Vacancies3

  Total staff4

  Vacancies

  Total staff

  Grades 6 and above

  6

  105

  18

  38

  Grade 7

  16

  203

  39

  53

  Senior Executive Officer

  42

  471

  -10

  274

  Higher Executive Officer

  -7

  237

  3

  54

  Executive Officer

  98

  768

  59

  617

  Administrative Officer

  73

  1,040

  60

  1,185

  Administrative Assistant

  358

  3,066

  265

  4,259

  Other (not included above)

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total non-industrial staff

  575

  5,890

  433

  6,480

  1 Excludes staff in area offices and other split site staff.

  2 Prison Officer and Governor grades are included in equivalent administrative grade at appropriate responsibility level; nurses allocated to Executive Officer level because the forecast planned post data do not distinguish their grade level.

  3 Vacancies calculated as total of forecast planned posts minus full-time equivalent staff in post as at 31 March 2001.

  4 Excludes those staff on reduced pay and maternity leave.

  Two national recruitment campaigns were run in April and September 2002 for the Prison Officer grade, specifically for the female estate and the emergency build programme. Due to their success, recruits have been provided and continue to be provided to London establishments, and all officer vacancies in the Kent, Surrey and Sussex area will be filled. In addition, a series of local adverts throughout the London and south-east area are planned, with HMYOI/Remand Centre Feltham currently recruiting.

  Departmental Recruitment
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much has been spent in recruiting staff to his Department in(a) London and (b) the south-east in each year since 1997. [78560]
  822W
  Hilary Benn
  [holding answer 4 November 2002]The table provides information on the total costs of recruitment schemes run by the Home Office Central Personnel Management Unit, based in Central London, and the Croydon based Human Resources Directorate of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate.

  These costs relate to recruitment schemes run to fill posts in a number of areas around the UK. Separate records of the costs attributable to filling posts in any particular area are not maintained.

  £

  CPMU

  HRD

  Total CPMU + HRD

  1997–98

  578,017.96

  1—

  578,017.96

  1998–99

  289,402.09

  233,600.00

  523,002.09

  1999–2000

  915,012.00

  1,743,000.00

  2,658,012.00

  2000–01

  1,512,510.37

  3,147,000.00

  4,659,510.37

  2001–02

  1,094,289.17

  2,544,000.00

  3,638,289.17

  Total

  4,389,231.59

  7,667,600.00

  12,056,831.59

  1 No costings available (all schemes run in-house)

  Detection Rates
  Albert Owen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of reported crime the North Wales police detected in(a) 1999, (b) 2000 and (c) 2001. [79522]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 5 November 2002]Details for crime are published for financial years, most recently in "Crime in England and Wales 2001–02", of which table 8.01 contains the data on the amount of recorded crime which is detected. A copy is available in the Library.

  The figures available for North Wales are for financial years and are as follows:

  (a) 1999–2000: 36 per cent.

  (b) 2000–01: 31 per cent.

  (c) 2001–02: 28 per cent.

  Albert Owen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish a league table of police forces in England and Wales by detection rates. [79523]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 5 November 2002]Details for the financial years 1997–98 to 2001–02, were published in table 8.01 of "Criminal Statistics England and Wales 2000", and are given in the table. A copy of the publication is available in the Library.

  As different police forces have different crime mixes, comparing overall detection rates between forces is of limited value. This is because different types of crime tend to have different detection rates, and so a police force with which has a higher proportion of types of crime with high detection rates will tend to have a higher overall detection rate. Also, police forces may give

  823W
  priority to tackling particular types of crime, with the detection rate of those crimes having some effect on the force's overall detection rate.

  The detection rates for 2001–02 may have been affected in comparison to those of the previous year as a result of some police forces implementing the principles of the National Crime Recording Standard in advance of its national implementation on 1 April 2002.

  There was a change in counting rules for recorded crime on 1 April 1998, which increased the total number of crimes counted in each police force area, and

  Recorded crime: annual detection rates by police force area and region 1997–98 to 2001–02

  Percentages

  Police force

  1997–981

  1998–992

  1999–20003

  2000–01

  2001–02

  Cleveland

  23

  23

  22

  21

  20

  Durham

  30

  33

  32

  34

  33

  Northumbria

  26

  30

  31

  31

  31

  North East Region

  26

  29

  29

  29

  29

  Cheshire

  34

  37

  31

  30

  26

  Cumbria

  41

  44

  39

  34

  32

  Greater Manchester

  20

  25

  23

  22

  21

  Lancashire

  29

  34

  29

  27

  26

  Merseyside

  31

  31

  26

  28

  24

  North West Region

  26

  29

  26

  25

  23

  Humberside

  21

  22

  19

  21

  20

  North Yorkshire

  26

  33

  31

  30

  26

  South Yorkshire

  32

  32

  25

  25

  23

  West Yorkshire

  27

  27

  25

  23

  19

  Yorkshire and the Humber Region

  27

  28

  24

  24

  21

  Derbyshire

  26

  31

  28

  26

  25

  Leicestershire

  34

  34

  30

  28

  28

  Lincolnshire

  46

  40

  28

  25

  27

  Northamptonshire

  35

  33

  33

  33

  31

  Nottinghamshire

  26

  25

  21

  20

  18

  East Midlands Region

  31

  31

  27

  25

  24

  Staffordshire

  34

  32

  22

  23

  24

  Warwickshire

  29

  26

  22

  22

  25

  West Mercia

  27

  34

  29

  27

  29

  West Midlands

  25

  30

  27

  28

  29

  West Midlands Region

  28

  31

  26

  27

  28

  Bedfordshire

  35

  33

  25

  27

  25

  Cambridgeshire

  28

  29

  25

  24

  22

  Essex4

  28

  29

  30

  26

  26

  Hertfordshire4

  33

  34

  27

  24

  24

  Norfolk

  36

  37

  30

  26

  25

  Suffolk

  39

  41

  36

  35

  33

  East of England Region

  32

  33

  29

  26

  26

  London, City of

  28

  33

  32

  27

  34

  Metropolitan police4

  25

  22

  16

  15

  14

  London Region

  25

  22

  16

  15

  14

  Hampshire

  30

  35

  32

  29

  29

  Kent

  31

  34

  33

  28

  28

  Surrey4

  35

  40

  32

  28

  25

  Sussex

  26

  25

  25

  23

  25

  Thames Valley

  25

  25

  20

  22

  24

  South East Region

  28

  30

  27

  25

  26

  Avon and Somerset

  26

  24

  22

  22

  14

  Devon and Cornwall

  34

  36

  35

  34

  32

  Dorset

  30

  31

  26

  25

  27

  Gloucestershire

  26

  31

  30

  31

  30

  Wiltshire

  32

  38

  33

  30

  30

  South West Region

  29

  31

  28

  27

  23

  Dyfed Powys

  62

  69

  65

  63

  64

  Gwent

  51

  55

  53

  57

  55

  North Wales

  36

  43

  36

  31

  28

  South Wales

  36

  39

  31

  32

  33

  824W
  therefore may have affected the detection rate. Detection rates after this date are therefore not directly comparable with previous years.

  There was a change in the counting rules for detections on 1 April 1999, the new instructions providing more precise and rigorous criteria for securing a detection, with the underlying emphasis on the successful result of a police investigation. For example, detections obtained by the interview of a convicted prisoner were no longer included. Numbers of detections before and after this date are therefore not directly comparable.
  825W

  Recorded crime: annual detection rates by police force area and region 1997–98 to 2001–02

  Percentages

  Police force

  1997–981

  1998–992

  1999–20003

  2000–01

  2001–02

  Wales

  41

  46

  40

  41

  39

  England and Wales

  28

  29

  25

  24

  23

  England and Wales5

  29

  31

  28

  27

  26

  1 Excluding offences of "other criminal damage" of value £20 and under prior to March 1998.

  2 Percentage detected using the expanded coverage and revised counting rules which came into effect on 1 April 1998.

  3 Revised detections guidance was implemented on 1 April 1999.

  4 Forces affected by boundary changes in April 2000.

  5 Excluding London Region.

  Note:

  Numbers of recorded crimes and detections will be affected by changes in reporting and recording. For further information see chapter 3 in "Crime in England and Wales 2001–02".

  Disability Discrimination (Prisons)
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to start applying the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 to prisons and prisoners. [77850]

  Hilary Benn
  [holding answer 20 October 2002]The Prison Service has already issued policy guidance for the management of disabled prisoners and staff to all establishments. This reflects the requirements of each stage of the implementation of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA).

  Prisoners are required to review and change, if necessary, their procedures and practices and to make reasonable adjustments to their services and facilities to ensure that they are accessible to disabled people. Prisons have also published local policy documents outlining what people with disabilities are able to expect at that establishment.

  The Prison Service is developing a comprehensive disability strategy which will ensure disability issues are reflected in its practices and policies. This will raise awareness and commitment, and enable the Prison Service to implement the final stage of the DDA in 2004.

  Domestic Violence and Rape
  Mrs. Helen Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what evidence he has collated of variations between different police force areas in England and Wales in(a) recorded instances of rape, (b) recorded instances of domestic violence, (c) the clean up rate of recorded instances of rape and (d) the clean up rate of recorded instances of domestic violence. [75069]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Drug Arrests
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have been arrested for possession of(a) cannabis, (I)) ecstasy and (c) heroin in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [78961]

  Mr. Bob Ainsworth
  Information collected centrally on arrests for notifiable offences does not separately identify individual offences. However, data provided in 826W
  the table shows persons found guilty, cautioned, given a fiscal fine, or dealt with by compounding for possession of cannabis, ecstasy-type and heroin from 1996–2000. The figures cover the UK.

  The data are taken from the annual Home Office Statistical Bulletin, which is available on the RDS website (http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs2/hosb402.pdf), and copies are available in the Library. These figures are due to be updated in the spring of 2003.

  Table 1. Number of persons found guilty, cautioned, given a fiscal fine, or dealt with by compounding for unlawful possession of cannabis, ecstasy-type, heroin in the UK, 1996 to 20001

  Cannabis

  Ecstasy-type

  Heroin

  1996

  65,095

  2,983

  4,958

  1997

  79,085

  3,149

  7,231

  1998

  91,148

  2,430

  9,681

  1999

  82,129

  3,456

  10,326

  2000

  70,306

  5,194

  9,608

  1 No court appearance data available for Northern Ireland 1998 to 2000.

  Note:

  Breakdown by drug type for Northern Ireland not available for 1996 to 2000.

  Source:

  Home Office Drug Seizure and Offender Statistics, United Kingdom, 2000(Supplementary Tables.

  Drug Treatment
  Mr. Grieve
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the total annual cost per drug treatment place, broken down by treatment type, is in 2002–03. [79573]

  Mr. Bob Ainsworth
  Information in the format requested is not available. Data is held on the cost per week and the average cost per individual is as follows:

  Residential treatment costs between £250 and £1000 per week, depending on the services provided. These range from a hostel place supported by out-patient treatment, to in-patient treatment including medical services.

  In 2002–01 there were 118,500 individuals reported as in contact with treatment agencies, at a cost of £310 million. This provides an average cost of £2,616 per individual.

  Drug Treatment and Testing Orders
  Mr. Malins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many people have been imprisoned for breaches of drug treatment and testing orders; [78486]

  (2) how many drug treatment and testing orders have been made by the courts; and how many have been breached. [78485]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance has been given to judges and magistrates on the enforcement of drug treatment and testing orders in relation to prison overcrowding. [78599]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Drug Treatment Places
  Mr. Grieve
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many drug treatment places were available in each year since 1997, broken down by treatment type. [79572]

  Mr. Bob Ainsworth
  Information in the format requested is not available.

  Data is currently held on the estimated number of people in all treatment types as follows:

  1998–99

  102,133

  1999–2000

  110,013

  2000–01

  118,500

  From 2001–02 more robust data will be held on the numbers in treatment. These figures are not yet available.

  The National Treatment Association (NTA) was set up in 2001 to substantially increase treatment provision.

  Drugs (Government Targets)
  Paul Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his most recent assessment is of the progress made in achieving Government targets on drugs use and harm announced in 1998. [79403]

  Mr. Bob Ainsworth
  Information on progress against current Government targets concerning the misuse of drugs can be found in the Home Office Annual Report 2001–2002, a copy of which is in the Library. The section related to drugs, Aim 5, is on pages 170 and 171.

  The Government has recently undertaken a review of the drugs strategy, progress against targets, their balance and focus. We will be publishing an updated strategy later this year.

  Drugs Education Programmes
  Paul Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of(a) Operation CHARLIE and (b) other anti-drugs education programmes in reducing drug use in those who took part in them in each of the past five years. [79404]
  828W
  Mr. Bob Ainsworth
  The results of three major drug education programmes, developed by the Home Office, have been published during the past five years.

  In 1997, the Home Office published an evaluation of Project CHARLIE (Chemical Abuse Resolution Lies in Education). This project involved 44 children in primary schools in Hackney between 1991 and 1993. Four years after the programme both tobacco and illegal drug use were significantly lower among Project CHARLIE children than among pupils who had not been involved in the project.

  In 2001, final results of the NE Choices programme were published. This prevention programme, based in the north-east of England, was targeted at young people aged between 13 and 16. There was no evidence of an impact of the programme on the overall prevalence of drug use. However, a small proportion (2 per cent.) of pupils changed their drug taking behaviour from consumption of Class A drugs to the use of cannabis, solvents or nitrites or to non-use.

  Similar findings are found in the 2002 results of the evaluation of the Integrated Programme (IP). The IP is based on North American evidence that school programmes that are reinforced by parent involvement and community engagement have an impact on reducing drug taking. The IP was designed and delivered to adolescents in Northern England during 1998 to 1999. The IP was a demonstration project that was too small to generate significant reductions in prevalence. However, the results suggest that young people who received the IP were more likely to reduce harder drug use and maintain a lower-risk drug-taking repertoire than those who had not participated in the programme.

  Since these three projects were commissioned, an overview of international research has been completed. This identified two prevention programmes with the greatest impact on behaviour which had been developed in the United States. On the basis of this evidence, the Government have established a research programme called "Blueprint". This will determine whether elements of US "what works" programmes: (1) can be implemented within the UK settings; (2) have potential to be effective in reducing drug use, and (3) have added value for schools, parents and young people.

  Electronic Tagging
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many convicted persons were subject to electronic tags as at(a) 30 September 2001 and (b) 30 September 2002. [76997]

  Hilary Benn
  [holding answer 28 October 2002]The number of convicted persons who were subject to electronic tags was 3,219 on 30 September 2001 and 5,130 on 30 September 2002.

  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance is given to(a) judges and (b) magistrates on the imposition of sentences involving electronic tagging; and if he will make a statement. [76998]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Emergency Telephone Numbers
  Ms Atherton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research has been done into the provision of a second emergency telephone number to work in conjunction with 999. [41946]

  Mr. Denham
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  EU Citizenship
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his policy is on the award of EU citizenship to individuals from third countries residing inside the European Union. [80044]

  Beverley Hughes
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Evangelical Lutheran Church of England
  Mrs. Anne Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans his Department has to grant dispensation to the member churches of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of England to register under the Charities Act 1993 as individual charities making individual returns and submitting individual accounts. [80319]

  Beverley Hughes
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Feltham Young Offenders Institution
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many young people are detained at Feltham Young Offenders Institute; and if he will provide a breakdown of this figure by ethnic origin. [45715]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Female Prison Population
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what he attributes the recent rise in the female prison population. [43535]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Rural Policing
  Mr Liddell-Grainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what impact he estimates the focus on the fight against urban crime will have on policing rural areas. [76948]

  Mr. Denham
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Fine Default
  Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many(a) men and (b) women were jailed in England and Wales for fine default in each year since 1990. [20288]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Fireworks
  Huw Irranca-Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many incidents of damage to property were caused by fireworks in(a) the last 12 months and (b) each of the preceding five years. [77972]

  Mr. Denham
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Focus Group Research
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what use he and his Department has made of focus group research since June 2001; if he will identify for each research project the topics covered, the person or organisation carrying out the research, and the total cost; and if he will publish the research on his Department's website. [74994]

  Hilary Benn
  The Home Office research department undertakes a wide range of research activities that support the development of information-led policy, including scientific and social research, and includes research gathered from market research and focus groups.

  The department conducts or commissions focus groups only when it is justified by the specific needs of a particular policy or programme and when this is the most economical, efficient and effective way to achieve the purpose. Consulting and involving the public helps inform both policy formulation and the delivery of better quality public services. It has not been possible to provide detailed breakdown of costs of projects where this information is either not held centrally or is commercial in confidence.

  The Research, Development and Statistics Directorate (RDS) conducts social research supporting all seven Home Office aims. A list of RDS publications is available on the Home Office website and copies are also placed in the Library.

  Football (Banning Orders)
  Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many UK citizens were given banning orders prior to England's international football match in Slovakia; and of these how many did not have a criminal conviction. [78524]

  Mr. Denham
  All of the 1,301 individuals subject to a football banning order prior to the Slovakia v England match have at least one criminal conviction. In accordance with police powers set out in section 21 of the Football Spectators Act 1989, an additional 13 individuals were intercepted en-route to Slovakia, prevented from travelling and made subject to banning order proceedings. All of the individuals concerned have convictions for violence or public order offences.

  Football Matches (Policing)
  Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what the average cost to public funds was for policing at(a) Premiership, (b) Nationwide league and (c) non-league football ground on a match day in England in the last 12 months; [78885]

  831W
  (2) what assessment he has made of the cost to public funds of policing at Premiership football grounds in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement. [78886]

  Mr. Denham
  The information requested is not held centrally. A working group comprising representatives of Government, police and football authorities has been set up to examine a range of strategic football-related public order issues, including the cost of, and charging arrangements for, policing football matches.

  Handcuff Cleaning
  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what protocols are in place for cleaning handcuffs used on different prisoners(a) in prisons and (b) by police forces. [74963]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Identity Parades
  Mr. John Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will issue a general guidance to chief constables that citizens who help the police and the prosecuting authorities by attending identity parades as witnesses should be entitled, without a supervising discretion, to their reasonable expenses and loss of earnings for so doing. [77100]

  Mr. Denham
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Illegal Immigrants (Use of Services)
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his policies are on the use by illegal immigrants of(a) the UK's benefits systems, (b) the NHS and (c) the education system. [78588]

  Beverley Hughes
  The Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 ensures that only those people who have the right to settle in the United Kingdom should have access to social security benefits. The Act excludes from, 3 April 2000, all persons subject to immigration control from income related and other non-contributory benefits. Instead asylum seekers are supported while the National Asylum Support Service (NASS) determines their case.

  There remains, however, a stock of existing asylum seekers whose cases date from before 3 April 2000. They and a few other excepted groups still receive social security benefits.

  Persons with no status to remain in the United Kingdom who are not seeking asylum are entitled neither to social security benefits nor NASS support.

  A person who has made a formal application for permission to take refuge in the United Kingdom, or who has been granted refuge, is fully entitled to National Health Service (NHS) treatment without charge.

  People who are not ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom are subject to the National Health Service (Charges to Overseas Visitors) Regulations 1989, as amended. These regulations make people who are not specifically exempt liable for the cost of most types of
  832W
  hospital treatment other than that given in Accident and Emergency departments or some types of treatment which are necessary to safeguard wider public health.

  All children in this country, regardless of their immigration status, are entitled to receive education.

  Immigration
  Keith Vaz
  : To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidelines he has issued to CIOs at the ports on their dealings with hon. Members. [80045]

  Beverley Hughes
  The instructions given to all Immigration staff mirror those contained in the booklet entitled "Information for Members of Parliament about immigration and nationality enquiries".

  Immigration and Nationality Directorate
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when his Department intends to reply to the letter of 1 August from Mrs. S. Jakobi of Stoke Mandeville acknowledged by his Department's Immigration and Nationality Directorate, Liverpool on 29 August. [78365]

  Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 31 October 2002]: I am sorry that my officials at the Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND) in Croydon cannot trace Mrs. Jacobi's letter. If a further letter with sufficient details such as full name, date of birth and nationality can be sent to the Briefing and Complaints Section 5th Floor, Lunar House, 40 Wellesley Road, Croydon CR9 2BY, IND will ensure that a response is sent as a matter of priority.

  Immigration Offences (Northern Ireland)
  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons were detained by the PSNI and RUC on immigration offences during each of the last three years. [78730]

  Beverley Hughes
  The Immigration Service does not routinely collect the information requested. A check of information which is held by Immigration Service would be time consuming and disproportionately expensive and would not in any event, represent the full total of police arrests since a proportion of these may have originated, and have been recorded, as matters not related to immigration offences.

  Incitement Law
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will make a statement on the guidance he plans to issue to police on enforcing the proposed incitement law covering religious and racial hatred. [16883]

  Mr. Denham
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Job Advertisements
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the job advertisements placed by his Department in the last 12 months specifying where the advertisements were placed and the cost in each case. [39073]
  833W
  Hilary Benn
  Tables, which have been placed in the Library, show the total advertisements run by the Home Office Central Personnel Management Unit and units with devolved or partially devolved responsibility for recruitment. The tables show details of recruitment schemes run from 1 October 2001 to 30 September 2002.

  Details of specific media used for advertisements are not available. The Central Personnel Management Unit normally advertises junior posts in local jobcentres and local or regional press. More senior posts are advertised in "quality dailies" (e.g. Guardian, Times, Sunday Times and Observer) and, where appropriate, specialist journals. The Home Office has a standing policy to advertise vacancies in the Ethnic Minority Press.

  Lay Observers
  Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, (1) if he will publish his responses to Lay Observers' Panels reports, and subsequent recommendations; [79612]

  (2) when he received the last Greater London Lay Observers' Panel report; and what actions he plans to take in response to its recommendations. [79613]

  Mr. Blunkett
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Auld Review
  Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment he has made of recommendation 321 of Lord Auld's Review of the Criminal Court in respect of access by the prosecution to appeal hearings [20324]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Market Research
  Hugh Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to issue guidance to local authorities on controlling market research canvassing in town centres. [29840]

  Mr. Denham
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Meetings
  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent meetings Ministers and officials in his Department have held with the United States Administration Head of Homeland Security. [80355]

  Mr. Blunkett
  I met Governor Ridge and his staff yesterday and will have further meetings with them today for a discussion of the current terrorist threat and the measures we are both taking in response. To assist Governor Ridge, I have prepared a briefing paper on the UK dimension, a copy of which is available in the Library and on the website www.homeoffice.gov.uk/new.htm.

  Mental Health
  Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when mental health charity MACA can expect an answer to its letters of 22 August 2001, 16 October 2001, 19 December 2001 and 30 January 2002 about police handling of serious incidents involving people with mental health problems. [45194]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to my hon. Friend.

  Metropolitan Police (Training)
  Clive Efford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many recruits have entered training for the Metropolitan Police in each month since 1 July 1999. [18652]

  Mr. Denham
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Metropolitan Police Service
  Kate Hoey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers working shifts at(a) Kennington Police Station and (b) other police stations inside the congestion charging zone will be affected by the introduction of congestion charging; and what arrangement the Metropolitan Police Service has made to compensate officers for their extra costs. [80012]

  Mr. Denham
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Ministerial Transport Costs
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his estimate is of the cost of(a) ministerial cars and drivers and (b) taxis for his Department in each of the last four years. [27912]

  Beverley Hughes
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Mobile Phone Theft
  David Hamilton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the Government is doing to combat mobile phone theft. [27180]

  Mr. Denham
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Money Laundering (Egmont Group)
  Harry Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many reports have been made(a) to the UK and (b) from the UK to other countries under the Egmont Group arrangements; and if he will make a statement. [77216]

  Mr. Blunkett
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Moving Traffic Offences
  Mr. Flook
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department under what statutory powers a non-uniformed police constable may report a driver for a moving traffic offence. [80006]
  835W
  Mr. Denham
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  North Sea Camp Prison
  Mr. Shepherd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many category D prisoners from HMP North Sea Camp have been found to have been in breach of their community visit licences for violations of the no alcohol rule and have not been transferred to category A, B or C prisons in the past 12 months. [76653]

  Hilary Benn
  [holding answer 29 October 2002]: In the 12 months to 22 October 2002 prisoners at North Sea Camp breached the no alcohol rule on 42 occasions. None of the 42 cases resulted in transfer to closed conditions for breach of this rule alone, although in some cases a breach will have contributed to a return to closed conditions.

  Mr. Shepherd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many category D prisoners from HMP North Sea Camp have been issued in the past 12 months with community day visit licences restricting them to(a) a specific geographical area and (b) a general mileage radius. [76654]

  Hilary Benn
  [holding answer 29 October 2002]: Community day visit licenses have been issued on 1,298 occasions since 22 October 2001. In all cases there were restrictions on geographical location and mileage radius.

  Mr. Shepherd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place in the Library a copy of the rules and of the standard licence governing the community visit licences of category D prisoners in(a) HMP North Sea Camp and (b) other category D prisons. [76655]

  Hilary Benn
  [holding answer 29 October 2002]: Instructions about the release of any prisoner on an earned community visit are given in Chapter 3 of Prison Service Order 4000 (Incentives and Earned Privileges, Earned Community Visits and Compacts). Appendix 1 to the chapter contains a template of a standard licence. Copies of all Prison Service Orders are in the Library.

  Mr. Shepherd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many category D prisoners from HMP North Sea Camp have been transferred to category A, B and C category prisons as punishment for breaches of their community visit licences in the past 12 months. [76652]

  Hilary Benn
  [holding answer 29 October 2002]: Seventeen prisoners have been transferred from North Sea Camp to higher category prisons in the 12 months prior to 22 October 2002 for breaches of community visit licences.

  Notifiable Offences
  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his estimate is of the number of(a) notifiable offences, (b) convictions and (c) convictions as a percentage of notifiable offences for each year from 1990–91 to 2001–02, (i) in total for England and (ii) broken down by police authority; and if he will make a statement. [77500]
  836W
  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 28 October 2002]: Convictions for notifiable offences are only available on a consistent basis for all areas for 1998–99, 1999–2000 and 2000–01. The available information is contained in the table.

  Notifiable offences and offences convicted, by police force area, 1998–99

  Total number in year

  Police force area

  Notifiable offences

  Offences convicted

  Offences convicted as a percentage of recorded crime

  Avon and Somerset

  150,089

  16,766

  11.2

  Bedfordshire

  49,076

  6,292

  12.8

  Cambridgeshire

  67,256

  8,660

  12.9

  Cheshire

  65,119

  14,792

  22.7

  Cleveland

  67,030

  10,650

  15.9

  Cumbria

  40,202

  9,257

  23.0

  Derbyshire

  84,459

  12,090

  14.3

  Devon and Cornwall

  110,644

  16,568

  15.0

  Dorset

  52,755

  7,699

  14.6

  Durham

  50,413

  9,797

  19.4

  Essex

  95,797

  15,029

  15.7

  Gloucester

  48,206

  6,496

  13.5

  Greater Manchester

  362,450

  53,016

  14.6

  Hampshire

  128,253

  28,121

  21.9

  Hertfordshire

  49,309

  8,489

  17.2

  Humberside

  130,691

  15,456

  11.8

  Kent

  129,340

  18,701

  14.5

  Lancashire

  118,117

  27,843

  23.6

  Leicestershire

  93,397

  13,260

  14.2

  Lincolnshire

  46,670

  7,944

  17.0

  Merseyside

  140,874

  25,367

  18.0

  Metropolitan Police (inc City of London)

  941,398

  97,011

  10.3

  Norfolk

  57,129

  10,305

  18.0

  North Yorkshire

  55,309

  10,450

  18.9

  Northamptonshire

  65,466

  9,062

  13.8

  Northumbria

  151,298

  27,762

  18.3

  Nottinghamshire

  135,255

  17,859

  13.2

  South Yorkshire

  133,059

  20,581

  15.5

  Staffordshire

  91,919

  15,378

  16.7

  Suffolk

  39,908

  7,919

  19.8

  Surrey

  42,467

  6,310

  14.9

  Sussex

  130,402

  12,904

  9.9

  Thames Valley

  176,477

  19,307

  10.9

  Warwickshire

  38,485

  5,196

  13.5

  West Mercia

  81,777

  13,909

  17.0

  West Midlands

  314,628

  44,398

  14.1

  West Yorkshire

  273,809

  41,586

  15.2

  Wiltshire

  38,189

  7,973

  20.9

  England

  4,847,122

  700,203

  14.4

  Notifiable offences and offences convicted, England 1990 to 2001–02

  Period

  Notifiable offences1

  Offences convicted2

  Offences convicted as a percentage of recorded crime

  1990

  4,314,363

  —

  —

  1991

  5,005,135

  —

  —

  1992

  5,304,459

  —

  —

  1993

  5,247,237

  —

  —

  1994

  4,991,748

  —

  —

  1995

  4,852,894

  —

  —

  1996

  4,790,306

  —

  —

  1997

  4,361,391

  —

  —

  1998–99

  4,847,122

  700,203

  14.4

  1999–2000

  5,045,684

  701,692

  13.9

  2000–01

  4,931,747

  658,526

  13.4

  2001–02

  5,285,317

  —

  1 There were revisions to counting rules for notifiable offences in the period in question, in April 1998, and the new National Crime Recording Standard (NCRS) is thought to have had an effect on 2001–02 figures of recorded crime.

  2 Only available on a consistent basis for three financial years.

  837W
  Sources:

  Criminal Statistics, England and Wales

  Crime in England and Wales, 2001–02

  Home Office Court Proceedings Database

  Notifiable offences and offences convicted, by police force area, 2000–01

  Total number in year

  Police force area

  Notifiable offences

  Offences convicted

  Offences convicted as a percentage of recorded crime

  Avon and Somerset

  149,254

  17,186

  11.5

  Bedfordshire

  49,627

  6,182

  12.5

  Cambridgeshire

  64,343

  7,564

  11.8

  Cheshire

  63,288

  13,592

  21.5

  Cleveland

  64,357

  11,150

  17.3

  Cumbria

  32,869

  7,432

  22.6

  Derbyshire

  81,668

  11,860

  14.5

  Devon and Cornwall

  102,853

  14,879

  14.5

  Dorset

  50,320

  6,853

  13.6

  Durham

  44,702

  9,917

  22.2

  Essex

  106,768

  13,536

  12.7

  Gloucester

  49,871

  6,854

  13.7

  Greater Manchester

  363,454

  54,403

  15.0

  Hampshire

  133,553

  23,495

  17.6

  Hertfordshire

  64,215

  8,282

  12.9

  Humberside

  110,312

  13,750

  12.5

  Kent

  128,382

  17,043

  13.3

  Lancashire

  117,633

  22,599

  19.2

  Leicestershire

  86,422

  13,155

  15.2

  Lincolnshire

  44,884

  8,447

  18.8

  Merseyside

  142,807

  25,250

  17.7

  Metropolitan Police (inc City of London)

  1,002,488

  83,186

  8.3

  Norfolk

  57,259

  9,318

  16.3

  North Yorkshire

  51,551

  9,310

  18.1

  Northamptonshire

  56,731

  6,658

  11.7

  Northumbria

  134,777

  25,520

  18.9

  Nottinghamshire

  139,903

  18,719

  13.4

  South Yorkshire

  125,179

  21,270

  17.0

  Staffordshire

  104,705

  16,223

  15.5

  Suffolk

  44,317

  7,655

  17.3

  Surrey

  63,321

  6,690

  10.6

  Sussex

  136,920

  11,696

  8.5

  Thames Valley

  187,989

  20,360

  10.8

  Warwickshire

  36,963

  4,261

  11.5

  West Mercia

  78,354

  13,097

  16.7

  West Midlands

  364,245

  48,156

  13.2

  West Yorkshire

  258,908

  35,651

  13.8

  Wiltshire

  36,555

  7,327

  20.0

  England and Wales

  4,931,747

  658,526

  13.4

  Offenders (Safety)
  Mr. Walter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how the safety of and conditions for offenders kept in court cells and transported in prison vans in London is being monitored while inspections by the Greater London Lay Observers Panel are suspended. [79068]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Open Prisons
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will review the regime in open prisons; and if he will make a statement. [77393]

  Hilary Benn
  Open prisons hold large numbers of short-term prisoners who have been carefully assessed and identified as low risk.
  838W
  In addition to their role with short-term prisoners, open prisons contribute towards the resettlement of prisoners coming towards the end of medium and long-term sentences, including life sentence prisoners. This aspect of their work involved the selection and oversight of prisoners engaged in unpaid community work and, for those within 12 months of their parole eligibility date, in full-time paid employment. These opportunities are only available to prisoners who have passed a stringent risk assessment process, and whose progress and behaviour are subject to constant review.

  The arrangements for the resettlement role of open prisons are contained in the National Framework of Requirements for Resettlement Regimes which was issued in November 2001. The Prison Service will shortly review the way in which the National Framework has operated during its first 12 months.

  Parliamentary Questions and Letters
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) parliamentary questions and (b) letters to him from hon. Members in this session remain unanswered, broken down by those which are (i) one month old, (ii) two months old, (iii) three months old, (iv) four months old and (v) over six months old. [79943]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Passport Agency Contracts
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what estimate he has made of the total savings to public funds of the Private Finance Initiative contract for Passport Agency contracts by comparison with a non-Private Finance Initiative alternative. [49651]

  Beverley Hughes
  The original business case for replacing the obsolete passport production system (PIMIS) and improve the efficiency, effectiveness and security of the passport document compared a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) solution with non-PFI which resulted in the PFI solution being £32 million cheaper to public funds over the proposed 10 years of any system:

  £ million

  Upgrade to digital in-house system

  371

  PFI solution

  339

  Since the business case was completed in July 1997 there have been many changes to the Agency, with major initiatives including modernisation, anti-fraud and customer service improvements. The flexibility within the PFI contract has allowed the Agency to drive forward on these initiatives in the most economical fashion calling on our private sector partners' expertise and achieving improvements through a controlled and negotiated contract change control process.

  Now that the PFI solution is fully in place at all seven passport offices an efficiency strategy for the remaining years of the contract is being formulated with efficiencies expected to be realised for financial year 2002–03 onwards.

  Police (Civilian Employment)
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many civilians per thousand population are employed by each police force; [79137]

  (2) how many civilians are employed by each police force. [79144]

  Mr. Denham
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Police (Overtime)
  Mr. Watts
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average overtime rates were per officer for each police force in the UK in the last year for which figures are available; and what the latest figures are for the cost of overtime in each police force. [25106]

  Mr. Denham
  The Office of Manpower Economics (OME) undertakes an annual sample survey of police officers' pay, including overtime pay for constables and sergeants, on behalf of the Police Negotiating Board for the United Kingdom.

  The latest figures available from the survey show average weekly overtime payments made to constables and sergeants in the different regions, in respect of the pay period—two weeks, four weeks or a calendar month—which included 6 November 2001. These are calculated from grossed up figures by dividing the total overtime payments received by the officers in the rank by the total number of officers in that rank.

  The results of the sample survey are set out in the first set of tables.

  The Home Department has collected figures for the cost of overtime in 2001–02 for each police force in England and Wales. The figures are set out in the final table.

  OME survey: November 2001

  Uniformed constables

  £ week

  Overtime pay

  Region

  Rest day with less than 8 days notice

  Rest day with between 8 and 14 days notice

  Other overtime

  London

  39.63

  4.70

  45.36

  Ulster

  16.73

  9.43

  95.51

  Scotland

  10.18

  2.13

  26.62

  Metropolitan authorities

  6.55

  10.33

  17.70

  Shire counties

  8.52

  5.43

  18.90

  Wales

  2.07

  1.67

  16.71

  Uniformed sergeants

  £ week

  Overtime pay

  Region

  Rest day with less than 8 days notice

  Rest day with between 8 and 14 days notice

  Other overtime

  London

  40.19

  6.24

  40.37

  Ulster

  17.04

  11.38

  91.40

  Scotland

  9.35

  3.38

  28.76

  Metropolitan authorities

  9.84

  13.83

  18.90

  Shire counties

  14.47

  10.20

  21.98

  Wales

  2.59

  0.00

  18.11

  840W

  Detective constables

  £week

  Overtime pay

  Region

  Rest day with less than 8 days notice

  Rest day with between 8 and 14 days notice

  Other overtime

  London

  15.38

  2.92

  82.31

  Ulster

  54.40

  2.57

  142.72

  Scotland

  26.24

  0.89

  79.90

  Metropolitan authorities

  13.83

  4.59

  49.91

  Shire counties

  14.24

  2.77

  54.27

  Wales

  4.22

  0.43

  65.90

  Detective sergeants

  £week

  Overtime pay

  Region

  Rest day with less than 8 days notice

  Rest day with between 8 and 14 days notice

  Other overtime

  London

  18.38

  6.95

  88.85

  Ulster

  54.98

  10.56

  166.22

  Scotland

  16.83

  0.49

  75.13

  Metropolitan authorities

  59.58

  8.58

  64.05

  Shire counties

  20.00

  3.39

  62.76

  Wales

  8.99

  0.00

  64.63

  Cost of overtime in each police force in England and Wales in 2001–02

  Police force

  £

  Avon and Somerset

  4,714,390

  Bedfordshire

  4,008,599

  Cambridgeshire

  4,055,694

  Cheshire

  3,344,000

  City of London

  2,374,926

  Cleveland

  3,620,343

  Cumbria

  2,094,538

  Derbyshire

  3,414,300

  Devon and Cornwall

  7,913,000

  Dorset

  2,322,306

  Durham

  3,177,000

  Dyfed Powys

  1,650,497

  Essex

  8,310,695

  Gloucestershire

  2,343,186

  Greater Manchester

  15,609,544

  Gwent

  2,138,923

  Hampshire

  8,556,000

  Hertfordshire

  7,239,000

  Humberside

  5,673,104

  Kent

  8,350,000

  Lancashire

  6,773,248

  Leicestershire

  3,323,212

  Lincolnshire

  2,446,521

  Merseyside

  10,801,000

  Metropolitan

  97,031,835

  Norfolk

  3,349,363

  North Wales

  2,635,500

  North Yorks

  3,541,849

  Northamptonshire

  2,475,000

  Northumbria

  5,877,079

  Nottinghamshire

  4,167,751

  South Wales

  5,550,387

  South Yorkshire

  6,446,000

  Staffordshire

  5,928,705

  Suffolk

  1,715,805

  Surrey

  5,109,411

  Sussex

  7,424,486

  Thames Valley

  12,025,000

  Warwickshire

  1,816,720

  841W

  Cost of overtime in each police force in England and Wales in 2001–02

  Police force

  £

  West Mercia

  4,343,857

  West Midlands

  15,870,406

  West Yorkshire

  11,836,000

  Wiltshire

  1,814,642

  Police(Pay)
  Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on progress in the Police Negotiating Board towards reform of police pay and allowances; what the timetable is for agreement; and what proposals under consideration would require primary legislation. [29680]

  Mr. Denham
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Police Checks (Vehicles)
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate his Department has made of the percentage of police checks on vehicles that have failed due to vehicles not being registered with DVLC. [79028]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 6 November 2002]: The police carry out checks on vehicles for a number of purposes. Information on such checks and their results is not held centrally. Vehicle registration and the accuracy of the vehicle registration record are matters for the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

  Police Computers
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to promote the introduction of palm top personal computers in police forces. [78587]

  Mr. Denham
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 22 October 2002,Official Report, column 243W, on the action I am taking to increase the time police officers can spend on the streets rather than dealing with paperwork. The introduction of Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) for police officers has the potential to make a major contribution to that aim.

  The Police Bureaucracy Taskforce identified a clear and pressing requirement for officers to be able to remotely update force systems via a hand-held device. A number of forces are now taking this forward and are piloting the use of hand-held devices. However we need to ensure that any hand-held device is useable in an operational environment and that the technical and information management infrastructure is also in place to provide and send data. That is why we are taking a pilot approach.

  Our aim is to identify and spread good practice and provide practical advice and guidance to forces on the implementation and use of mobile data services. We are also providing forces with the new Airwave radio communication system, which when fully implemented will deliver mobile data facilities.

  Police Custody
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his policy is on the maximum distance between the place of arrest and a custody suite persons in police custody should be transported. [77766]

  Mr. Denham
  There is no central policy on the maximum distance persons should be transported between arrest and a custody facility. Such transfers fall within chief constables' operational discretion. Chief constables are required to designate the police stations which are to be used for the purpose of detaining arrested persons. However, the location and distribution of such stations is entirely a matter for chief constables to decide. Constables do have the power to take arrested persons to non-designated stations in certain specific circumstances. For example, where they are working in an area covered by a non-designated station and they think it will only be necessary to detain the person for a relatively short time.

  A further important development in this area will be the planned introduction of "street bail". This will remove the absolute obligation on police officers to take arrested persons to a police station as soon as practicable. Officers will be able to exercise discretion and decide to bail arrestees on the street on the basis that they must undertake to attend a police station at a later time.

  Police Funding
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will rank police forces in order of expenditure per thousand population in each police force area. [79143]

  Mr. Denham
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Mr. Wiggin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the proposed increase in the sparsity component to one per cent. As one of the possibilities for change to the police funding formula; and what factors contributed to the calculation of that figure.

  Mr. Denham
  I will write to my hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library. [79969]

  Police Major Disaster Teams
  Harry Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department who funds(a) Centrex and (b) the Police Major Disaster Advisory Team; and for what reason British Transport Police Superintendent Tony Thompson has been dismissed from these two bodies; and if he will make a statement. [66445]

  Mr. Denham
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Police Numbers
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will rank police forces in order of the number of police officers per thousand population in each force area. [79145]
  843W
  Mr. Denham
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Police Patrols
  Mr. Lilley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of police officers are patrolling in(a) the Metropolitan Police force and (b) the United Kingdom. [44078]

  Mr. Denham
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Police Powers (Confiscation of Alcohol)
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to give further powers to the police to confiscate unopened bottles and cans of alcoholic drinks from youths gathered in public places. [78595]

  Mr. Denham
  Existing police powers to confiscate alcohol from under-age drinkers in public places are provided by the Confiscation of Alcohol (Young Persons) Act 1997, as amended by section 29 of the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001.

  We are considering representations from the police and others about these powers, and in particular the restriction to confiscating alcohol in sealed containers. We will introduce any changes in the law that may be necessary as soon as parliamentary time allows.

  Police Standards Unit
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the head of the Police Standards Unit will be eligible for a bonus; and what the criteria are for the award of this bonus. [30811]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 29 January 2002]: The terms of Mr. Bond's contract state that he may be entitled to a bonus of up to 20 per cent. of his Home Office salary. His eligibility for such a bonus will be assessed in April 2003, according to the contribution which his unit has made to improving police performance over the preceding year.

  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the pay and conditions of service and secondment arrangements are for the Head of the Police Standards Unit. [30812]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 29 January 2002]: When first appointed in January 2001, the Director of the Standards Unit, Mr. Kevin Bond was seconded to the Home Office from his employers, Earth Tech Inc. The effect of this was that Mr. Bond's duties and obligations were equivalent to a full-time permanent member of the civil service, but that the Home Office reimbursed Earth Tech for the cost of his services.

  From October 2002, Mr. Bond ceased to be an employee of that company and the secondment agreement was replaced with a fixed term employment contract with the Home Office. The salary of £195,000 which Mr. Bond receives from the Home Office is the same as applied under the secondment agreement.

  Policing
  Chris Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of progress in each of the five policing priority areas in England and Wales. [77548]

  Mr. Denham
  The Home Office is currently assessing the progress made in the Policing Priority Areas (PPAs) established in March this year. Most recently, I chaired an extremely constructive seminar on 8 October, attended by police and Local Authority representatives from each of the five PPA areas, to review and assess the experiences of the pilot sites. I intend to make an announcement about PPAs in the near future.

  Policing (Rural Areas)
  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will issue guidance on policing in areas where children frequently play. [75099]

  Mr. Denham
  The Government recognises the importance of providing children with safe places to play and this issue will be carefully considered as part of the Government's review of children's play, jointly launched by the Department for Culture Media and Sport, and the Department for Education and Skills on 15 October. There will be a consultation process as part of the review, which will allow all interested parties to feed in their views.

  Policing Charges (Football)
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to his Answer of 28 October 2002,Official Report, column 640W, on policing charges, when the Working Group on Football will meet; what its remit is; and what opportunities there are for (a) clubs, (b) supporters and (c) other interested parties to make their concerns known in respect of policing charges. [79721]

  Mr. Denham
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Prison Deaths
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons died in each(a) prison and (b) young offenders institution in (i) 2001 and (ii) 2002. [78865]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Prison Farms
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to his Answer of 26th June,Official Report, column 959W, on prison farms, if he is now able to make a statement about the proposed closure of prison farms following the review of the future of the Farms and Gardens Estate. [78959]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Prison Governers
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on discretionary powers available to prison governors. [77851]

  Hilary Benn
  [holding answer 29 October 2002]: When exercising their discretion, prison governors must act in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Prison Service as prescribed by the Prison Act 1952, the Prison or Young Offender Institution Rules, and operational instructions.

  Prison Statistics
  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people now in prison have committed(a) 10+, (b) 25+, (c) 50+, (d) 100+, (e) 200+ and (f) 1,000+ previous modifiable offences; and if he will make a statement. [75737]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Prisoner Exchanges (Australia)
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will open discussions with his Australian counterpart on a prisoner exchange arrangement. [78586]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Alistair Burt
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his policy is on prisoner exchange arrangements between the UK and Australia. [78473]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Prisoners
  Annabelle Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what his policy is on securing(a) town visits, (b) home leave and (c) early release under the tagging system in respect of (i) Scottish domicile prisoners and (ii) English domicile prisoners held in prisons located in England; [79389]

  (2) if he will list the differences in the status and rights of English and Scottish domicile prisoners held in prisons in England. [79391]

  (3) if he will make a statement on the definition of Scottish domicile prisoners held in prisons located in England. [79392]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Prisoners (Privacy)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will review the guidance on rules to protect the privacy of prisoners from identification in publications by other prison inmates. [77412]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Prisoners (Release)
  Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners were released in error from prisons in England and Wales in each of the last five years. [79623]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Probation Service
  Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps the National Probation Directorate is taking to set priorities for the workloads of probation staff. [79624]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of each of the 42 budgets for probation areas in England and Wales is being allocated to the National Probation Directorate's central costs for(a) this and (b) next financial year. [79691]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the performance data on enforcement and breach for probation areas in England and Wales meet national standards. [79693]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Hugh Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the establishment for probation officers is in Kent; how many Kent has; and how many of these are(a) fully qualified main-grade officers and (b) trainees. [75189]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, (1) how many trained probation officers left the Probation Service in England and Wales in each financial year since 1997–98. [79625]

  (2) how many staff broken down by (a) grade and (b) function were employed at the National Probation Directorate on (i) 1 April 2001, (ii) 1 April 2002 and 1 October 2002. [79690]

  (3) how many (a) Probation Service officers, (b) trained probation officers, excluding trainees and (c) clerical, secretarial and administrative staff were in post in the Probation Service in England and Wales on 1 April in each year since 1998. [79626]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the Probation Service's national budget was for(a) 2000–01, (b) 2001–02 and (c) 2002–03. [79689]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.
  847W
  Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many court reports have not been prepared in the specified time by the Probation Service in England and Wales in the last 12 months. [79627]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Public Consultations
  Claire Ward
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what public consultations have been commenced by his Department in each month since 20 July; and what the(a) start date, (b) closing date and (c) website address of each were. [80270]

  Beverley Hughes
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Re-offenders
  Mr. Keith Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he has taken to implement the recommendations relevant to his Department in the Social Exclusion Unit report Reducing re-offending by ex-prisoners. [76807]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to my right hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Registered Charities
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many registered charities there are in(a) England and Wales, (b) Northern Ireland and (c) Scotland. [79112]

  Beverley Hughes
  The Charity Commission is the Government Department that registers charities in England and Wales. There are currently 186,320 registered charities in England and Wales. The Inland Revenue is responsible for the recognition of charitable status in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The Inland Revenue recognises approximately 7,500 charities in Northern Ireland and 30,025 in Scotland.

  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Gates of Remembrance Appeal is a registered charity. [79840]

  Beverley Hughes
  The Gates of Remembrance Appeal is not a charity registered in England and Wales. I understand there is a web-based appeal with this name, which is said to be sharing the proceeds between six ex-service charities. If the honourable member has any concerns about this organisation, he may wish to raise them with the Charity Commission, the regulatory authority for charities in England and Wales, at Harmsworth House, 13–15 Bouverie Street, London EC4Y 8DP.

  Regulation of Investigatory Powers
  Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Coventry, South of 4 July,Official Report, col. 533–4W, what form the consultation on the extension of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 will take. [73216]
  848W
  Mr. Blunkett
  I will be publishing a consultation paper around the turn of the year and will consider responses before bringing forward proposals in relation to any additional public authorities under Chapter 11 of Part 1 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA).

  Retail Crime
  Mr. Watson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has collated on how many shops in high street shopping centres in England and Wales have CCTV systems. [77979]

  Mr. Denham
  The Home Office does not hold information on privately operated Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) systems in shops. However, West Bromwich was awarded 465,000 under the Crime Reduction Programme CCTV Initiative for its town centre CCTV scheme.

  RoadPeace
  Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what actions he proposes to take to respond to the representations from RoadPeace following their meeting with Ministers on 10 October; and if he will make a statement. [79618]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Road Safety
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will ensure that the National Policing Plan for England and Wales includes the requirement for road safety to be a priority responsibility for police forces. [79533]

  Mr. Denham
  The National Policing Plan will set out the Secretary of State's strategic priorities for policing in England and Wales for the coming three years. The Plan will cover a wide range of policing activity including the important contribution of policing to reducing death and injury on roads. The National Policing Plan will be published by the end of November.

  Schemes and Initiatives
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the schemes and initiatives sponsored by his Department and its agencies which are not the subject of national roll out, showing(a) the authorities or areas covered by the scheme and (b) the budget of the scheme in the last year for which information is available. [75672]

  Mr. Denham
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Schengen Information System
  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information on UK nationals is held on the Schengen Information System; and how many nationals this covers. [78120]

  Mr. Bob Ainsworth
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Security Operation (Barrow-in-Furness)
  Norman Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what costs were incurred by(a) Cumbrian police and (b) his Department in the security operation at Barrow-in-Furness for the docking of the Pacific Pintail and Pacific Teal vessels in September. [77772]

  Mr. Denham
  Cumbria Constabulary inform me that their preliminary estimate of the additional costs incurred on this operation is around 140,000.

  The force has an agreement with British Nuclear Fuel Limited (BNFL) for full reimbursement of these costs.

  No expenditure has been incurred by my Department.

  Sentencing Proposals
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to put forward new sentencing arrangements for motorists who(a) kill and (b) seriously injure a cyclist. [77071]

  Mr. Denham
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Service Failures
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what provision has been made in contracts and specifications to cover service failures by(a) Capita and (b) the Criminal Records Bureau that result in (i) postponing the inclusion of categories of person in the disclosure system and (ii) delays in processing disclosure applications. [80029]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Sex Offenders
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to his answer of 22 October 2002,Official Report, columns 221–22W, on sex offenders, what the reasons were for the delay in answering the questions; and what (a) statutory provision and (b) guidance prevents the publication by Chief Constables of information disaggregated below force level on the number of resident, registered or notified sex offenders. [80056]

  Beverley Hughes
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Sexual Offences (Protected Material) Act 1997
  Vera Baird
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress his Department is making towards implementation of the Sexual Offences (Protected Material) Act 1997. [77275]

  Hilary Benn
  During the passage of the Regulatory Reform Bill, Ministers announced their intention to use a Regulatory Reform Order to amend the Act, to facilitate its implementation. Officials within the Home Office are currently considering practical proposals to bring about an amendment to the legislation.

  Sikhs (Kirpans)
  Mr. Grieve
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what basis Sikhs are required to remove their kirpan when entering his Department's buildings. [80369]

  Beverley Hughes
  I will write to the hon Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Staff Absence
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the working target is for the average number of days absence per staff year in(a) 2002 and (b) 2003. [47730]

  Beverley Hughes
  I will write to the hon Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Stalking
  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what figures he has collated on the extent of stalking of women; and how many women aged 16 to 24 years old have been stalked in the last three years. [78820]

  Mr. Denham
  The 1998 British Crime Survey included an innovative computerised self-completion questionnaire designed to provide the first reliable measure of the extent of 'stalking' in England and Wales. A nationality representative sample of 9,988 16 to 59 year olds were asked whether they had been subject to 'persistent and unwanted attention' during their lifetime and during the preceding year. Persistent and unwanted attention was described to respondents at the beginning of the questionnaire in the following way:"People may sometimes be pestered or harassed either by someone they know or a stranger. This person might do things like phoning or writing, following them or waiting outside their home or workplace".

  Those who had been subject to such incidents were asked details about their experience. The questionnaire was deliberately designed to capture a wide range of experiences that could potentially be regarded as incidents of 'stalking'. However it should be stressed that these incidents were not necessarily regarded as crimes by the respondents and do not equate to offences under the Protection for Harassment Act 1997.

  These results are published in Home Office Research Study 210, which is deposited in the Library. This report indicates that four per cent of women had experienced persistent and unwanted attention in the last year, compared to two per cent of men. 17 per cent of women aged 16 to 19 and eight per cent of those aged 20 to 24 had experienced such in this period. It is possible that those patterns are, at least in part, accounted for by differences in how men and women, particularly young women, interpret both the term persistent and unwanted attention and their own experiences.

  Last year prevalence, by age and sex

  Percent victims

  Age

  Women

  Men

  All

  16–19

  17

  3

  10

  20—24

  8

  5

  7

  851W

  Percent victims

  Age

  Women

  Men

  All

  All

  4

  2

  3

  Note:

  Definition of stalking: persistent and unwanted attention (excluding incidents in which the victim and perpetrator were living with each other throughout the period over which the incidents occurred).

  Source:

  1998 BCS

  Statistics Commission (Management Information)
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place in the Library his reply to the Statistics Commission correspondence on the release of management information following the meeting of the Statistics Commission on 25 September; and if he will make a statement. [78411]

  Mr. Denham
  It is a matter for the Statistics Commission to decide how to handle my reply.

  Stray Dogs
  Dr. Palmer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will issue guidance to police forces on appropriate temporary housing for stray dogs. [52575]

  Mr. Denham
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Street Crime Action Group
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the role of the Street Crime Action Group. [48575]

  Mr. Denham
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Street Crime Initiative
  Mr. Grieve
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the figures for burglary and violence against the person were for(a) April, (b) September and (c) in four week periods in the intervening months, for each of the ten force areas in the Street Crime Initiative; and what the figures were for the corresponding period last year. [76168]

  Mr. Denham
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Superintendent Ali Dizaei
  Mr. Salter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many members of the Independent Advisory Group were consulted by the Metropolitan Police Service when investigating Superintendent Ali Dizaei. [42742]

  Mr. Denham
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Targets
  Simon Hughes
  : To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the non-public service agreement targets for his Department. [79614]
  852W
  Hilary Benn
  [holding answer 6 November 2002]The Home Department's current targets are set out in the Home Office Annual Report 2001–02 (CM 5106), and in the relevant business plans of the Department's executive agencies and Non-Departmental Public Bodies.

  Television Purchases
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) integrated digital and (b) analogue television sets have been bought by his Department in each of the last 24 months; and if he will publish the guidance given to officials making decisions on television purchases. [33229]

  Beverley Hughes
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Thames Valley Police
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers transferred out of Thames Valley Police in each year from 1998–99 to date. [7914]

  Mr. Denham
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) police officers and (b) civilian police employees were recruited by Thames Valley Police in the most recent period for which figures are available; how many left Thames Valley Police during that period; and if he will make a statement. [79141]

  Mr. Denham
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Throckmorton
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reason he has delayed submitting the notification of the proposed development of an asylum accommodation centre at Throckmorton to Wychavon District Council; and if he will make a statement. [79483]

  Beverley Hughes
  I announced on 5 November 2002,Official Report, column 151W, that we have decided not to pursue our proposal for an accommodation centre at Throckmorton airfield in Worcestershire as part of the trial. While we consider that the site itself is suitable, we have not been able to settle the necessary land acquisition arrangements to allow us to develop the site within the time frame of the trial.

  Treatment Programmes (Prisons)
  Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many treatment programmes operate in prisons in England and Wales for(a) drug dependency, (b) alcohol dependency and (c) self-harm; and how many of them have been evaluated. [79611]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Turnberry Bilderberg Meeting
  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many arrests were made in connection with security arrangements for the Turnberry Bilderberg meeting; if the status of one arrested individual as special constable was consequently revoked; what the costs of policing this event were; what arrangements were made for the use of military transport for security of attendees; how many Bilderberg events have taken place in the UK requiring notification of his Department; when the next such is planned; and if he will make a statement. [78119]

  Mr. Blunkett
  This is a matter for the Scottish Executive.

  Vacancies (Probation Service)
  Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many vacancies there are in the(a) London, (b) Sussex and (c) Kent probation services. [79629]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Women's Prison, Wales
  Dr. Francis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans she has to build a women's prison in Wales. [78684]

  Hilary Benn
  The Prison Service currently has no plans to build a prison for women in Wales. The Prison Service view is that new prison development should primarily be concentrated in areas of the greatest shortage of places. Currently these are the north west, the Midlands and London.

  The number of women prisoners from Wales, currently around 170, does not justify the building of a female prison. However the Prison Service is well aware of the geographical difficulties being posed for some small sections of the prison population, and their needs would certainly be a consideration in any future plans for the development of the prison estate.

  Work Permit Initiative
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the impact on the Work Permit Initiative for teachers on the shortage of teachers in the United Kingdom. [53640]

  Beverley Hughes
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Young Offender Institutions
  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many young offender institutions do not possess in-house child protection protocols and committees. [78016]
  854W
  Hilary Benn
  All young offender institutions in the juvenile estate have developed child protection policies in line with a centrally produced protocol. Each establishment has also appointed child protection coordinator (and deputy) and has established a child protection committee.

  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which agency is responsible for investigating deaths in custody which take place while in young offender institutions. [78058]

  Hilary Benn
  All deaths in prison custody are investigated by the police who assess any criminal culpability and are subject to a coroner's request, which is held before a jury.

  The Prison Service investigates all self-inflicted deaths in custody and conducts a clinical review of the treatment provided to a prisoner dying in prison from natural causes. These procedures apply in respect of adult prisoners, young offenders (18 to 20-year-olds) and juveniles (15 to 17-year-olds).

  In addition, juvenile deaths give rise to a serious incident inquiry by the Youth Justice Board, which has responsibility for the placement of juvenile offenders and the appropriate Child Protection Committee may commission a "Part 8" case review, pursuant to Part 8 of "Working Together to Safeguard Children".

  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many assaults on children under the age of 16 have occurred at each young offender institution in each of the past five years; [78062]

  (2) what percentage of (a) boys and (b) girls under the age of 16 in young offender institutions in each of the past five years have been children in local authority care;[78064]

  (3) what percentage of children under 16 who left young offender institutions to return to the community in each of the past five years has had residential accommodation arranged prior to discharge; [78063]

  (4) how many of those resident in each young offender institution have been referred, whilst resident, to child protection services in each of the last five years. [78061]

  Hilary Benn
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Payment by Giro Order Book
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the implications for crime rates of the phased reduction in use by the Department of Work and Pensions of payment by giro order book. [74851]

  Mr. Denham
  I will write to the hon Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Scottish Executive
  Annabelle Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many formal and official inter-ministerial meetings his Department has held with the Scottish Executive since May 1999, broken down by(a) Scottish Executive Department, (b) subject and (c) date. [72724]
  855W
  Mr. Blunkett
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Recorded Crime
  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the annual change in total recorded crime has been in(a) Avon and Somerset and (b) England from 1985–86 to 2001–02; and if he will make a statement. [66886]

  Mr. Denham
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Street Crime
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether street crime(a) fell and (b) rose (i) in London and (ii) nationally in each September since 1997, compared with (A) the preceding month and (B) the previous September. [71889]

  Mr. Denham
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Cambridgeshire Police
  Mr. Djanogly
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will estimate(a) the total funding given by him to Cambridgeshire police in each of the last three years and (b) the real terms change in this support in each of those years. [74784]

  Mr. Denham
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Air Conditioning (Refrigerant)
  Jane Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the climate change impact will

  Table 1: Persons aged 10 and under 18 sentenced for all offences at all courts, by offence group and type of sentence or order, England and Wales, 20001

  Offence group

  Total sentenced

  Absolute/conditional discharge

  Fine

  Average fine amount (£)

  Community sentence

  Immediate custody

  Average custodial sentence length (months)

  Otherwise dealt with

  Indictable offences:

  Violence against the person

  6,424

  1,169

  366

  74

  3,601

  1,053

  11.8

  822

  Sexual offences

  467

  48

  1

  100

  313

  97

  25.7

  17

  Burglary

  6,849

  875

  170

  90

  4,030

  1,597

  9.7

  908

  Robbery

  2,238

  81

  9

  103

  1,111

  1,005

  18.6

  194

  Theft and handling stolen goods

  21,006

  6,325

  2,629

  54

  10,026

  1,406

  5.9

  3,276

  Fraud and forgery

  1,017

  269

  143

  52

  516

  50

  5.5

  144

  Criminal damage

  2,576

  611

  119

  56

  1,540

  164

  13.9

  541

  Drug offences

  3,739

  1,112

  1,434

  49

  961

  164

  15.8

  264

  Motoring offences

  556

  26

  72

  127

  296

  155

  6.5

  40

  Other2

  4,388

  969

  1,112

  34

  1,615

  439

  7.2

  512

  Summary3

  27,728

  9,147

  5,891

  54

  10,201

  734

  4.0

  4,663

  Summary4

  14,492

  2,014

  9,445

  92

  1,762

  550

  4.0

  1,020

  All offences

  91,480

  22,646

  21,391

  70

  35.972

  7,414

  9.7

  12,401

  1 Staffordshire Police Force were only able to supply a sample data for magistrates courts proceeding covering one full week in each quarter for 2000. Estimates based on this sample are included in the figures, as they are considered sufficiently robust at this high level of analysis.

  2 Excluding motoring offences

  3 non-motoring offences

  4 motoring offences

  856W
  be of the refrigerant to be used in the air conditioning in his Department's new building in Marsham Street. [74757]

  Beverley Hughes
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Crime (Harrow)
  Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how much(a) street crime and (b) burglary was committed in each year since 1996 in Harrow; [74582]

  (2) how many crimes were committed in each year since 1996 in Harrow. [74581]

  Mr. Denham
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Young Offenders
  Mr. Wiggin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will provide a breakdown of young offenders by(a) types of offence and (b) length of sentence in the last 12 months; [73765]

  (2) what proportion of those convicted in the last 12 months were young offenders. [73856]

  Hilary Benn
  The information requested, relating to England and Wales in 2000, is contained in Table 1 (persons aged 10 and under 18 sentenced by offence group) and Table 2 (persons aged 10 and under 18 sentenced to immediate custody by length of sentence).

  6 per cent. of those convicted of all offences in 2000 were aged 10 and under 18.

  Statistics for 2001 will be available in December.
  857W

  Table 2: Persons aged 10 and under 18 sentenced to immediate custody for all offences at all courts, by offence group and length of sentence, England and Wales, 20001

  Length of sentence

  Offence group

  Total sentenced to immediate custody

  1 month and under

  Over 1 month up to 2 months

  Over 2 months up to 3 months

  Over 3 months up to 6 months

  Indictable offences

  Violence against the person

  1,053

  —

  35

  30

  485

  Sexual offences

  97

  —

  —

  1

  23

  Burglary

  1,597

  2

  34

  41

  760

  Robbery

  1,005

  —

  7

  5

  242

  Theft and handling stolen goods

  1,406

  6

  124

  72

  890

  Fraud and forgery

  50

  —

  4

  5

  30

  Criminal damage

  164

  —

  11

  2

  67

  Drug offences

  164

  1

  3

  6

  56

  Motoring offences

  155

  —

  6

  9

  92

  Other2

  439

  6

  34

  23

  255

  Summary3

  734

  8

  89

  57

  579

  Summary4

  550

  4

  57

  39

  450

  All offences

  7,414

  27

  404

  290

  3,929

  Length of sentence

  Offence group

  Over 6 months up to 1 year

  Over 1 year up to 2 years

  Over 2 years up to 3 years

  Over 3 years up to 5 years

  Over 5 years up to 10 years

  Life

  Indictable offences

  Violence against the person

  264

  119

  44

  48

  8

  20

  Sexual offences

  13

  20

  16

  20

  3

  1

  Burglary

  457

  251

  32

  19

  1

  —

  Robbery

  256

  253

  142

  91

  9

  —

  Theft and handling stolen goods

  256

  57

  —

  1

  —

  —

  Fraud and forgery

  9

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Criminal damage

  39

  27

  8

  4

  6

  —

  Drug offences

  39

  28

  15

  15

  1

  —

  Motoring offences

  42

  6

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Other2

  84

  29

  2

  5

  1

  —

  Summary3

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Summary4

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  All offences

  1,460

  792

  259

  203

  29

  21

  1 Staffordshire Police Force were only able to supply a sample data for magistrates courts proceeding covering one full week in each quarter for 2000. Estimates based on this sample are included in the figures, as they are considered sufficiently robust at this high level of analysis.

  2 Excluding motoring offences

  3 non-motoring offences

  4 motoring offences

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

  Development Projects (UK)
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what development projects in the UK receive funding from the(a) European Investment Bank and (b) European Regional Development Fund, and when these projects will be completed; and what development projects in the UK with funding from the (i) European Investment Bank and (ii) European Regional Development Fund will start in the next six months. [77676]

  Alan Johnson
  [holding answer 28 October 2002]I have been asked to reply.

  In 2001, the European Investment Bank invested €2,337 million (£1,469 million) in respect of projects in the UK. This comprised individual loans (for projects in a single sector or region) of €1,734 million (£1,090 million) and global loans (for projects covering more than one sector and/or region) of €603 million (£379 million). Individual loans focused on energy (€144 million (£91 million)), communications
  858W
  (€736 million (£463 million)); three-quarters of which were for improvement of telecommunications networks, water management, together with urban infrastructure (€641 million (£403 million)) and health and education (€212 million (£133 million)). Information on individual projects has been published in the EIB's Annual Report 2001, a copy of which is available in the Library. Information on the EIB's project pipeline is available on the EIB website (www.eib.org). This includes information on loans signed, approved and under appraisal. Annual Reports can also be accessed from the website.

  A total of €8,434 million (£5.174 million) will be available from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for projects in the UK over the current funding period, 2000–06. As with the European Investment Bank funding, detailed information on individual projects could be obtained only at disproportionate cost as it is not held centrally by the DTL However, if you are interested in a particular ERDF or EIB-backed project, please write to me again and I will endeavour to obtain the relevant information.

Preamble
The House met at eleven of the clock: The CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES on the Woolsack.
Prayers—Read by the Lord Bishop of Oxford.

National Air Traffic Services
Lord Clinton-Davisasked Her Majesty's Government:
What steps have been taken regarding the application by the National Air Traffic Services to amend its charges.
Lord McIntosh of Haringey: My Lords, the Civil Aviation Authority, which is NATS's economic regulator, has proposed some changes to the way in which NATS is regulated. Its proposals include giving NATS some protection from traffic fluctuations and allowing it to levy slightly higher charges—although charges will still decrease in real terms. These changes will make a vital contribution to the financial package that NATS and its shareholders are putting together to put NATS's finances on a secure footing for the future.
Lord Clinton-Davis: My Lords, I thank the Minister for that reply. Does he agree that, in the wake of the events of 11th September 2001, it was important for NATS to restructure its balance sheets? Does he also agree that the new regime proposed by the CAA will in no way impinge on the airlines except that there is likely to be a gradual reduction in charges over the years? Is not the corollary of that that there will be an unlocking of resources to improve air traffic control services? Does he also agree that, in the light of the overall situation, the quicker the recommendations are accepted, the better it will be for the whole airline industry?
Lord McIntosh of Haringey: My Lords, my noble friend Lord Clinton-Davis is right to draw attention to the effect of September 11th, which affected not only our own air traffic control system but all air traffic control systems, all airlines and the whole airline industry, all of which are having financial troubles of different kinds. It is certainly true that any changes will have to be acceptable to the airlines, not only as users, but, in some cases, as shareholders of NATS. I also agree that the issue should be resolved as soon as possible. The consultation period to which I referred ends on 14th November. It is important that the CAA should seek agreement on a way forward as soon as possible.
Lord Rotherwick: My Lords, let us bear in mind that NATS's current financial problems were caused by a downturn in the demand for its services following the events of 11th September. Does the Minister think that NATS could survive another downturn in business
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due to a similar event such as a war with Iraq? What are the Government doing to ensure that NATS can survive such unforeseen predicaments?
Lord McIntosh of Haringey: My Lords, the proposals put forward by the CAA, which are being consulted on at the moment, cover a considerable number of years ahead and will have to take into account the type of consideration that the noble Lord, Lord Rotherwick, raised. As for the immediate future, NATS has satisfactory financing for some time ahead.
Lord Bradshaw: My Lords, in giving general guidance to the CAA as the economic regulator for the industry, will the Government ensure that matters of great importance to the airline industry—matters such as surface access which are probably more important than NATS to the development of airlines—are properly funded from the regulated charges imposed on the airline industry?
Lord McIntosh of Haringey: My Lords, the noble Lord, Lord Bradshaw, is right to refer to general guidance because, although the CAA is the regulator, it is the independent regulator and it would be wrong for the Government to indulge in micro-management of it. I am not quite sure on which side of the line the issue which he raises falls.
Lord Hoyle: My Lords, can my noble friend confirm that, if we can get it in place, the new financial regime will lead to long needed and long overdue increased investment? Can he also confirm that the new regime will not be a burden on the airlines as it will lead to reduced costs in the long run?
McIntosh of Haringey: Yes, my Lords, the airlines have the same interest as NATS; they, too, have an interest in an efficient, up-to-date and well-resourced air traffic control system in this country. They also have very much the same interests as we do as the users of their services.
Viscount Astor:My Lords, does the Minister agree that safety is paramount? Is it not surprising and a matter of concern for the Government and the CAA that, while traffic has decreased this year, delays have increased and there has been a record number of what are called "risk-bearing incidents"—in laymen's language, near collisions? There have been seven such incidents so far this year. Is that not a cause for great concern? As to restructuring, is it not the case that NATS has been saddled with £780 million-worth of debt, costing more than £45 million in interest a year? If that is going to be converted into shares, will the Government decrease their NATS shareholding or put up their share of the money in the restructuring?
Lord McIntosh of Haringey: My Lords, I agree with the noble Viscount, Lord Astor, that safety must be paramount. However, even in the period soon after the construction and commissioning of Swanwick, safety standards have been very high. Significant delays,

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which are the other aspect, have also not been very significant. In the year to date, delays attributable to air traffic control have been 2.8 minutes per flight. That is not what one hears from the pilots but that is what actually happens. Speculation on changes in shareholding as between us and the airlines is premature.
Lord Berkeley: My Lords, my noble friend said in answer to an earlier question that it was important that the airlines accepted the new financial structure for NATS. Does he not agree that whether or not they do so, the important factor is that NATS works efficiently and effectively and has long-term financial stability regardless of the ups and downs and the fluctuations of the airline market? If that means a short-term rise in charges to the airlines, at least it will help NATS get on its feet.
Lord McIntosh of Haringey: My Lords, in the sense that it is important for the management of NATS to get on with managing rather than worrying where the money is coming from, I entirely agree with my noble friend.

Cancer Treatment: Guidance
11.13 a.m.
Baroness Northoverasked Her Majesty's Government:
When they intend to implement the key recommendations in the National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidance, Improving outcomes in breast cancer.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Lord Hunt of Kings Heath): My Lords, the NHS has already largely implemented the improving outcomes guidance for breast cancer published in 1996. The guidance has recently been reviewed to take account of latest evidence. Implementation of this and other NICE cancer guidance has been set as a priority in the priorities and planning framework for the NHS.
Baroness Northover: My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for that reply. But does he share with me a depressing sense of déjà vu in looking at the report? How can it be that it still needs to be said that all breast cancer patients, indeed, all cancer patients, should be treated by teams of specialists? All the evidence shows that ensuring that every cancer patient is treated by a specialist is the one thing that will make a difference at the moment to outcomes. How soon will the Government fully implement not only this blueprint for breast cancer but also similar blueprints for the other cancers that are lagging behind?
Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: My Lords, I am sorry that the noble Baroness takes such a negative view of the progress that has been made over the past four or
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five years. The Government have shown great determination to improve services for people with cancer and to improve preventive programmes. We agree with the report that the noble Baroness mentioned that, of course, multidisciplinary team working is important. But if the noble Baroness looks at all the statistics, the improved outcomes, the improved access to treatment, the reduction in waiting times and the development of screening programmes, surely she will acknowledge that considerable progress has been made.
Baroness Gardner of Parkes: My Lords, will the Minister comment on the reports in today's press that mammogram screening might in itself cause breast cancer? That could cause much confusion with regard to whether or not people should present themselves for screening. Does the Minister agree that it is important for people who are considering presenting themselves for screening to be given some reassurance on that point?
Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: My Lords, I very much agree with that. Screening programmes that are proven to be effective need a great deal of support. Some of the results of screening programmes introduced over the past decade have been spectacular. We very much need to encourage people to present themselves for screening where it is appropriate. However, it is also important that screening programmes are introduced only where they are shown to be effective. That is why we have an expert National Screening Committee that advises the Government on those matters. When those kind of issues are raised we always look to that committee for further advice.
Lord Ezra: My Lords, will the noble Lord indicate whether NICE has turned its attention to the equally important issue of prostate cancer and whether there is the prospect of a more effective test being introduced?
Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: My Lords, that is, of course, a matter of great debate. However, there is no good evidence to date to indicate that screening for prostate cancer using the PSA test—I suspect that that is the test to which the noble Lord referred—reduces mortality. It is controversial and professionals disagree on its usefulness. However, when seeking advice from their general practitioners, patients should be given the most robust advice possible. We have recently sent a pack to GPs that provides such advice. I believe that it will be helpful in the future when GPs are asked for their view on the matter.
Baroness Hayman: My Lords, my noble friend is obviously right to point out the progress that has been made in cancer treatment but he will be well aware that survival rates for breast cancer, as for other cancers, are far lower among deprived groups of the community than they are among affluent groups of the community. Can he give us some assurance that the funds necessary to bring services up to the level in

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affluent areas will not only be earmarked but will actually be delivered to the front line? In asking the question, I should, of course, declare my interest as chairman of Cancer Research UK whose primary care research group work underpinned some of the NICE guidelines.
Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: My Lords, I cannot commit myself to earmarking in the future. However, the decentralisation of funding allocations to primary care trusts from 2004 will allow greater focus to be given to the funding of programmes that tackle deprived communities. My noble friend will also know that we are currently reviewing the formula under which resources are allocated to the NHS. One factor is the extent to which funding recognises deprivation. As regards survival rates, I refer my noble friend to the comments of Professor Boyle of the Milan-based European Institute of Oncology who told the Britain Against Cancer conference on 5th November that Britain's attempts to prevent and cure cancer have indeed been a success story.
Lord Renton: My Lords, why do we have to wait until the year 2004 for the improvement that the noble Lord suggested?
Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: My Lords, we are not waiting for 2004 for the improvements that I have suggested because money is being allocated to the NHS. I was saying that from 2004 the resources that currently go to health authorities will go to primary care trusts. I believe that because GPs will be much more involved in those decisions, the targeting of funds towards deprived communities will be that much more effective. Much effort is also currently going on.
Baroness Walmsley: My Lords, is the Minister aware that much of the funding that has been announced by the Government for cancer services is not getting through to the front line? Is he aware that many of the priorities identified by cancer specialist teams are not being funded? Is he also aware that in one area, of which an oncologist of my acquaintance is a member, none of the priorities has been funded?
Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: My Lords, again, the noble Baroness is extremely gloomy and depressing about what is happening. The reality is different. Of course I know that there is concern about whether all of our intended funding is getting through to front-line services. That is why we are discussing that question with strategic health authorities. Our cancer director, Professor Richards, is working with those strategic health authorities to ensure that the money gets through. Great progress has been made, services have been expanded, waiting has been cut and new equipment has been introduced. As Professor Boyle said, the UK is one of only a handful of countries that have attained, or nearly attained, targets for cutting cancer deaths by 15 per cent by 2000. We have brought down male cancer deaths from the third highest in
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Europe to the fifth lowest. At the same time as tackling problems, we should acknowledge the success that has been achieved.

Belfast: Springvale Project
11.21 a.m.
Lord Smith of Clifton: My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper. In so doing, I declare an interest, having been vice-chancellor of the University of Ulster from 1991 until 1999.
The Question was as follows:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the current situation regarding the development of the tertiary education campus at Springvale in north and west Belfast which was launched in 1998 by the Prime Minister and President Clinton.
The Lord Privy Seal (Lord Williams of Mostyn): My Lords, in the preparation of the outline business case for the Springvale project, serious doubts have arisen about affordability and long-term sustainability of the main campus element. The Springvale board, representing the promoters and the local community, has been asked to carry out an urgent review, which should, if necessary, include consideration of alternative models. A response is awaited.
Lord Smith of Clifton: My Lords, I thank the noble and learned Lord for that Answer. Is it not disappointing that after four years, when Springvale was originally given the go ahead, the development has come to this state of affairs? Does he agree that the people of west and north Belfast feel extremely let down by the situation? What steps will the Government take to help to rescue this initiative once the Springvale board has reported, bearing in mind that it received widespread political, religious and, most importantly, community support, together with the strong personal endorsement of the Prime Minister and President Clinton?
Lord Williams of Mostyn: My Lords, I agree with the noble Lord that it is disappointing. I understand and share the feelings of the local community that he identified. Our position is that we shall support the Springvale board in the conduct of the review. We would like to secure resolution and progress as soon as possible. However, it does no one any favours to allow moneys, whether public or private, to be spent on projects that simply cannot have a sustainable outline business case on the grounds of financial viability.
Lord Glentoran: My Lords, in asking this question, I have to declare an interest as a Millennium Commissioner and a member of the court of the University of Ulster.
Is the noble and learned Lord aware that the Millennium Commission has put £1.5 million into an outreach building on the site, which is now complete,

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or very nearly complete? The raison d'être for that was that the Springvale campus would go ahead. Is he also aware that if it does not go ahead, that will almost certainly have an impact and lead to clawback of that £1.5 million from this worthwhile project in a very poor and disadvantaged area?
Lord Williams of Mostyn: My Lords, I was aware that the Millennium Commission had contributed £1.5 million and, as the noble Lord will be aware, there has been £2.5 million from Atlantic philanthropies. The community outreach centre has been completed and is fully operational. The other two components—the applied research centre and the main campus—remain in doubt. I hope that the outreach centre will continue its excellent work.
Lord Hylton: My Lords, is the noble and learned Lord aware—I am sure that he is—that the lower Springfield Road is a notorious sectarian interface and a de-industrialised area? Does he agree that considerable expectations have been built up in the local population because of years of preparation for, discussion of and negotiation on the project? Does he accept that bringing it to fruition in a greater form than it now has would be a major confidence-building measure which I hope the Government will support?
Lord Williams of Mostyn: My Lords, I agree entirely with the noble Lord, Lord Hylton. He is quite right; the project has been in development for a long time: since 1993. I accept that it is in a socially deprived area with particular problems. However, if one does not have a sustainable business plan, it is folly to invest large amounts of capital in projects that are not likely to be sustainable.

Iraq
11.25 a.m.
Lord Juddasked Her Majesty's Government:
What progress has been made towards an agreed position in the United Nations Security Council on Iraq.
The Minister for Trade (Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean): My Lords, negotiations on a new United Nations Security Council resolution are still in progress. We hope that those negotiations will be completed and a resolution adopted soon.
With the leave of the House, I shall later today be repeating a Statement being made on this matter in another place by my right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary. As noble Lords will understand, I cannot pre-empt that Statement. I shall therefore be able to answer the questions of noble Lords on this important issue more fully later today.
Lord Judd: My Lords, while thanking my noble friend for that reply and completely understanding that she cannot pre-empt the Statement, I am aware of
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the vagaries of chance when it comes to contributing to the debate on a Statement, and would like to pursue my Question briefly. Will my noble friend accept that it is deeply reassuring to find how consistently and firmly the Government and the Prime Minister have pursued the multilateral and UN road, as distinct from the unilateral road? Does she agree that it is crucial to be clear about the issue of specific UN authorisation for any military action that may be necessary? Does she also agree that it is essential to be clear that there is a genuine commitment to the success of the work of the inspectors? Does she further agree that if the policy is to be effective, there has to be consistency in approach towards the Middle East as a whole, not least to the deplorable situation in Israel?
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: My Lords, I thank my noble friend for his comments on the Government's pursuit of a multilateral track in this regard. He is quite right. The negotiations have been going on for some six weeks. As I said in my initial Answer, although the Security Council resolution has not yet been adopted, we very much hope that it soon will be.
I will shortly be in a better position to address the question of specific action after the Statement of my right honourable friend in another place. As we have discussed many times in your Lordships' House, we all agree on the importance of consistency and following through United Nations Security Council resolutions. The resolution to which my noble friend refers in relation to Israel should also include obligations placed on Palestinians. We also know that other countries have been or may be developing weapons of mass destruction. As I have said on previous occasions, we have been having discussions with those countries in order to try to pursue what we believe is right for them as well as pursuing the course that we have adopted in relation to Iraq.
Lord Howell of Guildford: My Lords, the arrangements that the noble Baroness suggests are acceptable to us. We look forward to the Statement later on and to pursuing the questions raised by the noble Lord, Lord Judd.
Lord Wright of Richmond: My Lords, I must risk asking the Minister to do what she says she is unable to do. I regret that I shall not be able to be here this afternoon. Is she prepared to give an assurance to the House that the sole purpose of any Security Council resolution and of any military action in which we might subsequently take part is to provide for the full inspection and destruction of Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction and not for regime change in Iraq, Iran or anywhere else in the Middle East?
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: My Lords, I give the noble Lord the assurance that the purpose of the resolution is to pursue full inspection and destruction of weapons of mass destruction. But let me

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not leave the noble Lord, Lord Wright, in any doubt that, were that to result in regime change, Her Majesty's Government would not be sorry.
Lord Carlile of Berriew: My Lords, irrespective of what happens in relation to Iraq, can the noble Baroness assure the House that the Government are aware of the problem that there can be no enduring peace without settlement of the Palestinian question? Can she assure the House that Her Majesty's Government are pursuing both with the United States and separately energetic efforts to bring about a settlement of the Israel/Palestine question?
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: My Lords, I accept, as I always have done, that in the minds of many the two issues are linked. However, they are two separate issues. It is enormously important for Her Majesty's Government to pursue the questions relating to a peaceful settlement between Israel and the Palestinian authority. My right honourable friend has made that clear at every opportunity and, most notably, in the remarkable address that he gave to the Trades Union Congress in September. He has been very clear that pursuing peace in Israel and Palestine is enormously important. We are pursuing it internationally.
Lord Elton: My Lords, is there not an unfortunate coincidence in the juxtaposition of this Question and the previous one, and does not the Answer of the noble and learned Lord the Leader of the House to the previous Question underline the importance of assessing accurately the final cost and the political sustainability of any project into which we enter with another country—particularly America?
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: My Lords, I believe that accurate assessments are always important and I am sure that my noble and learned friend the Leader of the House would agree.
Lord Marlesford: My Lords, I add my very warm tribute to the Prime Minister for having persuaded the United States to go down the United Nations route. I also pay tribute to the Minister's right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary for the crucial part that he has obviously played in obtaining a resolution which looks as though it will go through the Security Council.
However, perhaps I may raise a point which I suspect will not be dealt with in the Statement but which I believe to be important in relation to the general issue of Iraq. It is a question of which the noble Baroness has first-hand knowledge from her earlier ministerial job. Can she assure the House that, in the event of British troops being committed into action in the Gulf in the future in respect of Iraq, they will not be allowed to do so with the obsolete and inefficient Clansman communication system? Given that Bowman, the secure digital system, will not be available in the foreseeable future in the timescale that we are talking about, will she give an undertaking that
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the Government will ensure that our troops are equipped with the American communication system because the communication system of an army in warfare is a crucial weapon for defence and offence?
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: My Lords, I thank the noble Lord, Lord Marlesford, for what he said about my right honourable friends the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary. Without preempting the Statement, I can assure him and the rest of the House that both my right honourable friends have worked tirelessly on this issue day by day for the past six weeks.
I turn to the question raised by the noble Lord in relation to communication systems which may be used in the eventuality—it is by no means an inevitability—that our troops go into action on this matter. Were that to happen, I cannot give him an assurance about an American system. However, I can tell him that, during my time as Minister for Defence Procurement, I undertook to put in place interim measures which would mean that the troops would not be entirely reliant on a radio system which, I believe, all of us acknowledge is inadequate. Supplementary measures have been taken. I shall check exactly how far those have come into operation and I shall write to the noble Lord, Lord Marlesford, on that point.
Baroness Turner of Camden: My Lords, will my noble friend comment on recent press comments that there seem to have been enhanced bombing raids on Iraq which go well beyond protection of the no-fly zones? Do those raids have UN authority or are the press reports misleading?
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: My Lords. I can tell my noble friend that all the activity has been in relation to securing the no-fly zones and that it has been entirely lawful and within the ambit of the U N SCRs which have been passed.

Business
Lord Williams of Mostyn: My Lords, at a convenient moment after consideration of the Animal Health Bill and after 2 p.m., my noble friend Lady Symons will, with the leave of the House, repeat a Statement being made in another place on the Iraq Security Council resolution. Depending on the progress of the Animal Health Bill, the Statement will take place either before or after we discuss the three sets of regulations.
We expect the message from the Commons about the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Bill to arrive at about 3 p.m. The Clerk will read it at the next break in business. Your Lordships will then be given at least half an hour to read material to be issued by the Public Bill Office and to table any Motions before the message is considered. I shall do my best to keep all your Lordships informed as the day unfolds by means of further statements and by the annunciator.

Animal Health Bill
11.36 a.m.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Whitty): My Lords, I beg to move that the Commons amendments and reason be now considered.
Moved, That the Commons amendments and reason be now considered.—(Lord Whitty.)
On Question, Motion agreed to.
MOTIONS AND AMENDMENTS TO BE MOVED ON CONSIDERATION OF COMMONS AMENDMENTS AND REASON
[The page and line refer to HL Bill 37 as first printed for the Lords.]
LORDS AMENDMENT
1 Clause 1, page 1, line 3, at end insert—0
"( ) In the Animal Health Act 1981 (c. 22) (in this Act referred to as the 1981 Act) before paragraph 3 of Schedule 3 insert—
"(2A) The Secretary of State shall give priority to a "vaccinate to live" policy prior to causing to be slaughtered animals on premises where no infection has been detected.""
The Commons disagreed to this amendment but proposed the following amendment in lieu thereof—
1A Page 10, line 9, at end insert the following new Clause—
"Duty to consider vaccination
In the 1981 Act the following section is inserted after section 14A (as inserted by section (National contingency plan)) of this Act.—
"14B Duty to consider vaccination

(1) In relation to any occurrence of foot-and-mouth disease the Secretary of State must consider what is the most appropriate means of preventing the spread of the disease.

(2) In particular he must consider whether in relation to the occurrence treating animals with serum or vaccine is more appropriate than any other means of preventing the spread of the disease."."

Lord Whitty: My Lords, I beg to move that the House do not insist on their Amendment No. 1 to which the Commons have disagreed and do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 1A in lieu thereof.
Yesterday, in reporting to the House the Government's response to the inquiries on foot and mouth, I indicated that the Government and, indeed, technology and circumstances had led to a shift in the approach to the use of vaccination and, in particular, to a preference to vaccinate to live. I indicated that that would be our preferred strategy if emergency vaccination were used.
However, I also stressed that there may be scenarios where, following veterinary and scientific advice, the culling of animals on non-infected premises is deemed more appropriate than vaccination to live. We would not wish to be restricted in the disease-control methods available to us. Therefore, it is important that whatever we say about vaccination reflects those realities.
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In relation to the amendment previously passed by this House, I also made clear that both the reality of dealing with disease and EU legislation will require the slaughter of livestock which is diseased, which is on infected premises and which has an epidemiological link to infected premises—the category that we tend to call "dangerous contacts". By and large, those dangerous contacts would not be on the same premises, whereas the amendment would advocate vaccination in those circumstances as the prior consideration. Those are situations where slaughter would be the normal approach, even with the position on vaccination. The amendment would run counter to that and counter to the EU requirement on stamping out disease. Therefore, it cannot be accepted.
I note that Amendment No. 1C in the name of the noble Countess, Lady Mar, which has replaced Amendment No. 1B, would place a duty on the Secretary of State to consider, rather than give priority to, a vaccinate-to-live programme. But the rest of her amendment remains the same and therefore would include the issue of dangerous contact on non-infected premises. That runs counter to the strategy which we are behind, which is in our contingency plan and which is required by EU law.
Amendment No. 1A, which the Government, in the Commons, have inserted in lieu of Amendment No. 1, was carefully drafted to address what I and the Government recognise as the widespread concerns that when vaccination can be used it should be used in future disease outbreaks. It explicitly sets out that,
"the Secretary of State must consider what is the most appropriate means of preventing the spread of the disease".
In particular, she must consider whether vaccination is more appropriate in the circumstances.
That reflects many of the concerns of Members of this House and elsewhere that vaccination should be given due priority and prominence in the armoury of weapons to combat any future disease. The inquiry reports and the recent discussions at EU level have also underlined the need for vaccination to play a higher profile in future disease outbreaks. We have clearly indicated that we agree with that strategy by taking those recommendations forward.
Last night in another place, when these issues were considered, it was noticeable that a number of Members accepted that the balance that the Government have established is now more appropriate than the amendment previously passed by this House. Indeed, Mr David Curry, the chair of the appropriate Select Committee, who has considerable experience in these matters, said:
"On vaccination, the Government have got the balance about right. The other place has gone too far—it has run a little ahead of the science".—[Official Report, Commons, 6/11/02; col. 318.]
I believe that that would be the general feeling in the farming community. We recognised that we had to do more than was in the previous version of the Bill, but the steps taken by this House went a little too far. We accept that we should attempt, on the face of the Bill, to clarify the Government's position on the matter. The clause, on which I propose that we should support the Commons, would help to achieve that end.

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Moved, That the House do not insist on their Amendment No. 1 to which the Commons have disagreed and do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 1A in lieu thereof.—(Lord Whitty.)
[Amendment No. 1B had been withdrawn from the Marshalled List.]
11.45 a.m.
The Countess of Marrose to move, as an amendment to the Motion that the House do not insist on their Amendment No. 1 to which the Commons have disagreed and do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 1A in lieu thereof, leave out from "disagreed" to end and insert ", do disagree with the Commons in their Amendment No 1A, and do propose the following amendment in lieu thereof—
Page 1, line 3, at end insert—
"( ) In the Animal Health Act 1981 (c. 22) (in this Act referred to as the 1981 Act) before paragraph 3 of Schedule 3 insert—
"(2A) The Secretary of State shall consider a "vaccinate to live" policy prior to causing to be slaughtered animals on premises where no infection has been detected."" "
The noble Countess said: My Lords, I move this amendment in the firm conviction that what I am asking the House to agree is correct. I do not need to repeat all the details of the horrors that arose in the last epidemic of foot and mouth disease. We have heard them often enough. I ask noble Lords to look forward and to make provision for the protection of our livestock and agricultural industry on the basis of the lessons that we have learned from the events of 2001.
I can understand that when the Bill was first published, Ministers believed that the epidemic had got out of hand because they did not have the powers to enter premises and slaughter animals as and when they wished. In the year since publication we have had three official reports and several county reports, all of which have been extremely critical of the ruthless and inefficient policy of mass slaughter. Those facts are still very much at the forefront of the memories of the British population, and particularly of the rural population. They still feel very sore.
Science has moved forward by leaps and bounds and vaccination is now much more important than it was a year ago. I recognise the willingness of the Government, who have put in an amendment of their own. Noble Lords have fought long and hard to gain that concession, although I am disappointed that they have chosen to place their amendment at the end of the Bill, in Part 4. I would like to see vaccination come first to the mind of the Secretary of State. I do not read books from back to front and I do not expect those who will have to implement the measures laid out in this Bill to do so either.
I shall try to deal with the objections of the Minister and his colleagues in another place. His honourable friend Mr Elliot Morley made clear yesterday, and the Minister has repeated today, that,
"we will, ideally, want to use a vaccinate-to-live strategy if emergency vaccination is used. There may, however, be scenarios in which, following the appropriate veterinary and scientific advice, culling of non-infected premises is deemed more appropriate than vaccination".
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That statement makes me feel a little uneasy and I would be grateful if the Minister would explain when those scenarios may occur. He has spoken about the "dangerous contacts" animals. Are there any other scenarios in which that may occur?
Mr Morley went on to explain:
"We do not want that advice to be restricted artificially in terms of the most appropriate disease control methods that could he applied".—[Official Report, Commons, 6/11/02; cols. 307–08.]
I understand that. On occasions Ministers have inferred that I want infected or contact animals to be vaccinated. I hope that noble Lords will give me the credit of knowing what I am talking about and that I would not dream of asking for that.
I accept all that. I have always accepted that animals that are infected or are dangerous contacts must he slaughtered. However, I was saying that for all other circumstances the Secretary of State should give priority to a "vaccinate to live" policy. I understand that the word "priority" has caused a major stumbling block. In an attempt to overcome that I have changed "give priority to" to "consider". Perhaps in view of all the discussions that we have had about the word "think" I should have used the phrase "think about" because that is what I mean.
I know that this Bill is about slaughter. Everyone who has had anything to do with the Bill, however remotely, knows that. I am attempting to put, right at the beginning of the Bill, the declared intention that the almost indiscriminate slaughter of last year will never again be repeated.
In the light of the recommendations of the Royal Societies of London and of Edinburgh, following the ruling of the OIE (Office International des Epizooties)—that means animal diseases—that resulted from the development of new vaccines and tests, that emergency vaccination should be the prime control strategy in the event of a future outbreak, it is not good enough for a much watered-down clause to be inserted at the end of the Bill. The amended version of my original amendment does not, as far as I can see, restrict the Secretary of State unless the word "considering" has suddenly become restrictive. Neither do I believe that the time that the Secretary of State may take to consider "vaccination to live" would hinder the rapid implementation of the remaining clauses of the Bill when it becomes law.
Moved, as an amendment to the Motion that the House do not insist on their Amendment No. 1 to which the Commons have disagreed and do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 1 A in lieu thereof, leave out from "disagreed" to end and insert ", do disagree with the Commons in their Amendment

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No 1A, and do propose the following amendment in lieu thereof—
Page 1, line 3, at end insert—
"( ) In the Animal Health Act 1981 (c. 22) (in this Act referred to as the 1981 Act) before paragraph 3 of Schedule 3 insert—
"(2A) The Secretary of State shall consider a "vaccinate to live" policy prior to causing to be slaughtered animals on premises where no infection has been detected."" "—(The Countess of Mar.)
Lord Greaves: My Lords, I rise to speak to the amendment moved by the noble Countess, Lady Mar, and the government amendment passed by the other place yesterday.
This is a time when, after months and months of argument on the Bill, this House should proclaim victory and welcome the very substantial concession that the Government have made. We should not be churlish and continue to argue over the small differences that now remain on the wording of the clause. I repeat, I believe that the government amendment passed by the Commons represents a great—I was going to say "triumph", but this is not a triumphalist place—a substantial victory for noble Lords from all sides of the House who have argued interminably about this matter since Second Reading at the beginning of the year. There comes a time when we should say, "We have won; the wording may not be exactly what we want, but we are not the Government and at the end of the day the Government put in the wording that they want". The substance of this government amendment is what so many noble Lords have been arguing about in your Lordships House for so long.
Having said that, I pay tribute to the work that has been done during these many months by the noble Countess. She has provided us with expertise, knowledge and single-minded commitment on this and on other issues, in particular on the scrapie issues where her knowledge is unrivalled almost anywhere, never mind in your Lordships' House. In saying that we cannot support her last-ditch amendment, I am not suggesting that we are trying to undermine the work which everyone—the noble Countess in particular—has done over the past few months.
We have had the Bill for almost a year. There have been two long gaps: first, one for several months after the House refused to commit the Bill; and, secondly, over the Summer Recess. So it seems a very long time. I read the Second Reading debate last night as one means of getting myself to sleep and of not getting too worked up about this exciting occasion here today. From the beginning we debated the question of vaccination as opposed to slaughter and the question of putting the issue of vaccination on the face of the Bill in a clear way. On Report a number of amendments were moved. The amendment moved from these Benches sought to establish a four-stage sequential test that the Secretary of State would have to apply when deciding how to tackle a particular outbreak or occurrence of foot and mouth disease.
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In essence, the government amendment that has come from the Commons accepts that principle of a sequential test. It is a two-stage test. What it says is very clear. It states:
"In particular he"—
that is the Secretary of State, who is a she but never mind—
"must consider whether in relation to the occurrence treating animals with serum or vaccine is more appropriate than any other means of preventing the spread of the disease".
Elsewhere in the Bill we have a government amendment that was put forward previously at the request of the House. One might say that it is a concession, but, nevertheless, it is a very important amendment. It states that where the Secretary of State decides that slaughter is the appropriate means of going ahead he has to publish the reasons for that.
So we have a very clear test now that the Secretary of State has, first, in relation to any occurrence of foot and mouth, to consider vaccination before slaughter. If the Secretary of State decides that slaughter is nevertheless necessary, he must then publish his reasons why.
If people then want to challenge that in the courts—seeking judicial review, an injunction or whatever—that is the basic structure that is required in order to be able satisfactorily to test and challenge the decision of the Secretary of State. So I think that in many ways the government amendment provides much of what noble Lords have been asking for.
A few minor differences remain. The difference between "priority" and "consideration" has been removed because the amendment of the noble Countess now says "consideration". So there is little difference between what the noble Countess and the Government propose. In many ways it comes down to where the issue appears in the Bill. I have to say that I cannot advise my colleagues in this House to continue fighting a battle about whether this clause appears at the beginning or later on in the Bill.
There are many noble Lords in the House who, if they were sat on the Government Benches, would not have introduced the Bill. We would have introduced a Bill with a very different structure, balance and approach. Although we all want highly effective and rapid means to deal with such an outbreak, we disagree about the means of achieving it. But we are not the Government. We are dealing with the Government's Bill and we have to accept the structure of the Bill as put forward by the Government. What we are able to do is to look at issues within the Bill—often very important issues—and to make changes here and there. We are not able to throw the Bill out and put something completely different in, which I think is what the noble Countess would really like to do and perhaps what I would like to join her in doing. But we are not able to do that. We have a government Bill and we have to accept it.
The amendment is a major and important concession on one of perhaps the two or three major issues about which we have been arguing all these months. It is my view that it would be churlish now

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further to reject the government amendment. I hope that there will not be a Division because I think that a consensus is developing on the issue. That consensus was helped very much by the Statement yesterday. We still have some differences. We still have some criticisms of the speed and commitment of the Government in regard to these matters. Nevertheless, I think that a consensus is now developing. The deliberations of this House over the past month have contributed greatly to the development of that consensus. With that in mind, it would be churlish now to oppose the government amendment. If a Division is called on the amendment I shall advise my colleagues to support the Government.
Lord Campbell of Alloway: My Lords, the concession on the amendment in lieu in effect—and it is not mere semantics—confers a priority because reasons have to be given as to which is the most appropriate form of treatment. Those reasons must support what is the most appropriate form. That, in essence, involves the concept of priority. It is not a question of mere semantics. I think that the Government have met the substance of the point.
I also wish to associate myself with the tributes that have been paid to the noble Countess who started the matter off and the noble Lord the Minister who carried it on.
Lord Willoughby de Broke: My Lords, in spite of what the noble Lord, Lord Greaves, has said, I believe that we should support the amendment of the noble Countess, Lady Mar. During the debates we have had in the House it has been your Lordships' feeling that the balance of the Bill has been wrong. That has been said from every quarter of the House. It is disappointing after all that that although the Government have swallowed the camel of vaccination they are still straining at the gnat of where it should go in the Bill.
The Bill as it stands is still a slaughter Bill. The amendment on vaccination will appear on page 9 of the Bill, before the clauses entitled Commencement, Finance, Extent and Short Title. We are dealing with vaccination. As the noble Countess has pointed out, every report dealing with the foot and mouth epidemic has recommended vaccination. We still await the formal report of the European Union committee, which no doubt—I think that the leaks we have had indicate this—will indicate that vaccination should be the priority. Vaccination should be "considered"—I believe that is the right term to use—early on in the Bill. This should not be a Bill about slaughter with a tip of the cap towards vaccination late on in the Bill. It should be dealt with early on and be given clear priority.
I do not know whether the noble Countess will divide the House. But I think that the Government might consider putting vaccination earlier in the Bill, in spite of their acceptance of vaccination as one of the tools for dealing with a future foot and mouth crisis—if we are ever unlucky enough to have one.
Noon
Baroness Byford: My Lords, I rise on behalf of these Benches to pay great tribute to the noble Countess, Lady Mar. My name was linked with her original amendment. Noble Lords know that. I still think that vaccination is a hugely important issue. I have heard what other noble Lords have said and I accept their views.
In another place yesterday the Minister said that there were conflicting views between some of my colleagues on my side of the House. Indeed, that is right. I suspect that if one took a straw poll there might be conflicting views on his side too. But I am grateful to the Government for the way that they have responded. They have come forward with something that is not quite perhaps as perfect as we would like, but it is at least a recognition of the way that science has moved on. In the amendment before us, the noble Countess, Lady Mar, has changed the wording from, "a priority" to "consider". I understand why she has done that.
I shall underline one or two things that we should put on record about our deliberations on the matter. We all accept that all of the inquiries have recognised the importance of vaccination now and in future—and not just of vaccination-to-kill. The Royal Society, which was cited yesterday, has been clear about that. The most recent of all reports is the European Parliament working group document 5A. I remind your Lordships of the two quotations that I have given before from paragraphs 54 and 57. Paragraph 54 states:
"The vaccines currently available make it possible—at least on a herd by herd basis—to distinguish between infected and vaccinated animals".
Paragraph 57 states:
"In future, therefore, emergency vaccination with the aim of allowing animals to live for normal further use should no longer be regarded only as a last resort for controlling FM D but must be considered as a first-choice option from the outset when an outbreak occurs, except in the cases of the actual farms which unequivocally have to be regarded as being infected".
There may have been a misunderstanding between the Minister and my colleagues at the other end of the Corridor when he questioned whether we were against the control system of slaughter of infected animals. I again put clearly on record that if animals are infected, they should be slaughtered. At no stage have we on these Benches in this House suggested differently. I hope that the Minister will accept that.
Responding to the debate at the other end of the Corridor, my honourable friend James Gray said that the Minister seemed to suggest that the amendment that they were considering—the amendment moved previously by the noble Countess, Lady Mar, which stated that vaccination shall be a priority—would require vaccination to be used. It would not; it would merely require the authorities to make it a priority and put it at the top of the tree, to use my honourable friend's expression. Of course a contingency cull would still be allowed. It is important to place that on record.

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Yesterday's Statement helped to clarify one or two points that were still in doubt, so even since yesterday, when the Commons debated the Bill and we debated the Statement, things have moved on. However, I refer the Minister to the words of Mr Morley. He said:
"During the last outbreak, a minority of people objected strongly to the contiguous cull and there were many appeals to the district veterinary manager, many hundreds of which were upheld, according to circumstances".
We all agree with that. But I did not especially care for what he said next:
"If we move to emergency vaccination, however, there would also be a minority of people who would not wave flags when they saw the vaccination teams coming down the road".—[Official Report, Commons, 6/11/02; col. 325.]
That is not true. Will the Minister clarify that? What grounds did the Minister in the other place have on which to make that assumption? I do not follow the logic of that. Those animals would not be killed; they would be vaccinated to live. I am perplexed by Mr Morley's statement yesterday and seek clarification of it.
The Minister rightly referred to my honourable friend David Curry and a couple more of my colleagues who are content with the Minister's amendment; I do not say that we on these Benches are not. However, the noble Countess, Lady Mar, wants to raise the issue at the beginning of the Bill. The noble Lord, Lord Greaves, said that we have obviously considered the matter for some time. We have altered what I classed as a bad Bill to make it a better Bill. That is right. However, I am concerned that vaccination is still not at the forefront of the final version of the Bill. We have all talked at length about trying to get a strategy. There is still nothing about that at the start of the Bill.
Having said that, I do not wish to quibble. We certainly welcome the Government amendment. I should like clarification of the points that I have raised. All of us in this Chamber are acutely anxious to ensure that we achieve the best control of animal disease. There is no disagreement on that. We also recognise, and have argued throughout, that in doing so, we must rebuild the trust that has been so devastated in the country. I had hoped that the Government would accept the new amendment moved by the noble Countess, Lady Mar, which mentions not "priority" but "must consider".
I wait with interest to hear what the Minister has to say, but I hope that he accepts that our concern is genuine, will clarify the points that I have raised and will explain the comments of his honourable friend at the other end of the Corridor, when he said that people will immediately object to a vaccination policy, even if it is a vaccinate-to-live policy. I do not accept that, nor do I understand why the Minister made that comment.
Lord Carter: My Lords, I am sure that noble Lords who are concerned about the placing of the new section in the Bill would agree that it is the words of an
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Act of Parliament that matter, not the page number. The wording of new Section 14B sets out all that those who support the vaccination approach could wish for.
The noble Countess, Lady Mar, asked about various scenarios. Yesterday, we heard that the Government intend to prepare an emergency vaccination programme and to keep a stock of vaccines for the seven major strains of foot and mouth disease. Viruses mutate. It is unlikely, but not impossible, that we will face a strain that is not one of the seven major strains but a mutation. In that case, we would not have the vaccine for it, so we must allow the Government flexibility. It is clearly stated that the Government,
"must consider whether in relation to the occurrence",
vaccination is more appropriate. We should bear in mind such unlikely but not impossible eventualities.
Perhaps my noble friend would reinforce the point made yesterday by the noble Lord, Lord Soulsby of Swaffham Prior, during the Statement on the Government's response to the inquiries. He said that there is now a test that can distinguish between an infected and a vaccinated animal in the laboratory—I think he said—but not yet on a farm scale. The noble Baroness, Lady Byford, referred to a herd scale. There is confusion about whether a test is available that could be used on the farm to distinguish all the animals. I am sure that my noble friend can clarify that.
Yesterday's Statement contained the interesting idea that research could continue on a European basis on a polyvalent vaccine—a single vaccine for all species. If that were to come to fruition, that would be extremely good news. To repeat what I said in Committee, no government in their right mind would consider slaughter in future if an alternative were available.
Lord Whitty: My Lords, I am grateful for many of the remarks made during this debate and for the recognition that the Government have come a considerable way to meet the concerns expressed on all sides of the House about giving priority to the use of vaccination.
The remaining objections to our amendment, when compared to that moved by the noble Countess, Lady Mar, boil down to whether the provision is in the right place in the Bill, and in what scenarios we may not in practice give vaccination priority. My noble friend Lord Carter has already spelled out that Bills have a structure and there is a certain legalistic logic, at least, to them. We suggest that it should be inserted after the passage dealing with the national contingency plan, which will, of course, spell out how we will deal with an actual occurrence of the disease. The rest of the Bill deals with powers to do so; the new clause deals with actual decisions and strategies to deal with the disease itself. This is, therefore, the most logical point.
One of the difficulties with the Bill is that people regard it as solely a slaughter Bill. We touched on that issue a few days ago. In fact, most of the powers relate to vaccination, as well as slaughter. The central power

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to vaccinate already exists whereas some of the powers to slaughter do not, and that has, perhaps, got the Bill a worse name than it might otherwise have had. The House should not divide on the issue of where the new clause comes in the Bill.
The noble Baroness—I have done it again; I mean the noble Countess, and I beg her pardon—has made a great contribution to our discussions on the subject. Certainly, I never suggested that she did not know what she was talking about; nor have I suggested that noble Lords have failed to recognise that slaughter would have to occur on infected premises and among diseased animals. However, I am not entirely sure that that is the position of the public at large. The greater emphasis that the Royal Society and we have put on vaccination has been interpreted as meaning that there will be no slaughter. It must be made clear that diseased animals on diseased premises will be slaughtered and that, in addition, dangerous contacts will normally be slaughtered.
The problem with the amendment is that, as most dangerous contacts will be off the original premises, it implies that we would consider slaughter on premises away from the original infected area. In that contingency, we would have slaughter, rather than vaccination. There may be other such contingencies, and that is why we sought wider powers of pre-emptive cull in the Bill. Other contingencies could include the situation referred to by my noble friend Lord Carter in which it would take time to develop the means of delivering the serum and in which we can deal only with the main strains. We could have either a logistical problem or a supply problem, and we would therefore be bound to go for slaughter in those circumstances. In other cases, there might be topographical difficulties with administering vaccination. Much depends on the lay of the farm, the size of the farm and the distance between farms.
There is also the question of how rapidly we can get to a position in which vaccination is an immediate proposition. Once Royal Assent is given, the Bill will be law, but we have indicated, as has the Royal Society, that it will take some time—a relatively short time. I hope—before we can deliver the vaccinate-to-live policy. We need to clear up some technical issues, and we must make sure of the logistics. We must also ensure that the trade and the consumers understand that, in those circumstances, vaccinated meat can go into the food chain in the normal way. That will take a little time, and, prior to that, we will need to consider other methods of controlling the spread of the disease.
The noble Baroness, Lady Byford, suggested that she did not believe my honourable friend Elliot Morley, who said that there would still be opposition to vaccination. During the epidemic, a large section of the farming community was seriously opposed to vaccination, primarily on the relatively rational basis that the product would lose value. They were thinking of a vaccinate-to-live policy or a vaccinate-to-kill policy. We have made it clear that, if it were a vaccinate-to-kill policy, which we would try to avoid, the Bill provides for equal compensation. That rather defuses that argument, but there is still a residual belief
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that the product of a vaccinated animal may be less valuable than the product of a non-vaccinated animal or the compensation that farmers would get for a slaughtered animal.
12.15 p.m.
Baroness Byford: My Lords, had we had this conversation a year ago, the Minister might have been right. However, the farming community has moved on. As the Minister will recall, the difficulty that farmers had at that time was that the Government were unable to answer their questions about what would happen to vaccinated animals. Would they be worthless? Would they be vaccinated and then killed? There was a range of questions then, which shows that it is a blessing that the Bill was delayed. I hope that we are coming up with some of the right answers now.
The Minister is right: a year ago, many people would have been hesitant. A year on, as the NFU has indicated, those people would support a vaccinate-to-live policy.
Lord Whitty: My Lords, I accept that case entirely, as the noble Baroness now puts it. Opposition has diminished, and support for a vaccination strategy at that stage in the disease control operation has grown. The noble Baroness is slightly more confident than I am that opinion throughout the entire farming community has changed. We must recognise that there may be some opposition to people coming onto farms with syringes or tests, just as there would be to slaughter. That is partly catered for elsewhere in the Bill. Certainly, if there were substantial opposition in a particular area, the Government must take account of that in carrying out disease control measures.
More generally, it is realised that the Government have shifted. The clause's position in the Bill is not something over which the House should divide. With our amendment, we have met the vast majority of the concerns that have been expressed during the many months of the Bill's passage. I urge the House to accept the Commons amendment.
The Countess of Mar: My Lords, the Minister did not answer the question posed by the noble Lord, Lord Carter, on the basis of the question asked by the noble Lord, Lord Soulsby of Swaffham Prior. The noble Lord, Lord Soulsby of Swaffham Prior, said:
"However, if we are to get to the desired position with regard lo vaccination, we will need a vaccine that produces prolonged immunity and can differentiate between vaccinated animals and infected animals".—[Official Report, 6/11/02; col. 755.]
I quoted from the OIE, that unpronounceable organisation. In November 2001, it accepted that there were validated tests to detect the difference between vaccinated and non-vaccinated animals. Why cannot that test, which has been validated in many countries, including Holland and France, be accepted in this country?
Lord Whitty: My Lords, the test to which the noble Countess refers and to which the noble Lord, Lord Soulsby of Swaffham Prior, referred earlier this week,

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is accepted in some countries. However, it has not been validated for EU purposes—or, beyond certain strains, for OIE purposes—for farm-level trials. Validation will not take long: indeed, the pressure from the EU to ensure that we get validation is substantial. As of now, however, there is no confirmed, validated test that would convince the whole of the world trade that we could distinguish effectively herd by herd—let alone animal by animal—between vaccinated animals and diseased animals. That time is not far off, but we are not there yet.
The Countess of Mar: My Lords, I am grateful to all noble Lords who took part in the debate, and I am humbled by the comments made about my participation. I acted from a sense of conviction and from a feeling that a great injustice has been done to many people in the agricultural community and must be righted. That is why I have pressed, until the very last minute, for my amendment to go right at the beginning of the Bill. However, I recognise that one comes to a point at which discretion is the better part of valour. I propose to exercise the latter and beg leave to withdraw the amendment.
Amendment No. 1 C, by leave, withdrawn.
On Question, Motion agreed to.
LORDS AMENDMENT
13 After Clause 4, insert the following new Clause—
"20-day livestock movement restriction rule
In the 1981 Act the following subsection is inserted after section 8(1) (movement generally)—
"(1A) In making an order under subsection (1) restricting the movement of animals in connection with an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, any restriction of 20 days or more shall lapse at the end of a period of 8 weeks following the last confirmed case.""
The Commons disagreed to this amendment for the following reason—
13A Because it would be inappropriate to terminate automatically a restriction on the movement of animals.
Lord Whitty: My Lords, I beg to move that the House do not insist on Amendment No. 13 to which the Commons have disagreed for their reason numbered Amendment No. 13A.
The amendment relates to the 20-day standstill, which is causing concern around the country. The Government have substantially modified the original standstill restrictions but in principle a 20-day standstill remains.
That standstill was originally and is still supported by strong scientific and veterinary advice. It represents the Government's best view as of now of an appropriate precautionary peace-time control. It is to deal with the possibility of future outbreaks rather than the aftermath of the past one. The Lessons to be Learned inquiry recommended that the 20-day standstill be retained, as did the Royal Society, until wide-ranging cost benefit analysis based on a risk assessment could be completed. The Government are having that study carried out, as we discussed yesterday. It would be highly undesirable to pre-empt those studies.
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My central objection to the amendment is not what it says about what we would do now, which is a matter of ongoing discussion, but what we would do eight weeks after the last confirmed case in this country. It requires any standstill of 20 days or above to be dropped eight weeks after the last confirmed case.
Perhaps I may take the House back to eight weeks after the last case at the end of September last year, which took us to the end of November, almost exactly a year ago. At that point we were still in a state of high alert and did not have clearance from the EU for the resumption of trade or disease-free status from the OIE. There was still great concern in the farming and veterinary communities and beyond that the disease might still be lurking.
In terms of international negotiations we were able to reassure the EU and the OIE that we still had restrictions in place that would limit the spread should such a recrudescence occur. One cannot be absolutely sure of that, but despite the devastation the disease caused, those negotiating obtained the lifting at the first available opportunity under EU and OIE rules. Part of our case was that those restrictions remained in place.
We would not have obtained that lifting had we after eight weeks removed all the restrictions on movement or indeed moved them to below the level veterinary advice was strongly suggesting. Three months is the minimum period after the last confirmed case required by the international community and the EU. Eight weeks would be two-thirds of the way through that period. It would not have been appropriate and would not be appropriate in any future outbreak of foot and mouth or any other disease for us to lift standstill arrangements at that point. It would jeopardise our international obligations.
Lord Jopling: My Lords, will the Minister explain what the objection in this case would be? If there was a degree of uncertainty in the days coming up to the point of eight weeks following the last confirmed case, surely the Government could move another order to start the process again. There would be nothing to stop the Government replacing the existing order with a new order lasting 20 days.
Lord Whitty: My Lords, that is not what the amendment says, nor what the noble Lord, Lord Livsey, said on the previous occasion. I believe that he said—I beg his pardon if it was not him who said it—that we could impose an order of 19 days. He shakes his head; it was not him and I beg his pardon. Amendment No. 13 says that we should drop any standstill of 20 days or above irrespective of veterinary advice, scientific views and the views of our international trading partners and our obligations to the EU.
That is what is unacceptable about the amendment. I hope that the House will accept the removal of that provision as discussed in the Commons last night and that noble Lords will recognise that the issue of what should replace the 20-day standstill in time for the

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spring movements is a separate issue. Injecting this provision into our exit strategy from disease control is not appropriate and could be damaging to the farming industry. I beg to move.
Moved, That the House do not insist on Amendment No. 13 to which the Commons have disagreed for their reason numbered 13A.—(Lord Whitty.)
Lord Livsey of Talgarth: My Lords, in responding to the Minister I address the reason numbered 13A. The Commons have said that they disagree to the amendment,
"Because it would be inappropriate to terminate automatically a restriction on the movement of animals".
The word "automatically" is a wide power. We all have a heavy responsibility to the rural areas and the agricultural industry in discussing this matter because it is of such importance at the present time. I detected in last night's debate in the other place and also here a certain defensiveness about the 20-day rule; in particular, the eight-week provision.
I consulted widely before drafting Amendment No. 13 with some of the highest authorities in the land in the veterinary profession. I asked whether they thought that was a reasonable time limit. They said that it was perfectly workable within the present constraints. I questioned them carefully about the length of time that a risk assessment would take. The answer I received was, "How long is a piece of string?" It was qualified by, "It all depends on the parameters in the risk assessment", which I understand.
Even after the worst ever outbreak of foot and mouth, certainly in the European Union, the EU lifted the restrictions after three months plus a few weeks. The Minister was able to reassure the European Union that safety and biosecurity measures were in place in the United Kingdom before the trade restrictions were lifted. We all know that the 20-day rule has continued for a further 10 months after that decision was made in early February. Other decisions were made on 22nd January, one of which related to exports, if my memory serves me.
We have seen the worst outbreak of foot and mouth that we could imagine or experience, but there was a virtually automatic lifting of restrictions in the European Union.
Earlier this week, or maybe last week, the Minister said that 20-day controls do not exist in other European Union countries. Is it the case that as a result of the volume of imports coming into this country we have the draconian situation of the 20-day rule, which has been in force for such a long time? I suspect that it is.
Again, I would like to thank the Minister for accepting our amendment on imports, which now forms part of the Bill. I believe that it will strengthen security measures on controlling the possibility of disease through imports. I am delighted and I thank the Minister as I know he has worked hard on this matter.
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The problem is that the farming community is suffering grievously from having the continued imposition of the 20-day rule. It is likely that the risk assessment will be completed before Christmas; that some results will be ready by February; and some relaxation will be possible. What that relaxation will be is difficult to perceive. However, I understand that not all the tests will be completed until June, which is a very long time. Had I originally proposed in the amendment three months rather than eight weeks, that might have made quite a difference because it would have been contiguous—in another sense—with what the European Union was doing.
We have an enormous responsibility to the farming community and to the rural areas because normal trading conditions are distorted by the rule. Yes, we must have bio-security and, yes, we must have it at the height of an outbreak. All of us without exception would agree with that. The question is, what is the exit strategy for the 20-day rule and where does the line have to be drawn?
There is a way through, although it may not be in the amendment as it is presently drafted. If the Minister has reservations about this, I understand that, hut he still has to find an exit strategy for the 20-day rule. If, God forbid, there is another outbreak, the farming community, industry and the individuals involved will need to know what are the rules on movement. There will be an impact not just on farmers but on, for example, hauliers, on rural areas and on tourism.
I went to the other place last night and listened to much of the debate. I must say that a number of crass comments were made by people who are not informed about matters affecting the livestock industry and the countryside. One comment was, "Surely we really need a permanent 20-day rule because all the animals are going to be slaughtered". Whether we are talking about dairy herds, beef herds, upland flocks or normal lowland flocks, most of us know that in upland areas stock has to be moved about for breeding purposes and that store lambs have to be moved to a marketplace to be sold. However, all these restrictions are affecting the returns in the farming industry.
I beg the Minister to consider the matters; not just to forget them today but really to address this problem. If the Government want to have better relations with the farming industry, solving this problem will go a long way to doing so. I believe that Amendment No. 13 should remain in the Bill.
12.35 p.m.
Lord Monro of Langholm: My Lords, we are all grateful to the noble Lord, Lord Livsey of Talgarth, for raising this issue of the 20-day rule through amendments. He has put fairly the problems that farmers are having in moving stock, particularly over the autumn period when there are so many sales.
On the other hand, the Minister has a good point that a fixed eight-week period does seem to be rather brief and inflexible. There is much to say for an extended period. But farmers want to know how extended it is going to be. It is already nearly a year

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since the 20-day restriction was put in place and from what we have heard today from the noble Lord, Lord Livsey of Talgarth, and others, it may be another six months before the rule is lifted, provided we have no further outbreaks.
It would be helpful if in winding up the debate the Minister could be absolutely clear in telling the House what discussion he has had with the Scottish Executive so that the rules on both sides of the Border are exactly the same. As he knows, nowhere can be closer to the Border than Longtown. where the original case of foot and mouth occurred. That shows the importance of having the same rules and regulations relating to the movement of stock and to foot and mouth.
Much has been said about the Executive discussing the matter and there being close co-operation and co-ordination. However, we have not heard much in the way of fact about the 20-day rule and when it might be lifted in Scotland or in England, or in both countries. There is a good case for disagreeing to the proposal of eight weeks. In return, the Minister should make it clear where we are going and how long we are going to wait, provided that there is no further outbreak, for the 20-day rule to be lifted. He should also say whether it is certain that it will be as soon as practicable and as soon as the State Veterinary Service says it is safe to do so.
The Countess of Mar: My Lords, I want to make a special plea for the little man—and the little woman, come to that. Concessions have been made on the 20-day rule. In certain circumstances, if one buys and sells, animals can be put 50 metres away from other animals. However, there are many small farmers in this country. I am thinking in particular of the beef fattener who buys calves, grows them up to fat and sells on. As he sells one he replaces it with another young one. He does not have vast expanses of buildings or buildings several fields apart. His risk is likely to below.
As regards breeding animals—and here I return to my goats—the practice has always been that the female goat goes to the male goat. The concession states that the male goat may go to the female goat. I understand it was given because the DEFRA understanding, which is perfectly valid, is that a ram goes into a field full of ewes. A bull goes into a field full of cows, does his business and goes away at a later date. However, goats come into season at different times. The male goat is visited by the female, who is then taken back to her premises and hopefully is in kid.
The owner of the male goat cannot function on that basis because he will probably have several female goats at different premises. As I explained a few weeks ago, the poor old male goat does not travel well. He is also extremely smelly and difficult to handle. It is much easier if the female can be popped into his pen and then hauled out again rather than the other way round. I know that it is a huge joke—even we goat keepers have fun about it—but it is a serious matter. We have already had one year when goat breeding has been impossible and we are now well into the breeding
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season for goats for this year. Goats must surely be low on the priority list of animals with regard to possible infection with foot and mouth disease. Could not some kind of concession be made for them? I support the noble Lord, Lord Livsey.
Earl Peel: My Lords, I spoke to the amendment at Third Reading but I did not vote for it because I believed that the noble Lord, Lord Livsey, was wrong to specify eight weeks. But that is irrelevant.
I support the comments made by my noble friend Lord Monro. When I spoke to the amendment, I was looking for some degree of assurance from the Minister that he was considering very seriously ways of getting round the 20-day restriction. I did not feel that we heard any.
There is no question or doubt that the restriction is causing enormous difficulties. In my part of the world, the uplands of North Yorkshire, I hear constantly from farmers that this issue has to be resolved. Everyone acknowledges the need for sensible measures of control, but I urge the Minister to look at the matter urgently. It has to be resolved, otherwise the obvious disadvantage will continue.
Lord Carter: My Lords, on a procedural point, the noble Lord, Lord Livsey, will not be able to insist on his amendment because he has not tabled a Motion to do so. Some years ago I was responsible for ensuring that the procedure we follow on Commons amendments is the same as the one we follow when dealing with amendments to a Bill. The noble Lord would need to table a Motion to insist on the amendment or a further amendment in lieu.
The noble Lord was concerned about the word "automatically" in the Commons reason—it is not an amendment from the Commons but a reason, and we all know what happens when there is a committee of reasons—but the word is correct. The noble Lord's amendment states "shall lapse"—it does not say "may lapse" so it would be automatic. Obviously for those on the committee of reasons, when they got their heads together, that was fairly logical.
I hope that my noble friend may find this point helpful. In considering what we can now do with the 20-day restriction, will he look at the proposal floated by the NFU, perhaps unofficially, that most well-run livestock farms have an animal health plan? We certainly did on the farms with which I was involved. We had a monthly visit from the vet as a part of that plan and he reported each month on how we performed against it. Such a plan could include arrangements for isolation of new animals on a farm. Most farms, in practice, isolate animals because of the risk of disease. They do not wish to mix the animals until the incubation period of a disease is out of the way. If the farmer could show that he had arrangements in place to isolate new animals as they come in, that could be perhaps a factor the department could take into account when considering what will replace the 20-day rule.
12.45 p.m.
Baroness Byford: My Lords, I thank the noble Lord, Lord Livsey, for raising this issue again. He knew very well that it would put some of us in an awkward position because the amendment was technically flawed. The House has been very forbearing in accepting a technically flawed amendment and it has given us an opportunity to discuss a very important issue. I am convinced that the noble Lord would not dream of pushing the matter to a vote, but it has given our colleagues in another place an opportunity to consider an issue on which there has been no movement for a year. As my noble friends Lord Monro and Lord Peel said, this is a very real issue.
Can the Minister tell the House why Scotland is able to work a more flexible scheme and yet this Government, a year later, have stated that England cannot do the same? That does not seem logical. My right honourable friend David Curry, and other colleagues who farm on the Border, said yesterday that they find themselves in an impossible position. They can take certain actions on one side of the Border and yet cannot take them on the other side. I should like an answer to that question because the situation seems totally illogical. If the debate does nothing else but move the Government forward with a degree of urgency, it will have been well worth while.
Can the Minister say whether the proposals for the action strategy they have in hand will not be implemented until summer 2003? We need clarification on this because summer 2003 is nine months away and the issue is still causing a problem.
My noble friend Lord Monro raised the important question of whether we will still be in the same position in future if further disease control measures need to be put in place. Is the Minister hopeful that the research and negotiations the Government are currently undertaking will ensure that in the future we will not have to go through what we are going through at the moment? In other words, will we have moved on or will we still be at square one if another outbreak should occur in one or two years' time? Will these arrangements stay in place for X number of years? We have no idea. This is an urgent matter.
In the context of the more general debate, my next question of the Minister may seem a little light, but again it is important. The noble Countess, Lady Mar, referred to the breeding season for rams and ewes, but we should like to know about the directions that the Government will give to those people organising agricultural shows for next season. It is a small point but it is of huge importance.
In my home county, Leicestershire, the agricultural shows start in May and contracts should be signed now. There is no permanent showground and any extra events constitute big commitments. Because it is among the earlier shows, a decision has to be taken
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early on whether there will be no livestock animals apart from horses. This is a very urgent problem because we cannot afford to wait until February.
Lord Livsey of Talgarth: My Lords, I endorse what the noble Baroness has said. In our area alone there are 48 shows between 20th May and 15th September and there are huge problems.
Baroness Byford: My Lords, the organisers of the shows need to know whether movement restrictions will be lifted. As the Minister knows, some made a loss last year. They can sustain a loss for one year. but they will find it very difficult to sustain a loss for a second year.
I am sure that most noble Lords know that such shows raise money for charity. One of the attractions is that people not only see good quality livestock but the shows promote a better understanding among those who do not live and work in the countryside of how their food is produced. The opportunity for people to see the animals, stroke the animals and be with the animals is under threat. I thank the noble Lord, Lord Livsey, for giving me the opportunity to raise the issue.
So I have two questions for the Minister. First, will there be any change in the position with Scotland and why cannot we adopt the Scottish system? Secondly, will he address the question of the future for those organising agricultural shows?
Lord Whitty: My Lords, as I predicted, this debate is taking place on two different levels—that is, first, whether the amendment of the noble Lord, Lord Livsey, is appropriate and, secondly, what are we going to do now about the 20-day standstill.
As to the first question, it has been widely recognised that the eight-week provision is not appropriate and that we do not have before us any alternative. The point is not, as the noble Lord, Lord Livsey, implied, how long it takes to do a risk assessment and what is the veterinary advice in that period, but whether we would be able to provide our trading partners with sufficient assurance if we lifted the restrictions four or five weeks before the earliest point at which the trading arrangements could be lifted.
A number of factors persuaded the EU and the OIE to lift the restrictions earlier. In my opinion, one was that we still had restrictions in place; hence, three months would not be appropriate either. The restrictions would have to continue up to some point beyond that. Obviously, the issue arises of whether the length of the period should be, for example, three months, 10 months or 13 months. But that is not the issue before us. Noble Lords on all sides of the House would not wish to support an eight-week period. Even were the noble Lord, Lord Livsey, able under our procedures, so ably contrived by my noble friend Lord Carter, to press such an amendment, it would not receive significant support.

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It is incumbent on me to respond to the many issues raised in regard to the present situation. First, it is not true that we have remained rigid over the 20-day rule. There have been substantial relaxations, both in Scotland and in England and Wales, compared with the period when the disease finished; and a substantial number of exemptions were provided for the current breeding season.
Secondly, the inquiries recognise—as do many responsible elements within the farming community—that whatever we do for February and beyond, we are not reverting to the status quo ante. There will always be some form of greater restriction on the movement of animals than existed previously, in terms of actual movements and traceability. One of the concerns—and one of the reasons why this country is in some ways different from our European partners—is the rapidity of movement, particularly of sheep, which was revealed in its totality in terms of tracing movements and the spread of the disease in the early weeks, in February and March last year. That indicates that some restriction on movement will continue to be necessary.
We shall be in a position to take at least the emerging findings of the cost-benefit analysis and the risk assessment at the end of this year. We hope to be able to introduce a regime that will come closer to being a more permanent one in time for the major spring movements of animals next year. Under the current devolution arrangements, that will be for England and Wales.
On occasions, devolution leads to different regimes. We keep in close contact with our Scottish colleagues and, in conjunction with the all the devolved Ministers, we recognise that it would be helpful if we could move closer, if not to a single system at least to a compatible system. However, the devolution settlement allows us to reach different judgments on the basis of the same facts and on the basis of somewhat different facts in terms of the structure and size of farms in Scotland as compared with those in England. The Scottish Executive has for the moment taken a different decision from that taken in England and Wales. That will be one of the considerations that we shall bear in mind when we examine alternatives to the 20-day rule beyond February.
Part of those alternatives may well involve other biosecurity measures. My noble friend Lord Carter and the NFU have referred to the requirements on animal health plans, which of themselves could include provisions on movement in farm and off farm and the provision of isolation facilities on farm. That may be part of a longer-term solution.
It is a very heavy responsibility on government to ensure that the situation that arose in February and March last year, in terms of the rapidity of spread of the disease, never occurs again. At this point, we believe that that will involve some continuous restriction on movement, even if it is not in the form of the current 20-day rule. We hope to base future decisions on both scientific and economic assessment,
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and also on widespread consultation with the farming community and with our devolved colleagues. However, it would not be right to give the House the impression that, come February, we should return to the situation that existed before 2001.
Lord Livsey of Talgarth: My Lords, before the Minister sits down, will he acknowledge the situation in Wales, where sheep farming is of much greater importance? There are more sheep in Wales, for example, than there are in the whole of Scotland. What assurance can he give that administration of these policies by the National Assembly for Wales will take account of the matters to which I referred?
Lord Whitty: My Lords, I recognise that the operation in compliance with the 20-day rule causes greater difficulty among sheep farmers in the uplands; therefore, in Wales, a large proportion of the agricultural community are faced with a more difficult situation than farmers in lowland England or cattle farmers in the lowlands—where the 20-day rule, although at times irritating, is not a major imposition. Therefore, the situation in the uplands and in Wales will be taken into account. I cannot speak for the devolved administration. However, I can say that it has made its views and those of the farming community in Wales well known to us and to the State Veterinary Service, which serves both administrations. That will be taken fully into account in making the final decision.
It is probably strictly out of order for me to have talked about the 20-day rule as of now and in the future. So far as concerns the amendment previously carried by this House, I do not think that it would be appropriate. I therefore commend acceptance of the Commons' amendment removing the clause.
On Question, Motion agreed to.
LORDS AMENDMENT
14 Clause 6, page 3, leave out lines 28 to 37 and insertȔ
"(5) The second condition is that each of the following applies to the occupier of the premises—

(a) he has been informed of the decision to seek entry to the premises and of the reasons for that decision;

(b) he has failed to allow entry to the premises on being requested to do so by an inspector;

(c) he has been informed of the decision to apply for the warrant and of the reasons for that decision including a copy of the sworn information;

(d) he has been provided with an opportunity to make representations to the justice of the peace about whether the warrant should be issued;

(e) he has been provided with the opportunity to present sworn information in person or in writing to the justice of the peace who is to consider the application for a warrant."

(6) The third condition is that—

(a) the premises are unoccupied or the occupier is absent and (in either case) notice of intention to apply for the warrant has been left in a conspicuous place on the premises, or

(b) an application for admission to the premises or the giving of notice of intention to apply for the warrant would defeat the object of entering the premises."

The Commons agreed to this amendment with the following amendment—
14A Line 8, leave out from "warrant" to the end of line 16
Lord Whitty: My Lords, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 14A to Lords Amendment No. 14. In so doing, I shall refer to the other amendments in this group, all of which deal with the warrant procedure.
The Commons have not accepted the amendments inserted by this House in this respect. I recognise the degree of feeling on these amendments, but I emphasise that it was one of the central pillars of the Bill that we adopted a procedure which speeded up the ability to adopt strategies both on slaughter and on access for vaccination and testing purposes for the effective conduct and control of foot and mouth or any other disease. The provisions cover entry to farms for all of those purposes and in relation to the scrapie provisions as well.
Before we returned the Bill to the Commons, this House had already tabled a number of safeguards relating to the way in which the warrant procedure would be carried out. But I cannot accept the basic proposition previously carried by this House on representations to the magistrate and the delay that that would build into the system, and the unprecedented effect that it would have on other equivalent warrant procedures.
I have pointed out on a number of occasions the fact that the occupier of the premises or the owner of the livestock has other means of making representations. In particular, he has the right to make representations to the divisional veterinary manager. It has been a tendency in this House in discussing this matter previously to dismiss that as not likely to lead to any change in the situation because the DVM is merely part of the administrative structure which is carrying out—noble Lords did not put it quite this way—the diktats from the centre, and in any case it would uphold the decision of its vet on the ground.
It is worth spelling out that that was not actually the case during the last epidemic. Because of the speed of events during the control, full information was not always available. But we now know how many representations were made to DVMs and their outcome. During the outbreak, in the most contentious area—the area of contiguous cull—534 appeals, all relating to the contiguous cull, were made to the DVM. Of those appeals, 336 were upheld. In other words, significantly over half of the appeals to the DVM were dealt with rapidly and the majority were upheld. So, contrary to the view put forward in this House, in the farming press and elsewhere, that procedure provided some means of representation. It also provided a significant means of relief in cases where it was clear to the DVM that a contiguous cull was not appropriate or had been misinterpreted in the circumstances. That is a substantial indication that current provision for occupiers and the owners of livestock already gives significant protection.
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Having moved to warrant procedures, were we to go the other way by requiring occupiers to make a farm al representation to the magistrate, delay would be inevitable. The magistrate would need to consider the representation and take legal advice on the grounds for representation. It would slow down the process. But the key element of all inquiries and all commentary on how the operation was carried out was that it needed to be speeded up. One of the problems during the previous epidemic was that the strategy was not effectively carried out in certain areas within an effective timescale. That applies to culling for all purposes, including disease on infected premises, as contained in various amendments. It also applies to the administration of tests and of vaccines. For all those reasons, the authorities need access as rapidly as possible. Any slowdown is therefore not appropriate.
We provide occupiers with an appeal through the DVM, so their human rights are not infringed. The DVM has exercised appeals with a high degree of judgment. Even during the fraught times of the previous epidemic, over half of the appeals were upheld. Moreover, other provision exists in the form of injunctions and judicial review, neither of which are affected by our clauses. The House has been reminded many times, not least by my noble friend Lord Carter, that the Joint Committee on Human Rights has always said that the provisions do not infringe the European Convention on Human Rights.
I am aware of the strength of feeling about the matter in the House. But I am afraid that I cannot accept the views previously taken by this House on including in the Bill these representation rights and the connected rights that would have been inserted by previous amendments adopted by the House. I therefore draw the House's attention to the provision for farmers to make representations to the DVM. That is a sufficient guarantee as are the standard legal provisions on the ability to seek an injunction.
I beg to move that the House accepts the Commons deletion of those amendments and recognises that the provision that the Government seek and is now in the Commons version of the Bill will be appropriate in any future outbreak.
Moved, That the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 14A to Lords Amendment No. 14.—(Lord Whiny.)
Lord Greaves rose to move, as an amendment to the Motion
that the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 14A to Lords Amendment No. 14, leave out "agree" and insert "disagree".
The noble Lord said: My Lords, I shall speak also to Amendments Nos. 22B, 35B and 65B.
This is the last big ditch at the end of this Bill that we must cross, or not cross as the case may be. It is the last major item of contention that has run throughout the passage of the Bill. We regret that the Government have been unable to concede, or at least to move further, on the fundamental issues behind the amendment; first, to give people the right to see the sworn information on the basis of which the magistrate will make a decision, and, secondly, the right to put their view to the magistrate before that

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decision is made. We want those two rights to be written into the Bill. This House approved them previously, and the other place has now removed them, which is why we are discussing them again today.
It is only three days since we had a fundamental, long debate on the matter. I do not want to repeat everything I said then or to go through the issues. But I want to pick up remarks made on behalf of the Government since then. Having read the comments of Elliot Morley as reported in yesterday's House of Commons Hansard, and having listened to the Minister today, it is clear that there are two main issues. The first is the question of delays, which we have discussed in great detail. We simply do not accept that this procedure would introduce a huge and unacceptable delay. There is a clear difference of view. Elliott Morley said:
"The risk is that we would have further delays if the court then required additional expert evidence, or if there were an application for legal aid".—[Official Report, Commons 6/11/02; co1.368.]
That is reading into our proposal something that is simply not there. We are simply suggesting that people have the right to put their view directly to the magistrate who is making the decision about the warrant. To talk about courts, legal aid, et cetera, is simply to fail to understand our proposal.
There was much interesting discussion in the other place yesterday about the role of the DVM. The statistics that the Minister gave us today were cited there also. Interesting questions were put by my honourable friend David Heath, among others, about the relationship between the appeal application to the DVM against a slaughter of stock, as part of a contiguous cull or a wider cull, and the application for the warrant. From my reading of Hansard, no satisfactory answer was given to that. In particular, questions were asked about whether the knowledge that the application to the DVM had been made would be provided automatically to the magistrate. That is not clear to me, and a clear answer was not given yesterday. Secondly, it was asked whether, if the DVM upheld the appeal, the application for the warrant could still go ahead in those circumstances, and, if it did, whether the reasons for the appeal being upheld by the DVM would be provided to the justice of the peace before making a decision. The relationship between the two processes is not clear. I do not believe that it was clarified in the other place yesterday. Quite apart from the merits of this amendment, it will be helpful if the Minister could clarify it today.
My honourable friend Andrew George said yesterday that this was an acceptable and progressive measure. I would add that it is also a very modest one. It will help to increase trust on all sides in the process. It will lead to fairer decisions and therefore to fewer time-consuming appeals, whether for judicial review or to the High Court for injunctions. It is therefore likely to speed up the process rather than slow it down in critical cases. It is certainly likely to reduce the
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number of occasions on which disgruntled occupiers of property—farmers or whoever—try to keep people out physically and cause all that kind of aggravation.
We therefore believe that this remains a sensible although modest amendment and we would like to pursue it. I beg to move.
Moved, as an amendment to the Motion that the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 14A to Lords Amendment No. 14, leave out "agree" and insert "disagree".—(Lord Greaves.)
Lord Jopling: My Lords, we have all discussed these matters on a good many occasions during the passage of the Bill through your Lordships' House. I feel just as strongly now as I have always felt in favour of the amendment as we sent it to another place.
I very much hope that at the end of the debate we shall divide on the amendment and insist on it. I also very much hope that we shall win that vote so that the amendment goes again to another place. We are in danger of getting into a protracted phase of parliamentary ping-pong.
I shall take my life in my hands and risk infuriating my noble friends, and maybe some Liberal Democrats and Cross-Benchers as well. I passionately hope that we defeat the Government, but if we are looking for a compromise somewhere, I wonder if I might have the temerity to suggest how we might arrive at one in which we who believe strongly in this can give up something and so can the Government.
I understand perfectly the problem of delay. I suggest that, in the event of the Government losing a vote on this matter and the amendment going back to another place, the Minister might use his good offices with his friends in the Government there to propose that maybe paragraph (e) could be deleted. That is the provision for the opportunity to present sworn information in person or in writing to a justice of the peace. Paragraph (d) could also be altered. I fully acknowledge that my drafting is not professional, but my suggested compromise wording is something like:
"he has been provided with an opportunity to make written representations to the justice of the peace within six hours of being informed under subsection (5)(c), excepting the hours between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.".
That proposal may infuriate some of my friends, who may accuse me of selling the pass. As one who has spent time looking for compromises in one role or another, I wonder whether this is a compromise that the Government might accept in another place. Having said that, I passionately hope they are defeated when we come to a Division.
Earl Peel: My Lords, before my noble friend sits down, perhaps he can explain his proposal further. His wording refers to written evidence. Presumably if the occupier or his legal representative were prepared to attend in person, that would also suffice.
Lord Jopling: My Lords, that was the pass that I may have sold. My proposal to delete subsection (5)(e)

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might take away the opportunity for those concerned to appear in person. That is exactly why I felt the dagger poised over my heart.
1.15 p.m.
Lord Monson: My Lords, I have a possible alternative compromise that goes even nearer the Government's position. Following the helpful explanation by the noble Lord, Lord Whitty, I can just about see that the Government might possibly have a case for wanting paragraphs (d) and (e) deleted, but I can see no case for trying to truncate paragraph (c). Why on earth should not the farmer be given a full explanation for the issuing of the warrant?
Lord Carter: My Lords, I was interested to hear how the noble Lord, Lord Greaves, thought the amendment would work. I am told that it would be a new procedure in the magistrates' court. It is unprecedented to allow representations on a warrant. He dismissed the idea of legal aid. Does he also dismiss the idea of legal representation? Is the farmer to do this himself in person? If not, and if he requires legal assistance, presumably he would also be eligible for legal aid. The noble Lord seems to brush that aside.
I am not sure what procedure the noble Lord envisages for the representation to be made in front of the magistrate. It is probable that a farmer who wished to do that would intend to seek some legal help. The procedure is unprecedented. I am sure that the noble Lord has thought through exactly how his proposal would work in a magistrates' court.
I do not apologise for replying to the point that I made before about the report of the Joint Committee on Human Rights. It is an important committee. The House understandably and correctly calls it in aid when the committee criticises the Government. We should bear in mind its conclusions when it supports the Government.
I am grateful to the noble Earl, Lord Peel. I do not have the Hansard for our previous debate in front of me, so I shall have to paraphrase his memorable words. He said that we are not talking about human rights here; we are talking about justice. That threw a new light on the whole legal process.
Finally, speaking as an ex-Chief Whip, we know that if the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats vote together they have 100 more votes than the Government, if everyone is here. Everyone will not be here, but there will still be enough to defeat the Government. If the amendment is sent back, an interesting situation will arise. We know that the Opposition can defeat the Government if they vote together on any occasion on which they wish to do so. We then have to reflect on the previous convention that we used to observe that the elected Chamber should finally have its way. I hope that that will not be called into question with ping-pong. If there is a vote I hope that we win it. If we do not, the House will have to think very carefully about what happens when the amendment comes back.
Lord Campbell of Alloway: My Lords, the noble Lord, Lord Carter, keeps referring to the fact that the
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Joint Committee said that this was not incompatible with the Bill as drafted. It is not. Nobody has said that it is. The noble Lord misses the point that it is the implementation of these provisions by the Secretary of State that can engage and inevitably will engage the convention requirements if they do not accord with the minimum requirements of natural justice. They engage not only the convention provisions, but the very heart of our own administration of justice.
I agree with the noble Lord, Lord Jopling. I had already crossed out paragraph (e) because it is not essential. We are concerned with the absolute bare minimum essentials of our administration of justice. I shall go on voting and voting for this, even if I go down, because I cannot conceive of the injustice. If you cannot have a copy of the sworn information and an opportunity to make some representations, the issue of that warrant—as I think I have said before—is merely a rubber stamp for slaughter. That is wholly unacceptable.
I hope that I can have the attention of the noble Lord, Lord Carter, for a moment, because he also dealt with the minutiae of procedure. Perhaps I may point out to him that it is the obligation of the Secretary of State to devise and implement a procedure that accords with our principle of natural justice. It is for him to do that, in his own interests and in the interests of the farmer or the occupier. If the Secretary of State does not do so, the High Court has a supervisory jurisdiction to strike down the wrong decision.
However, it does not end at that point because the Bill pre-empts that jurisdiction only to the extent that you cannot stop the slaughter of the animals, but it does not pre-empt the jurisdiction of the High Court later to adjudicate on the matter. The High Court will say that there was a manifest injustice, and order compensation for the animals that have been slaughtered because the owners have been caused misery. I know that the noble Lord, Lord Carter, is a farmer and that he understands all about the practical problems involved, which I do not; indeed, I have never pretended to do so. However, I do understand the rudiments of justice. There is no reason for this disagreement: the delay is minimal.
As for the question of representation posed by my noble friend Lord Peel, I should have thought that the man could go along himself, unrepresented, so long as he is allowed to appear before the magistrate and has the grounds for the warrant with him. I am not insisting on an elaborate legal procedure; I am insisting on the bare minimum concepts of justice.
I ask the Minister to reconsider the matter. I know that he has heard me on the issue before, and the House has been patient with me on previous occasions, but some of us simply cannot accept this. It is not a question of confronting the Government. We are trying to help the Government to do what they should

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do; namely, to administer the statutory provisions of the first and second conditions and to do so within the rules of fair and due administration. That is all we ask.
The Countess of Mar: My Lords, I support noble Lords in their defence of the original amendment, although I may perhaps agree about paragraph (e). The noble Lord, Lord Carter, speaks with great authority. We have huge respect for him as a former Chief Whip, but sometimes he talks a lot of rubbish.
A magistrate does not have to sit in the splendour—
Lord Carter: The noble Countess has used an unparliamentary phrase.
The Countess of Mar: I apologise to the noble Lord. But he misleads the House when he says that people have to go to a magistrates' court in order to make an application to a magistrate. In fact, a magistrate can deal with such matters in his dressing gown, complete with bedroom slippers, while sitting in his armchair at home. There is no reason why Farmer Giles, say, should not make such an application dressed in his Wellington boots and an old jacket. The process should not take many minutes.
It may be helpful to the House if I point out that mistakes are made. Of all the infected premises that were culled out, 41.2 per cent in Wales, 34.5 per cent in Scotland, and 20.6 per cent in England were incorrectly diagnosed. As for the percentage of farms tested positive for FMD, in Wales the figure was 7.4 per cent, in Scotland the figure was 7 per cent, and in England the figure was 16.3 per cent. So hundreds of farms were culled out when there was no disease present. The farmers were aware of the situation, but had no means by which they could gain redress at that time.
The Minister will have rather a difficult task in trying to prove his point. The noble Lord, Lord Carter, may well call upon precedents, and other measures, but your Lordships also have a duty to perform in ensuring that the law is right before it is enacted.
Baroness Byford: My Lords, I rise to speak to the Motion moved by the noble Lord, Lord Greaves. As noble Lords will remember, the original amendment gathered support from all sides of the House. It is not a party-political issue. We are only sorry that the noble Baroness, Lady Mallalieu, is not able to be present today. If she were here, I am sure that she would strongly support us. If I remember correctly, I believe she said that it is no use appealing after your animals are already dead, because they are gone. We should bear that in mind.
I am intrigued by my noble friend's suggestion. As ever, he is a very wise person and a very experienced parliamentarian. As he was speaking, I wrote myself a little note saying, "At the end of the day it is the art of the possible". Perhaps the Liberal Democrats will look again at this amendment. I hope that we send it back to the other place. But, should it be returned to us,
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perhaps those in another place will consider the suggestions that have been made—for example, that paragraph (e) might be an area that we could revisit.
There are a few important issues that I wish briefly to mention. First, I should remind the House that we are not talking about killing infected animals; we are talking about healthy animals. Secondly, the Government keep saying that they believe this provision would cause delay. I believe that the noble Baroness, Lady Mallalieu, said that it may be a small delay. There will be delay because, in any event, the DVM must make representations to magistrates. I cannot see the difficulty at that point in the farmer, or someone speaking on his behalf, being there at the same time so that such a discussion can take place. I accept that there may be a few minutes extra delay, but both matters could be dealt with at the same time.
I also remind noble Lords that the evidence presented in the National Audit Office's June 2002 report clearly states that,
"the three main factors contributing to delays in slaughter were: shortages of resources, of vets, of value men, of slaughtermen, and equipment".
Under inspection and diagnosis protocols, the report goes on to state that,
"occasionally delays may have occurred when laboratory tests or initial tests were inconclusive".
Initial requirements for such visits are also set out in the report; namely, that the department's vet should check on all livestock before carrying out a detailed clinical examination of the infected animals.
The NAO lays down those three causes of delay very clearly. Therefore, the Government should not say that their amendment, which we are trying again to reject, will solve the problem. That was not the main cause of the problem last time: the problem was as stated in the NAO report. Let us not be misled by that particular argument. My noble friend Lord Jopling said that he feels as strongly now on these matters as he did previously. I share that feeling. As each day goes on and I become more tired, I feel it even more strongly. I hope that other noble Lords will support this Motion.
My noble friend Lord Campbell of Alloway is quite right: what we are looking for is basic, natural justice and what should be seen to be done on people's behalf. Although the noble Lord, Lord Whitty, claims that 346 representations to the DVM out of the 534 were upheld, does he recognise that a large number of those were upheld only after they had been won through a High Court case? I am referring in particular to MAFF v Upton. Such decisions are not much use after the animals have already gone. We have therefore brought back our proposal, which I believe that the Government should now accept.
I return to an earlier point. We are trying to ensure that the public can feel that all new legislation is fair and just. Neither noble Lords nor, I suspect, millions of other people believe that this provision is fair and just. I hope that we shall resolutely say to the Government, "We think that you have it wrong. We hope that, after this short debate, you will think

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again". We are anxious to build bridges. We have had the Curry investigation into the future of food and farming, and the noble Lord, Lord Haskins, has been appointed to examine the way in which DEFRA works. The Government seem to be saying, "We are approaching these issues with a blank sheet and nothing has been finalised. We are here to talk and to listen. In this case, however, we are not willing to listen". I hope that noble Lords are resolute in this matter.
1.30 p.m.
Lord Whitty: My Lords, I am as always willing to listen. I am not, however, willing to take on board an amendment, or a reversion to an amendment, that would seriously undermine our ability to control future disease. That is what noble Lords on the Opposition Benches are proposing.
The noble Lord, Lord Greaves, referred to this as a last ditch, and the noble Baroness, Lady Byford, asked us to try to bridge it. Frankly, however, there is a difference of approach here that is very difficult to bridge. I have tried to point out that the concessions and changes which we have already built into the legislation—such as what the magistrate has to take into account—already provide a huge number of safeguards. I have also pointed out, as my honourable friend Elliot Morley has pointed out in another place, that, even without these new safeguards, the rights of a significant number of livestock owners are already protected by the DVM administrative procedure under the previous regime.
The whole point of this Bill is to enable us to administer more effectively control mechanisms—whether vaccination, testing or slaughter, and regardless of the status of animals—to achieve the rapid curtailment of a disease that is enormously damaging to the whole of the livestock industry and to the economies of huge swathes of rural England.
I know that the noble Lord, Lord Campbell of Alloway, and others feel very strongly about the human rights dimension of this. However, I do not believe—nor, as I said, does the Joint Committee on Human Rights believe—that these provisions infringe those human rights. The provisions that already exist for appeal to the DVM clearly demonstrate that that process upholds the ability to raise those issues.
Lord Campbell of Alloway: My Lords, I have no interest to declare; I have just resigned from the Joint Committee on Human Rights. However, I know the Committee's reports as I have read them all. The noble Lord is under a misapprehension. It is true, as I tried to explain once, that the Bill as drafted does not infringe human rights. It is the implementation of it without regard to natural justice which also engages articles of the convention.
Lord Whitty: My Lords, I accept that point. We are, however, dealing with the Bill which is before us. In the Government's judgment and in the judgment of the Joint Committee, nothing in this Bill infringes human rights. As I have also pointed out, the way in which this
904
process is operated—under the administrative appeal, if one cares to call it that, to the DVM—clearly upholds human rights without infringing or jeopardising the ability to deal with this disease as rapidly as possible.
Lord Willoughby de Broke: My Lords, the noble Lord gives us no reassurance on the implementation of appeals through the DVM. As my noble friend Lady Byford pointed out, however, the majority of those successful appeals were carried out after the Government had lost the Upton case—the Grunty the Pig case. Prior to that, most of those appeals were dismissed. It was only after that that the DVM realised that it had no grounds for upholding continuation of the contiguous cull.
Lord Whitty: My Lords, that is a strange and erroneous interpretation of that case. However, even if everything that the noble Lord, Lord Willoughby de Broke, has just said were true, in future outbreaks, the magistrates would have to take those decisions into account—as the adjustment in the outlook would have to be taken into account—when they considered appeals. So I do not think that that point destroys my central argument.
In their positive response to the Government's response yesterday to the inquiry reports, noble Lords accepted that we are moving to a more positive, constructive and engaging way of dealing with future disease. The basis of that approach is the availability of a range of possible weapons against disease, among which vaccination should be given greater priority. However, to be able to vaccinate and test as well as to slaughter, we need these powers of entry, and we need those powers to be operational and to be rapidly deliverable. As I said, one criticism which the inquiry made and many people underlined during our campaign against the disease was that we were not carrying that out quickly enough and that we were therefore allowing the spread of the disease.
The noble Lords, Lord Jopling and Lord Monson, have suggested some compromises, none of which is before us now. If I understood the noble Lord, Lord Jopling, aright, although he would delete the part of the amendments that constitutes probably the largest element of the delay, he would then build in a six-hour delay, excluding the period between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. The noble Lord may wish to correct me, but I believe that that exclusion could amount to 18 hours' delay. In dealing with such a virulent disease which can spread as rapidly as this one, a delay of 18, 12 or even six hours is an important restraint on the authority's ability to curtail the disease. I do not think that the farming community, if it thought about it, would be prepared to accept that as part of the normal procedure in dealing with this disease. The Government's judgment is that it would certainly not be in the livestock industry's interests to build in the restraint to the process for dealing with any future disease.

905
Therefore, although I understand the passion on the other side of this argument, I think that the proposal is seriously misplaced. It is certainly not in the interests of the livestock industry of Great Britain. I should therefore hope that noble Lords will not press Amendment No. 14B, but will agree to Commons Amendment No. 14A.
Lord Greaves: My Lords, I thank all noble Lords who have participated in this debate, to which I listened carefully. I have been trying to decide whether any of the points raised today have not been adequately dealt with by any of those who spoke, and I have come to the view that there are very few. I shall not repeat the points that others have made. It is time that we made a decision on this matter.
I must, however, challenge one of the Minister's comments. He said that these amendments seriously undermine the Government's strategy. That is nonsense. We have gone out of our way to be as modest as we can, precisely because we do not wish to undermine the strategy. We are talking about a few hours at the very most. It is therefore incorrect to suggest that the amendments would drive a coach and horses through the provision. As we all know, in the most recent outbreak, the delay had nothing to do with this kind of procedure but everything to do with administrative competence or incompetence. That is the issue that will determine whether a future outbreak can be dealt with properly. Our ability to do that will not be determined by whether or not people have absolutely minimal rights—not to go to court, as the noble Lord, Lord Carter, suggested, but to express their point of view when the magistrate is making the decision.
The only other thing I want to say is that I hope that the measure will be sent back to another place. I hope that, when it is, or if it is, the Government will seriously consider some of the compromises that have been suggested because I believe that compromise is possible here. If the Government make some effort to compromise, I shall certainly accept that. Clearly, I do not want to be here until this time tomorrow sending the measure backwards and forwards and I am sure that no one would support such a step in the Lobbies. Having said that, I ask the House to agree to Amendment No. 14B.
The Deputy Speaker (Viscount Allenby of Megiddo): My Lords, the original Question was that this House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 14A to Lords Amendment No. 14, since when an amendment has been moved to leave out "agree" and insert "disagree". The Question is that this amendment be agreed to.
1.40 p.m.
On Question, Whether the said amendment (No. 14B) shall be agreed to?
Their Lordships divided: Contents, 144; Not-Contents, 108.

Division No. 1

CONTENTS

Addington, L.

Kingsland, L.

Allenby of Megiddo, V.

Laing of dunphail, L.

Ampthill, L.

Linklater of Butterstone, B.

Anelay of St Johns, B.

Liverpool, E.

Arran, E.

Livsey of Talgarth, L.

Astor, V.

Luke, L.

Astor of Hever, L.

Lyell, L.

Attlee, E.

MacGregor of Pulham Market, L.

Avebury, L.

Barker, B.

Maddock, B.

Beaumont of Whitley, L.

Mar, C.

Biffen, L.

Mar and Kellie, E.

Blaker, L.

Marlesford, L.

Blatch, B.

Mayhew of Twysden, L.

Boardman, L.

Miller of Hendon, B.

Bowness, L.

Molyneaux of Killead, L.

Brabazon of Tara, L.

Morro of Langholm, L.

Bradshaw, L.

Monson, L.

Bridgeman, V.

Moran, L.

Brooke of Sutton Mandeville, L.

Mowbray and Stourton, L.

Brougham and Vaux, L.

Moynihan, L.

Burnham, L.

Murton of Lindisfarne, L.

Buscombe, B.

Newby, L.

Byford, B.

Newton of Braintree, L.

Campbell of Alloway, L.

Noakes, B.

Carlisle of Bucklow, L.

Northbrook, L.

Carnegy of Lour, B.

Northover, B.

Cope of Berkeley, L. [Teller]

Norton of Louth, L.

Craig of Radley, L.

O'Cathain, B.

Craigavon, V.

Oakeshott of Seagrove Bay, L.

Crathome, L.

Oxfuird, V.

Crickhowell, L.

Park of Monmouth, B.

Cuckney, L.

Pearson of Rannoch, L.

Denham, L.

Peel, E.

Dixon-Smith, L.

Perry of Walton, L.

Dundee, E.

Pillcington of Oxenford, L.

Elis-Thomas, L.

Quinton, L.

Elles, B.

Razzall, L.

Elliott of Morpeth, L.

Reay, L.

Elton, L.

Redesdale, L.

Rather, B.

Rennard, L.

Fookes, B.

Renton, L.

Fowler, L.

Renton of Mount Harry, L.

Garel-Jones, L.

Roberts of Conwy, L.

Geddes, L.

Rodgers of Quarry Bank, L.

Glenarthur, L.

Roper, L.

Glentoran, L.

Russell, E.

Goschen, V.

Russell-Johnston, L.

Greaves, L.

Ryder of Wensum, L.

Greenway, L.

Saatchi, L.

Hamwee, B.

St. John of Bletso, L.

Harris of Richmond, B.

Sandberg, L.

Henley, L.

Sanderson of Bowden, L.

Hodgson of Astley Abbotts, L.

Scott of Needham Market, B.

Howe, E.

Seccombe, B.

Howe of Aberavon, L.

Selsdon, L.

Howe of Idlicote, B.

Sharp of Guildford. B.

Howell of Guildford, L.

Sharples, B.

Hunt of Wirral, L.

Shaw of Northstead, L.

Jacobs, L.

Shrewsbury, E.

Jellicoe, E.

Shutt of Greetland, L. [Teller]

Jenkin of Roding, L.

Smith of Clifton, L.

Jopling, L.

Stevens of Ludgate, L.

907

Stewartby, L.

Thomson of Monifieth, L.

Stoddart of Swindon, L

Tope, L.

Strange, B.

Trefgarne, L.

Strathclyde, L.

Wade of Chorlton, L.

Swinfen, L.

Wallace of Saltaire, L.

Taverne, L.

Walmsley, B.

Tebbit, L.

Watson of Richmond, L.

Thomas of Gwydir, L.

Wilcox, B.

Thomas of Walliswood, B.

Williams of Crosby, B.

Willoughby de Broke, L.

NOT-CONTENTS

Acton, L.

Harrison, L.

Ahmed, L.

Haskel, L.

Andrews, B.

Hayman, B.

Ashton of Upholland, B.

Hollis of Heigham, B.

Bach, L.

Howells of St. Davids, B.

Bassam of Briahton, L.

Howie of Troon, L.

Berkeley, L.

Hoyle, L.

Billingham, B.

Hughes of Woodside, L.

Blackstone, B.

Hunt of Kings Heath, L.

Borne, L.

Irvine of Lairg, L. (Lord Chancellor)

Bragg, L.

Brennan, L.

Jay of Paddington, B.

Brooke of Alverthorpe, L.

Jones, L.

Brookman, L.

Jordan, L.

Brooks of Tremorfa. L.

Judd, L.

Bruce of Donington, L.

Layard, L.

Burlison, L.

Lea of Crondall, L.

Campbell-Savours, L.

Lipsey, L.

Carter, L.

Lockwood, B.

Chandos, V.

Lofthouse of Pontefract, L.

Chorley, L.

Macdonald of Tradeston, L.

Christopher, L.

McIntosh of Haringey, L.

Clark of Windermere, L.

[Teller]

Clarke of Hampstead, L.

MacKenzie of Culkein, L.

Clinton-Davis., L.

Mackenzie of Framwellgate, L.

Corbett of Castle Vale, L.

Mason of Barnsley, L.

Crawley, B.

Merlyn-Rees, L.

David, B.

Milner of Leeds, L.

Davies of Oldham, L.

Mitchell, L.

Desai, L.

Morgan, L.

Dixon, L.

Morgan of Huyton, B.

Donoughue, L.

Morris of Aberavon, L.

Dubs, L.

Parekh, L.

Elder, L.

Pendry, L.

Evans of Parkside, L.

Radice, L.

Evans of Temple Guiting, L.

Ramsay of Cartvale, B.

Evans of Watford, L.

Randall of St. Budeaux, L.

Falconer of Thoroton, L.

Rea, L.

Farrington of Ribbleton, B.

Rendell of Babergh, B.

Faulkner of Worcester, L.

Rooker, L.

Filkin, L.

Sainsbury of Turville, L.

Fitt, L.

Sawyer, L.

Gale, B.

Sewel, L.

Gibson of Market Rasen, B.

Sheldon, L.

Gladwin of Clee, L.

Simon, V.

Goldsmith, L.

Symons of Vernham Dean, B.

Gordon of Strathblane, L.

Taylor of Blackburn, L.

Goudie, B.

Temple-Moms, L.

Gould of Potternewton, B.

Thornton, B.

Graham of Edmonton, L.

Turner of Camden, B.

Greengross, B.

Walker of Doncaster, L.

Grenfell, L.

Whitty, L.

Grocott, L. [Teller]

Wilkins, B.

Hardy of Wath, L.

Williams of Mostyn, L. (Lord Privy Seal)

Harris of Haringey, L.

Woolmer of Leeds, L.

Resolved in the affirmative, and amendment agreed to accordingly.
Motion, as amended, agreed to.
1.50 p.m.
LORDS AMENDMENT
22 Clause 7, page 4, line 33, leave out from beginning to end of line 1 on page 5 and insert—
"(3) The second condition is that each of the following applies to the occupier of the premises—

(a) he has been informed of the decision to seek entry to the premises and of the reasons for that decision;

(b) he has failed to allow entry to the premises on being requested to do so by an inspector;

(c) he has been informed of the decision to apply for the warrant and of the reasons for that decision including a copy of the sworn information;

(d) he has been provided with an opportunity to make representations to the justice of the peace about whether the warrant should be issued;

(e) he has been provided with the opportunity to present sworn information in person or in writing to the justice of the peace who is to consider the application for a warrant.

(4) The third condition is that—

(a) the premises are unoccupied or the occupier is absent and (in either case) notice of intention to apply for the warrant has been left in a conspicuous place on the premises, or

(b) an application for admission to the premises or the giving of notice of intention to apply for the warrant would defeat the object of entering the premises."

The Commons agreed to this amendment with the following amendment—
22A Line 8, leave out from "warrant" to end of line 16
Lord Whitty: My Lords, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 22A to Lords Amendment No. 22.
Moved, That the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 22A to Lords Amendment No. 22.—(Lord Whitty.)
22B Lord Greaves rose to move, as an amendment to the Motion that the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 22A to Lords Amendment No. 22, leave out "agree" and insert "disagree".
Moved, as an amendment to the Motion that the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 22A to Lords Amendment No. 22, leave out "agree" and insert "disagree".—(Lord Greaves.)
On Question, amendment agreed to.
Motion, as amended, agreed to.
LORDS AMENDMENT
35 Clause 8, page 6, leave out lines 14 to 23 and insert—
"(3) The second condition is that each of the following applies to the occupier of the premises—

(a) he has been informed of the decision to seek entry to the premises and of the reasons for that decision;

(b) he has failed to allow entry to the premises on being requested to do so by an inspector;

(c) he has been informed of the decision to apply for the warrant and of the reasons for that decision including a copy of the sworn information;

(d) he has been provided with an opportunity to make representations to the justice of the peace about whether the warrant should be issued;

909

he has been provided with the opportunity to present sworn information in person or in writing to the justice of the peace who is to consider the application for a warrant.

(4) The third condition is that—

(a) the premises are unoccupied or the occupier is absent and (in either case) notice of intention to apply for the warrant has been left in a conspicuous place on the premises, or

(b) an application for admission to the premises or the giving of notice of intention to apply for the warrant would defeat the object of entering the premises."

The Commons agreed to this amendment with the following amendment—
35A Line 8, leave out from "warrant" to end of line 16
Lord Whitty: My Lords, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 35A to Lords Amendment No. 35.
Moved, That the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 35A to Lords Amendment No. 35.—(Lord Whitty.)
Lord Greaves rose to move, as an amendment to the Motion that the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 35A to Lords Amendment No. 35, leave out "agree" and insert "disagree".
Moved, as an amendment to the Motion that the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 35A to Lords Amendment No. 35, leave out "agree" and insert "disagree".—(Lord Greaves.)
On Question, amendment agreed to.
Motion, as amended, agreed to.
LORDS AMENDMENT
45 Before Clause 14, insert the following new Clause—
"Biosecurity guidance
In the 1981 Act the following sections are inserted after section 6 (eradication areas and attested areas)—
"6A Biosecurity guidance
(1) The Secretary of State must prepare guidance on the appropriate biosecurity measures to be taken in relation to—

(a) foot-and-mouth disease;

(b) such other disease as the Secretary of State by order specifies.

(2) After preparing a draft of the guidance the Secretary of State—

(a) must send a copy of the draft to such persons and organisations as he thinks are representative of those listed in section 6B (5) having an interest in biosecurity measures;

(b) must consider any representations made to him about the draft by such persons and organisations;

(c) may amend the draft accordingly.

(3) After the Secretary of State has proceeded under subsection(2) he must publish the guidance in such manner as he thinks appropriate and distribute it to registered owners and keepers of animals, registered animal hauliers, and any owner or manager of a registered slaughterhouse or slaughtering premises.

(4) The Secretary of State must from time to time review the guidance and if he thinks it appropriate revise the guidance.

(5) Subsections (1) to (3) apply to a revision of the guidance as they apply to its preparation.

910

(6) But if the Secretary of State thinks that it is necessary to revise the guidance urgently he may publish revised guidance without proceeding under subsection (2) provided that, in such a case, he includes in the guidance an explanation of why this was necessary.

(7) Biosecurity measures are measures taken to prevent the spread of causative agents of disease.

(8) Causative agent includes any virus, bacterium and any other organism or infectious substance which may cause or transmit disease.

(9) The power to make an order must be exercised by statutory instrument subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(10) It is immaterial that anything done for the purposes of subsections (1) to (3) is done before the passing of the Animal Health Act 2002.

6B Biosecurity compliance

(1) A person having a function under this Act relating to foot-and-mouth disease or a disease specified by order under section 6A(1) must not exercise the function unless the guidance under section 6A has been published and distributed to all those listed in section 6A(3) and has not been withdrawn

(2) Any act which is done in contravention of subsection (1) is done without lawful authority.

(3) If a person to whom subsection (5) applies fails to comply with the guidance he is not by reason only of that failure liable in any civil or criminal proceedings.

(4) But the guidance is admissible in evidence in such proceedings and a court may take account of any failure to act in accordance with it in deciding any question in the proceedings.

(5) This subsection applies to—

(a) any person having functions under this Act;

(b) any person who is the owner or occupier of premises on which animals are kept;

(c) any person who has charge of animals;

(d) any person who is under the direction of a person mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (c).""

The Commons agreed to this amendment with the following amendments—
45A Line 13, leave out "listed in section 6B(5)"
45B Line 45, leave out from "published" to "and" in line 46
Lord Whitty: My Lords, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendments Nos. 45A and 45B to Lords Amendment No. 45.
In moving these two amendments—
The Countess of Mar: My Lords, it might be helpful to the noble Lord, Lord Whitty, if I point out that I will not be moving my amendment. Will that save time?
Lord Whitty: My Lords, I am very grateful to the noble Countess.

911
Moved, That the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendments Nos. 45A and 45B to Lords Amendment No. 45.—(Lord Whitty.)
The Deputy Speaker: My Lords, the Question is that the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendments Nos. 45A and 45B to Lords Amendment No. 45.
Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton: My Lords, I believe that the noble Countess has withdrawn her amendment. We are considering government Amendment No. 45A.
Lord Whitty: Amendment No. 45.
Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton: Amendment No. 45?
The Deputy Speaker: My Lords, the Question is that the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendments Nos. 45A and 45B to Lords Amendment No. 45.
On Question, Motion agreed to.
LORDS AMENDMENT 47
Insert the following new clause—
"National contingency plan
Before section 15 of the 1981 Act (requirements on certain persons relating to animals infected with disease) there is inserted the following section—
"14A National contingency plan
(1) The appropriate authority must prepare a document (the national contingency plan) indicating the arrangements the authority intends to put in place for the purpose of dealing with any occurrence of—

(a) foot-and-mouth disease;

(b) such other disease as the authority by order specifies.

(2) The appropriate authority shall include—

(a) a three-yearly review of the world-wide incidence of each of the diseases listed in Schedule 2A;

(b) the resultant recommendation of steps to be taken in the United Kingdom to prevent the incidence of each disease listed in Schedule 2A;

(c) the incorporation of the steps identified in paragraph (b) into the national contingency plan;

(d) the implementation of the contingency plan upon the outbreak of any disease;

(e) the monitoring of the implementation of the contingency plan.

(3) The appropriate authority may investigate, recommend and implement vaccination programmes—

(a) for the emergency control of any disease listed in Schedule 2A in any animal species; and

(b) for the permanent control of all such diseases in animals in particular circumstances.

(4) After preparing a draft of the national contingency plan the appropriate authority—

(a) must send a copy of the draft to such persons and organisations as the authority thinks are representative of those having an interest in the arrangements;

(b) must consider any representations made to the authority about the draft by such persons and organisations;

(c) may amend the draft accordingly.

(5) After the appropriate authority has proceeded under subsection (4) the authority must—

(a) lay the plan before Parliament (unless subsection (11) applies);

(b) publish it in such manner as the authority thinks likely to bring it to the attention of persons who may be affected by the arrangements.

(6) The appropriate authority must from time to time (but not less frequently than at intervals of one year) review the plan and if the authority thinks it appropriate revise the plan.
(7) Subsections (4) and (5) apply to a revision of the plan as they apply to its preparation.
(8) The power to make an order must be exercised by statutory instrument.
(9) The instrument is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament (unless subsection (11) applies).
(10) The appropriate authority is—

(a) the Secretary of State in relation to England;

(b) the Secretary of State and the National Assembly for Wales acting jointly in relation to Wales (except for the purposes of subsection (1)(b));

the National Assembly for Wales in relation to Wales for the purposes of subsection (1)(b).

(11) This subsection applies to a plan prepared in relation to Wales.
(12) It is immaterial that anything done for the purposes of subsections (1), (4) and (5) (except the making of an order under subsection (1)(b)) is done before the passing of the Animal Health Act 2002.""
The Commons agreed to this amendment with the following amendment—
47A Leave out lines 12 to 29
Lord Whitty: My Lords, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 47A to Lords Amendment No. 47.
This amendment relates to that part of the Bill that prescribes the form of the national contingency plan. Your Lordships' House inserted a number of amendments that, in the judgment of the Government and the Commons, were not appropriate for this part of the Bill or for the contingency plan. The whole point of the plan is to reflect the fact that during the 2001 epidemic it became clear that we were not fully prepared for an outbreak on that scale. The contingency plan will deal with an outbreak on any scale, including the form of last year's epidemic.
The main purpose of this provision, as it was originally drafted, is to provide an assurance that the Government are serious about being prepared and that the contingency plan is referred to in the Bill. Good contingency planning and better preparedness are highlighted in the two reports. The contingency plan, which was updated and issued yesterday, will fill many of the requirements of those reports. Clearly, the plans will be reviewed and amended as policies and facts change and develop. Proposals for emergency vaccination, for example, are being developed so that vaccination can be integrated into one overall plan, which will relate to all aspects of disease control policy.
The contingency plan will cover the control of diseases using culling and/or emergency vaccination as appropriate, and that will be done within the context

913
of the relevant EU legislation. I anticipate that the final contingency plan will be laid for the first time before Parliament in spring 2003.
The approach to contingency planning is a risk-based approach. The plan spells out what we would do in the event of disease. The requirements that have been added to the original proposition—at new Sections 14A(2) and 14A(3)—do not relate to the purpose of the clause, which is to define a requirement for a contingency plan to deal with occurrences of the disease.
The change would not allow us to target our resources appropriately in that respect. New Section 14A(2) could require us to expend a great deal of resources in relation to all the diseases listed in Schedule 2A. That contingency plan will deal with foot and mouth and extend to other diseases.
The risk to the UK comes not only from countries that report honestly to OIE, but also from those that do not report the disease situation or where there is no mechanism—or no effective mechanism—to diagnose and report disease. That means that we have to have, in preparation for disease, surveillance information from OIE and elsewhere. In relation to the contingency plan when the disease breaks out, that is not relevant. That should have been in place prior to the contingency plan being triggered.
That is not to suggest that the concerns that lie behind the amendments are not being addressed. However, those provisions are relevant to prevention of the disease, surveillance and international co-operation; they are not part of what would happen once the disease was here and the contingency plan had been triggered. That is where the broader issues of strategy, to which the amendments relate, will arise. This provision relates to what we would do once the disease was regrettably here. The proposals are therefore extraneous to this part of the Bill. I do not object to the thought that is behind the amendments but it is not appropriate to include such matters in the list of items to be included in the contingency plan. I beg to move.
Moved, that the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 47A to Lords Amendment No. 47.—(Lord Whitty.)
2 p.m.
Baroness Byford rose to move, as an amendment to the Motion that the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 47A to Lords Amendment No. 47, leave out from "House" to end and insert "do disagree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 47A, and do propose the following amendment in lieu thereof—
Leave out lines 24 to 29.
The noble Baroness said: My Lords, I am grateful to the Minister for his explanation of the national contingency plan. Had it not been for the hard work in this House, I doubt very much that there would ever have been a national contingency plan on the face of the Bill.
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As noble Lords will remember, when we returned on Monday 7th October, I apologised yet again for putting forward an amendment which dealt with strategy. One thing was obviously clear from the Bill as it stood in November last year; that is, it was a Bill designed to kill animals. It was not designed to look at other alternatives nor to look into the future. The long debate that we had then—I am grateful to all noble Lords who took part in it—was the start of moving the Bill in a different direction. The noble Lord, Lord Livsey, is nodding and, I believe, agrees with that. If I were to compliment him, I would have to say that it was the wonderful rare air in the Brecon Beacons that made that possible. We spent four days walking and discussing how to get the Bill to do what it was supposed to do.
The Bill is designed to control animal disease—God forbid that we have another outbreak in this country—and it is right that the Government have their legislation. However, at the same time, it is this Chamber's duty to scrutinise Bills, to ensure that they work, that they are representative and that they reflect the concerns of the wider community. We have spent days debating the balance of the Bill.
I repeat, as I have done on many occasions, that I am very grateful for the patience of the noble Lord, Lord Whitty. He has been patient because the Bill has been in gestation for a long time. However, I believe that ultimately he will agree that what was a very bad Bill will leave this House a better one. Had it not been for the resolution that this House made in March, none of this would have been possible. The Bill would have been passed in April or May and we would probably now be revisiting the subject in a whole new Bill.
I make no apology for challenging the Government and for trying to insert an additional direction on the national contingency plan. As the noble Lord, Lord Whitty, and other noble Lords will have realised, I have deleted the third part of the original amendment. Having heard the Statement yesterday and having had a chance to read the debate, I am well aware that the Government have at last accepted the urgency and the degree of weight that should be placed on vaccination. I shall not go through that argument again. However, had that not been so, I would not have removed that part of the amendment because, although the wording stated "may instigate"—there was no question of "must"—I realise that there are implications for funding and others matters.
The amendment before the House requires a little more meat to be placed on the wretched skeleton that we have been debating for some time. In another place, Elliot Morley considered the first part of my amendment, which would have required a three-yearly review of exotic diseases, and commented that he did not consider that to be often enough. In reply, I say that a three-yearly review does not preclude a yearly or a six-monthly review being carried out if that is what is required, but it gives direction to the provision.
I shall not go over all the arguments because we have done so already. But I say again to the Minister that I hope that, even at this late hour, he will consider

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accepting the amendment. I believe that I have removed the parts which the Government found difficult. However, there would have been no contingency plan had we not put forward the important amendment on strategy—an amendment to which other noble Lords have rallied. From that, we now have import control and biosecurity clauses and a requirement for Parliament to have a contingency plan. I beg to move.
Moved, as an amendment to the Motion that the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 47A to Lords Amendment No. 47, leave out from "House" to end and insert "do disagree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 47A, and do propose the following amendment in lieu thereof—Leave out lines 24 to 29".—(Baroness Byford.)
Lord Livsey of Talgarth: My Lords, I shall not detain the House long. First, I congratulate the noble Baroness on the work that she has done on the Bill. I mention, in particular, the importance that she places on this amendment. I also take the opportunity to say how much I have enjoyed working with the Minister, who has displayed great patience and, in many respects, great perception. It has been a pleasure to do business with him—sometimes successfully and sometimes not.
Briefly, I want to raise one point about subsection (2)(a) of Amendment No. 47, which concerns the three-yearly review of the world-wide incidence of diseases. I do not understand why the Minister finds that so difficult to accept. Surely in a contingency plan it is immensely pertinent that, if we know that certain strains of foot and mouth disease are rife in Asia and perhaps even in eastern Europe and if we are to enter a vaccination mode, sufficient stocks of serum are available immediately in order to attempt to keep the disease out of this country. I believe that that is an extremely prudent measure, which is equalled by some of the other measures within the amendment. I support the noble Baroness in her amendment.
Lord Whitty: My Lords, I thank both the noble Baroness and the noble Lord for their kind words. I do not disagree centrally with their analysis. I might have put it somewhat differently myself. Nevertheless, while I do not accept that we would not have had a contingency plan, clearly such a plan would not have been embedded in the Bill in the way that the House urged on us and in the way that we responded at earlier stages. All credit is due to the Opposition and to the House as a whole for ensuring that the plan was included.
The only point that I make now is not that I disagree with having three-yearly reviews, the monitoring of the implementation of the plan or, indeed, the various preventive measures which are to be included in new Section 14A(2) of the noble Baroness's amendment; it is simply that that is not part of the contingency plan. It is part of what the Government should do outside the contingency plan, before there is any disease. The contingency plan must be about the actuality of the disease and how we deal with it. It is not a point of
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principle; it is a point of logic. We would engage in at least three-yearly reviews of the situation and we would engage in the preventative motions that are implied by new Section 14A(2)(b).
If this went anywhere in the Bill it should go before mention of the national contingency plan and not under the content of the national contingency plan, with which this clause is concerned. I thought that that was what the House urged on us originally.
This is not a sensible point on which to divide. Logically, all legal advice is that it should not be in this clause, even though the Government may want to implement it in precisely the way in which the noble Baroness wishes. Therefore, I ask her to consider the logic of the position—as distinct from the previous amendment on which we voted where there was a clear difference of opinion—as this relates simply to the tidiness of the Bill. The noble Baroness has made great play about this being a better Bill, as it is in many respects, but that would detract, if only slightly, from the way in which we have improved the Bill. Therefore, I hope that she and her colleagues will not pursue this amendment.
Baroness Byford: My Lords, I thank the Minister for his courteous response. I have written down the word "disappointed". When debating the Bill we have often been told that something is a good idea, but that it does not fit in here, or that it should be somewhere else, or that the Government are already doing what we ask, and so on. Bearing in mind what the Minister has said, perhaps, even from a sedentary position, he would indicate whether he is willing to take this issue away. I do not mean for him to put it in the Bill, but perhaps he could write to me or give a commitment that the Government will take the matter on board. At this late hour, that would help us.
When in Opposition matters are much more difficult. They are much easier on the other side of the Chamber. One tries one's best; one puts forward arguments; one wins the arguments and then one is told that it is not relevant or it is not in the right place. I am disappointed, but if the Minister could indicate that the matter will be taken further and that it will not just die a death I would be very grateful.
Lord Whitty: My Lords, I do not offer to swap places with the noble Baroness. We have both had different kinds of difficulties with this Bill. However, I shall certainly undertake to write to the noble Baroness, and to other noble Lords, outlining how we would carry out the obligations that are implied by what she wants.
Baroness Byford: My Lords, I am grateful to the Minister. I am worried about two things: climate change and the consequent possibility that more exotic diseases will be more likely to enter the country. That is a huge problem. I am grateful to him. I shall await his letter. I beg leave to withdraw the amendment.
Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
On Question, original Motion agreed to.
LORDS AMENDMENT
65 Schedule 2, page 18, leave out lines 25 to 34 and insert—
"(3) The second condition is that each of the following applies to the occupier of the premises—

(a) he has been informed of the decision to seek entry to the premises and of the reasons for that decision;

(b) he has failed to allow entry to the premises on being requested to do so by a person mentioned in section 36G(1);

(c) he has been informed of the decision to apply for the warrant and of the reasons for that decision including a copy of the sworn information;

(d) he has been provided with an opportunity to make representations to the justice of the peace about whether the warrant should be issued;

(e) he has been provided with the opportunity to present sworn information in person or in writing to the justice of the peace who is to consider the application for a warrant.

(4) The third condition is that—

(a) the premises are unoccupied or the occupier is absent and (in either case) notice of intention to apply for the warrant has been left in a conspicuous place on the premises, or

(b) an application for admission to the premises or the giving of notice of intention to apply for the warrant would defeat the object of entering the premises."

The Commons agreed to this amendment with the following amendment—
65A Line 10, leave out from "warrant" to end of line 17
Lord Whitty: My Lords, I beg to move.
Moved, That the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 65A to Amendment No. 65.—(Lord Whitty.)
65B Lord Greaves rose to move, as an amendment to the Motion that the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 65A to Lords Amendment No. 65, leave out "agree" and insert "disagree".
The noble Lord said: My Lords, I beg to move.
Moved, as an amendment to the Motion that the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 65A to Lords Amendment No. 65, leave out "agree" and insert "disagree".—(Lord Greaves.)
On Question, amendment agreed to.
Motion, as amended, agreed to.
Bill returned to the Commons with the reason.

Iraq: Security Council Resolution
2.13 p.m.
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: My Lords, with the leave of the House, I shall now repeat a Statement made in another place by my right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary. The Statement is as follows:
"With permission, Mr Speaker, I should like to make a Statement about negotiations on a new UN Security Council resolution on Iraq.
"A revised draft resolution was circulated to all members of the UN Security Council yesterday. The Council is now discussing the text and will vote on it shortly. A vote could come as early as tomorrow
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night. As we will prorogue later today, I wanted to update the House now the negotiations are entering their final stage.
"I have placed a copy of the joint United Kingdom/United States draft in the Libraries of both Houses.
"As my right honourable friend the Prime Minister reminded the House yesterday, our overriding objective is to disarm Iraq of its weapons of mass destruction through an effective inspections regime.
"The Prime Minister and I have made the case for UN action here in the House, to our allies and to the wider world. On 10th September, the Prime Minister told the TUC conference that the UN had to be the means of dealing with this problem, not of avoiding it. Two days later, President Bush in his historic speech to the General Assembly said that the United Nations had either to enforce the writ of its own resolutions or risk becoming irrelevant. On 14th September, in the same forum, I called on the UN to meet the challenge posed by Iraq and to defend its own authority.
"As one of the five permanent members of the Security Council, the UK has been determined to ensure that the UN emerges from this crisis with its credibility enhanced. During the negotiations, our aim has been to secure consensus on a tough resolution which leaves Iraq under no illusions about the need for disarmament.
"The text currently before the Security Council is the product of eight weeks of intensive negotiations. The UK and the US began to circulate elements of a draft resolution to fellow Security Council members on 25th September, and a draft full text on 23rd October. Throughout these two months the Prime Minister has spoken to President Bush and other heads of government at regular intervals. I have been in daily contact with United States Secretary of State Colin Powell, and I have had detailed discussions with my French, Russian and Chinese counterparts and with Foreign Ministers of the elected 10 of the Security Council on numerous occasions. Our UN ambassador, Sir Jeremy Greenstock, and his team have worked tirelessly in New York.
"The draft resolution uses the full power of the UN under Chapter 7 of its charter. The architecture of the draft has been extensively discussed between the permanent members. Let me set out for the House the key points.
"First, the text makes clear in operative paragraph 1 that Iraq has been and remains in material breach of its obligations under previous Security Council resolutions.
"Secondly, in operative paragraph 2, the text affords Iraq a final opportunity to comply with its disarmament obligations.
"Thirdly, it stipulates—operative paragraph 41—that false statements or omissions in Iraq's declaration of its WMD holdings and failure by Iraq

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to comply with the resolution shall constitute a further material breach of Iraq's obligations, and provides that this will he reported to the council for assessment.
"Fourthly, the text gives—operative paragraphs 5 to 9—significantly enhanced powers to the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission and the International Atomic Energy Agency to conduct effective, intrusive inspections. Honourable Members may be surprised by the level of detail in the resolution. Our experience with Saddam Hussein has made this necessary. I would draw particular attention to: the provision for conducting interviews with Iraqi citizens inside or outside Iraq, without Iraqi government minders present; the explicit setting-aside of previous arrangements restricting access to so-called presidential sites; provisions for freezing a site to be inspected so that nothing is changed within it nor taken from it while it is being inspected; and making legally binding the 'practical arrangements' set out by the inspectors themselves and covering issues such as regional bases, the right to encrypted communications and so on.
"In sum, this is a basis for an inspection regime designed not to go through the motions, but to achieve active disarmament.
"The text sets out the procedure to be followed in the case of failure by Iraq to comply: it requires—in operative paragraph 4—that any further material breach of Iraq's obligations should be reported to the council for assessment; it directs—in operative paragraph 11—the executive chairman of UNMOVIC and the director general of the IAEA to report immediately to the council any interference by Iraq with their inspection activities or failure to comply with its disarmament obligations; it provides—in operative paragraph 12—that the council will convene immediately upon receipt of a report of non-compliance in order to consider the situation.
"On timing, the text provides that within seven days of adoption of the resolution Iraq must confirm its intention fully to comply; within 30 days Iraq must submit a full and accurate declaration of all aspects of its WM D programmes; within 45 days, inspections should resume; and within 105 days UNMOVIC and the IAEA should report to the Security Council.
"The text concludes in operative paragraph 13 by underlining that Iraq has been repeatedly warned that it will face serious consequences as a result of continuous violations of its obligations.
"I emphasise again that the detailed wording may change further in negotiation. Discussion will resume this afternoon in New York. But the draft resolution meets the United Kingdom's objectives. It takes into account many points raised in the Security Council by other member states and by the chief inspectors, Mr Blix and Mr El Baradei. We are now seeking unanimous support for the resolution in order to send the strongest message to Saddam Hussein.
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"Britain wants a peaceful resolution to this crisis; and the United States has shown by its engagement in the long negotiations over the past weeks that it, too, is committed to using the UN route to resolve this problem. Here, I would like to pay my own tribute to President Bush and US Secretary of State Powell for their patience and statesmanship.
"History tells us that if diplomacy is to succeed, it must be combined with the credible threat of force. As Kofi Annan has said, with direct reference to Iraq:
'We have learned that sensitive diplomacy must be backed by the threat of military force if it is to succeed'.
It is that threat that in recent weeks has forced Saddam to concede the prospect of readmitting weapons inspectors. The more credible the threat, the more likely it is that Iraq will respond to the demands of the United Nations and meet its obligations under international law.
"As the negotiations at the Security Council enter their final stage, we are approaching a critical moment for the whole of the international community and for the integrity of our system of international law. By adopting the resolution, the Security Council will send the clearest possible signal of its determination to uphold the authority of the United Nations; and we will be one step closer towards resolving a problem that has undermined the security of Iraq's neighbours and the wider world for more than a decade.
"The task of the inspectors is to find and to destroy the weapons of mass destruction. The choice for Saddam Hussein is to comply with the United Nations or face the serious consequences".
My Lords, that concludes the Statement.
2.23 p.m.
Lord Howell of Guildford: My Lords, I am grateful to the noble Baroness for giving your Lordships that update by repeating the Statement made by the Foreign Secretary. We concur with her view and that of the Foreign Secretary that this is indeed a critical moment in global affairs when clear thinking and strong resolution are needed.
We strongly welcome the revised draft resolution and hope that it will be swiftly and unanimously passed—perhaps as soon as tomorrow night. We also hope that it is as clear, strong and unambiguous as the Foreign Secretary understandably hopes and claims, and that the room for wriggling and delay is minimised by its wording.
I also recognise that considerable hard work has gone into drafting the resolution on the part of both Ministers and officials. I pay particular tribute to Sir Jeremy Greenstock and his team at the United Nations in New York, who have clearly been extremely assiduous in their work.
The timetable for all of this is extremely important. To recap without delaying your Lordships, we know that Iraq has seven days to signify compliance—that it will play ball. It then has 30 days to produce a full and

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accurate inventory of all of its weapons programmes—the hideous weapons developments believed to be contained in Iraq. Then, the inspectors have 45 days from when the resolution is passed to resume their work. Sixty days thereafter, they must report back to the Security Council and the United Nations. As the noble Baroness said, that adds up to 105 days, which is about three and a half months from when the resolution is passed.
The first and most obvious question is this: does that coincide with the weather window? Will it be possible, if we are talking about late February or, maybe, the middle of March, to manage the constraints imposed by the natural environment? Many people were thinking about an earlier operation, should it prove necessary, perhaps in January. We are now into March: will it all add up?
Secondly, I must ask about the conditions for the reconvening of the Security Council. We understand that the Security Council must meet before military force is used, should that prove necessary. I am not clear about what triggers a re-convened meeting of the Security Council. Is it just the eventual report from the inspectors in 105 days' time? Is it Iraq's failure, as registered by the inspectors, to comply with some aspect? Is it evidence of obstruction? What if, in the next week or so, Iraq does not answer the letter about compliance in seven days' time? Will that mean a re-convening of the Security Council or merely an assessment? It appears that, until that happens, military action cannot go forward.
My third question is on a smaller issue, but clarification would be useful. What does the reference in, I think, paragraph 7 to UN security guards mean? It says:
"Security of UNMOVIC and IAEA facilities shall be ensured by sufficient United Nations security guards".
How will that work? Are we talking about coercive intervention? If the inspectors run into difficulties, will they be supported by actual force? Is there some other meaning? I would be grateful for clarification.
Finally, we come to the three crucial words "face serious consequences". It is worth noting that the resolution does not tell the Iraqis directly that they will face serious consequences. It says:
"the Council has repeatedly warned Iraq that it will face serious consequences as a result of its continued violations".
That is not as direct as some would have liked, although I realise that that is where a great deal of the argument has gone on.
Has it not been clear all along that the pressure on Iraq to disarm needed to be backed, as the Foreign Secretary said and the noble Baroness repeated, by a convincing and credible readiness to use force? We must have the full contingency plan for when force is used and, indeed, plans for the outcome and aftermath of the use of force. The Foreign Secretary is entirely right to emphasise that point. Do not those who question the threat of force—however well intentioned and sincere—effectively weaken the pressure on Iraq by that questioning? Do they not weaken the authority
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of the United Nations, encourage Iraq to flout UN resolutions—I am sure that it longs to do so and is deterred only by the genuineness of the threat of force—and increase the threat of violence and the threat to international peace and security? Is not that a necessary question to put to all those who dislike—as we all do, while realising that it is necessary—the use of the threat of military force?
Are we prepared, now that we know the road ahead? Is the military equipment all prepared? Have we got the finances straight? The Chancellor of the Exchequer was reported only a few days ago as saying that there was a shortage of resources? Have we got the up-to-date equipment? We will hear a lot more about the difficulties with army equipment, about which we have already heard. Can we have an assurance that the words "serious consequences" really do mean that it is Saddam's last chance? Will we back the enforcement of those consequences vigorously and provide our forces with the means to do so, when and if the time comes?
2.30 p.m.
Lord Wallace of Saltaire: My Lords, we thank the Government for the Statement and also for placing multiple copies of the draft resolution in the Library. I have often found that when the Government say, "We have placed a copy in the Library", it means that it is in a back cupboard somewhere down below. On this occasion we welcome the Government's openness.
The question of the timing of parliamentary Sessions and changing the parliamentary timetable is relevant. It would have been unfortunate if Parliament had been away for a week during this crucial business. It is therefore highly appropriate that the Statement was made today. I add my praise to the Foreign Secretary, to our Permanent Representative in New York, Sir Jeremy Greenstock, and to the Prime Minister for the efforts that have been made to get the issue back on a multilateral track and to find, if we can, a peaceful resolution to this conflict through the resumption of a rigorous inspection process.
We welcome the commitment to a two-stage process in which the effectiveness of a reimposed inspection regime will be reported back to the United Nations for the Security Council to act. I hope that I am correct in reading operative paragraph 12 in confirming that the United Nations Security Council will convene immediately in the event of any disrespect or breakdown in the resumed inspection process.
It was correct to use the UN route. The British Government have happily persuaded the United States that the UN route is the one we should take. However, I have a few critical comments. I regret that the British Government's public diplomacy has not been as good as their private diplomacy. I was in Paris last week for a meeting with a number of French officials and observers. They all assumed that Britain was unconditionally and unreservedly supporting the American position. I wish that we had made it a little more clear that we are a "Yes, but" supporter of the United States, while France has been a "No, unless" supporter.

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I recall an article in the Guardian 10 days ago which said how well the British and the French were co-ordinating their critical support for the United States. I wish that they were co-ordinating it rather better. It has been a failure so far for domestic opinion and for our European partners that the Government have not made it clearer that they have been critical rather than full supporters of the American debate.
I regret that the amount of loose talk and over-excited comment in Washington has made it difficult for some of us to defend the British Government's position. Suggestions that after occupation of Iraq the United States should move on to Iran have been the subject of Op-Ed pieces in respectable American newspapers, which also suggest that democracy should then be introduced almost immediately to Saudi Arabia.
Suggestions in authoritative quarters that oil rights in a post-conflict Iraq would be distributed to American companies only have been sufficiently serious to arouse comments from the noble Lord, Lord Browne, who is the chief executive of BP. There has been additional talk of a long-term occupation of Iraq to turn it into a democracy from officials who nevertheless maintain that they are opposed to nation-building as a strategy.
I wish that the Government had also been able to place the matter more explicitly in a European context. We are all conscious that Britain's influence in Washington depends partly on being seen to speak on behalf of its European allies. While welcoming the statement within the Statement that the credible threat of use of force is an important part of foreign policy, I hope that Her Majesty's Government will remind our European partners that commitment to a successful European security and defence policy is essential in maintaining progress towards a common foreign policy and a credible European contribution to NATO.
There is therefore a wider context which we must remember while talking about the problem of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. The Prime Minister has spoken about reviving a peace conference in the Middle East. The quartet is still working towards that with effective co-operation with Javier Solana and Colin Powell. Will the Minister assure us that the British Government are putting equal efforts into promoting a return to a peace conference which will involve the Israelis and the Palestinians? Will he assure us also that the broader context of world oil markets and the need to reduce demand—which means reminding our American allies that they should be thinking about reducing the level of their increasing imports—is also a wider part of the context?
Finally, relations with the Arab world and with the wider Moslem world have not been well affected by much of the loose and occasionally anti-Moslem talk which we have heard in the United States in the past few months. Will the Minister assure us that the British Government, with their partners, will do their best to rebuild a closer relationship with moderate Moslem governments not only in the Arab world?
2.36 p.m.
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: My Lords. I thank the noble Lords, Lord Howell of Guildford and Lord Wallace of Saltaire, for their remarks. I thought that the noble Lord, Lord Howell, got it absolutely right when he emphasised the fact that this is an extraordinarily critical moment. It is precisely because we recognise that that my right honourable friend thought it was right to make a Statement today before proroguement. I thank the noble Lord, Lord Wallace of Saltaire, for understanding that.
Of course we want the resolution passed as swiftly as possible, but we also want a resolution which enjoys maximum support. My right honourable friend's Statement was careful in its wording in that regard. We hope it will be done within the next couple of days, but it is possible that in order to gain the wider consensus that we believe is important the discussions may go on a little longer.
I thank both noble Lords for their kind remarks in particular about Sir Jeremy Greenstock. He is a tremendous diplomat and we are very lucky to have him representing UK interests at the UN. I also thank the noble Lord, Lord Wallace, for his kind remarks about my right honourable friends the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary.
The noble Lord, Lord Howell, helpfully took us through the timetable because it is important to understand the stages. He certainly got the timetabling right. It is probably helpful to think of the day that the United Nations resolution is passed, as we hope it will be, as D-day and then to count on the days from then. He was right in saying that it will take some three and a half months to get to the point of the first report-back. I stress to him that this will be the first report-back from the inspectors. It will not necessarily be the end of any process; there may be a first report-back to indicate how the inspections went and further work may be taken on into the future. It is not therefore a point at which the work stops, but the first stage at which the inspectors have to report back.
In drawing up the timetable, the United Nations Security Council has had the explicit participation of both the UNMOVIC and the IAEA inspectorate in order to try to ensure that sufficient time is given for them to undertake their work. It also wanted to ensure that pressure is kept up on the Iraqi regime. In thinking about the timetabling, the noble Lord mentioned the window of opportunity. Of course those matters must be held in the minds of those drawing up the timetable, but the important issue must be that the inspectors are able to do their job properly.
The noble Lord, Lord Howell, then asked what triggers the UN Security Council being recalled. The noble Lord, Lord Wallace, touched upon that point, too. It can he recalled at any time when Mr Blix and/or Mr El Baradei feel that that is important. When they feel that they have been obstructed or that in their inspections they have not been told the truth about what is going on, it is for them to judge. I know that the noble Baroness, Lady Williams of Crosby, has been most concerned about the matter. But it is for

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them to judge when to bring the issue back to the United Nations Security Council. So it could be at any point where Iraq is not seen to comply with the Security Council resolution.
As to the UN security guards, they are there to protect the UNMOVIC and the IAEA inspectors. Where the draft resolution refers to "serious consequences", it means consequences up to and including the use of military force. The wording is deliberately wide because it is a matter for the UNSCR to decide in the light of the prevailing circumstances. We cannot predict every eventuality. That is the importance of referring this back to the UN Security Council in order that it can look at the nature of the complaint and decide the best way forward.
The noble Lord asked whether it is the case that those who question the use of force weaken the pressure on Iraq. Of course, to a certain extent the noble Lord is right, but the obverse of that case is that we do not allow people free expression. One of our great concerns is that the people of Iraq do not have free expression. I would be loathe to see people in this country who do not agree with what the Government are saying somehow feeling inhibited from expressing that view. We live in a civil society where discussion and argument are vital. We can live with a little disagreement in order to preserve the kind of society that we have.
The noble Lord referred to military equipment if the eventuality were to arise where we deployed troops. If that were the case— it is not inevitable—our troops would be as well equipped as we can make them. I remind the noble Lord and others who have criticised some of the equipment that our Armed Forces are better equipped than they have ever been. As to the question raised by the noble Lord, Lord Marlesford, we already have new personal radios—"personal role radios" as they are called—coming in to cover the gap that exists between the equipment that we all know is out of date and the new equipment coming in.
The noble Lord, Lord Wallace of Saltaire, was worried that our public diplomacy had not been as good as our private diplomacy. I should say to the noble Lord that sometimes a little dash of salt should be taken with some of the delightful French cuisine on these issues. If we were to say in public what we said in private, what we said in private would be far less effective. That is a matter of fact. We can live with a little French criticism while securing a far greater objective—that is, getting this issue before the United Nations and on to a United Nations' track. A few weeks ago many people thought that there was no chance of getting this before the United Nations, let alone a chance of getting a resolution, let alone a chance of getting a resolution as tough as this one.
In a European context, my right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary has been talking to his opposite number, Mr. Villepin, and on a much wider basis to all of the 10 elected members of the Security Council. So he has been active not only in Europe but elsewhere.
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As to the peace conference, the road map is under negotiation at the moment and we hope to take the matter forward. Of course oil is an important factor, but so is religion and a number of other matters. Some very useful work has been carried out by the former Archbishop of Canterbury on the whole axis of the Alexandria declaration and we are committed to pursuing the Middle East peace process as well.
2.44 p.m.
Lord Hannay of Chiswick: My Lords, I thank the Minister for the Statement. I join other noble Lords in congratulating the Government on the patience, perseverance and flexibility with which they have pursued negotiations on this very tricky and vital resolution. I perhaps have more reason than most to know that this is a labour-intensive operation and I therefore join those who have congratulated my former colleagues on the way they have carried it out.
Perhaps I may ask the Minister three questions. Does she feel confident now? Does she not agree that there is a vital need to show Saddam Hussein that there is no third way between compliance and the use of force; that there is no "wiggle room" left; that he has to co-operate or something extremely unpleasant will be coming down the track? I feel that it should be possible to do that because even those in this country and elsewhere who feel that the avoidance of war is primordial must understand that it is only through compliance that that can be achieved. Those who feel that the disarming of Iraq is primordial—and I am among them—must know that that is a straight choice, not one with three, four or five alternatives.
Secondly, given Saddam Hussein's record and our knowledge of him, we should be wise to assume that at some stage he will not comply. In that circumstance, we need in the period of time set out in the resolution to maximise support for what might then have to happen. I entirely agree with the noble Lord, Lord Wallace of Saltaire, that we must address the issues of Arab/Israel and other matters. If we are forced to use force, only in that way will there be maximum support. That will be crucial when the time comes.
I turn finally to a more technical matter to which I do not ask the Minister to respond now. Clearly, the provision of intelligence to UNMOVIC is crucial. During the 1990s some bad experiences were gone through in which the Iraqis were able to muddy the waters, to imply that intelligence had been improperly produced and so on. Will the United Kingdom and the United States take the greatest care on this occasion? When they and other members states which are called upon in the resolution to provide such intelligence do so, will they do so in a way that does not allow the Iraqis to muddy the waters again?
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his kind remarks. I shall make particular effort to ensure that they are drawn to the attention of his former colleagues in the United Nations.

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I emphasise, as my right honourable friend in another place has, that we very much hope and believe that this resolution will be passed, but we are not there yet. We must keep on working very hard over the next few days. We shall be relying on our diplomats and our politicians from another place to take this forward.
I agree with the noble Lord's comment that it is vital to show Saddam Hussein that there is no "wiggle room", as he put it, between compliance and force. The United Nations draft resolution is very tough indeed. It makes that clear. One looks at the paragraphs on access, for example, where the inspectors must have "immediate","unimpeded","unconditional","unrestricted" access to "any", to "all". These are uncompromising words. This is very much tougher than any of the previous resolutions.
Yes, of course, Saddam Hussein, has a terrible record on compliance. We know that we possibly have some window of opportunity over the next few months to talk again to our friends in the Middle East—not only in the Palestinian Authority and in Israel but in many of the countries around Palestine and Israel—about what is happening in the Middle East peace process. My right honourable friend the Prime Minister has reiterated time and again the importance that he attaches to negotiations and discussions on this in all fora, including the European Union, and with our colleagues in the United States.
On the question of intelligence, the point was well made by the noble Lord, Lord Hannay. Dr Blix has made it clear that the intelligence flow will be one way only—that is, to UNMOVIC. It is crucial that he has good intelligence. United States and United Kingdom experts will participate if requested to do so by Dr Blix. I hope that that goes some way towards reassuring the noble Lord on the point that he raised.
The Lord Bishop of Oxford: My Lords, I thank the Minister for repeating the Statement. I share the admiration of other noble Lords for the work of our Government, the Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary and our diplomats in getting the United Nations so seized of this matter—to use their language.
I have always maintained that war is not inevitable. More importantly, I do not believe that we should think that it is inevitable. However, when I read the draft resolution this morning, the words that came into my mind were quite simply: this means war. It is a very tough resolution. I cannot conceive of how Saddam Hussein could comply with it. It means total, total humiliation. The Chinese have a wonderful proverb, "Build golden bridges for your enemy to retreat over". I read in the press about the possibility or hint of lifting sanctions. Can the Minister comment on the possibility of sanctions being lifted if Saddam Hussein complies? The only possibility of his complying together with the threat of force, which I understand and accept, would be for him to have some sort of bridge. That bridge would be something to offer to his poor, long-suffering people. Is there anything that he
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could offer to his people that might make it possible for him to accept what would be otherwise an abject humiliation?
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: My Lords, I am sorry if the right reverend Prelate no longer believes that war is not inevitable. The fact is that I still believe that war is not inevitable. I, too, have read the Security Council resolution. I am bound to say to the right reverend Prelate that, were it not as tough as it is. many people would say, "Well, of course, we are just going to go back over the same ground. Saddam Hussein has not complied. There is always a way that he can find of getting out of his obligations". I stress that this is not being pushed forward solely, as some would have us believe, by the United States or by the United States with the United Kingdom. Saddam Hussein has over and over and over again flouted the United Nations. We must do everything we can to ensure that he no longer has that option; that he no longer has that wiggle room to which the noble Lord, Lord Hannay, refers.
He can comply at first instance, in the first seven days, by saying, "Yes, the inspectors can come back", and, within the first 30 days, by supplying a list of weapons of mass destruction and their programme—not to this country or the United States, but to the nominated inspectors of the United Nations. In the Security Council resolution there is a clear pathway for him to follow. Yes, it is explicit; but that is helpful to him, because he knows exactly what is required and he knows that, in the end, if he does not comply, there will be very serious consequences.
What can he offer his people? In the end, were all this to happen as the draft Security Council resolution lays down, he could offer the lifting of sanctions. We have heard time without number of the suffering of the people of Iraq. I believe that that is suffering imposed on them by their leader, but I accept fully that some believe that it is because of the sanctions. I do not believe that is true for one moment. But Saddam Hussein will then have no excuse to hide behind the sanctions any longer, and the poor, suffering people of Iraq can get the medicine, get the food and get the education for their children that they need.
Lord Hardy of Wath: My Lords, in expressing strong support for the Government's position and their approach, I raise one relatively small point. Those countries that rely upon a velvet glove, and, therefore, may contribute to continuing horror, would be unlikely to contribute to the military personnel that needs to be deployed to deal with this problem. Will my noble friend ensure that efforts are made to try to secure any timing to be at such a period in which our personnel would not be exposed to the intense heat of the hottest months in that area? The protective clothing and equipment that they would have to wear would mean that they would face a very severe burden. If possible, can the matter be dealt with before such temperatures have to be experienced?
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: My Lords, let me reiterate again that I do not believe that military

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action is inevitable. However, if there were a decision that military action was the only way forward, any government committing troops to such action would do so in circumstances that maximised the possibility of that military action being successful. That must take into account all the exigencies that we have discussed. The noble Lord, Lord Howell of Guildford, referred to issues around the time of year. We have also discussed issues around equipment. Any government who put their troops into military theatre must do so on the basis of doing everything that they can to ensure that those troops can be successful in the endeavour to which they set their hand.
Lord Blaker: My Lords, the report of the inspectors after 105 days will be a first report. It seems very unlikely that they will be able to say at that time that Iraq no longer has a programme of making weapons of mass destruction or possesses such weapons. However, if, at some later date not too far away, they were able to say that, do we contemplate that even if Saddam Hussein were still in power, the inspections would come to an end, or do we regard this as a continuing activity?
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: My Lords, I stress that D-day plus 105, to use the terminology that I used a little earlier, is specified in the resolution as the time when there must be an initial report. There may be an initial report before that if the inspectors decide that there is a breach that should trigger a report to the United Nations Security Council. The report could come in advance of that date if the inspectors decided that there was something of a nature that had to be reported. Thereafter, there would be further reports as and when the inspectors thought that was appropriate. I do not think that we are yet at the point of being able to say that this is an exercise with a final end day. There will be further meetings of the Security Council, even if not formally, to decide how this is taken forward. There will certainly be a great deal more discussion about that. The initial programme laid down in the Security Council resolution is probably as far as it can be taken at the moment.
Lord Campbell-Savours: My Lords, can we be absolutely assured that the UNMOVIC and IAEA contingents will comprise British and American personnel? I congratulate the Government on pursuing their policy of tough brinkmanship, which in my view will lead to the avoidance of a war with Iraq.
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: My Lords, I have always regarded brinkmanship as an iffy term, but in the mouth of my noble friend Lord Campbell-Savours it sounds positively flattering. The inspection teams must comprise the people who are best equipped to carry out the inspection. By implication, that means that those who have expertise in chemical and biological warfare and in nuclear warfare will be needed on the inspection teams. That does not mean
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that Britain and America are the only countries with such expertise, but there is an enormous amount of such expertise in both countries.
Lord Avebury: My Lords, I suggest that we refer to R-day when talking about the future course of action rather than D-day, which has historical connotations that might lead people to suppose that we agreed with the right reverend Prelate the Bishop of Oxford that there is an inevitability of war in these arrangements. I have two questions for the Minister. First, is there any significance in the fact that paragraph 11 does not refer to the Security Council convening immediately after the seven days if Iraq does not indicate its willingness to comply? It refers only to paragraphs 4 and 11, but not to paragraph 9. Will the Minister confirm that the Security Council would reconvene as a matter of course if no reply was received from Iraq within the period specified?
Secondly, the resolution speaks of any interference by Iraq with inspection activities, and "any failure" by Iraq to comply with its disarmament obligations triggering off reports by the executive chairman of UNMOVIC and the director-general of IAEA. Can the noble Baroness confirm that the Security Council will have full power to consider the nature and extent of any non-compliance and to decide on its future action in full consideration of the need for proportionality in response to the gravity of the non-compliance?
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: My Lords, I shall certainly convey to the Foreign Office drafters the noble Lord's preference for R-day rather than D-day. The noble Lord raised a question in relation to paragraph 11. If there is no response from Iraq after seven days, I should be enormously surprised were the Security Council not to reconvene. It would be a most flagrant insult to the United Nations if there were to be no such reply; indeed, that would be of much more importance, perhaps, than some minor difficulties that may be encountered down the path.
The noble Lord also asked whether any failure would have to the reported to the United Nations Security Council. This is really a question for the judgment of Dr Blix and Mr El Baradei. The resolution refers to "any failure". Therefore, it is a matter for them to decide what they believe to be a real failure—a trivial mistake might not be a real failure in their judgment. It is a matter for them to decide what they believe constitutes a real failure, and then to report it accordingly to the Security Council. In the light of all the prevailing circumstances, the Security Council is the appropriate body to decide just how serious it believes such a breach to be, and what appropriate action should be taken. In considering any retaliation, I have always understood that it must be proportional in order for it to be valid in international law.
Lord Craig of Radley: My Lords, I am sure that we all hope to see an agreed United Nations resolution very soon. I join in commending Her Majesty's

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Government, and the officials concerned, in their efforts to achieve that end. Can the noble Baroness say what steps, if any, will be taken by US and UK Armed Forces to maintain pressure on Saddam Hussein—for example, by increasing rates of readiness or movements into the Middle East theatre? If taken, such steps will need, at least in part, to be overt if they are to be effective in demonstrating our resolve to achieve disarmament, and perhaps even regime change in Iraq.
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: My Lords, I thank the noble and gallant Lord, Lord Craig of Radley, for his remarks. The Prime Minister has made it clear that military action is not inevitable; but he has also made it clear that the use of force must remain an option. Therefore, it makes sense to go ahead with some sensible planning, which includes military planning. The House will not expect me to go into detail on the matter now. I do not believe that it would be in the best interests of those concerned if I were to do so.
Lord Gilbert: My Lords, the timetable that my noble friend so lucidly set out for the House is clearly predicated on Saddam Hussein maintaining full compliance with the requirements in a United Nations resolution. If the right reverend Prelate is right and it will be impossible for him to do so, we may be faced with a breach by Saddam Hussein in a matter of a very few days after the inspectors arrive. Can we take it that Her Majesty's Government are seized of that possibility and their military planning equally so?
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: My Lords, the experience of the noble Lord, Lord Gilbert, is such that he knows the sort of planning that goes on in the Ministry of Defence. I can assure him that that is also the case in the Foreign Office. Of course, eventualities have to be considered. In the first short while, we have 30 days within which Iraq must submit its declaration. Then, within the first 45 days, UNMOVIC must have started those inspections. I believe that it is the period immediately thereafter that is a matter of concern to the noble Lord. I can assure him that all these eventualities are being worked through in the meticulous way with which I believe the noble Lord is very familiar.
Lord Williams of Mostyn: My Lords, our time for dealing with the Statement has concluded.

Maternity and Parental Leave (Amendment) Regulations 2002
3.5 p.m.
Lord McIntosh of Haringeyrose to move, That the draft regulations laid before the House on 24th October be approved [39th Report from the Joint Committee].
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The noble Lord said: My Lords, in moving these regulations, and with the leave of the House, I shall also speak to the Paternity and Adoption Leave Regulations and to the Statutory Paternity Pay and Statutory Adoption Pay (Weekly Rates) Regulations.
Those who took part earlier in the year in the passage of the Employment Bill, now the Employment Act 2002, will be very familiar with the subject matter of these regulations. We had many good debates on the provisions, and many points were raised which clarified our thinking and led either to amendments to the Bill at that time, or indeed helped to inform the eventual drafting of the regulations which we are considering today. I record my gratitude to all those who took part in those debates.
I begin with the maternity regulations. These regulations will improve maternity rights for up to 300,000 working mothers a year, and they will simplify the arrangements both for them and for their employers. We are increasing paid maternity leave, to which all employed women are entitled, from 18 weeks to 26 weeks, and we are increasing additional unpaid maternity leave to a 26-week period following immediately after ordinary maternity leave. This will give most mothers the possibility of up to one year off work in total. At the same time, negative procedure regulations will increase the standard amount and duration of statutory maternity pay and maternity allowance to £100 a week for up to 26 weeks.
The new maternity regulations will benefit employers as well as employees. Employers will now be given earlier notice of a woman's planned leave, and the period of that leave can be determined in advance, rather than, as now, calculated only once the woman has actually given birth. Employers told us this should make it easier for employers to arrange cover for the absent employee and help retention of women in the workplace, saving costs on recruitment and training.
The second set of regulations, the paternity regulations, give new benefits for fathers. For the first time, eligible fathers will have the right to two weeks' paid paternity leave in the time shortly following their child's birth or—in the case of the partner of an adopter—after a child is placed with them for adoption. Pay will generally be at the same standard rate as statutory maternity pay. This will give fathers more time to care for and build a relationship with their new child and to offer support to the mother.
Paternity leave is available only where the employee in question will share responsibility for the upbringing of the child, and is taking time off for the purposes of supporting the mother and caring for the child. In the majority of cases, of course, this will be the child's natural father; but the regulations do not rule out a new partner of the mother—or, as the case may be, the adopter—if he or she satisfies these fundamental tests.
We have made the system as easy as possible for employers to administer. We have followed employers' suggestions and, wherever possible, have designed the scheme to reflect the existing operation of statutory maternity pay, making it easier for those who need to administer it. We have also taken the

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opportunity to make some improvements, including an ability for firms to reclaim payments from the Inland Revenue in advance, thus easing cash-flow difficulties. Recent changes to the threshold for Small Employers Relief ensure that an ever-increasing number of smaller firms qualify for reimbursement at a rate of more than 100 per cent of the statutory payments they make.
Adoptive parents, who are covered by the third set of regulations, have sometimes in the past been considered as some kind of second-class parents. I am particularly pleased that—following the decisions of this House earlier this week on the Adoption and Children Bill—today's regulations will, for the first time, give an adoptive parent a statutory right to paid time off work after a child is placed with them for adoption. This new right recognises the valuable contribution that adoptive parents play in society, and allows them to take time off work to establish a relationship with their new child. One adoptive parent will be entitled to the full adoption leave; the other will be eligible for paternity leave, on the lines that I have just mentioned. That will, we hope, reduce the rate of disrupted placements and thus ensure a better future for many children who are leaving the care system and seeking placement with a family.
Adoption leave is broadly equivalent to maternity leave, set at six months' paid leave at the standard pay rate, followed by six months' unpaid leave, giving up to 12 months off work in total. We expect that to benefit up to 4,000 adopters in 2003 who will be up to £2,600 better off than before.
These regulations form a key component in our package of statutory support for working parents. They have been designed in the closest possible collaboration with all interested parties and are, I believe, not just right in principle but practical in detail. I beg to move.
Moved, That the draft regulations laid before the House on 24th October be approved [39th Report from the Joint Committee].—(Lord McIntosh of Haringey.)
Lord Hodgson of Astley Abbotts: My Lords, I begin by thanking the Minister for the characteristically clear way in which he introduced and explained these three interlocking statutory instruments.
It is hard to think of any event in a person's existence that gives greater joy than the arrival of a new child. That is as true for adopted children as for new born ones. Regulations designed to enhance that sense of joy and improve bonding between parents and new arrivals command instinctive sympathy. But on this, as on so many matters of public policy, there is a balance to be struck between the enhancement of private happiness and an increase in public cost, be it to the taxpayer or to the employing firm.
I said that I was grateful to the Minister for having explained the instruments so carefully because they are not in themselves an easy read. That is particularly relevant given the wide impact that they will have, involving, as they will, every employee and every
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employer, large or small, in every part of the country. It is because of that wide impact that, before I turn to the issues directly involving the regulations, I hope that the Minister will forgive me if I address the process and timetable that his department has followed for their promulgation.
When I was asked at the beginning of last week to speak to these regulations I went to the Printed Paper Office on 29th October, a week last Tuesday, to get copies of the regulations. I was told that they were not yet available in print. They were finally made available on Thursday, 31st October, exactly seven days ago. Today we discuss them and they come into force on 24th November, a fortnight on Sunday, and on 8th December, although it is perfectly fair to say that a number of the provisions take effect only in April of next year. This is too short a period of time between publication of the final regulations and the debate here today and, indeed, in another place on Tuesday. It is too short a period in any case but particularly so when the regulations have such far-reaching implications.
The Minister's colleague, the noble and learned Lord the Leader of the House, has often chided us on the need for the House to become more professional and businesslike in its approach. I hope that the Minister will forgive me if I say that I do not find that timetable businesslike or professional. Nor, indeed, is it likely to provide a framework within which genuine concerns or objections about the final regulations can be raised, ventilated and discussed; that is to say, the carrying out of the proper essential function of your Lordships' House as a revising Chamber.
The Minister could, and probably will, argue that there has already been wide-ranging consultation. The Explanatory Memorandum that accompanies the regulations signed by the Minister's colleague, Mr Alan Johnson, stresses that. That is a perfectly fair point. However, few, if any, of the interested parties in the wider world know the result of the consultation as they have not yet had a chance to see the final documents. For example, I spoke to the Engineering Employers' Federation to seek its views on the final regulations. It recognised the scale of the consultation and referred to what the Minister had done. These extremely heavy documents certainly meet the weight test if nothing else. However, the federation said that it had no idea of the outcome as it had not yet seen the regulations. That is no doubt paralleled in other bodies and interest groups. It is not a satisfactory situation.
I turn to the issues raised by the regulations. My first broad point concerns the drafting style of the regulations. It has been put to me that in earlier drafts, and perhaps in the versions that are now before us, the terminology and definitions of terminology do not precisely match. The Maternity and Parental Leave (Amendment) Regulations and the Paternity and Adoption Leave Regulations had at that time different terminology from that in the Statutory Paternity Pay and Statutory Adoption Pay (Weekly Rates) Regulations. That probably arose because the first two regulations are the child of the Employment Rights Act 1996 and the other is the child of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992, which

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means that they fall under different departments: the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department for Work and Pensions.
The major concern outside the House has been the unmeshed terminology and rules for maternity, paternity and adoption leave, as opposed to maternity, paternity and adoption pay. Will the Minister reassure the House that those discrepancies have been ironed out? It would add enormously to the burden of the regulations if there was not clarity and consistency.
As the Minister pointed out, the Government have made a genuine and great effort to tidy up and synchronise different rules in the regulations. I refer, for example, to the harmonisation of dates and efforts to build on the existing operation of maternity pay in the administration of the new regulations. I congratulate the Government on that. It would be a pity if, as they cleared up one set of inconsistencies, another set was created.
My second general point is about the impact of the legislation on smaller firms, especially very small firms: those that employ only a handful of people. For such firms, the regulations represent a real burden. I accept that the Government have prepared an impact assessment to accompany the regulations. However, because of their very nature, such statements are broad brush and cannot identify where the shoe particularly pinches. Consider the position of a firm with half a dozen employees when one member of staff wishes to take the full leave entitlement of 52 weeks. The firm would have lost one-sixth of its workforce and would have to provide cover for that post. If, at the end of the 52 weeks, the original employee wanted to return, the replacement employee would have completed one year's service. He or she would therefore, as I understand it, have certain protections within employment legislation. I assume that I am right about that but if I am not, I am sure that the Minister will correct me. The small firm either has to have seven employees—an increase of 15 per cent—or face a redundancy cost.
When the question of the cost of the regulations on small firms in particular was raised in the other place, the Minister, Mr Alan Johnson, focused entirely—as did, I am afraid, the noble Lord the Minister—on changes in Inland Revenue regulations; that is, on the cash impact. When one reads the debate in another place, the Minister's response reveals how little the Government really understand about real business life at the sharp end, especially in smaller firms. I know that the noble Lord the Minister can be exempted from that criticism because I have heard him talk from the Dispatch Box about his existence in the lighting industry. The burden of regulation, as he knows, is not just about cash and cash flow; it is about form filling, administration, making sure that the boxes are ticked and that the money is properly identified and recorded, arid that proper notification is sent out to employees on the right date.
Various extensions in that latter category will be imposed on firms by these regulations and, moreover, by the hundreds of other regulations that are
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increasingly burdening smaller firms and blunting their entrepreneurial drive and competitive edge. At some point, somebody somewhere is going to have to step back and look not at the individual regulations, most of which have thoroughly worthwhile motives, but at the overall burden that they represent. At some point, the threshold for small firms will have to be addressed. Eventually, we shall reach the point of unintended consequences.
The regulations are basically intended to improve the life/work balance and specifically to enhance employment opportunities and conditions for parents and for young women in particular. It would be a shame if the result of the burden of regulation was that firms—in particular, smaller firms—became more reluctant to employ women of child-bearing age.
I want to ask the Minister four specific questions about the regulations. The first concerns the notification by employees who intend to return from leave early and not take their full entitlement. Under the present regulations, such employees are required to give notice of their intention to return early; alternatively, the employer can write to them and they are statutorily required to answer. I understand that that is no longer the case and that the firm must depend on the good will of the employee—in itself, no bad thing—to be able properly to plan its manpower. Is that really a sensible way to proceed?
Secondly, I turn to the remuneration position of employees during the second 26-week period if they elect to take additional leave. I understand that they are not to be paid, but what about year-end bonuses, entitlement to holidays and other fringe benefits? Can the Minister clarify that position?
Thirdly, I want to ask about working and drawing. Can the Minister put on record the future employment position with his original employer of the employee who, during the period of leave—whether it is the first or second period of 26 weeks—elects to go to work for another firm and then returns to the firm by whom he or she was originally employed?
Finally, I turn to the position of adopting parents. Of course, one understands the excitement of such people, but they are in a different position from birth parents in at least two senses. First, a natural mother will have gone through the physical trauma of a birth from which she needs time to recover. Secondly, the adoption may be of a baby, in which case the perils of natural birth are fairly close. But the adoption may be of a school-age child. In the documents circulated by the adoption agencies, which many of your Lordships will have seen and which tug enormously at one's heart strings, many of the children listed as being available for adoption are of school age. In such circumstances, the need for longer periods of leave does not seem to be as pressing. Can the Minister explain the Government's decision to give the same leave entitlement for all adopted children, irrespective of age?
In conclusion, as I said at the beginning, we have to strike a balance. No one could fail to be excited by the exhilaration of parents—natural or adoptive—with a

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new child. But, in supporting these regulations, we have to look at all aspects of what is implied. I look forward to hearing the Minister answer the points that I have raised.
3.15 p.m.
Lord Roper: My Lords, from these Benches we accept the three sets of regulations. We have always supported the introduction of these benefits and are therefore pleased to see their implementation and the fact that next year they will be in operation. The noble Lord, Lord Hodgson, was right that a balance must be struck in these matters. On this occasion, we believe that the balance has been broadly correctly struck. However, the points about small businesses are ones that we must always keep under consideration, and no doubt we shall return to them.
As the Minister made clear in his introductory remarks, it is a very happy coincidence that, in the week in which we completed consideration of the Adoption and Children Bill, we are agreeing that the benefits which have previously been available to birth parents should also be available to adoptive parents. Although I understand the point raised by the Conservative Front Bench about the differences, I believe that in order to give support and assistance to adoptive parents—an issue raised during our earlier consideration of the other measure—again, the balance has been properly struck.
However, in responding to the debate, perhaps the Minister will say something more about the point made in the Explanatory Memorandum concerning the summary leaflets which have been produced and which will be made available so that people will know of the benefits that they are about to receive. On these Benches, we very much hope that the orders come into effect.
Lord Lea of Crondall: My Lords, I want to make two points which arise principally from the interesting analysis of the noble Lord, Lord Hodgson of Astley Abbots. There is no doubt that statutory instruments which are regularly brought forward on matters akin to this are of great importance. They affect the lives of real people and small and large businesses and so on. They have a positive impact in transforming the labour market in the sense that many people are able to run what some call a post-modern existence more readily because of such regulations. There is a downside and an upside, as has been said.
The noble Lord, Lord Hodgson of Astley Abbotts, also commented on the process and audience of statutory instruments. I am a member of the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments, and the problem occurs in the following way: people say, "Let's have an in-depth examination of how this is received out there", and, "This is a much more generic matter than one particular statutory instrument". There is a need for a generic inquiry about how statutory instruments can be made more easily comprehensible. If one asks for a more generic inquiry, people will say,"Give us evidence of one example of a
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difficult situation", and the one example may concern slaughtering sheep or whatever. That is a difficult exercise. I leave that thought with the House because a question arises, but procedurally it is hard to know how to take it further.
My other observation is that this presents challenges to employers. The great advantage of the procedure that entails social framework bargaining, some of which comes from Brussels, such as the Social Chapter—I am sure that the noble Lord, Lord Hodgson of Astley Abbotts, would not agree with this—is that the CBI, like the TUC, is part of it. Participants in Social Chapter negotiations comprise one organisation from the employers and one from the trade unions in each country. That is not the small businesses; the small businesses have much smaller membership and of course they are all snapping at the heels of the CBI. That is not surprising.
I emphasise that the regulations have been received more readily by industry and business as a result of the involvement of the social partners in drawing up the frameworks against which those detailed regulations are put forward. The only other conclusion that one can reach is that some people would de facto advocate a two-tier labour force. If one works for a small firm, one does not have the same rights as if one worked in a large firm. As I had occasion to remind the House once before, I remember the former Prime Minister Mrs Thatcher discussing the problems of small firms. John Monks said to her, "Prime Minister, why not consider saying that small firms do not have to observe the 30 mph speed limit?" to which she said, "That's a good idea; make a note of that", to a civil servant.
One cannot have a two-tier labour force on basic rights like this, so there is a balance to be struck. With regard to the difficulty of introducing such provisions, there is a more generic issue relating to statutory instruments, but that is not for this debate; it is a matter for future consideration.
Lord Monson: My Lords, a potential problem arises with the new concept of paternity leave and paternity pay that for obvious biological reasons cannot apply to maternity leave or maternity pay. What happens when a man has two or more children by two or more women in the course of a year at, say, for the sake of argument, intervals of three months? If the picture of contemporary Britain painted by the tabloids is in any way accurate, that must happen with increasing frequency. In such a case, is the man entitled to paternity leave and paternity pay in respect of each child? If so, that seems more than a little unfair to the employer—in particular, the small employer cited by the noble Lord, Lord Hodgson—and more than a little unfair to the taxpayer.
3.30 p.m.
The Earl of Listowel: My Lords, I also welcome these three regulations. I am put in mind of my cousin who was so sad after her first child Thomas's birth to have to return to work so soon. I hope the regulations will allow many mothers to have the joy of their children for longer.

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I welcome the first regulation because of the increasingly available and widely received evidence of the importance of an infant's relationship with his primary care giver in the first months and year of his life: the importance of that to his emotional well-being, the resilience it gives him and that that child is less likely to be involved in antisocial behaviour later in life.
At the weekend I attended a colloquium celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Anna Freud Centre. Three neurobiologists and neuropsychologists gave talks which were way above my head, but they were using the latest scanning technology which can show how the brain responds to feelings in changes in body chemistry. What they were saying, as I understood it, was that at birth an infant has a huge array of neural connections. Many of these are pared down in early infancy. The relationship with the mother, or with the primary care giver, is key to setting those neural pathways in that infantile period. If there is not a good relationship with the primary care giver there are many problems, among them a difficulty in regulating emotions. That is a primary concern in later antisocial behaviour. If an adolescent cannot manage his emotions, he is far more likely to be involved in antisocial behaviour. So I welcome this regulation.
The Minister and I have debated before the consistency between encouraging mothers to choose to go back to work early on in an infant's life rather than perhaps allowing them to make a choice between going back to work or looking after their child. Tax incentives encourage mothers to go back into work as early as possible. I would prefer mothers to be able to make a choice between going back to work and choosing to stay with their child. I would like to see that made easier. Again, I welcome these regulations.
Baroness Howarth of Breckland: My Lords, I welcome these regulations. I had not intended to speak, but I want to make a comment about adoptive children. As a practitioner, I can say that rarely and occasionally one places a delightful seven year-old child, or any child from two years up. If one took part in the adoption debate, one would know that these children are extraordinarily difficult and, if anything, need more time. Many women, sometimes men, in the family give up work in order to settle these children because of the difficulties. Far from needing less time, I am sure that they need more time.
Lord McIntosh of Haringey: My Lords, I am grateful to all noble Lords who have taken part in the debate, particularly since my understanding is that everyone welcomes the regulations that have been moved.
I shall try to deal with the points as far as I can in order. First, I am sorry that the regulations which were laid on 24th October appear not to have been available in the Printed Paper Office until 31st October. I did not know that. Inquiries will have to be made into that. I hope that the noble Lord, Lord Hodgson, when he received them finally, was consoled by what I consider to be excellent Explanatory Notes.
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The noble Lord asked about the consultation period. I deliberately did not take the House through all the steps in the consultation exercise, which began with the publication of the Green Paper in December 2000 entitled Work & Parents: Competitiveness and Choice. It has continued through a number of further formal consultation exercises, virtually up until today. I do think that it has been widely agreed that this is one of the most open, comprehensive and participative consultation processes that the Government have ever undertaken. Although no one can undertake to satisfy everyone, the regulations have the broad endorsement of everyone whom we have consulted, including employer and employee interests.
The noble Lord, Lord Hodgson, asked about terminology and past difficulties with concordance between regulations about leave and pay. The new paternity and adoption regulations cover both leave and pay. I hope that the noble Lord will find that they are consistent. We have sought to bring up to date existing maternity regulations. They are not all contained here, because some fall under the negative resolution procedure. It is not self-evident. but if divergences remain that is because people have told us during the consultation that there are good reasons for maintaining those differences. If the noble Lord has any help to offer on any particular point, I shall of course be delighted to listen to him.
I am not surprised by what the noble Lord, Lord Hodgson, and my noble friend Lord Lea said about the problems of small businesses. Although they recognise that cash arrangements for small businesses will be improved, I agree that other burdens on small businesses remain. As the House will be bored with hearing, my qualifications are not just that I spent a couple of years in the lighting industry but that I ran a small business for 30 years. I know the regulatory impact on small businesses. I have experienced senior staff in a business employing only 30 to 35 people going off to have three babies one after another, quite properly taking advantage of the 13-week rule and then, less than a year later, going to work for someone else. That is galling.
As the noble Lord, Lord Hodgson, said, we must maintain a balance. It is difficult to get that balance right for everyone. However, I agree with the noble Lord's conclusion that it is important to maintain the life/work balance. The advantages for employment opportunities, especially for young women, and for employers of increasing the pool of available labour outweigh the disadvantages. That is not just socially, but economically right.
The noble Lord asked me four specific questions. First, on the notification of the return, the regulations mark an improvement on the existing provision, because they provide that notification of return must be agreed in advance between employer and employee. If any change takes place, inquiries can be made and notification given, but there will certainly be no less protection for employers. The noble Lord asked me about remuneration in the second period and bonuses. They are subject to prior agreement between the employee and employer. There is defined case law on

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holidays and accrued holidays, which resolves that issue. The noble Lord also asked me about an employee who goes to work for a second employer and then expects to return. There is no entitlement. No one can get a second job at public expense. That would be unacceptable.
The noble Lord, Lord Hodgson, asked me an interesting question that was followed up by the noble Earl, Lord Listowel, and the noble Baroness, Lady Howarth, about adoption of older children. Having taken part in a junior ministerial capacity in consideration of the Adoption and Children Bill, I am thoroughly convinced that the argument for having adoption leave for older children is, if anything, stronger than for babies. The risk of disrupted placement is greater at a more advanced age. As the noble Baroness said, even if there is no pay, many adoptive parents take time off for an older child simply because they believe it essential to avoid disruption and a failed adoption. The argument is strong in that sense.
I am grateful for the comments of the noble Lord, Lord Roper. He asked me about the summary leaflets. They were produced in August and are subject to the approval of Parliament and say so. They will be updated as time goes on. I stress that employers and employees need not read the regulations; they must read the leaflets in order to understand what to do.
My noble friend Lord Lea of Crondall joined in the debate on small businesses. I am grateful for what he said. The Opposition never suggested, in this House or in the Commons, that small businesses should be exempt from the regulations. That would, indeed, be a system of postcode benefits, and it would be a thoroughly bad idea.
The principal answer to the noble Lord, Lord Monson, is the one that I gave in my opening speech. Paternity leave is available for the father or equivalent person who is responsible for upbringing. It would be difficult to conceive that somebody having two children by two different women in the same paternity leave period—it is only two weeks—could realistically be thought responsible for upbringing.
Lord Monson: My Lords, I was talking about two children being born not within a period of two weeks but within a period of, let us say, three months.
McIntosh of Haringey: My Lords, even at that, it is difficult to believe that they could realistically claim to be responsible for the upbringing of both, unless it were a ménage à trois, which would raise interesting complications in regulation making.
I have answered and expressed my gratitude to the noble Earl, Lord Listowel, and the noble Baroness, Lady Howarth of Breckland, for their observations and for their support for the regulations.
On Question, Motion agreed to.

Paternity and Adoption Leave Regulations 2002
Lord McIntosh of Haringey: My Lords, I beg to move the second Motion standing in my name on the Order Paper.
Moved, That the draft regulations laid before the House on 24th October be approved [39th Report from the Joint Committee].—(Lord McIntosh of Haringey.)
On Question, Motion agreed to.

Statutory Paternity Pay and Statutory Adoption Pay (Weekly Rates) Regulations 2002
Lord McIntosh of Haringey: My Lords, I beg to move the third Motion standing in my name on the Order Paper.
Moved, That the draft regulations laid before the House on 24th October be approved [39th Report from the Joint Committee].—(Lord McIntosh of Haringey.)
On Question, Motion agreed to.

Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Bill
A message was brought from the Commons, That they disagree to the Lords amendments to the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Bill but have made amendments to the clause inserted by Lords Amendment No. 37 (The Monitor of Accommodation Centres) in lieu thereof, to which they desire the agreement of your Lordships.
Lord Grocott: My Lords, having had the message from the other place, I beg to move that the House do now adjourn during pleasure until 4.10 p.m.
Moved accordingly, and, on Question, Motion agreed to.
[The Sitting was suspended from 3.42 to 4.10 p.m.]

Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Bill
4.10 p.m.
COMMONS AMENDMENTS TO THE BILL IN LIEU OF
AN AMENDMENT TO WHICH THE COMMONS HAVE
DISAGREED
[The page and line refer to HL Bill 89 as first printed for the
Lords.]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Filkin): My Lords, I beg to move that the Commons amendment be now considere.
Moved, That the Commons amendments be now considered.—(Lord Filkin.)
On Question, Motion agreed to.
LORDS AMENDMENT
17 Clause 14, page 9, line 8, at end insert—
"( ) An accommodation centre shall be established only when the Secretary of State is satisfied that the proposed location is suitable to the needs of the persons to be accommodated therein."
LORDS AMENDMENTS IN LIEU
The Lords do not insist on their amendment to which the Commons have disagreed, but do propose the following amendment in lieu thereof—
17B Page 9, line 8, at the end insert—
"( ) In determining the location of premises provided under this section the Secretary of State shall have regard to the needs of the persons to be accommodated therein."
COMMONS AMENDMENTS IN LIEU
The Commons disagreed with the Lords in the Amendment No. 17B proposed in lieu of Amendment No. 17, but do propose the following amendments to the Clause inserted by Lords Amendment No. 37 (The Monitor of Accommodation Centres) in lieu thereof—
17C Line 8, leave out second "and"
17D Line 9, at end insert—
", and
(d) whether, in the case of any accommodation centre, its location prevents a need of its residents from being met."
Lord Filkin: My Lords, I beg to move that the House do not insist in their Amendment No. 17B to which the Commons have disagreed and do agree with the Commons in their Amendments Nos. 17C and 17D in lieu thereof.
I hope that it will be recognised that, as ever, we have listened to the argumentation in this Chamber. What we now propose is what we think is a proper response to the debate we had yesterday. It is a response which does not open up the dangers of substantial judicial reviews but ensures that some of the objectives that Members were seeking to ensure are provided.
We now propose for the monitor of accommodation centres to have a specific requirement to consider whether in the case of any accommodation centre its location prevents a need of its residents from being met. Therefore, the monitor will be able to consider, for example, whether a need of residents to have interpretation facilities has been prevented by the location of the accommodation center.
The monitor will, of course, be independent and is required to produce an annual report which will be laid before Parliament. He is required to consult the Secretary of State and such other persons as he considers appropriate. We might well imagine therefore that the monitor would consult the local authority, the police and the local Members of Parliament as well as the advisory groups which we have also established.
The point of the amendment is for the monitor to consider whether in the case of any accommodation centre its location prevents a need of its residents from being met. So once the centre is operating the monitor is required to consider the needs of the residents and whether the location prevents a need being met.
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The monitor will provide his views in an annual report which will be laid before Parliament. He will report on the quality and effectiveness of accommodation and other facilities, the nature and enforcement of conditions of residence, the treatment of residents and now, by virtue of the amendments proposed by the Commons, whether a centre's location prevents a need of its residents being met. The Government will take account of those views both in their evaluation of the trial and, if appropriate, thereafter.
The monitor is not, as was suggested in another place, an adjudicator or an arbiter of whether a location is suitable—nor would that be appropriate—whether an accommodation centre remains in operation, or whether a particular individual should remain at a centre.
Amendments Nos. 17C and 17D are a further example of how we are happy for accommodation centres to be scrutinised in an open and transparent way which will inform us, lead to improvements and provide us with examples of what is working and what is not. This is a clear indication of our intent to develop a system that works and to use the trial as a basis for far-reaching improvements in the way we support destitute asylum seekers and process asylum claims.
Unlike the amendments agreed by this House yesterday, the amendments proposed by the Commons and supported by the Government do exactly what they are intended to do and I commend them to the House. As the House knows, this forms part of our overall system for improving the management of the asylum system and to offer refuge and support to those who need it while eliminating abuse.
Moved, That the House do not insist on their Amendment No. 17B to which the Commons have disagreed and do agree with the Commons in their Amendments Nos. 17C and 17D in lieu thereof.—(Lord Filkin.)
Lord Renton of Mount Harry: My Lords, before the noble Lord sits down, perhaps I may thank him for the explanation of the amendment that has been brought forward. Does he believe that the concern he expressed yesterday about judicial review in relation to the amendment moved from the Front Bench by my noble friend Lady Anelay has disappeared and that because a monitor is in the place of the Secretary of State that diminishes the likelihood of judicial review? Is that why the noble Lord is content with this amendment but was not content with the amendment we passed yesterday?
Lord Filkin: My Lords, in two words, just so. In conclusion I reiterate the Home Secretary's statement today in another place in relation to late claims. We expect people to claim asylum at the port of entry unless they have a good reason for not doing so. I have said so on numerous occasions during our debates. I commend the Motion to the House.

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Moved, That the House do not insist on their Amendment No. 17B to which the Commons have disagreed and do agree with the Commons in their Amendments Nos. 17C and 17D in lieu thereof.—(Lord Filkin.)
4.15 p.m.
Baroness Anelay of St Johns: My Lords, I thank the Minister for his careful and courteous explanation. Indeed, his stewardship of the Bill has been one of care and courtesy, for which I am sure all noble Lords will be most grateful.
Noble Lords: Hear, hear!
Baroness Anelay of St Johns: My Lords, I make it clear from the beginning that we welcome this substantial concession from the Government, which recognises that they have listened to the views expressed in your Lordships' House and accepted that the general principle of the position we took throughout the Bill is right. There must be scrutiny of the decision about where accommodation centres will be sited. The location must be suitable for the needs of those who will be living in them for up to six months, possibly longer.
On Report on 10th October, I moved an amendment which would have required the Secretary of State to make an annual report on the measures taken to establish accommodation centres and would have covered issues of location. The Government have tabled a similar amendment today. The point I made was that the clause that the Government introduced in Committee regarding the monitor's powers left a gap in accountability about the suitability of location and the availability of services in the area which will be needed for both the asylum seekers and the local residents. The Minister has referred today to some of those facilities.
The Minister then rejected my proposal on the basis that it would not be appropriate to introduce an annual report. Last Thursday, when the noble Lord, Lord Bassam, was responding to another of my amendments on annual reports, he made the somewhat prophetic statement that,
"it sometimes seems that if we are stuck for an amendment we call for an annual report".—[Official Report, 31/10/02; col. 405.]
The Government were stuck in a mess of their own making, but I am glad they are pulling themselves out little by little.
It is right that the Government have recognised in the amendment that an annual report via the monitor to Parliament on these matters is necessary. The Home Office will have to get a move on to appoint a monitor in order to discharge the Government's responsibilities under Clause 33. It is clear in the Bill that an annual report will be made in the first year. Paragraph (4)(a) states that the monitor shall report,
"at least once in each calendar year".
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The reality is that before any accommodation centre is built, be it in Bicester, Nottingham or wherever, the Home Office will have to consider in advance whether a decision about where it puts an accommodation centre will later be challenged by asylum seekers, local residents or organisations representing asylum seekers on the basis of the monitor reporting that the location prevented the needs of its residents being met.
We now have a suitable safeguard in the Bill with regard to the locating of accommodation centres. We have made it clear throughout that we support the Bill's broad thrust, but that some aspects of it were clearly inadequate or overreaching. We have always been at one with the Government over the importance of ensuring that applications for asylum are processed both fairly and rapidly. It is important for asylum seekers who may be staying here to know where they are and equally important for those who will be removed to know that they will not be remaining here. It is important for the rest of the country to be assured that the system for processing applications is as good as it can be.
We will be keeping our eyes on the future to make sure that if it is not as good as it gets, we shall have something to say about it. I support the Motion moved by the Minister.
Lord Dholakia: My Lords, I, too, thank the Minister for the way he has responded to our concerns about the location and size of accommodation centres. This is the right way to progress because none of us can judge at this stage what is appropriate and what will work—although we have no doubt that some of the arguments that we have put forward will form the basis on which the monitor will effectively judge how the accommodation centres are operating.
There are a number of issues. The amendment that we supported demonstrated clearly that it would have been possible to pay due regard to the issues of concern before the accommodation centres became operative, whereas the monitor will not be able to do so until after they have been established.
The amendment gives us an opportunity to ask the Minister further questions and to seek assurances from him. Will the Minister ensure that the monitor is appointed as soon as possible? Will he allow the monitor to comment on any proposed site and model? What will happen if the monitor submits a report with which the Government do not agree? Would the Government proceed with their plans or would they pay due regard to the views expressed by the monitor? It would assist us if the Minister could address some of our concerns. I wish the individual appointed every success.
Lord Elton: My Lords, as a point of clarification, can the Minister confirm my suspicion that where the print refers to "page 9" it actually means "page 19". I have some difficulty in relating the print to the Bill. If I am confused about this, I apologise—but I am not alone.
Earl Russell: My Lords, I agree with everything that has been said by the noble Baroness, Lady Anelay, and

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by my noble friend Lord Dholakia. This is an acceptable substitute for our amendment and may even be a slight improvement on it.
The Minister has had many trials of his patience during the Bill. I regret it if an intervention of mine in the debate on accommodation yesterday needlessly added to them. It had been my intention to make a serious point, not a cheap debating point. Clearly I failed to convey that intention and to express myself as felicitously as I would have wished. I am sorry if that was the case. I do not believe that there is any need for explanations at this stage of the Bill unless the Minister wants them, in which case I shall be happy to give them outside the Chamber.
The Minister also said that he regretted my not remembering an occasion earlier in the Bill when he expressed regret at infelicitous use of language. The trouble is, courtesy from the Minister is not a case of man bites dog; it is so common that I doubt whether any one of us can remember all the occasions, or even all the important occasions, on which he has shown it. I hope that he understands it is in that spirit that we regard his handling of the Bill.
The Earl of Sandwich: My Lords, I still have reservations about the accommodation centres, but today is a day to swallow disappointment and for me to recognise, as did the noble Baroness, Lady Anelay, the great courtesy shown by the noble Lord throughout this very long Bill. I thank him sincerely for that.
Lord Filkin: My Lords, one should quit while one is ahead. That is not a resignation speech, I should add.
The noble Baroness, Lady Anelay, graciously teased us about annual reports. This is not a day to quibble, but I do not think that her earlier amendment was exactly the same as ours. That is self-evidently the case because we would have obviously accepted it if it had been.
The essential point about sites under consideration is that it is the job of the Home Secretary, subject to the planning authorities, to decide whether or not a location is suitable. The Home Secretary's purview and consideration will clearly be wider than that of the planning authorities: the Home Secretary will have to think about whether he is acting reasonably in believing that this location is likely to meet the needs of its future residents in all respects. As noble Lords have pointed out, the monitor will subsequently be charged with the statutory duty of seeing whether that works in operation.
I was asked when the monitor will report. The monitor must report after the accommodation centres are up and running, and must report annually. We talked about evaluation. I shall not go into detail, but the research evaluation of accommodation centres is relevant to this issue. I believe that I am on record as saying that the evaluation research would give an interim report within one year after the first accommodation centre was opened. Therefore, both of these points are germane and will help to ensure that there is in the public domain an objective analysis of how these new and important facilities operate.
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There is no intent or requirement for the monitor to be consulted about particular locations that the Secretary of State might be considering—it is not the monitor's role—although the Secretary of State must satisfy himself that he is acting reasonably in identifying a site which he believes will meet the needs of residents, if only under Wednesbury principles.
I was asked about the line reference in the amendment. I am told that it refers to line 9 of Lords Amendment No. 37 and that that is the correct reference. I hope that that is helpful.
The noble Lord, Lord Dholakia, asked when the monitor would be appointed. The answer is: as soon as there is a job for him or her to do. I am speculating at this point, but I should have thought that it would be good to have the monitor in post for a reasonable time before the opening of the first centre so that he or she can begin to think about working methods and processes. But one would not want someone in post so early in advance that there was nothing for him or her to do.
Unless I am corrected, I believe that I have covered the questions raised. It therefore remains for me to thank my colleagues on the Front Bench who have worked hard and well with me on this Bill. I appreciate that not all of them are present today.
I should like genuinely to thank the Opposition Front Benches. We do not, as they have noticed, always agree, but the spirit has been decent and proper. I am extremely grateful for the courtesy of the noble Earl, Lord Russell, on this and on previous occasions. He is a hard person in terms of learning how to debate with him in this Chamber, but he is a good master of the process—so one hopes that over another 10 years or so one might master it. I also thank the noble Earl, Lord Sandwich, for his comments.
Finally, I give my warm thanks to the Bill team and to all other officials in the Home Office who have worked extremely hard and well. I am most appreciative of that. I commend the Commons amendments in lieu to the House.
On Question, Motion agreed to.
4.28 p.m.
Lord Grocott: My Lords, we are now awaiting a message from the other place on the Animal Health Bill. It is anyone's guess as to precisely when it will arrive. I therefore suggest that we adjourn during pleasure until we receive the message. The timing will then appear on the annunciator. As a reminder to noble Lords, and not least to myself, I should say that we shall then need to adjourn for a further half hour in order for it to be processed. After that, we shall see what happens. I beg to move that the House do now adjourn during pleasure.
Moved accordingly, and, on Question, Motion agreed to.
[The Sitting was suspended from 4.28 to 5.4 p.m.]

Animal Health Bill
A message was brought from the Commons, That they insist on their amendments to certain Lords amendments to the Animal Health Bill but have made amendments to the Bill in lieu of words left out of the Lords amendments, to which they desire the agreement of your Lordships.
Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton: My Lords, I beg to move that the House do now adjourn during pleasure until 5.30 p.m.
Moved accordingly and, on Question, Motion agreed to.
[The Sitting was suspended from 5.4 to 5.30 p.m.]

Animal Health Bill
Lord Whitty: My Lords, I beg to move that the Commons amendments be now considered.
Moved, That the Commons amendments be now considered.—(Lord Whitty.
On Question, Motion agreed to.
COMMONS INSISTENCE ON CERTAIN COMMONS
AMENDMENTS TO LORDS AMENDMENTS AND
COMMONS AMENDMENTS TO THE BILL IN LIEU OF
WORDS LEFT OUT OF CERTAIN LORDS
AMENDMENTS
[The page and line refer to HL Bill 37 as first printed for the
Lords.]
LORDS AMENDMENT
14 Clause 6, page 3, leave out lines 28 to 37 and insert—
"(5) The second condition is that each of the following applies to the occupier of the premises—

(a) he has been informed of the decision to seek entry to the premises and of the reasons for that decision;

(b) he has failed to allow entry to the premises on being requested to do so by an inspector;

(c) he has been informed of the decision to apply for the warrant and of the reasons for that decision including a copy of the sworn information;

(d) he has been provided with an opportunity to make representations to the justice of the peace about whether the warrant should be issued;

(e) he has been provided with the opportunity to present sworn information in person or in writing to the justice of the peace who is to consider the application for a warrant."

(6) The third condition is that—

(a) the premises are unoccupied or the occupier is absent and (in either case) notice of intention to apply for the warrant has been left in a conspicuous place on the premises, or

(b) an application for admission to the premises or the giving of notice of intention to apply for the warrant would defeat the object of entering the premises."

The Commons agreed to this amendment with the following amendment—
14A Line 8, leave out from "warrant" to the end of line 16
The Lords disagreed to Commons Amendment No. 14A for the following Reason—
14B Because it is appropriate to require that information should be provided about the reasons for the decision to apply for a warrant for entry to premises, and that there should be an opportunity to make representations to a Justice of the Peace before the warrant is issued.
The Commons insist on their amendment to the Lords Amendment No. 14, but propose the following amendment to the Bill in lieu of the words left out of the Lords amendment—
14C Page 3, line 25, at end insert—
"( ) The information must include—

(a) a statement as to whether any representations have been made by the occupier of the land or premises to an inspector concerning the purpose for which the warrant is sought;

(b) a summary of any such representations."

Lord Whitty: My Lords, I beg to move that the House do not insist on its disagreement to the Commons in their Amendment No. 14A to Lords Amendment No. 14 and do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 14C to the Bill in lieu of the words so left out. I shall speak also to Amendments Nos. 22, 35 and 65, which in effect deal with the warrant procedure at the four points of the Bill in equivalent form.
Throughout the passage of the Bill, there has been considerable concern about making representations to the magistrates procedure on the part of Opposition Members and others. On my side, there has been concern not to put into the Bill a process that would slow down the procedures. I emphasised during the last discussion of this part of the Bill the importance of the right to appeal to the DVM, which is a form of administrative appeal. During that discussion, the noble Lord, Lord Greaves, asked about the relationship between the DVM procedure and the magistrates procedure. I failed to respond to him at that point—deliberately, in a sense, if he will excuse me—because confusing the administrative and legal procedures is difficult. On the other hand, I felt that there might be some room for at least a degree of compromise in what he was asking.
The amendment that the Commons have now agreed would require the magistrate, in making his decision, to take into account the statements and representations that had been made to the DVM. In other words, the fact that representations had been made to the inspector of the DVM would have to be in the statement to the magistrate—in other words, in the application for the warrant. Therefore, the fact that those representations had been made would formally have to be before the magistrate in taking his decision.
That would not slow down the process. Therefore, my objectives would be fulfilled. Indirectly, the ability to ensure that the representations were taken into account would also be fulfilled, thereby meeting, at least in part, the objections from those who have sought to amend this part of the Bill more substantially.
I think that is as far as the Government can move without causing delay in the process. However, it represents a real move in the direction of some of the arguments that have been put in this Chamber and in

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another place in support of what would otherwise be more radical changes to the warrant procedures. I beg to move.
Moved, That the House do not insist on its disagreement to the Commons in their Amendment No. 14A to Lords Amendment No. 14 and do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. I 4C to the Bill in lieu of the words so left out.—(Lord Whitty.)
Lord Greaves: My Lords, tempting as it would be to divide the House again—in a masochistic way it becomes quite fun after a while—I should say at the beginning, as the mover of the four offending amendments that your Lordships' House has now carried twice, that we welcome the movement that the Government have made on this issue and we are prepared to draw a line under it at this stage and declare a score draw. I am not sure that it is quite a score draw, but at least we have scored the odd goal, so we are quite pleased about that.
I should like to speak generally on the issue. As I said a few hours ago, this is an issue that we have worried at over many months, especially during the past few weeks, in order to try to find a way of providing occupiers, owners of animals, and farmers with a basic right to have their view and their case presented to the magistrate who will be issuing the warrant that could result in the slaughter of their animals, or, indeed, if it is another kind of case, other action being taken.
The proposal from another place is not as ideal nor as simple, clear, or straightforward as we would have liked. Nevertheless, it will provide a route by which the case on behalf of the owner of the animals/the farmer can be presented to the magistrate. That is to be welcomed. In the circumstances, it is possibly as much as we would have achieved in any event; indeed, it may be a little more than some of us had hoped would be achieved. I warmly thank the Government for meeting us as far as they have. I am not sure that it is halfway, because we had gone halfway towards them before we even tabled our amendments. However, it will provide some reassurance to people faced with such circumstances.
I have a few questions for the Minister. First, the part of our amendments that does not appear in the Commons amendments now before us is the reference to "sworn information", which we wanted to be provided to the owner of the animals or the occupier of the land. Can the Minister explain to us the status of that sworn information? Is it a public document? Is it information that can be revealed to anyone on request, or to the occupier to whom it relates? It would be extremely helpful if the noble Lord could give us that information, even at this late stage.
Secondly, I turn to the new procedure set out in the government amendments. It is most important that the owner of the animals/the occupier of the land should know about his right of appeal. What steps do the Government intend to take to publicise the system that will he in place for appeal to the DVM—the district veterinary manager—and via the DVM as regards
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passing the case on through this "summary" of information to the justice of the peace? What time-scale does the Minister envisage for this process? What is the procedure that the owner of the animals must go through to set this process in operation?
As regards the "summary" statement, there is some concern that what is being proposed here is just,
"a summary of any such representations"—
to quote the new subsection, rather than being a full account of the representations. I understand from discussion with the Minister that the word "summary" has been used so as to cover not only written but also verbal representations that may not actually he written down. But people are worried that the summary put forward may not reflect the actual case that the owner of the animals would put forward if he were starting the process from scratch; in other words, an intermediary is summarising the facts. What is the status of the summary statement? Is it available at any stage in the process? Will the person who made the representations in the first place be able to check the contents to ensure that it is a fair and accurate summary of the case that he wishes to make?
The latter are the probing questions that arise from the Government's new amendment. I shall be grateful to hear the Minister's response. It will he most helpful to have those answers on record in the Official Report. I hope that the Minister will be able to give us both full and fair answers to those questions.
Having said that, we find ourselves at the end of a very long process. The proceedings on this Bill have been going on for almost a year. I join the noble Baroness, Lady Byford, in thanking the Minister and his capable assistant, the noble Baroness, Lady Farrington, for their help and good humour during our consideration of this very difficult Bill.
I particularly thank Conservative Front-Benchers, in particular the noble Baroness, Lady Byford, for the way in which they co-operated with us and allowed us to co-operate with them. Today's two very important concessions by the Government demonstrate that our co-operation on this Bill, if on nothing else, has been very active, helpful and profitable.
Baroness Byford: My Lords, I rise very quickly to record again our thanks to the Minister for trying to meet our concerns on this part of the Bill. I thank him most warmly. The amendment is not perfect, as the noble Lord, Lord Greaves, said, but I think that it will be a very useful stepping stone. These warrants are extremely important. The Minister will be only too well aware that this legislation comes at a time when farmers are going through very difficult circumstances and that clarification of this matter is hugely important. Earlier today, we spoke openly of the need to build on trust and to move forward. I think that this amendment helps very much to do that.
I should like briefly to raise two important issues. I apologise to noble Lords for that, but I feel that I must raise them before the Bill is passed. The first issue has been raised with me by others. Can the Minister tell us what sort of guidance and training magistrates will

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receive? If he cannot answer that question now, would he please acknowledge that there will be such guidance and training? Magistrates may have no knowledge at all about this matter. Although their knowledge covers a variety of subjects, it would not normally extend to this. I think that the Minister indicated that it will be dealt with in written guidance, and it would be helpful to know that that is the case.
We have come to the end of our long consideration of this legislation. I remember when we began the process as the debate on Second Reading was held on my birthday, 14th January. That was a long time ago, since when another year has passed and even more grey hairs have appeared.
Once again, I sincerely thank the Minister and the noble Baroness, Lady Farrington, for their help in moving this legislation forward. More than anything else, we on these Benches want this legislation to rebuild trust. Of course we want to prevent disease coming into this country in the first place. If it does, however, we want a much better understanding of how it will be dealt with.
Lord Willoughby de Broke: My Lords, I should like very briefly to add to the comments of the noble Lord, Lord Greaves, on the summary of such representations. If I were the occupier of the land in question here, I would like to be able to see the summary and sign it off to ensure that the DVM was not even inadvertently traducing the position which I had put forward that my animals should not be slaughtered. I wonder whether that could be made much more secure from the point of view of the farmer or occupier? Currently, the summary would be presented to the magistrate by the DVM, and it may not, as the noble Lord, Lord Greaves, said, entirely reflect the position of the occupier. Is there any way of securing his agreement to what is presented to the court?
Lord Campbell of Alloway: My Lords, I have only one short query. Will the Minister just perhaps consider whether that summary of representations ought to be signed by the farmer and the occupier? Otherwise, there really is no real security.
Lord Whitty: My Lords, I am grateful for the general support—even if the Opposition Benches, Front and Back, are not entirely satisfied—for the proposition that this is a move in the right direction. As for the various questions, I really cannot go much further than what is written on the page. We are dealing here with a warrant procedure, and the information given to a magistrate in applying for a warrant is never public information.
Moreover, in this particular case, were it to go through the process of being countersigned by the occupier—as the noble Lords, Lord Willoughby de Broke and Lord Campbell of Alloway, suggested should happen—we would be back to the problem of delay. The DVM is under an obligation to act reasonably and to give an accurate summary of the
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farmer's representations. The magistrate is under an obligation to take that seriously. However, this is not a public document and therefore subject to countersigning.
I believe that the same is true as regards the matter of time-scale mentioned by the noble Lord, Lord Greaves. As far as I am concerned, the time-scale must be as rapid as possible. It will be as long as it takes the DVM to assess the situation and to apply for the warrant and, if necessary, apply to the magistrate.
As regards owners knowing of their ability to apply to the DVM, they were aware of that in the last epidemic. Therefore, that is clear. The inspector—the authority—who goes to the farm in the first place and is refused entry has to inform the farmer that he is applying for a warrant. Alternatively, the authority can approach the DVM and, subject to the outcome of that approach, apply for a warrant. Either way, the farmer would be informed by the inspector that there was a right of appeal to the DVM. As I said earlier today, well over 500 farmers made use of that provision. It was already fairly well established.
There is already some guidance to magistrates. That guidance would have to be augmented at the beginning of an epidemic when the contingency plan was triggered so that magistrates would be aware of the general strategy and the general procedure. The sworn statement is not a public document, but were there to be subsequent legal action, it would become a disclosable document. However, as regards the immediate situation, I cannot go any further to meet the suggestions of the noble Lord, Lord Greaves, and the noble Baroness.
I refer to the concern that this is not a watertight measure. I have never claimed that it comprises everything, or anywhere near everything, that was argued for at earlier stages of the debate. However, it constitutes a significant move by the Government to recognise the concern that has been expressed. I hope that it will be understood not only in this House and in another place but also by the farming community should we ever find ourselves in this tragic situation again.
As I intend to move the remaining amendments formally, I wish to reciprocate the sentiments expressed by the noble Baroness and the noble Lord, Lord Greaves. This has been a long and difficult Bill. It is probably the most controversial Bill that I have dealt with, and that is saying something. There was a point not many days ago when I thought that we would probably reach the noble Baroness's next birthday before we were absolutely clear what we were going to do.
I thank noble Lords for their courtesy. Much passion has been expended on the Bill's provisions both in and outside the Chamber. We dealt with it sensibly and rationally within the Chamber but we also recognised the profundity of the issues with which we had to deal. I hope that no future agriculture Minister will have to use the Bill, but if he or she does, I believe that we have a better Bill than we started out with.

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Taken with the response to the inquiries that we dealt with yesterday, we have a significantly better basis for dealing with any future outbreak of disease.
On Question, Motion agreed to.
LORDS AMENDMENTS
22 Clause 7, page 4, line 33, leave out from beginning to end of line 1 on page 5 and insert—
"(3) The second condition is that each of the following applies to the occupier of the premises—

(a) he has been informed of the decision to seek entry to the premises and of the reasons for that decision;

(b) he has failed to allow entry to the premises on being requested to do so by an inspector;

(c) he has been informed of the decision to apply for the warrant and of the reasons for that decision including a copy of the sworn information;

(d) he has been provided with an opportunity to make representations to the justice of the peace about whether the warrant should be issued;

(e) he has been provided with the opportunity to present sworn information in person or in writing to the justice of the peace who is to consider the application for a warrant.

(4) The third condition is that—

(a) the premises are unoccupied or the occupier is absent and (in either case) notice of intention to apply for the warrant has been left in a conspicuous place on the premises, or

(b) an application for admission to the premises or the giving of notice of intention to apply for the warrant would defeat the object of entering the premises."

The Commons agreed to this amendment with the following amendment—
22A Line 8, leave out from "warrant" to end of line 16
The Lords disagreed to Commons Amendment No. 22A for the following reason—
22B Because it is appropriate to require that information should be provided about the reasons for the decision to apply for a warrant for entry to premises, and that there should be an opportunity to make representations to a Justice of the Peace before the warrant is issued.
The Commons insist on their amendment to the Lords Amendment No. 22, but propose the following amendment to the Bill in lieu of the words left out of the Lords amendment—
22C Page 4 line 30, at end insert—
"( ) The information must include—

(a) a statement as to whether any representations have been made by the occupier of the land or premises to an inspector concerning the purpose for which the warrant is sought;

(b) a summary of any such representations."

35 Clause 8, page 6, leave out lines 14 to 23 and insert—
"(3) The second condition is that each of the following applies to the occupier of the premises—

(a) he has been informed of the decision to seek entry to the premises and of the reasons for that decision;

(b) he has failed to allow entry to the premises on being requested to do so by an inspector;

(c) he has been informed of the decision to apply for the warrant and of the reasons for that decision including a copy of the sworn information;

(d) he has been provided with an opportunity to make representations to the justice of the peace about whether the warrant should be issued;

(e) he has been provided with the opportunity to present sworn information in person or in writing to the justice of the peace who is to consider the application for a warrant.

(4) The third condition is that—

(a) the premises are unoccupied or the occupier is absent and (in either case) notice of intention to apply for the warrant has been left in a conspicuous place on the premises, or

(b) an application for admission to the premises or the giving of notice of intention to apply for the warrant would defeat the object of entering the premises."

The Commons agreed to this amendment with the following amendment—
35A Line 8, leave out from "warrant" to end of line 16
The Lords disagreed to Commons Amendment No. 35A for the following reason—
35B Because it is appropriate to require that information should be provided about the reasons for the decision to apply for a warrant for entry to premises, and that there should be an opportunity to make representations to a Justice of the Peace before the warrant is issued.
The Commons insist on their amendment to the Lords Amendment No. 35, but propose the following amendment to the Bill in lieu of the words left out of the Lords amendment—
35C Page 6, line 11, at end insert—
"(3) The information must include—

(a) a statement ad to whether any representations have been made by the occupier of the land or premises to an inspector concerning the purpose for which the warrant is sought;

(b) a summary of such representations."

65 Schedule 2, page 18, leave out lines 25 to 34 and insert—
"(3) The second condition is that each of the follow ing applies to the occupier of the premises—

(a) he has been informed of the decision to seek entry to the premises and of the reasons for that decision;

(b) he has failed to allow entry to the premises on being requested to do so by a person mentioned in section 36G(1);

(c) he has been informed of the decision to apply for the warrant and of the reasons for that decision including a copy of the sworn information;

(d) he has been provided with an opportunity to make representations to the justice of the peace about whether the warrant should be issued;

(e) he has been provided with the opportunity to present sworn information in person or in writing to the justice of the peace who is to consider the application for a warrant.

(4) The third condition is that—

(a) the premises are unoccupied or the occupier is absent and (in either case) notice of intention to apply for the warrant has been left in a conspicuous place on the premises, or,

(b) an application for admission to the premises or the giving of notice of intention to apply for the warrant would defeat the object of entering the premises."

The Commons agreed to this amendment with the following amendment—
65A Line 10, leave out from "warrant" to end of line 17
The Lords disagreed to Commons Amendment No. 65A for the following reason—
65B Because it is appropriate to require that information should be provided about the reasons for the decision to apply for a warrant for entry to premises, and that there should be an opportunity to make representations to a Justice of the Peace before the warrant is issued.
The Commons insist on their amendment to the Lords Amendment No. 65, but propose the following amendment to the Bill in lieu of the words left out of the Lords amendment—
65C Page 18, line 21, at end insert—
"( ) The information must include—

(a) a statement as to whether any representations have been made by the occupier of the land or premises to an inspector concerning the purpose for which the warrant is sought;

(b) a summary of any such representations."

Lord Whitty: My Lords, I beg to move that the House do not insist on their disagreement to Commons Amendments Nos. 22A, 35A and 65A and do agree with the Commons in their Amendments Nos. 22C, 35C and 65C. I spoke to the amendments with Amendment No. 14.
Moved, That the House do not insist on their disagreement to Commons Amendments Nos. 22A, 35A and 65A and do agree with the Commons in their Amendments Nos. 22C, 35C and 65C.—(Lord Whitty.)
On Question, Motion agreed to.

Adjournment
5.50 p.m.
Lord Grocott: My Lords, it is now my duty to move the adjournment of the House until 6.30 p.m., when we shall have Prorogation.
Before doing so, I want to spend a moment or two doing something that is traditional in this House—it is a very welcome tradition—that is, to pay one or two words of very well deserved tribute to the people who work for us in this building and its associated and numerous departments.
When I came here, I knew that this place worked very hard but I did not realise quite how hard. When I totted up, as one does at this time of year, what we have done during the course of this very long Session, the amount achieved is really considerable. We have scrutinised, and received Royal Assent to or are about to receive Royal Assent to, 47 Bills. Our scrutiny is pretty thorough; we can all satisfy ourselves of that.
But it is not only a question of the routine of the year—which, in a sense, we are all here to see to—but also of the unexpected, to which the staff of this House have responded so well. I remind the House that last year—it seems a while ago now—we had three recalls of Parliament during the Summer Recess, which places tremendous pressures on staff. We also had a recall this year and all the organisation associated with the sad death of Her Majesty the Queen Mother. Such events happened during the course of these 18 months and they have placed demands on all the people who work in this place. I, for one, have found them to be unfailingly courteous and helpful.
Noble Lords: Hear, hear.
Lord Grocott: My Lords, perhaps they are even more courteous than are some of us in here on occasion. They do a tremendous job.
More useful to me has been the fact that I find members of the staff—sometimes in the least expected quarters—to be the most invaluable sources of information. They are normally able to tell me when the recess dates will be and when the recall of Parliament will occur. They have been very useful today telling me which amendments the Commons will
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accept and which they will not. The provision of such information, which is not part of the job description of the staff, has been particularly useful.
I come to the point at which I have to decide who to mention and who not to mention. That is always invidious, whatever list one chooses. I propose to mention just two people who have given remarkable service here, both of whom are known to us all.
Mr Bibbiani is retiring—he seems too young—after 22 years in this place. He has given tremendous service. He is particularly liked and admired by staff, of whom he takes tremendous care. He tells me that he will do much travelling when he leaves here. Having been confined to the building for so long, I suppose that there will be an element of release. However, I also know because he has told me that he will have very mixed feelings about leaving a place of which he is so fond.
The other person I shall mention in terms of service is Mr Vallance White whose length of service was quite phenomenal. He retired having given 41 years' service to this House. If I were to list what he had done in those 41 years, we should not prorogue by 6.30 because his is a really formidable list of service. Most recently, he was head of the Judicial Office.
When people come here, they tend to stay here; if we are life Peers, I suppose that that is quite nice. It is also true of the staff. Things cannot be too bad here because they stay and do all that they can to make the work that we do—it is undoubtedly a pleasant task, at least so far as I am concerned—even more pleasant.
Finally, I cannot really thank them for their help because it is not the job of the two Chief Whips or the Convenor of the Cross Benches to help me as such—sometimes they do; sometimes they do not. However, we always get on extremely well and I thank them for that. I also see in his place my very good noble friend Lord Carter, who not only helped me before I took on this job—he did not warn me at all about the hours that were involved—but has helped me since. With those words and with repeated thanks to those who have served and helped us, I beg to move that we adjourn until 6.30 p.m.
Moved, That the House do adjourn until 6.30 p.m.—(Lord Grocott.)
Lord Cope of Berkeley: My Lords, I am delighted to support the Motion that we adjourn until 6.30 p.m. I also want to associate both myself and my party with the words of the noble Lord the Captain of the Gentlemen-at-Arms about the staff of the House, who serve us so well. I agree very much with the sentiments that he expressed. All the staff of the House serve us exceptionally well and are unfailingly courteous. I believe that that makes us courteous as well and adds immeasurably to the whole atmosphere of your Lordships' House.
The noble Lord the Captain of the Gentlemen-at-Arms mentioned two individuals and I support what he said in both cases. Mr Vallance White obviously provides a first-class example of the excellent service that we receive from our Clerks. He has served for

959
many, many years. Mr Bibbiani has led exceptionally well those who keep us refreshed. Again, a very important part of the life of your Lordships' House revolves around the activities of the Refreshment Department as well as the activities of the Chamber and the Clerks, if I can put it that way.
One could mention many other groups and individuals who serve us very well. Perhaps I may refer to two individuals who, although not in the capacity of their service to this House, have distinguished themselves recently. A few days ago Mr Stocks and Mr Wiggins, two of our Doorkeepers, completed the New York Marathon. I understand that Mr Stocks did so in three hours, 38 minutes. Your Lordships will realise that that is about the time that it takes us to deal with two groups of amendments. It is an interesting example of achievement outside the House from those who serve us here. All the different departments of the House—I do not propose to list them—serve us extremely well.
I also want to add a word about the personal staff of Members who serve us in this House and the staff of, for example, the Opposition office. They also do a tremendous job. This has been a very long Session with some notable Bills—none more so than the Animal Health Bill, which we have just completed. That Bill started its life in this place a long time ago and has been a feature of the year.
Other events during the year have also put additional burdens on the staff. The exceptional number of recalls that we have had is one example. The lying-in-state of the Queen Mother and the ceremonies connected with that placed a special burden on certain Members of this House, in particular. All of them did exceptionally well and their work was much appreciated by the country as well as by Members of your Lordships' House.
Finally, I endorse entirely the words of the noble Lord the Captain of the Gentlemen-at-Arms with regard to the co-operation that takes place between the Whips' offices—both when the noble Lord, Lord Carter, was Chief Whip and since he took over the reins himself. Of course, I include the Chief Whips of the Liberal Democrat Party and the Cross-Benchers. We have to be careful of the Cross-Benchers because the noble and gallant Lord always ensures that we recognise the different position that he holds in respect of his Members in comparison with ours. As a matter of fact, it is not so different as he might suppose. We are sometimes credited with all kinds of powers. Perhaps I should not mention that because we like to maintain at least the fiction that we have such powers.
Nevertheless, I appreciate very much the co-operation that we receive. I hope that your Lordships feel that the usual channels help to smooth the business of the House and to ensure that it is as effective as possible in the service of the country.
6 p.m.
Lord Roper: My Lords, from these Benches I support the Motion and the views expressed by the Captain of the Gentlemen-at-Arms. We are all looking
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forward to seeing him in that uniform for the first time next week. The whole House will be delighted to hear of his recent nomination to the Privy Council.
Like the noble Lord, Lord Cope, and the Convenor, I believe that the co-operation that exists among the offices of the various groups in this House is of service to the whole House and it is a real pleasure to have the chance to work with the Captain of the Gentlemen-at-Arms, with the noble Lord, Lord Cope, and with the noble and gallant Lord, Lord Craig. I believe that this year we have been able, in a number of ways, to improve our co-operation with other people and carry through the changes in working practices from which I hope that the House will benefit in the new Session. As the Captain said, this has been a long and difficult Session, but I believe that we have performed our essential function of scrutiny adequately, particularly on the four Bills that we have considered in the past few weeks.
I, too, want to thank those who serve us so extraordinarily well in this House. Those who work in the Office of the Clerk of the Parliaments, in the Library, in Black Rod's Department, in Hansard, in the Refreshment Department, for the police and, as has been said, those who serve in the offices of the various Whips and of the Convenor all ensure that matters move effectively. I particularly draw attention to the additional strain put on those responsible for our security since 11th September. The security is efficient; although we do not see it, we realise that it is something to be taken into account.
Like those who have spoken, I want to refer to two distinguished servants of this House, one of whom has left and the other who is to leave. Mr Bibbiani was a very strong candidate. I understand that when he applied for his job there were 82 other candidates for his post. Those who saw the development of the Refreshment Department over the years will know that he has done a great deal to diversify and extend the range of meals available to us. I have heard about his travel plans and that recently his staff enabled him to pursue his passion for Formula 1 motor racing, as he was treated to a spin around Brands Hatch. I am sure that he will have more opportunities to continue to watch Charlton Athletic, as he has for some time. His season ticket will come in useful. I support all that has been said.
James Vallance White was here for a considerable time. He was a model of the combination of elegance and erudition that one expects from those who serve in the Office of the Clerk. In recent years he has been particularly important in bringing the Register of Members' Interests into fruition, which has been a complicated process.
Noble Lords in the House are very fortunate in many ways, particularly because we work in an environment made efficient, secure and agreeable by so many other people. I join those noble Lords who wish to thank them today.
Lord Craig of Radley: My Lords, I rise to support the Motion. On behalf of all Cross-Bench Peers, I

961
should like to express our thanks and appreciation to all who work on your Lordships' behalf to help with the smooth and efficient running of the House and all the facilities that are enjoyed in the Palace. I, too, most warmly associate these Benches with the fulsome and most fully deserved tributes and thanks to Mr James Vallance White and to Mr Alfio Bibbiani. It is for others to comment on James Vallance White's discharge of his duties in the rarefied atmosphere of the Judicial Office, but, as has indeed already been mentioned, his help and guidance to all noble Lords with the register of interests was most commendable and very valuable. Such long years of commitment that these two individuals have given to this House is indeed worthy of very special thanks and heartfelt appreciation.
Each time that we make the opportunity to express our thanks and appreciation, it is becoming fashionable—inevitable even—that reference will be made to another even busier Session than ever before. There may be a ceiling to such sentiments, but I doubt that it has yet been reached.
New methods of working, hours of sitting and changes to past practices will lead to adjustments—some well received and perhaps some that will not be—in the routines of all that work in the Palace. But I am sure that those on whom we rely will be positive and flexible in their approach. So in thanking all for their efforts in the Session that is just ending, I believe that it is also appropriate to express hope and confidence that your Lordships' House will continue to be ably and loyally supported by all departments in future Sessions. It is indeed a pleasure and a privilege to work with such dedicated and charming individuals.
Finally, I thank the Government Chief Whips, the past and the present, for all that they have done in helping and advising the Convenor in his office and indeed to the Opposition Chief Whips. If any of them should wish to have any advice on how to bring independents into line, I am not sure whether they could give it to me or I to them.
The Lord Bishop of Oxford: My Lords, I rise on behalf of the Bishops' Benches to add our thanks to the expressions of gratitude which have been made to the list of people who serve the House in so many capacities, as the noble Lord, Lord Roper, has mentioned, and to those many people we do not see, but upon whom we depend. There is unfailing courtesy, kindness and helpfulness to all noble Lords, but I think that perhaps the Bishops are particularly aware of this because there may be a certain sense of helplessness about us. We are aware that those we meet around the House are especially kind and helpful to us. We are very grateful for that.
Lord Ampthill: My Lords, after all the distinguished people who have spoken, perhaps I may briefly speak of both persons mentioned by the Government Chief Whip. Glancingly, I refer to Mr Vallance White. He very briefly was my Clerk when I inherited the job of chairman of the Refreshment Department. I do not
962
know how he survived, but he moved on to much higher things and rightly remained there until the end of his career in this House.
I was the one, in conjunction with the then Clerk of the Parliaments, Mr Peter Henderson as he then was, who engaged Mr Bibbiani. As has already been said, 83 people applied for the job. We got it down to two. Peter and I had a little debate about whether the admirable Englishman or the excellent Italian should have the job. We agreed that the Italian should have it. But he designated me to ring up the then Leader of the House, Lord Soames, to ascertain whether it was all right for their Lordships' House to engage the services of an Italian. That was 22 years ago when there was a large number of unemployed in this country, and I asked: "Would it be all right?"
Not worrying about the call, I picked the phone up. I was seen off in such a manner that Your Lordships would be shocked if I repeated the language used by Lord Soames. He asked how could I be so stupid as not to hire the Italian? We duly did. He has served us magnificently over the 22 years. I, who ran the department for 12 years, will always be grateful to him. I am sure the House is too.
Lord Grocott: My Lords, in moving that the House adjourn until 6.30 p.m., my final word, which I hope the House will approve, is to the Lord Chairman. This will be the last time that, as Lord Chairman, he will be putting a Motion, and I think that we should acknowledge that.
Moved, accordingly, and, on Question, Motion agreed to.
[The Sitting was suspended from 6.10 to 6.30 p.m.]

Royal Commission
6.30 p.m.
The Lord Chancellor (Lord Irvine of Lairg): My Lords, it not being convenient for Her Majesty personally to be present here this day, she has been pleased to cause a Commission under the Great Seal to be prepared for proroguing this present Parliament.
Then the Lords Commissioners (being the Lord, Chancellor, the Lord Privy Seal (Lord Williams of Mostyn), the Baroness Williams of Crosby, the Lord Strathclyde and the Lord Molyneaux of Killead) being present and the Commons being at the Bar, the Lord Chancellor said: My Lords and Members of the House of Commons, Her Majesty, not thinking fit personally to be present here at this time, has been pleased to cause a Commission to be issued under the Great Seal, and thereby given Her Royal Assent to divers Acts, the Titles whereof are particularly mentioned, and by the said Commission has commanded us to declare and notify Her Royal Assent to the said several Acts, in the presence of you the Lords and Commons assembled for that purpose; and has also assigned to us and other

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Lords directed full power and authority in Her Majesty's name to prorogue this present Parliament. Which Commission you will now hear read.
A Commission for Royal Assent and Prorogation was read
The Lord Chancellor: My Lords, in obedience to Her Majesty's Commands, and by virtue of the Commission which has been now read, We do declare and notify to you, the Lords Spiritual and Temporal and Commons in Parliament assembled, that Her Majesty has given Her Royal Assent to the several Acts in the Commission mentioned; and the Clerks are required to pass the same in the usual Form and Words.

Royal Assent
The following Acts received the Royal Assent:
Copyright (Visually Impaired Persons)
Act, Employee Share Schemes Act,
Public Trustee (Liability and Fees) Act,
Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act,
Private Hire Vehicles (Carriage of Guide Dogs etc.) Act,
Adoption and Children Act,
Commonwealth Act,
Enterprise Act,
Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act,
Animal Health Act,
HSBC Investment Banking Act,
Barclays Group Reorganisation Act,
Milford Haven Port Authority Act,
City of London (Ward Elections) Act.

Prorogation: Her Majesty's Speech
Her Majesty's most gracious Speech was then delivered to both Houses of Parliament by the Lord Chancellor (in pursuance of Her Majesty's Command) as follows:
"My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,
"My Government have taken action in support of economic stability and sound public finances, and have continued to increase investment in public services and tackle child poverty.
"Education is my Government's top priority. An Act has been passed to promote diversity, choice, innovation and higher standards in schools. The Act provides new opportunities for school partnerships, improved support for teachers, more options for tackling weak and failing schools and greater freedom for successful head teachers and governors.
"Legislation has been passed to reform health services and strengthen regulation of the health professions.
"An Act has been passed to increase powers against money laundering, establish a Criminal Assets Recovery Agency and make it easier to recover the proceeds of crime and drugs.
"Legislation has been passed to modernise and reform the police service and to establish a new complaints system.
"Legislation has been passed to reform and streamline the system for dealing with immigration and applications for asylum.
"Legislation has been passed to reform employment dispute resolution procedures arid to introduce new employment rights, including measures to balance work and parental life.
"Legislation was also passed which introduced a new system of tax credits and a new pension credit for pensioners.
"An Act was passed to improve productivity and enterprise through reform of the competition, insolvency and consumer protection regimes.
"Draft legislation has been brought forward on a number of matters including on communications, local government and extradition.
"Members of the House of Commons,
"I thank you for the provision you have made for the work and dignity of the Crown and for the public service.
"My Lords and Members of the House of. Commons,
"In Northern Ireland, my Government continued to work closely with the political parties arid the Irish Government to secure the full implementation of the Belfast agreement.
"Acts have been passed to maintain the arrangements on decommissioning and to reform the criminal justice system, both part of the Belfast agreement. Provision has been made for new measures to combat electoral fraud in Northern Ireland.
"My Government have continued to co-operate with the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in the interests of all of the people of the United Kingdom. A White Paper was published outlining proposals for devolution to the English regions.
"My Government invited Parliament to set up a Joint Committee of both Houses to enable Parliament to reach a view on the second phase of House of Lords reform.
"Legislation was passed to allow political parties to make positive moves to increase the representation of women in public life.
"An Act was passed to reform the system of land registration. Legislation was also passed reforming residential leasehold law and improving leaseholders' rights and to create common hold.
"My Government brought forward legislation to make the age of entitlement for concessionary fares the same for men as it is for women.
"An Act has been passed to reform adoption law to make children's welfare paramount, encourage more adoption and strengthen regulation of overseas adoptions.
"Other important measures have been enacted.
"My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,
"The Duke of Edinburgh and I were pleased to receive the state visit of the King and Queen of Jordan last November.
"We recall with pleasure our visits to Jamaica and New Zealand in February and our subsequent visit to Australia on the occasion of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. The Duke of Edinburgh and I were also delighted to pay a visit to Canada in October.
"Following the shocking events of 11th September, my Government have taken decisive action to help combat terrorism around the world and support the reconstruction of Afghanistan.
"My Government have continued to play a leading role in efforts to improve the competitiveness of Europe's economies and bring the European Union closer to its people. Legislation has been enacted enabling the United Kingdom to ratify the Treaty of Nice and implement decisions on the Union's future funding.
"My Government have played a key role in agreeing a timetable for enlargement of the European Union and in identifying practical ways to strengthen the Union's foreign and security policy, particularly its support for peace building in the Balkans.
"My Government have worked to strengthen NATO, equip it for the challenges of the future and develop its growing partnership with Russia.
"My Government have worked for a more effective global effort to reduce poverty, including initiatives on debt relief and HIV/AIDS, and have enacted legislation to strengthen the poverty focus to Britain's development work.
"My Government ratified the Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change along with other EU partners, as well as the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
"In the United Nations, the Commonwealth and other fora, my Government have been active in promoting human rights and tackling the causes of conflict, including support for UN efforts in newly independent East Timor.
"My Government enacted legislation to grant British citizenship to British Overseas Territories citizens in qualifying territories.
"My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,
"I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may attend you".
"After which the Lord Chancellor said:
My Lords and Members of the House of Commons, by virtue of Her Majesty's Commission which has been now read We do, in Her Majesty's name, and in obedience to Her Majesty's Commands, prorogue this Parliament to the 13th day of this instant November, to be then here holden, and this Parliament is accordingly prorogued to Wednesday, the 13th day of this instant November.
Parliament was prorogued at five minutes before seven o'clock.

  PFI/PPP Contracts
  PFI/PPP Contracts
  Unfunded Public Service Pensions
  Unfunded Public Service Pensions
  EMU
  EMU
  Fire Authorities: Terrorist Attacks
  Fire Authorities: Terrorist Attacks
  Local Authority Election Voting
  Local Authority Election Voting
  Perfume Manufacture: Safety
  Perfume Manufacture: Safety
  Mortgage Costs as a Percentage of Gross Household Income
  Mortgage Costs as a Percentage of Gross Household Income
  ECGD: Coal-fired Power Stations
  ECGD: Coal-fired Power Stations
  e-greeting Cards: Unsolicited Commercial e-mail
  e-greeting Cards: Unsolicited Commercial e-mail
  Unsolicited Sales or Polling Faxes
  Unsolicited Sales or Polling Faxes
  Energy-supplying Wind Farms
  Energy-supplying Wind Farms
  BBC: Recruitment
  BBC: Recruitment
  Education Spending: IT Projects
  Education Spending: IT Projects
  Treasury Silver: Loan to V & A
  Treasury Silver: Loan to V & A
  Government Services On-line: Functional Modules
  Government Services On-line: Functional Modules
  Public Bodies: Ministerial Appointments
  Public Bodies: Ministerial Appointments
  NHS: Elecronic Patient Records
  NHS: Elecronic Patient Records
  Morning-after Pill
  Morning-after Pill
  Gillick v. West Norfolk and Wisbech Health Authority
  Gillick v. West Norfolk and Wisbech Health Authority
  GPs: Conscientious Objection to Abortion
  GPs: Conscientious Objection to Abortion
  NHS Spending: Primary Care Trusts
  NHS Spending: Primary Care Trusts
  NHS: EU Procurement Rules
  NHS: EU Procurement Rules
  Primary Care Trust Patients' Forums
  Primary Care Trust Patients' Forums
  Abortion
  Abortion
  Pregnant Women: Smoking
  Pregnant Women: Smoking
  NHS: Overseas Clinical Team initiative
  NHS: Overseas Clinical Team initiative
  NHS Recruitment Housing Costs
  NHS Recruitment Housing Costs
  Adoption Support Services
  Adoption Support Services
  In Vitro Fertilisation: Health Effects
  In Vitro Fertilisation: Health Effects
  HFEA: Human Embryos
  HFEA: Human Embryos
  Care Home Sector: Red Tape
  Care Home Sector: Red Tape
  UK Food Processors: Food Safety
  UK Food Processors: Food Safety
  NHS Funding Formula
  NHS Funding Formula
  NHS Budget: IT Projects
  NHS Budget: IT Projects
  Patient and Public Involvement in Health
  Patient and Public Involvement in Health
  NHS: Regulatory Requirements
  NHS: Regulatory Requirements
  Hepatitis C
  Hepatitis C
  Statins
  Statins
  National Schedule of Reference Costs
  National Schedule of Reference Costs
  Environmental Management Systems
  Environmental Management Systems
  Radiation Monitoring: North West England
  Radiation Monitoring: North West England
  Cod Fishing in the Irish Sea
  Cod Fishing in the Irish Sea
  Sustainable Development
  Sustainable Development
  Attorneys General: Warnings to Editors about the Possibility of Contempt of Court
  Attorneys General: Warnings to Editors about the Possibility of Contempt of Court
  House of Lords: Composition
  House of Lords: Composition
  Data Protection Act 1998: Costs of Compliance
  Data Protection Act 1998: Costs of Compliance
  Magistrates' Courts Service Inspectorate: Chief Inspector's Annual Report
  Magistrates' Courts Service Inspectorate: Chief Inspector's Annual Report
  Data Protection Act 1998: Prosecutions
  Data Protection Act 1998: Prosecutions
  Northern Ireland: Court Accommodation
  Northern Ireland: Court Accommodation
  Damages for Future Loss
  Damages for Future Loss
  Turkey
  Turkey
  Ascension Island
  Ascension Island
  EU: Forthcoming Council Business and Major Events
  EU: Forthcoming Council Business and Major Events
  Exercise Saif Sareea II
  Exercise Saif Sareea II
  Gulf War Veterans: Correspondence
  Gulf War Veterans: Correspondence
  Major (Retired) Christine Lloyd
  Major (Retired) Christine Lloyd
  Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001, Section 11
  Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001, Section 11
  Racist Rallies
  Racist Rallies
  Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000, Section 36(2)
  Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000, Section 36(2)
  National Policing Plan
  National Policing Plan
  War Memorials
  War Memorials
  Race Equality Advisory Panel
  Race Equality Advisory Panel
  Asylum Applications: Doctors
  Asylum Applications: Doctors
  Race Equality in Public Service
  Race Equality in Public Service
  Immigration Control
  Immigration Control
  Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission
  Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission
  North and West Belfast Police Raids
  North and West Belfast Police Raids
  Northern Ireland Block Grant
  Northern Ireland Block Grant
  Belfast Agreement: Cross-Border Bodies
  Belfast Agreement: Cross-Border Bodies
  Belfast Agreement: Lighthouses
  Belfast Agreement: Lighthouses
  North/South Ministerial Council
  North/South Ministerial Council
  Irish Government: Human Rights Commmission
  Irish Government: Human Rights Commmission
  Irish Government: Employment Equality Legislation
  Irish Government: Employment Equality Legislation
  Irish Government: Equal Status Legislation
  Irish Government: Equal Status Legislation
  Irish Government: Respect for Traditions
  Irish Government: Respect for Traditions
  Northern Ireland Executive: Drivers and Bodyguards
  Northern Ireland Executive: Drivers and Bodyguards
  Irish Language Agency
  Irish Language Agency
  Omagh Bombing
  Omagh Bombing
  Belfast Agreement: Food Safety Promotion Board
  Belfast Agreement: Food Safety Promotion Board
  Northern Ireland: Private Hospital Beds
  Northern Ireland: Private Hospital Beds
  Northern Ireland: Post-primary Education
  Northern Ireland: Post-primary Education
  Northern Ireland Office: Security Review
  Northern Ireland Office: Security Review
  Northern Ireland: Consultant Vacancies,
  Northern Ireland: Consultant Vacancies,
  Honours Scrutiny Committee
  Honours Scrutiny Committee
  Prime Minister: Visits to Countryside
  Prime Minister: Visits to Countryside
  Pensions
  Pensions