Sitting of 6 January 2003

WORK AND PENSIONS

  Asbestos
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the cost to business of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002; and if he will make a statement. [88065]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  The total costs of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 to business are estimated, over a 50-year period, at £1.5 billion. These future costs are discounted in present values under standard government accounting conventions. The regulations will help to prevent some 4,700 people dying from asbestos-related diseases from future exposure to asbestos in commercial buildings. This is equivalent to total benefits exceeding £3.0 billion. Full details of costs and benefits are contained in the Regulatory Impact Assessment available in the Library.

  Adviser Discretion Fund
  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to his answer of 27 November 2002,official Report, column 316W, on the adviser discretion fund, how many persons have received payments from the fund; how many payments have been made (a) in total and (b) broken down by month; how many persons have received (i) more than one payment, (ii) more than two payments and (iii) more than three payments from the fund; what the value is of payments from the fund, (A) in total and (B) broken down by month; what the average payment from the fund to date is; if he will list the types of goods and services purchased from the funds, indicating how many payments have been used to purchase each type of goods and service; if he will place in the Library a summary of the records referred to in his answer; and if he will make a statement. [88511]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  The adviser discretion fund was introduced to give personal advisers more flexibility in the help they can offer their New Deal clients. Over 71,200 people have moved into work after receiving help from the fund. We are building on this success by extending access to the fund to people who have been claiming benefits for six months or more.

  Information on the number and value of awards made through the adviser discretion fund since its introduction in July 2001 is in the table.
  2W

  Number of awards

  Value of awards (£)

  2001

  July

  4,331

  215,216

  August

  7,086

  399,327

  September

  8,821

  525,822

  October

  9,594

  565,114

  November

  12,327

  787,215

  December

  7,660

  491,621

  2002

  January

  11,524

  693,955

  February

  13,432

  783,235

  March

  19,242

  1,226,270

  April

  15,562

  1,254,727

  May

  21,014

  1,528,999

  June

  15,869

  1,094,076

  July

  16,976

  1,145,953

  August

  17,818

  1,377,355

  September

  18,433

  1,196,375

  October

  15,413

  1,444,183

  November

  8,495

  617,192

  Total

  223,597

  15,346,635

  The average Adviser Discretion Fund award is £68.63.

  Information on the number of people who have received payments, and the number of times they receive payments, is not collected centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. An individual can receive more than one award from the adviser discretion fund, but the total value of the awards cannot exceed £300.

  Information on all the goods and services the adviser discretion fund has helped to purchase is not collected centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However, the following table gives information under broad headings on the type of goods and services purchased using the adviser discretion fund by people who have started work after receiving an award from the fund.

  Type of goods or services purchased

  Proportion of the number of awards provided to people who have moved into work (percentage)

  Help with clothes purchase

  52

  Help with travel fares

  20

  Help buying tools

  6

  Help with training/certificates

  2

  Help overcoming other barriers

  20

  Source:

  Jobcentre Plus

  The latest information on the number of awards made under the adviser discretion fund; their total monetary value; the number of people who have moved into work having received an award; and the type of goods and services purchased by people who have started work after receiving an award from the fund has been placed in the Library.

  Departmental PCs
  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the cost was of the new PCs recently
  3W
  installed in his Department; how the PCs that these computers replaced were disposed of; and what the lifespan of the new machines is. [88450]

  Mr. McCartney
  The purchase cost of PCs installed in the Department of Work and Pensions up to 30 November 2002, including the associated software and network costs, is £156.7 million. Installation costs, again up to 30 November 2002, amount to £58.5million.

  The old PCs are being disposed of by the Disposal Services Agency through a company called "Recommit", which redeploys suitable surplus computer equipment back into the community. Some old PCs and dumb terminals are not suitable for redeployment.

  "Recommit" set no hard and fast eligibility criteria and charitable organisations and their clients, usually low income families, can order from them direct. Recent recipients of DWP PCs include Age Concern, the Arthur Rank Centre for Rural Studies, All Nations Christian College, Whizzkids (a children's charity), Woodend Park Community School and Firth Primary School Orkney.

  It is assumed that the PCs will need replacing after five years.

  Employers' Liability Premiums
  Andy King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when the Government last reviewed employers' liability legislation. [85823]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  The Government last reviewed employers' liability legislation in 1997.

  Fairground Safety
  Ms Atherton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what recent discussions he has had with the Showman's Guild regarding fairground safety; [85726]

  (2) what recent discussions he has had with the Fairground Licensing Agency, NAFLIC, regarding the registration of surveyors; [85729]

  (3) what discussions he has had with the Health and Safety Executive regarding fairground safety since the death of Stacey Rowe in 2000. [86503]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  My right hon. Friend has had no discussions with the Health and Safety Executive regarding fairground safety since the death of Stacey Rowe in 2000. The Secretary of Sate for Work and Pensions assumed responsibility for the Health and Safety commission and the Health and Safety Executive on 24 July 2002. However, meetings were held on 10 and 26 July 2001 between HSE and my hon. Friend the Member for Southampton, Test (Dr. Whitehead), the Minister with health and safety responsibilities at the time.

  There have been no discussions between my right hon. Friend and the Showmen's Guild of Great Britain (SGGB), nor the National Association for Leisure Industry Certification (NAFLIC).
  4W
  However, discussions between the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and members of the SGGB and NAFLIC on fairground safety take place on a regular basis.

  In addition, both trade associations are full members of the Fairgrounds and Amusement Parks Joint Advisory Committee (FJAC), which comprises members of the trade associations and others involved in the fairground industry together with representatives from the Health and Safety Executive. This committee has a number of sub-committees; these are the Technical Working Group, the Amusement Devices Inspection Procedures Working Group (ADIPS) and the Research Working Group.

  The Health and Safety Executive, and the Showmen's Guild of Great Britain and the National Association for the Leisure Industry Certification are represented on these working groups, which meet regularly and whose purpose is to maintain and improve standards of safety within the industry as a whole through a formal communication process.

  Gas Pipes
  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what percentage of mains gas pipes Transco agreed to replace by 1 January 2003; and what percentage of this work had been achieved by 1 December. [87483]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  This required replacement of mains gas pipes, as part of the medium pressure ductile iron replacement programme, was 0.86 per cent. of the total mains gas pipes by 1 January 2003. As at 1 December, Transco was on target to achieve 1 per cent., thus exceeding their original target. Actual performance is at a level of 116 per cent. against original projections.

  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the terms were of the agreement between Transco and the Health and Safety Executive for the replacement of metal gas pipes; and if Transco has met the time scale for replacement agreed with the Health and Safety Executive. [87486]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  I am informed by the Health and Safety Executive that Transco's mains replacement work is governed by a five-year programme which commenced in January 2001 for iron mains within 30 metres of property. This programme was agreed following discussions with Transco and Ofgem. At the end of this five-year period, Transco should be replacing mains so that the remaining mains within 30 metres of buildings should be replaced within the following 25 years.

  Implementation of this programme is in the very early stages. HSE is carefully monitoring Transco's progress and evidence suggests the company is meeting current targets.

  Health and Safety Executive
  Andrew Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many of the Regional
  5W
  Directors and Operational Managers in the Health and Safety Executive possess a formal qualification in management. [84778]

  scs

  G6

  G7

  SEO

  HEO

  Scs

  Bl

  B2

  B3

  B4

  Total

  Educational qualifications

  Admin and Info Management

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  1

  Administration Management

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  1

  Business Management and Finance

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  Business Management Studies

  —

  —

  —

  1

  4

  5

  Health and Safety Management

  —

  —

  2

  8

  —

  10

  Human Resource Management

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  2

  Info and Admin Management

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  Management

  1

  5

  14

  12

  8

  40

  Management for the Professions

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  1

  Management Services

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  1

  Management Studies

  3

  2

  10

  10

  7

  32

  Management Techniques

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  1

  Personnel Management

  —

  —

  1

  5

  2

  8

  Prof Cert in Management

  —

  1

  —

  —

  1

  2

  Project Management

  —

  —

  2

  2

  —

  4

  Supervisory Management

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  2

  Total

  4

  9

  30

  42

  26

  111

  Professional Memberships

  British Institution of Management

  —

  —

  —

  2

  —

  2

  Inst of Personnel and Development

  —

  1

  2

  4

  10

  17

  Institute of Admin. Management

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  1

  Institute of Management

  —

  —

  4

  2

  —

  6

  Institute of Management Services

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  1

  Institute of Personnel Management

  —

  —

  2

  5

  4

  11

  Institute of Supervisory Management

  —

  —

  —

  1

  2

  3

  Total

  0

  1

  8

  16

  16

  41

  It is mandatory for all managers in HSE to attend 'essential training for managers'. This includes 12 modules: HSE's Expectations of It's Managers (Mod 1); The Legal and Policy Framework (Mod 2); Performance Management: Appraisal & Development (Mod 3&4); Getting the best from your team (Mod 5); Management Communication Part 1&2 (Mod 6&7); Selecting staff (Mod 8); Managing resources (Mod 10); Developing your Management style (Mod 11); The Appraisal Managers role (Mod 12).

  Andrew Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether above standard hours of working have been ended in HSE at each grade. [84782]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  The only data available to answer this question are found in the staff survey. As the title of the survey suggests, it is based on the opinions of staff rather than objectively recorded data. The 2002 staff survey showed that there were still staff at all grades working above their conditioned hours. There was however a small reduction of 2.6 per cent, in those working between five and eight hours compared with 2001.

  Housing Benefit
  Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what percentage of the population in(a) Birmingham, (b) the West Midlands region and (c) the London region claimed housing benefit in each of the last five years for which figures are available. [82868]
  6W
  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  The table shows all management qualifications recorded on HSE's Personnel database. Managers in HSE are B4 (HEO equivalent).

  Malcolm Wicks
  The available information is in the table:

  Housing Benefit recipients as a percentage of the population in Birmingham, West Midlands and London—May 2001

  Area

  HB recipients as percentage of the population

  Birmingham City Council area

  12.1

  West Midlands Government Office Region

  8.4

  London Government Office Region

  10.2

  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.

  2. The percentages have been rounded to one decimal place.

  3. Housing Benefit figures exclude any Extended Payment cases.

  4. Figures for any non-responding authorities have been estimated.

  5. Figures are based on the estimated mid-2001 population aged 16 and over.

  Sources:

  Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit Management

  Information System Quarterly

  100 per cent, caseload stock-count taken in May 2001.

  Office for National Statistics population estimates unit: estimated resident population

  mid-2001 based on the 2001 Census.
  7W

  New Deal (Disabled People)
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many disabled people were found jobs through the New Deal for Disabled People in(a) 2001 and (b) 2002 in (i) the United Kingdom and (ii) the west midlands; how many of these people are still in employment; and what plans he has to review the effectiveness of the service. [86866]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  New Deal for Disabled People (NDDP) is the first national programme designed specifically to help people with health conditions and disabilities move into and keep jobs. A comprehensive programme of evaluation is in place to assess its effectiveness.

  The available information is in the table.

  People helped into work through NDDP since the national extension of the programme began

  Period

  People finding work

  July 2001–March 2002

  2,304

  April 2002–September 2002

  3,795

  Total

  6,099

  Notes:

  1. Information is not available broken down by government office region.

  2. The information in the table is for Great Britain. The Northern Ireland Office is responsible for employment programmes within Northern Ireland.

  It is not possible to give figures for the number of people who have found work through NDDP who are still in employment. However, of all NDDP clients who have found work to date, 1,400 have achieved sustained employment—defined as remaining in paid work for 26 weeks out of a 39 week period.

  ONE Programme
  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of lone parents participating in the ONE programme have obtained employment; and if he will make a statement. [85987]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  [holding answer 9 December 2002]: Under ONE, all people claiming working age benefits are now required to have a work-focused meeting with a personal adviser. All ONE pilot sites are due to become integrated Jobcentre Plus offices by spring 2003.

  From June 1999 to October 2002, 78,028 lone parents participated in the ONE pilots. Of these, 3,282–4.2 per cent. have so far obtained employment.

  We are using the information gained from the ONE pilots and applying the valuable lessons learnt in the development of our Jobcentre Plus service.

  Pensions
  Dr. Jack Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people were unemployed in Copeland in(a) May 1997 and (b) at the latest date for which figures are available; what proposals he has to reduce that number; and if he will make a statement. [87142]
  8W
  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  [holding answer 16 December 2002]: Economic stability and active labour market programmes have helped people move from welfare to work in all parts of the country. As a result of our policies the number of people in work is at record levels and unemployment has fallen to levels not seen since the 1970s.

  In my right hon. Friend's constituency, between May 1997 and October 2002 the number of people unemployed and claiming benefit fell from 2,784 to 1,382 (a reduction of 50 per cent.) and long term unemployment has fallen by 75 per cent. Over the same period the New Deal has helped over 1,800 people in Copeland into jobs.

  We know that even within areas of prosperity there are pockets of persistent unemployment. That is why we have introduced additional measures—such as Action Teams for Jobs and Employment Zones—targeted on the most employment-deprived wards in the country.

  Pneumoconiosis
  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how many men have been awarded incapacity benefit and have successfully claimed payments due to pneumoconiosis since 1962; [81961]

  (2) how many men have been awarded incapacity benefit and have successfully claimed payments due to pneumoconiosis since 1992. [82721]

  Malcolm Wicks
  Information on the number of men receiving incapacity benefit who also receive industrial injuries disablement benefit due to pneumoconiosis is only available from 1 October 1997. We estimate that during the period 1 October 1997 to 31 March 2002 around 100 men who were awarded incapacity benefit with a diagnosis of pneumoconiosis also successfully claimed industrial injuries disablement benefit on the same grounds, and that a further 400 men with other medical conditions who were awarded incapacity benefit successfully claimed industrial injuries disablement benefit on the grounds of pneumoconiosis1. These figures are based on a small sample of cases and should be taken only as a general indication of the position.

  1 Source: merges between 5 per cent. samples of the incapacity benefit computer system and 100 per cent. samples of the industrial injuries disablement benefit computer system.

  Incapacity benefit replaced sickness benefit and invalidity benefit on 13 April 1995. Figures for sickness benefit and invalidity benefit awards by diagnosis are not available prior to 1971–72. The available information is in the table.

  Sickness/invalidity/incapacity benefit awards, due to pneumoconiosis and related diseases, for men in the periods shown

  Thousand

  Number of awards

  1971–72

  4

  1972–73

  4

  1973–74

  4

  1974–75

  5

  1975–76

  n/a

  1976–77

  3

  1977–78

  3

  1978–79

  12

  1979–80

  12

  9W

  Sickness/invalidity/incapacity benefit awards, due to pneumoconiosis and related diseases, for men in the periods shown

  Thousand

  Number of awards

  1980–81

  11

  1981–82

  11

  1982–83

  11

  1983–84 to 1994–95

  2—

  1995–96

  10.1

  1996–97

  10.1

  1997–98

  10.1

  1998–99

  10.1

  1999–2000

  10.1

  2000–01

  10.1

  2001–02

  10.1

  1 Figures are based on very few sample cases and are therefore subject to a high degree of sampling error. They should be used as a rough guide to the situation only.

  2 From 1983–84 to 1994–95 figures are either nil or negligible.

  Notes:

  1. Figures from 1971–72 to 1994–95 are rounded to the nearest thousand. Figures from 1995–96 are rounded to the nearest hundred.

  2. Figures for 1975–76 are not available.

  3. Figures include cases where the person receives national insurance credits only.

  4. If a person has more than one medical condition only the primary diagnosis is recorded.

  5. Figures are for Great Britain but include a small number of cases where the claimant is resident overseas.

  Sources:

  Up to 1974–75 based on 2.5 per cent. sample of cases.

  From 1976–77 to 1977–78 based on 2 per cent. sample of cases.

  From 1978–79 to 1994–95 based on 1 per cent. samples of cases.

  From 1995–96 5 per cent. samples of the benefit computer system, which excludes a small number of IB cases that are handled clerically.

  Poverty (Definition)
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what definition of poverty will be used to measure success in the joint Public Service Agreement with the Treasury on reducing child poverty by a quarter by 2004. [86736]

  Malcolm Wicks
  The Public Service Agreement target technical note contains full details of how the target will be monitored. A copy has been placed in the Library.

  Workplace Health and Safety
  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what projections he has made of likely trends in the number of(a) work-related accidents and (b) work-related diseases in the next three years. [85418]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  The Health and Safety Executive has made no projections on the overall levels of work-related accidents and diseases. The Government and the Health and Safety Commission have committed to delivering its Public Service Agreement targets on health and safety and will do this by working with other organizations, particularly on its priorities in construction, agriculture, the health services and to tackle musculoskeletal disorders, stress, falls from height, workplace transport and slips and trips.

ENVIRONMENT

  Agri-environmental Schemes
  Paddy Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the development of an entry-level agri-environment scheme; and what consultation there has been on the proposed scheme. [87864]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 18 December 2002]: Work is currently in progress to develop a pilot entry-level scheme which will be used to test the concept in four areas of the country, each with a different range of farming systems. Subject to the success of this pilot, the Government plans to make an entry-level scheme available to farmers across England from 2005.

  The development of this pilot scheme was informed by the responses to a consultation exercise run as part of a wider review of agri-environment schemes, to which over 130 responses were received from a wide range of organisations and interested individuals. A working group with membership drawn from a variety of environmental and agricultural organisations has also been closely involved in developing the pilot scheme.

  In the past few weeks, the first draft of the pilot scheme has been subject to a pre-pilot exercise. Through the working group members, over 100 farmers have been asked for their views on this draft. The responses are currently being analysed and will be used to revise the scheme before it is launched next spring.

  The pilots themselves will also be closely monitored, and the results used to inform the design of the main scheme.

  Agricultural Co-operatives
  Mr. Hurst
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many agricultural co-operatives are registered in England and Wales representing(a) arable farms and (b) livestock farms; and how many members of those co-operatives there are. [87296]

  Mr. Morley
  The information on agricultural co-operatives is not available from the June Census. Defra have plans to run a pilot in 2003 to test the possibility of collecting fuller information on how holdings are linked and working together.

  Appointments
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to which bodies her Department makes appointments; how many members there are(a) in total and (b) in each body; and how many of those appointed are (i) businessmen, (ii) businessmen in SMEs and (iii) businessmen in micro-businesses. [87389]

  Alun Michael
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office on 16 December 2002,official Report, column 607W.
  11W

  CHP Plant
  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry about the contribution of CHP to Britain's future energy needs; [86196]

  (2) what discussions she has had with interested parties about extending the Energy Efficiency Commitment to offer further support to CHP. [86199]

  Mr. Morley
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is in regular contact with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on a wide range of matters that affect the business of both their Departments. CHP is among the energy issues that have been discussed at those meetings. We are considering the future of the Energy Efficiency Commitment after 2004 and, subject to the outcome of the Energy White Paper, intend to consult on our proposals next year.

  Climate Change
  Mr. Lazarowicz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the impact of farming on the Government's climate change strategy. [87267]

  Mr. Meacher
  The UK's climate change programme sets out the policies and measures in each sector of the economy that the Government have put in place or have planned to meet and move beyond its Kyoto Protocol target. On current projections, greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture—mainly methane from enteric fermentation in livestock and nitrous oxide from agricultural soils—will be an estimated 14 per cent. below 1990 levels by 2010. This is mainly due to reductions in cattle numbers from yield improvements, and reductions in synthetic fertiliser usage—although, because emissions in other sectors are also falling, agriculture's share of total UK emissions is expected to remain at the present level of around 7.5 per cent.

  Action that the UK Government and the devolved Administrations are taking to reduce emissions from agriculture includes encouragement of biomass including renewable energy crops, application of the climate change levy to agricultural businesses (with some discounts for energy intensive horticultural businesses), agri-environment schemes and set-aside.

  Climate Change Levy
  Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will place in the Library copies of(a) information supplied to her by sector associations party to climate change levy umbrella agreements under part 2 of schedule 3 of those agreements and (b) other information held by her relating to the reasons for sector or facility targets not being met. [82814]

  Mr. Meacher
  Information which is supplied under part 2 of schedule 3 to the umbrella agreements will relate to production and energy data for individual industrial sites or groups of sites The Secretary of State is intending to consult with sector associations about whether they have objections to its disclosure and if so to justify their objections. Officials are currently 12W
  considering the responses to a consultation exercise on the proposed implementation of the Aarhus Convention and a draft EC Directive on Access to Environmental Information—the proposals included machinery for reviewing decisions taken by public authorities when handling requests for environmental information.

  Departmental Logo
  Diana Organ
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the total cost was to the Department of the introduction of the new logo. [87306]

  Alun Michael
  The cost of designing the new Defra logo was £24,000. The logo is only one element of the total corporate identity, and further costs have been incurred in introducing it across the Department.

  To date, these costs including the above amount total £137,510. This includes costs for project scoping, stimulus material, research, brand architecture, specifications, legal checks and briefing material which are necessary in developing and introducing a fresh identity to a large, new Government Department. On-going costs will be minimised by a phased implementation, only replacing any branded communication material when it runs out.

  The re-branding exercise is necessary to establish a new identity, which will assist in explaining the role and purpose of the new Department among staff, stakeholders, other partners and the public.

  Further implementation costs will be incurred in due course as guidelines are developed and used by external suppliers, other organisations and staff. The new guidelines will show how the new identity should be applied to all communication items such as letterheads, the website, publications and reports etc.

  The findings of extensive research with staff, stakeholders and the public has helped Defra develop a better understanding of what our customers expect from us. This will enable us to streamline our communications and improve clarity. The final design proved popular with all groups. It will play a key role in building the new Department. As a symbol it is modern, professional and forward looking and provides a pivotal point for helping us to build a new customer focus internally.

  Energy Efficiency
  Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will place in the Library copies of information supplied to her indicating that the proportional improvements in energy efficiency required by Climate Change Levy agreements have been maintained. [82870]

  Mr. Meacher
  The information supplied to the Secretary of State indicating that the proportional improvements to energy efficiency have been maintained is in the form of corrected energy consumption and production data for the baseline period. Targets are recalculated on the corrected baseline using the same principles on which the original targets were calculated. The Secretary of State is
  13W
  intending to consult with the sector associations about whether they have objections to its disclosure and if so to justify their objections.

  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what targets she has on improving energy efficiency; and how she intends to achieve these targets. [86302]

  Mr. Morley
  The UK's Climate Change Programme details the policies and action we are taking to meet our target under the Kyoto Protocol to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 12.5 per cent. below 1990 levels by 2008–12, and move towards our domestic goal to reduce carbon dioxide emissions 20 per cent. below 1990 levels by 2010. Energy efficiency measures are an integral means of meeting these targets, several of which have their own targets as follows.

  The Fuel Poverty Strategy has a PSA target to reach 600,000 low income householders between 2001 and 2004. There are various measures in place that will help deliver this including the Warm Front Scheme and the Energy Efficiency Commitment (EEC). The EEC's will result in a reduction in carbon emissions of an estimated 400,000 tonnes a year by 2005.
  Combined Heat and Power (CHP) has a 2010 target of at least 10,000 megawatts of installed Good Quality CHP capacity. Government consulted on a draft CHP Strategy to 2010 earlier this year setting out the measures thought sufficient for the target to be met.
  All Government Departments have an interim target to contribute to the target of a 1 per cent. per annum on-going reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from Government Estate buildings. Longer-term targets on energy efficiency are due to be set as part of the Framework for Sustainable Development on the Government Estate, the first parts of which were published in July 2002.

  Decisions about future targets and policies to improve energy efficiency will be considered as part of the Energy White Paper process, which the Government aims to publish in the new year.

  EU Sugar and Dairy Regimes
  Tony Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on reform of the EU(a) sugar and (b) dairy regimes. [87568]

  Mr. Morley
  The Government strongly supports reform of the CAP sugar regime, particularly in view of the increasing access for developing countries already agreed as part of the Everything But Arms initiative. The Council of Ministers is committed to a further review of the regime next year and we will be pressing for early decisions to allow for orderly adaptation to these more liberal trading arrangements, which will make the regime unsustainable in its present form. We also want the future regime to take account of the wider CAP Mid Term Review process on which negotiations are currently taking place.

  With regard to the dairy regime, there have already been some moves towards reform under Agenda 2000—a 15 per cent. cut in support prices phased in from 2005 to 2007, with direct aid as compensation. However, this still leaves dairy support prices well above world levels, distorting both internal and external markets, and resulting in a continuing need for milk quotas (a
  14W
  financial burden to producers which rigidifies farming structures and the market) to contain budgetary expenditure.

  The UK and other like-minded member states managed to secure a mid-term review of the milk quota system as part of the Agenda 2000 Agreement, under which Commission was charged with writing a report `with a view to letting the current quota arrangements run out after 2006'. One of the four options in the report, which the Commission published in July, is for quota abolition in 2008.

  We are now calling upon the Commission to come forward with a legislative proposal based on this option, which is the only one to fully meet thecommitments set out in the Agenda 2000 Agreement. In order to bring support prices closer to world levels, in preparation for quota abolition, we would favour bringing the Agenda 2000 price cuts forward to 2004, deepening them, and phasing them over four years, to 2007–08.

  European Markets
  Tony Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when there will be full and immediate access to European markets for exports from the least developed countries through the Everything But Arms Agreement; and if she will make a statement. [87574]

  Mr. Morley
  Least Developed Countries already have full duty and quota-free access to European markets for all goods except sugar, rice and bananas under the Everything But Arms Agreement. Duty and quota-free access for these three products is being phased in by 2006 in the case of bananas, and 2008–09 in the cases of sugar and rice.

  Farm Products Levy
  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the Government's policy is towards reintroduction of a levy scheme on agricultural farm products on a(a) compulsory and (b) voluntary basis. [87124]

  Mr. Morley
  The Government have no current plans to introduce new levies on agricultural farm products. However, the Government are preparing proposals for an animal disease levy as part of its consideration of how to achieve the right balance between partners in animal health as to how the costs are met.

  CAP
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the total annual cost of the common agricultural policy was to(a) consumers and (b) taxpayers in the United Kingdom in the most recent year for which figures are available; what estimate she has made of the cost per person per week; and if she will break down the total cost to consumers by product. [86991]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 12 December 2002]: The consumer cost of the CAP can be estimated by considering the difference between UK prices and world prices on agricultural food products purchased by consumers. In 2000, the latest year for which UK figures

  15W
  are available, we estimate that the CAP cost UK consumers around £3.5 billion through higher prices. In the same year the UK taxpayer contribution to the CAP was approximately £3 billion.

  The UK population in 2000 was 59.8 million, implying that the average cost of the CAP of £6.5 billion in total equates to just over £2 per person per week, or £8 to £9 pounds a week for a notional family of four.

  The following table shows an approximate breakdown of consumer support between agricultural commodities. These estimates have, in the main, been compiled using the methodology utilised by the OECD to produce their estimates of the consumer support estimate. It should be noted that the aggregate estimates will be more robust than estimates for the individual commodities. It is particularly difficult to determine the appropriate gap between UK and world prices for products whose specification varies, such as fruit and vegetables, or pigs, eggs and poultry. Although there is no significant internal regime governing the production of pigs, eggs and poultry, the EU has import tariffs in place, leading to increased costs for consumers.

  Breakdown of consumer support between agricultural commodities

  Commodity

  Cost (£ million)

  Cereals

  50

  Sugar beet

  300

  Milk

  980

  Beef and veal

  580

  Sheep

  90

  Pigs, eggs and poultry

  920

  Fruit and vegetables

  430

  Others

  150

  Total

  3,500

  Mr.Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many farmers received total payment from the common agricultural policy of less than £500 in the last 12 months for which figures are available. [87297]

  Mr. Morley
  In the 12 months ending June 2002, 20,000 claimants received less than £500 each in total direct grants and subsidies under the common agricultural policy in England. The payment of direct grants and subsidies in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland was the responsibility of the devolved Authorities in that period. In addition, 35,000 claimants throughout the UK each received payments of less than £500 in total as part of the market support measures of the CAP, for which traders as well as farmers are eligible. The figures exclude any compensation received for animals slaughtered during the FMD crisis for reasons of disease control or animal health. We are unable to identify the total payments received by any individual or business making applications using more than one name.

  Fisheries
  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many licences were granted for bass fisheries in south west waters in(a) 2000, (b) 2001 and (c) 2002; and how many have been granted for 2003. [87494]
  16W
  Mr. Morley
  Separate licences are not issued for bass. It may be caught and landed by any fishing vessel with a Category A, B or C licence, subject to compliance with the catch restrictions set out in the licence. There are some 1,200 vessels with such licences currently based in the south west.

  Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what(a) the total number of days at sea and (b) the total kilowatts of engine power was for vessels over 10 metres in length targeting (i) cod, haddock and whiting, (ii) plaice and sole, (iii) hake, (iv) megrim and anglerfish and (v) sand eel and Norway pout in (A) North Sea, (B) West Scotland (C) Irish Sea and (D) ICES sub-area VII in (1) 1998, (2) 1999 and (3) 2000. [87808]

  Mr. Morley
  The information requested is not readily available and can only be produced through the compilation of data held separately on computer systems operated by UK fisheries departments. As such an answer at the current time could be obtained only at inappropriate cost and effort. However, a separate larger exercise is currently being carried out to combine these sets of information, which will allow an answer to be provided by mid-January 2003.

  Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will invite the Fishermen's Association Ltd. to participate in future discussions on fisheries. [87809]

  Mr. Morley
  The European Commission proposed that, under the current review of the Common Fisheries Policy, new Regional Advisory Councils will set up to advise on fisheries issues. It is too early to say who will be represented on these bodies.

  Flooding
  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what action she(a) has taken and (b) will be taking to prevent flooding in the Hatch End area of the Harrow, West constituency; and if she will make a statement. [87884]

  Mr. Morley
  Defra provides funding to operating authorities for flood and coastal defence capital works that meet technical, economic and environmental criteria and achieve an appropriate priority score. However responsibility for deciding which projects to promote and their timing rests with the operating authorities, in this case the Environment Agency.

  I understand the Agency has completed a review of the original study for the Hatch End area and plans to carry out a flood alleviation scheme starting in 2004 subject to planning permission and land agreements being secured. The Agency has yet to submit an application for funding to Defra.

  Mr. Liddell-Grainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assistance she will give to the Environment Agency in the event of large-scale floods. [88298]
  17W
  Mr. Morley
  DEFRA has policy responsibility for flood and coastal defence in England. Operational responsibility for flooding from main rivers and the sea rests with the Environment Agency. The Agency is also responsible for flood warning arrangements and exercises a general supervision over all matters relating to flood defence.

  The Environment Agency takes the lead in the case of large scale flooding and manages the response in conjunction with local authorities and the police. Should a request be made for additional funding, this would be considered in the light of the circumstances pertaining and a decision made accordingly.

  UK imports of processed foods from developing countries1 1999–2001

  1999

  2000

  2001

  Degree of processing/country of despatch Lightly processed

  000 tonnes

  £ million

  000 tonnes

  £ million

  000 tonnes

  £ million

  Brazil

  788

  142

  820

  188

  1,068

  252

  Argentina

  703

  54

  433

  48

  337

  41

  Mauritius

  473

  176

  373

  138

  511

  198

  Malaysia

  312

  61

  400

  65

  440

  73

  Indonesia

  238

  92

  241

  95

  260

  93

  India

  165

  164

  228

  178

  244

  181

  Fiji

  188

  64

  205

  65

  155

  51

  Guyana

  199

  66

  176

  55

  166

  52

  Papua New Guinea

  154

  57

  185

  47

  196

  38

  Pakistan

  169

  34

  147

  30

  156

  40

  Others

  1,704

  1,031

  1,649

  1,041

  1,701

  1,103

  Total

  5,094

  1,941

  4,859

  1,950

  5,234

  2,121

  Highly processed

  Chile

  55

  83

  63

  91

  79

  109

  South Africa

  55

  67

  60

  79

  79

  102

  Brazil

  66

  89

  60

  83

  67

  96

  Peru

  52

  17

  70

  21

  55

  19

  Thailand

  25

  40

  30

  54

  36

  66

  China

  29

  19

  24

  20

  23

  23

  Argentina

  28

  33

  29

  36

  19

  33

  Czech Republic

  23

  12

  25

  15

  26

  20

  Bulgaria

  22

  20

  14

  11

  14

  11

  Poland

  6

  13

  12

  24

  25

  35

  Others

  76

  96

  97

  99

  96

  108

  Total

  438

  490

  484

  533

  519

  622

  Grand total

  5,532

  2,431

  5,343

  2,483

  5,753

  2,743

  (c) Crown Copyright

  1 List of developing countries obtained from World bank website.

  Note:

  The data includes an estimate of below threshold data, but excludes an estimate for non-response.

  Source:

  HM Customs and Excise

  Data prepared by Statistics (Commodities and Food) Accounts and Trade, ESD, DEFRA.

  Green Ministers
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which Minister in her Department is the nominated Green Minister; how often she has attended meetings of the Green Ministers; and which official has responsibility for the Defra rural proofing check-list in her Department. [88460]

  Mr. Meacher
  My right hon. Friend the Minister of State for rural affairs and urban quality of life represents Defra on the Ministers' committee ENV(G), which I
  18W
  Following the Autumn 2000 floods, additional funding was given to the Agency.

  Food Imports
  Mr. Lazarowicz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what was the (a) volume and (b) value of processed food imported from developing countries into the UK in each of the last three years for which figures are available. [87265]

  Mr. Morley
  The table shows the UK imports of(i) lightly processed foods (goods that retain their raw recognisable form, such as meat, cheese and butter, powdered milk, flour, sugar etc.) and (ii) highly processed foods (goods such as confectionery, canned meats, jams, alcoholic drinks, ice cream etc.) from developing countries for the years 1999–2001.

  chair. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, is not a member of ENV(G).

  Policy responsibility for rural proofing lies in Defra with Rural Economies and

  Communities Directorate.

  Illegal Meat Imports
  Mr. Hurst
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, food and Rural Affairs what additional
  19W
  measures she has installed at United Kingdom ports of entry to prevent the illegal importation of illegal meat products since January 2000. [87326]

  Mr. Morley
  Extra funding this financial year has been used for additional enforcement officers to perform checks on imports at a number of ports and airports. We have increased the number of targeted checks carried out this year, especially to provide additional information to assist the disease risk assessment.

  Legislation was amended in May 2002 to provide enforcement officers with additional search powers, and written guidance was provided to them on the use of these powers, especially with regard to checks for illegal meat imports in passenger baggage.

  Enforcement officers have improved access to intelligence to aid them in deploying anti-smuggling measures. Notably they receive monthly reports of products seized and notified to Defra. This is then entered on the central computer database which was established in April 2001.

  We are carrying out a six-month pilot using detector dogs to find illegal animal products in passenger baggage and freight. The pilot is proving valuable in determining the attributes and level of training required for both dogs and their handlers and the back up services we need to support the dog teams.

  Trials of x-ray equipment to detect illicit material hidden in commercial freight are taking place at two major seaports.

  Public awareness is being increased through penalty posters and information leaflets at airports and seaports. New information on personal import allowances was issued in May 2001, and then refreshed in February 2002. This is being updated to highlight changes on personal import allowances which come into effect on 1 January 2003 as a result of UK pressure on the European Commission to tighten the rules.

  Mr. Hurst
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many successful prosecutions were instituted in the United Kingdom against persons accused of the importation of illegal meat in each year from 1995 to 2001. [87328]

  Mr. Morley
  Figures on prosecutions for the illegal importation of meat are not collected centrally. Responsibility for prosecutions lies with local authorities. We are however aware of one successful prosecution this year, which was brought by Crawley borough council in July. The Corporation of London Port Health Authority issued six cautions in October.

  Dr. Richard Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the measures being taken to detect small quantities of meat being imported illegally by tourists and visitors; and how many sniffer dogs are available for this purpose. [87726]

  Mr. Morley
  New European rules on personal imports come in to force on 1 January 2003, from when personal imports of meat, milk and their products will be prohibited for travellers entering the UK from outside the EU and certain European countries. Posters displayed at ports and airports have been revised to 20W
  reflect the new rules and will be in place by 1 January. These posters form part of our ongoing campaign to educate travellers about the import rules.

  Extra funding this financial year has been used for additional enforcement officers to perform checks on imports at a number of ports and airports. We have increased the number of targeted checks carried out this year, especially on passenger bags.

  A six-month pilot using two detector dogs to find illegal animal products in passenger baggage and freight is under way. The pilot is proving valuable in determining the attributes and level of training required for both dogs and their handlers and the back up services we need to support the dog teams. Evaluation will take place at the end of the six months, with a view to increasing the number of dogs if they compare favourably to other detection methods. Decisions on this now also need to be seen in the context of Customs' future responsibility for anti-smuggling measures, as announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 6 November.

  Patrick Mercer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the use of dogs in enforcing restrictions on meat imports; and what plans she has to increase this. [87621]

  Mr. Morley
  A six-month pilot using detector dogs to find illegal animal products in passenger baggage and freight is under way. The pilot is proving valuable in determining the attributes and level of training required for both dogs and their handlers, and the back up services we need to support the dog teams. Evaluation will take place at the end of the six months, with a view to increasing the number of dogs if the cost-benefit analysis compares favourably to other detection methods. Decisions on this and the detector dogs will be taken forward as part of the work to transfer anti-smuggling activity to Her Majesty's Customs and Excise, as announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 6 November.

  Import Controls
  Patrick Mercer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what rules exist to ensure that airlines inform passengers of import controls. [87622]

  Mr. Morley
  There are no statutory rules which require airlines to inform passengers of the restrictions on import of meat and other animal products. However, the European Commission Decision on controls on personal imports of animal products requires member states, from 1 January 2003, to ensure that the rules are brought to the attention of travellers by display of information at ports and airports and by making arrangements with international passenger transport operators, which we are doing.

  Milk Quotas
  Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the effect of the European Court of Justice ruling relating to non-producing milk quotas on UK milk quota holders. [88146]
  21W
  Mr. Morley
  The effect of the Thomsen European Court of Justice judgment is now clear in that it means non-producing quota holders will no longer be able to lease out their milk quota indefinitely, which will mean that they will have to sell it, resume production, or otherwise face its confiscation. We have been discussing with the European Commission how, and to what timescale, we take forward implementation of this new interpretation in the UK and will make an announcement on next steps as soon as possible.

  Ministerial Engagements
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many engagements were undertaken outside London(a) by her or her predecessor and (b) by Ministers in her Department in January (i) 2000, (ii) 2001 and (iii) 2002. [87356]

  Margaret Beckett
  [holding answer 16 December 2002]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office on 16 December 2002, official Report, column 608W.

  Morecambe Coastal Protection Scheme
  Geraldine Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the state of the Morecambe Coastal Protection Scheme. [87589]

  Mr. Morley
  Defra provides funding to local authorities for coast protection capital works that meet technical, economic and environmental criteria and achieve an appropriate priority score. However responsibility for deciding which projects to promote and their timing rests with the local authorities, in this case Lancaster city council.

  I understand that the proposed works will have a significant effect on the Morecambe Bay special protection area and candidate special area of conservation. For such a scheme to proceed and in the absence of alternative options the council will be obliged to provide compensatory measures in accordance with the requirements of the Conservation (Natural Habitats etc) Regulations 1994 (as amended). I understand that the council are investigating options for compensatory measures as a matter of urgency, prior to submitting their application for funding to Defra.

  Parrett Catchment Project
  Mr. Liddell-Grainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what

  Thousand tonnes product weight

  Table 1 UK Supplies of Pork1

  1990

  1991

  19922

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  19982

  1999

  2000

  2001

  Home production

  762.4

  804.6

  810.4

  812.8

  836.4

  791.3

  801.2

  887.6

  931.2

  831.2

  724.5

  610.1

  Imported3

  81.0

  75.2

  90.6

  113.6

  115.8

  168.7

  199.6

  177.4

  190.3

  234.8

  273.8

  261.2

  Of which imported from:

  Denmark

  42.1

  35.7

  43.1

  47.2

  45.4

  54.5

  70.2

  59.9

  72.3

  77.6

  95.1

  117.2

  Netherlands

  7.5

  5.0

  4.7

  20.0

  11.0

  24.4

  29.8

  21.6

  24.8

  53.1

  51.7

  39.9

  Others4

  31.4

  34.5

  42.7

  46.4

  59.5

  79.3

  99.5

  95.8

  93.2

  104.0

  127.0

  104.1

  22W
  provision is contained in the constitution of the Parrett Catchment Project to remove the Chairman if he does not meet targets. [87380]

  Mr. Morley
  The Parrett Catchment Project is an independent body, the Department has no role in such matters which are for the project board to determine.

  Mr. Liddell-Grainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what notification she has received from the Chairman of the Parrett Catchment Project of his plans to go overseas on business relating to the project in 2003. [87381]

  Mr. Morley
  The Parrett Catchment Project is an independent body, the Secretary of State has received no such notification of any visits and would not expect to do so.

  Mr. Liddell-Grainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many bodies similar to the Parrett Catchment Project have been set up in England and Wales. [88299]

  Mr. Morley
  The Parrett Catchment Project is a forum for stakeholders with an interest in flood management and related matters in the area. Various other stakeholders have been set up on either a long term or short term basis in response to flooding problems in other parts of the country. They have a variety of different structures and forms of organisation and it is likely that many have not made themselves known to the Department.

  Pigmeat
  Mr. Hurst
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage of the United Kingdom retail pigmeat market was supplied from(a) the United Kingdom, (b) Denmark,(c) the Netherlands and (d) other countries in each year from 1990 to 2001. [87290]

  Mr. Morley
  Information on the proportions of the retail market for pigmeat in the United Kingdom which are supplied from the United Kingdom, Denmark, the Netherlands and elsewhere, is not available. However, information is available on the amounts of home production and supplies of pork, and of bacon and ham, in the United Kingdom. These are given in the tables.

  No data is available on the uses to which the supplies of pork and of bacon and ham are subsequently put. These uses may be for retail as meat or for catering or for foodstuffs which require further processing, some of which may subsequently be exported.

  More detailed production and supplies tables may be found on the DEFRA website at http://www.defra.gov.uk
  23W

  Thousand tonnes product weight

  Table 1 UK Supplies of Pork1

  1990

  1991

  19922

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  19982

  1999

  2000

  2001

  Exported3,5

  78.3

  108.1

  133.4

  130.6

  154.2

  188.3

  194.9

  247.8

  292.4

  235.1

  207.9

  39.3

  Total new supply6

  785.1

  771.7

  767.6

  795.8

  798.0

  771.8

  805.9

  817.2

  829.1

  830.9

  790.5

  832.1

  Estimates of proportion of total new supplies (percentage)

  United Kingdom

  100

  104

  106

  102

  105

  103

  99

  109

  112

  100

  92

  73

  Of which for the UK market7

  89

  90

  88

  86

  85

  78

  75

  78

  77

  72

  65

  69

  Denmark

  6

  5

  8

  6

  6

  7

  9

  7

  9

  9

  12

  14

  Netherlands

  1

  1

  1

  3

  1

  3

  4

  3

  3

  6

  7

  5

  Others

  4

  4

  6

  6

  7

  10

  12

  12

  11

  13

  16

  13

  1 Does not include meat offals or trade in preserved or manufactured meat products (eg. canned meat).

  2 1992 and 1998 home-fed production figures were collected on a 53-week (14 week 4th quarter) basis but have been adjusted to a 52-week year (13 week 4th Quarter) for comparability.

  3 All trade figures include an estimate for unrecorded trade.

  4 Includes meat from finished pigs imported live from the Republic of Ireland.

  5 Includes estimated dressed carcase weight of live exports of pigs other than pure bred.

  6 Home-cured production and imports, less exports and stock adjustment

  7 Production minus exports as a percentage of total new supply. It has been assumed that exports are of UK produced pork although it is known that a small proportion of exports is imported that is cut and packed in the UK and then exported.

  Note:

  Figures have been rounded individually and totals will not necessarily agree with the addition of separate figures.

  Thousand tonnes product weight

  Table 2 UK Supplies of Pork1

  1990

  1991

  19922

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  19982

  1999

  2000

  2001

  Home cured production

  190.6

  192.5

  189.4

  215.7

  232.5

  244.6

  240.6

  238.8

  236.3

  232.7

  208.9

  196.7

  Imported3

  259.9

  253.8

  234.4

  238.0

  224.4

  227.9

  261.2

  240.1

  231.1

  230.4

  267.9

  281.3

  Of which imported from

  Denmark

  116.4

  129.6

  117.5

  125.406

  113.6

  113.5

  106.8

  117.3

  106.5

  96.4

  95.7

  112.2

  Netherlands

  112.5

  96.4

  89.0

  84.5

  87.6

  87.9

  130.4

  99.8

  105.0

  113.1

  147.6

  135.4

  Others

  31.0

  27.8

  27.9

  28.1

  23.2

  26.5

  24.0

  22.9

  19.7

  20.9

  24.6

  33.8

  Exported3

  5.0

  4.9

  5.6

  3.2

  5.5

  5.2

  5.3

  8.0

  8.4

  6.2

  9.2

  7.3

  Total New Supply4

  445.5

  441.4

  418.2

  450.4

  451.4

  467.3

  496.5

  470.9

  459.1

  456.9

  467.6

  470.7

  Estimates of proportions of total new supplies

  United Kingdom

  43

  44

  45

  48

  52

  52

  48

  51

  51

  51

  45

  42

  of which for the UK market5

  42

  43

  44

  47

  50

  51

  47

  49

  50

  50

  43

  40

  Denmark

  26

  29

  28

  28

  25

  24

  22

  25

  23

  21

  20

  24

  Netherlands

  25

  22

  21

  19

  19

  19

  26

  21

  23

  25

  32

  29

  Others

  7

  6

  7

  6

  5

  6

  5

  5

  4

  5

  5

  7

  1Does not include meat offals or trade in preserved or manufactured meat products (eg. canned meat).

  21992 and 1998 home-fed production figures were collected on a 53-week (14 week 4th quarter) basis but have been adjusted to a 52-week year (13 week 4th quarter) for comparability.

  3All trade figures include an estimate for unrecorded trade.

  4Home-cured production and imports, less exports and stock adjustment.

  5Production minus exports as a percentage of total new supply. It has been assumed that exports are of UK produced bacon and ham although it is known that a small proportion of exports is imported that is cut and packed in the UK and then exported.

  Notes:

  Figures have been rounded individually and totals will not necessarily agree with the addition of separate figures.

  Mr. Hurst
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage of total United Kingdom pigmeat sales were sold through supermarkets in each year from 1990 to 2001. [87293]

  Mr. Morley
  The percentages of household expenditure through supermarkets in the United Kingdom on pigmeat since 1994–95 are shown in the table. The percentages are survey estimates and subject to sampling errors. Percentages before 1994ߝ95 are not available. Percentages based on quantities of sales through supermarkets are not available.
  24W

  Pork1

  Percentage of household expenditure through supermarkets Bacon and ham1

  Sausages1,2

  1994-95

  62

  70

  65

  1995-96

  68

  75

  71

  1996-97

  67

  77

  73

  1997-98

  69

  78

  73

  1998-99

  73

  80

  74

  25W

  Pork1

  Percentage of household expenditure through supermarkets Bacon and ham1

  Sausages1,2

  1999ߝ2000

  66

  77

  72

  2000ߝ01

  70

  77

  72

  1 Uncooked

  2 Includes all types of sausages

  Source:

  Family Expenditure Survey, Office for National Statistics

  Pigs
  Ms Drown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the rate of piglet death in(a) farrowing crates and (b) non-crate systems. [87056]

  Mr. Morley
  We have, for a number of years, funded research directly or indirectly related to the welfare of the sow and her piglets, from farrowing to weaning. A key issue emerging is that changes in farrowing systems to improve sow welfare can lead to an increase in the death rate of the piglets. As a result, we are not yet able unreservedly to recommend free-farrowing systems for widespread commercial adoption.

  Our research, and that of others, continues. Our aim is to reach a position where it is possible to avoid the close-confinement of all sows.

  Pollution Targets
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list her Department's policies that have as one of their objectives helping the UK meet its Kyoto carbon dioxide emissions targets. [87734]

  Mr Meacher
  [holding answer 19 December 2002]: The UK's emissions reduction target under the Kyoto Protocol is to reduce its emissions of a basket of six greenhouse gases to 12.5 per cent. below 1990 levels over the commitment period 2008ߝ12. Carbon dioxide, which is the most important greenhouse gas, is one of the six gases in the basket and although the UK does not have a specific carbon dioxide emissions reduction target under the Protocol, the Government and the devolved administrations have set themselves a domestic goal of a 20 per cent. reduction in the UK's carbon dioxide emissions below 1990 levels by 2010. The policies and measures set out in the UK Climate Change Programme (CCP) therefore focus mainly on reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

  The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is responsible for the following policies and measures in the CCP: the domestic greenhouse gas emissions trading scheme; the climate change agreements; the Energy Efficiency Commitment; the New Home Energy Efficiency Scheme; community heating; and the Government's combined heat and power (CHP) strategy. Other policies and measures in the CCP are the responsibility of the devolved administrations or other government departments including, the Department for Transport, the Office of
  26W
  the Deputy Prime Minister, the Department of Trade and Industry, Her Majesty's Treasury, and the Forestry Commission.

  Rare Animal Breeds
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what action she takes to ensure that rare breeds of animals do not die out. [87756]

  Mr. Morley
  The Government have made a commitment under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to conserve genetic resources for food and agriculture in the UK. The UK National Co-ordinator for Farm Animal Genetic Resources (FAnGR) in Defra has responsibility for co-ordinating the activities of NGOs, breed societies, research institutes and Government to ensure that appropriate action is being taken to save breeds at risk and to avoid duplication of effort. Defra is in the process of publishing a UK country report on FAnGR which makes several recommendations on the conservation and utilisation of the UK's breeds at risk, including the creation of a national steering committee to oversee a national action plan for the maintenance of our native breeds. (See Defra website for a copy of the final draft of the report, www.defraweb.science.publications.)

  Recycling
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps are being taken to increase recycling rates from(a) household and (b) business and industry waste. [87131]

  Mr. Meacher
  Waste Strategy 2000 set a national target of recycling or composting at least 25 per cent. of household waste by 2005, 30 per cent. by 2010 and 33 per cent. by 2015. To underpin these targets, we set statutory performance standards for recycling for all local authorities in England. Authorities are required, on average, to double recycling by 2003–04 and triple it by 2005–06.

  However, we do not expect local authorities to do this alone. The Environmental, Protective and Cultural Services (EPCS) spending block, which includes waste management, will be increased by £671 million by 2005–06. An additional £355 million of future PFI credits for waste projects over the same period have also been provided. The National Waste Minimisation and Recycling Fund of £140 million has distributed funds to a wide variety of schemes aimed at increasing household recycling rates.

  We have taken steps to ensure an increase in the amount of commercial and industrial waste recycled. Base line figures given for 1998–99 placed the rate of recycling for industrial and commercial waste at 37 per cent. This compares with the figure of 9 per cent. for household waste at the same time. In order to encourage businesses to further reduce waste and to put to better use any waste that is produced the Government have set the target to reduce by 2005 the amount of industrial and commercial waste sent to landfill to 85 per cent. of that landfilled in 1998. Producer responsibility is

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  another tool we have to encourage increased reduction, recycling and recovery from producers (and those involved in the distribution and sale of goods)

  Mr. Hurst
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proposals she has to develop a market for recycled plastic; and if she will make a statement. [87343]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Government established the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) to promote more sustainable waste management by working to create more stable and efficient markets for recycled materials and products, and through tackling the barriers to increased reuse and recycling.

  WRAP has identified plastics as a priority area in its business plan to 2003–04. WRAP'S priorities in this area include marketing existing recycled plastic products and removing discriminatory standards. One of WRAP'S aims is to achieve a 20,000 tonne increase in the mixed plastics processing for industrial products by 2003–04.

  Another source of investment into markets for recycled plastic is PRN and PERN revenue raised from businesses which are obligated to recover and recycle packaging waste under the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997 (as amended).

  The revenue accredited reprocessors receive for PRNs and PERNs is invested in three principal areas: collection capacity, end use markets and reprocessing capacity. In 2001, just over 10 per cent. of the £70 million PRN and PERN revenue was invested in end use markets. In particular, PRN and PERN revenue for plastic in 2001 was £8,591,128 of which £1,194,532 was spent on developing end use markets and £36,140 has been allocated for future investment.

  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what schemes exist to recycle(a) Christmas trees and (b) Christmas wrapping paper; what incentives exist to encourage such recycling; and what guidance Government Departments and non-departmental public bodies have been given under the Government sustainability initiatives to recycle such trees and paper. [87583]

  Mr Meacher
  DEFRA does not run schemes or provide specific guidance to Government bodies or others on the recycling of Christmas wrapping paper and Christmas trees. However, I am aware that some local authorities report the number of Christmas trees they recycle to the environmental charity EnCams. Figures for 2002 show that nearly two million trees were recycled by the authorities in England and Wales that reported their performance. We would expect those authorities that carry out collection and recycling of waste paper would recycle Christmas wrapping paper along with the rest of the waste paper they collect.

  While there is no special provision made for the recycling of Christmas wrapping paper and Christmas trees, we have provided significant additional funding to local authorities to increase the proportion of waste that they recycle through the Environmental, Protective and Cultural Services (EPCS) spending block, which
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  includes waste management services, through Private Finance Initiative funding for waste and through the Waste Minimisation and Recycling Fund.

  The New Opportunities Fund will also distribute £38.75 million to expand community sector waste reuse, recycling and composting in England and £3.25 million for similar schemes in Wales.

  Refuse Collection
  Chris Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much funding has been allocated by central Government to promote kerbside collection of refuse in each of the last 10 years. [87156]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Government distributes money for refuse collection through the environmental protective and cultural services standard spending assessment (EPCS SSA) which covers a wide range of services including waste. SR2002 announced an increase in EPCS of £671 million by 2005–06. This is on top of the £1.1 billion announced in SR2000.

  The Government do not specify how funds distributed via EPCS SSA should be spent. It is for each local authority to decide how much of its funding it allocates to any particular area. The information requested is therefore not available.

  Rural Affairs
  Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many applications there have been for the(a) Community Service Fund, (b) fund to refurbish rural sub-post offices, (c) Rural Housing Enablers, (d) Rural Transport Partnership Fund, (e) Parish Transport Fund, (f) Rural Bus Challenge, (g) Leader plus Fund, (h) Extension of Redundant Buildings Grant Scheme, (i) Local Heritage Initiative, (j) fund to help rural communities prepare plans and (k) Community Rail Partnerships in rural areas since the launch of each; how many have been accepted; and what the average amount spent on each bid has been to date. [88145]

  Alun Michael
  The information requested will take a little time to collate. I will write to the hon. Member with the data, together with an explanation of the figures, as soon as the information is available. I will also place a copy of my letter in the House of Commons Library.

  Sheep Exports
  Mr. Prosser
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many live sheep were exported from Dover to continental Europe on(a) 21 November, (b) 24 November and (c) 30 November; 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 given on the route plan for each of the consignments. [87030]
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  Mr. Morley
  The information requested is as follows:

  Date

  Total animals

  Where consignments were certified

  Animals rejected at certification

  Animals rejected at Dover docks

  Destination

  21 November

  2,327

  Wales

  15

  0

  France

  24 November

  1,642

  England and Wales

  25

  0

  France

  24 November

  417

  Wales

  0

  0

  Germany

  30 November

  2,471

  England and Wales

  169

  0

  France

  The sheep for the consignments listed above were certified within 48 hours prior to export. These consignments went to approved slaughterhouses apart from the sailing on 30 November which were fattening animals transported to holdings. The animals which were rejected at certification remained in Great Britain.

  Suffolk Punch
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to protect Suffolk Punch from extinction. [87755]

  Mr. Morley
  The conservation management of breeds at risk, especially those that are numerically rare such as the Suffolk Punch, is carried out by non-Governmental organisations such as the Rare Breeds Survival Trust and breed societies. There is no need for Government intervention at the present time because of the ongoing conservation plan.

  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many Suffolk Punch breeding(a) herds and (b) mares there are in the United Kingdom. [87773]

  Mr. Morley
  The Defra maintained UK National Database of Farm Animal Genetic Resources shows that the most recent survey of the Suffolk Horse breed (known locally as the Suffolk Punch) was in 1997 when the number of mares stood at 69. It is therefore on the critical list of rare equine breeds maintained by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust who are responsible, with the Suffolk Horse Society, for managing an ongoing conservation plan using frozen semen.

  Sustainable Agriculture
  Mr. Lazarowicz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will, in consultation with the Sustainable Development Commission, develop a range of indicators to assess progress towards more sustainable agriculture. [87269]

  Mr. Morley
  On 12 December the Government published the "Strategy for Sustainable Farming and Food: Facing the Future". This was accompanied by "Farming and Food's Contribution to Sustainable Development: Economic and Statistical Analysis" which contains a draft set of indicators for assessing the impact of the strategy. In developing a final set of indicators, Government will consult with a range of stakeholders, and this will include the Sustainable Development Commission. The documents are available in the Library of the House.

  Sustainable Produce
  Mr. Lazarowicz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to promote demand for sustainable produce. [87271]

  Mr. Morley
  On 12 December, the Government published "The Strategy for Sustainable Farming and Food: Facing the Future". The strategy sets out how Government will work with the whole of the food chain to secure a sustainable future for our farming and food industries, as viable industries contributing to a better environment and healthy and prosperous communities. It includes a number of initiatives relevant to the promotion of demand for sustainable produce, including action on regional and local food: on an entry level agri-environment scheme for farmers; on organic farming; on whole farm regulation; on sustainable public procurement of food; on strengthening, with industry, farm assurance schemes; and on informing consumers and schools about the way that food is produced. The document is available in the Library of the House.

  Trade Discharge Consents
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proportion of trade discharge consents was reviewed by the Environment Agency in each region of England in each of the last five years. [86315]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 18 December 2002]: The information requested is not held centrally. I have asked the Environment Agency to provide the information requested and I will write to my hon. Friend when it is available.

  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what budget allocation she has made to the Environment Agency in respect of reviewing trade discharge consents in each of the next three years. [86316]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 18 December 2002]: No specific budget allocation is made to the Environment Agency to review trade effluent discharge consents to controlled waters. This is one of a range of regulatory activities funded by the Agency's Discharges to Controlled Waters charging scheme.

  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the impact of technological developments on the adequacy of the Environment Agency's programme of reviews of trade discharge consent to watercourses. [86317]
  31W
  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 18 December 2002]: I have made no formal assessment. As part of their brief, both the Department and the Environment Agency maintain surveillance of technological developments pertinent to effective regulation, as well as sponsoring research and development in areas of need. The information from the surveillance and research and development is in the public domain and is disseminated within the Department and Agency by a variety of methods, according to the focus and potential impact of the technological development.

  Warm Front Scheme
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in relation to the Warm Front Scheme administered by Eaga partnership, how many applications have been received; how many are outstanding, awaiting(a) survey, (b) completion of works and (c) `snagging'; how many are outstanding in total; what has been the (i) average wait for completion of work, (ii) longest wait for completion of work and (iii) longest period someone has been waiting for work yet to be done; what its (A) highest and (B) average cost has been; what criteria are used to decide what equipment should be chosen; for what reason operatives from the North East, Midlands and south coast are employed in London; and if she will make a statement. [83846]

  Mr. Morley
  Eaga Partnership is the Scheme Manager appointed to administer the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme—now marketed as Warm Front—in three of the four 'lot' areas of England: London and the South East; the North East and North West; and the South West and West Midlands. All answers that follow relate only to the area managed by Eaga Partnership.

  In the last financial year Eaga Partnership Ltd. received over 236,000 eligible referrals. At 29 November 14,538 surveys were outstanding. In addition, 49,768 households were awaiting completion of at least one of their recommended measures.

  Snagging is not a requirement of the contract with Eaga Partnership, however the Scheme does require quality installation checks on all gas central heating systems and a proportion of insulation works. If remedial work is required, following the quality inspection, the installers are contracted to undertake that work within 28 days of being contacted by Eaga Partnership Ltd.

  The waiting time for completion of works can be extended by a number of factors. These include the shortage of central heating installers, awaiting landlord permission, changes to measures specified and the installation of gas to properties. The average waiting time for completion of heating work is 72 working days and for insulation 51 working days from the time of survey. The longest wait for completion of a job was 345 working days. The longest period of work currently awaiting completion is 521 working days. These delays came about through a combination of factors including the skills shortage and the development of equipment to meet the requirements of the scheme.
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  The highest cost of an individual job funded by Warm Front is the current grant maximum—£1,500 for Warm Front and £2,500 for Warm Front Plus. The average grant value in 2001–02 was £454.

  Warm Front is designed to tackle fuel poverty among those most vulnerable to cold-related ill health—older householders, families with children and the disabled or those with long-term illness. The range of measures offered to a property is determined by the existing standard of the property. We are currently carrying out a review of Warm Front to assess the effectiveness of the Scheme including consideration of the eligibility criteria and measures offered.

  The Scheme Managers have responsibility for appointment of installers to work under the Scheme. To ensure the scheme gets good value for money, appointments are carried out through a competitive tendering process, with companies free to tender for work in any area. Additionally, a number of installation companies work nationally and so carry out work across several different areas.

HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION

  Westminster Hall
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission pursuant to his answers of 5 December 2002,official Report, column 981W, what the (a) capital costs and (b) gross and net annual budgeted running costs have been of the visitor catering facilities off Westminster Hall since December 2000. [87866]

  Sir Archy Kirkwood
  The information requested is as follows:(a) The investment to construct, equip and furnish the Jubilee Cafeteria off Westminster Hall was £2.14 million including fees and VAT. The project also included the installation of a lift to provide lavatory facilities for visitors to the House and access for people with disabilities to the second chamber in Westminster Hall and to the meeting rooms in Westminster Hall Annexe (the "W" Rooms).
  (b) The Jubilee Visitor Caf?pened in May 2002. The running costs of the Jubilee Visitor Caf?re included within the overall operating budget for the House of Commons Refreshment Department. Payroll budgets and some other operating costs are not disaggregated and so are not available for specific services.
  However, in agreeing the Refreshment Department's operating budget for the year April 2002 to March 2003, the Finance and Services Committee endorsed a target for the Jubilee Visitor Caf?o serve 49,600 customers in its first year of operation. Assuming this level of business, the forecast gross running cost for the year would be £165,600; after a contribution from sales of £124,000, the net running cost would be £41,600.

  Progress will be reported to the Finance and Services Committee.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Green Minister
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport which Minister in her Department is
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  the nominated Green Minister; how often he has attended meetings of the Green Ministers; and which official has responsibility for the DEFRA rural proofing check list in her Department. [88451]

  Dr. Howells
  My right hon. and noble Friend Baroness Blackstone is Green Minister for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. She has attended every meeting of the Green Ministers committee held since her appointment.

  The DCMS official responsible for the DEFRA rural proofing check list is the Head of the Performance and Innovation Unit.

  Soccer Academy (Christchurch)
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what action he is taking in response to the representations of the Mixer Soccer Academy in Christchurch about the restrictions on school students from Korea being able to participate in FA youth teams; and if he will make a statement. [88184]

  Mr. Caborn
  [holding answer 19 December 2002]: Mr. Michael Swift, who runs the Mixer Academy, recently brought FIFA's regulations governing overseas footballers under the age of eighteen to my attention. I have advised him that these are matters for the Football Association and the sport's international governing bodies, and asked him to keep me informed of the progress of his discussions.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

  Centres of Vocational Education
  Stephen Hesford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment he has made of industry support for Centres of Vocational Education. [88286]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) focus on meeting employers' intermediate skills needs. Employer engagement is central to their success.

  An evaluation of the programme is under way and its initial findings will be available next year. However, the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) is impressed by the level of employer support so far.

  At a strategic level the Sector Skills Development Agency and the newly created Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) are providing strong employer leadership on the skills priorities CoVEs should address and on the shape of the final CoVE network. Individual SSCs are advising the LSC on the network of CoVEs they need to meet the skills needs of their sector.
  34W
  At an operational level SSCs and local employers are increasingly involved in planning, designing and delivering training provision. CoVEs are reporting greater employer interest and involvement. This is resulting in:
  donations of equipment (one CoVE has received over £1.4 million of state of the art equipment over the last few months in recognition of its new status),
  increased demand for level 3 provision places (the Further Education Pathfinder CoVEs have seen increases of between 5 per cent. to 100 per cent. over the last year),
  increased demand for courses offered by CoVEs (nine of the first 16 Further Education Pathfinder CoVEs have seen increases of between 3 per cent. to 20 per cent. over the last year),
  increased demand for short customised provision for which employers meet the full cost, and more effective use of labour market information and employer partnership in planning, developing and delivering CoVEs

  Construction Industry (Levy)
  Mr. Moss
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when he last met representatives of the plant hire industry to discuss the Construction Industry Training Board's training levy; and when the working of the training levy was last reviewed. [88228]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  I have not had any meetings with representatives of the plant hire industry but one of my officials met John Coyne, Managing Director of the Hire Association Europe, on 27 November 2002.

  The levy rates imposed by the Construction Industry Training Board are reviewed annually in consultation with the industry and are subject to parliamentary approval. The definition of the industry to which the levy applies is reviewed if proposals for a change are made by the industry. The last review took place in 1992.

  Mr. Moss
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what action he intends to take as a result of the judgment in Gibbon Equipment Hire and the Construction Industry Training Board. [88258]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  The judgment by Mr. Justice Keith concluded that the definition of "contractor's plant" in the Industrial Training (Construction Board) Order 1964 (Amendment Order) 1992 was clear, unequivocal and unambiguous. Also that Gibbon Equipment Hire was an employer in the construction industry and therefore required to pay the CITB levy.

  However I have agreed to consider whether the hiring out of plant and equipment should continue to be included in the definition of the construction industry and am awaiting proposals from the hire service sector.

  Further Education Colleges
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many 14 to 16-year-olds spent one day per week or more at a further education college in(a) 2001–02 and (b) 2002–03; how many will do so in 2003–04; and what research has been carried out to ascertain these figures. [87955]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  [holding answer 19 December 2002]: In the academic year 2001–02 there were 5,500 students with academic ages 14 or 15, funded by the Learning and Skills Council, attending FE colleges part time. (Students with academic ages 14 and 15 have

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  actual ages between 14 and 16.) Data on the number of local education authority funded 14 to 16-year-olds in FE colleges is not collected centrally.

  From September 2002, the Increased Flexibilities Programme enables schools, in partnerships with FE colleges, to offer pupils the opportunity of vocational learning through new GCSEs and part time placements in colleges. About 30,000 14 to 16-year-olds are participating in this programme for academic year 2002–03, the majority of whom will be spending some time in an FE college,

  Money to fund a similar cohort is being made available for 2003–04 and 2004–05 as part of Success for All.

  As part of the planned evaluation of the Increased Flexibilities Programme a baseline data collection exercise has been undertaken to ascertain the numbers of 14 to 16-year-olds on the programme, and the proportion of them spending time in FE colleges. Data on numbers of young people on the programme for 2002–03 will be available in February 2003.

  Individual Learning Accounts
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on outstanding Individual Learning Accounts, with special reference to(a) the sums cleared for payment, (b) the sums still in dispute on each investigation, (c) the number of providers still unpaid and (d) the number of fraud investigations under way or concluded. [88330]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  Since closure of the Individual Learning Account programme on 23 November 2001 to 31 November 2002, £11.5 million has been paid to 3,407 registered learning providers. A total of 698 providers have been subject to review, of these claims totalling £15.7 million have been withheld from 253 registered

  Centre name

  Address 1

  Address 2

  Town

  Postcode

  The Luton Health and Training Centre

  179a-bDunstableRoad

  Luton

  LU11BT

  The Dale ICT Centre

  127 Dunstable Road

  Luton

  LU1 1BW

  Luton Foyer

  63 Inkerman Street

  Luton

  LU1 1JD

  Outset Ltd.

  Telemax House

  15 New Bedford Road

  Luton

  LU1 1SA

  Luton Lives

  28a Chapel Street

  Luton

  LU1 2SE

  Barnfield College—Rotherharn Avenue Site

  Rotherharn Avenue

  Luton

  LU1 5PP

  Barnfield College—Charles Street

  Charles Street

  Luton

  LU2 OEB

  CYCD ICT Centre

  94–106 Leagrave Road

  Luton

  LU4 8HT

  KHIDMAT ICT Centre

  47a Leagrave Road

  Luton

  LU4 8HT

  Margaret Moran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many UK online centres there are; how many hours on average they are used per week; and if he will list the location of each centre. [88309]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister officially announced the achievement of 6,000 UK online centres open across England on 19 November 2002, six weeks ahead of schedule.

  Due to the diversity of centres an average of hours they are used per week is not applicable. UK online centres range from voluntary and community centres (including mobile centres) to, libraries, colleges and high street cyber-caf?some can be in a church or post office.
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  learning providers. Following completion of preliminary reviews, we are discussing repayment of £97 million of potentially irregular payments with 623 providers. The individual provider figures are not quoted as these are commercial in confidence.

  The Department's Special Investigations Unit has been asked to investigate 153 learning provider organisations. Of the 153, the police are investigating 100 learning providers. To date, there have been 60 arrests, which have resulted in 10 people accepting cautions and charges being brought against 14 individuals. Charges have since been dropped against two individuals investigated by the National Crime Squad because of the small amounts of money involved. 11 others are awaiting court appearances. One person has been convicted. The precise extent of fraudulent activity will not be known until all investigations are complete.

  Online Centres
  Margaret Moran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many hours per week each UK online centre is used for community use; and if he will list each UK online project in Luton, South. [88308]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The DfES does not specifically collect such information, however findings from recent evaluation on UK online centres funded by the Capital Modernisation Fund (CMF) stated: There is a strong community based feel to most centres.

  A large proportion of centres are based within target communities such as those in the 2,000 most deprived local authority wards; rural areas with significant transport and deprivation problems.

  A table showing all UK online centres in the Luton, South constituency follows.

  The DfES website includes information on all UK online centres, individuals can find their nearest centre at www.dfes.gov.uk/ukonlinecentres or call free on 0800 77 1234.

  Margaret Moran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will list the(a) number of participants, (b) numbers receiving qualifications at each level, (c) socio-economic status of each participant and (d) cost per participant of DfES-funded UK online courses. [88313]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The following information is taken from the Management Information the DfES collect from centres funded by the CMF which represents 2,840 of the over 6,000 figure. These figures are representative of 1,589 centres which were open for
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  use as at the end of September 2002. I have included a breakdown of stats in my hon. Friend's regional Government Office East (GOE) along with national stats for each question.

  (a) Number of Participants

  The number of users recorded nationally at CMF funded UK online centres between July and September 2002 was 115,250.

  The number of users recorded within the same period for GOE was 9,379. This represents 8 per cent. of the national figure.

  (b) Numbers receiving qualifications at each level

  The DfES do not collect information for qualifications at each level; however the numbers of users that have gone onto further learning are as follows:

  Nationally a total of 21,916 users of UK online centres have progressed onto further learning.

  GOE represents 8 per cent. of the national figure with 1,790 users going onto further learning.

  (c) Socio-economic status

  UK online centres specifically target those in deprived communities. I have listed the numbers of users that fall in UK online centres target groups.

  Number

  National

  Basic Skills Needs

  18,684

  Lone Parents

  5,682

  Disabled

  10,036

  Over 65

  14,593

  Unemployed

  22,930

  Ethnic Minorities

  22,316

  GOE

  Basic Skills Needs

  773

  Lone Parents

  560

  Disabled

  748

  Over 65

  1,430

  Unemployed

  2,505

  Ethnic Minorities

  1,210

  (d) Cost per participant of DfES-funded UK online courses

  £199 million was made available from the CMF to help fund UK online centres in deprived communities. There are no funded UK online courses that have been developed by the DfES.

  UK online centres offer an introduction to the internet and e-mail, with learner support to help new users. Centres may wish to develop their own learning material to achieve this.

  Public Schools
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans he has to amend the charitable status given to public schools; and if he will make a statement. [86834]

  Beverley Hughes
  I have been asked to reply.
  38W
  The Strategy Unit report, "Private Action, Public Benefit", was published on 25 September 2002. Its 61 recommendations set out a package of measures which aim to modernise charity law and enable a wide range of organisations to be more effective and innovative.

  The report recommends that in future all charities should have to demonstrate public benefit. Part of the report considers what happens now with those charities that charge fees which serve to exclude large sections of the population in terms of their having to make provision for wider access for those who would be excluded because of the fees. The report cites the example of independent schools.

  At present there is no systematic programme in place to check the public character of charities. The report recommends that an on-going review programme run by the Charity Commission should check the public character of such organisations. It is proposed that the Commission would identify charities likely to charge high fees (such as independent schools), and undertake a rolling programme to check that provision was made for wider access. This programme will be designed to minimise red tape and will not focus on any particular sector. Short returns will be issued which ask charities what they do in terms of widening access, such as making provision for sharing facilities. It is envisaged that for the majority of cases no further inquiry will be necessary beyond the initial return.

  It is proposed that the Charity Commission, in consultation with charities likely to be affected and their umbrella bodies, would issue guidelines as to the level of access appropriate in particular circumstances.

  Of course at the moment these are only proposals. The report was out for consultation until 31 December 2002, and we shall consider the responses to this, and all the other matters addressed in the report, very carefully.

  Pupil Profiles (Leeds)
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many children in Leeds, West aged(a) 0 to 5, (b) 5 to 11, (c) 11 to 16 and (d) 16 to 18 were diagnosed as having (i) severe learning difficulties and (ii) moderate learning difficulties at the latest date for which figures are available. [83473]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  The information requested is not collected centrally at the moment.

  There is currently no requirement for schools to submit information in the Annual Schools Census on the nature of such pupils' disability or learning difficulty. However, in June 2001, the Department carried out a pilot study involving a sample of 200 mainstream and special schools to assess whether it would be possible to collect data from schools on a broad range of types of Special Education Needs (SEN). It is likely that schools and local education authorities will be asked to provide this information from January 2004.

  The available information on the total number of pupils with SEN in Leeds, West parliamentary constituency is shown in the table.
  39W

  Number of pupils with special educational needs (SEN)—January 2002—Leeds, West parliamentary constituency

  Under 5

  Aged 5 to 10

  Aged 11 to 15

  16 and over

  Total

  Pupils with statements of SEN

  Maintained primary schools

  15

  157

  1

  0

  173

  Maintained secondary schools

  0

  0

  190

  6

  196

  Maintained special schools

  6

  30

  134

  24

  194

  Total maintained schools

  21

  187

  325

  30

  563

  SEN pupils without statements

  Maintained primary schools

  161

  1,495

  2

  0

  1,658

  Maintained secondary schools

  0

  0

  841

  20

  861

  Maintained special schools

  0

  0

  0

  0

  —

  Total maintained schools

  161

  1,495

  843

  20

  2,519

  Source:

  Annual schools census.

  Spending Statistics
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills by how much(a) central and (b) local government spending will increase, on average, per child in (i) primary and (ii) secondary education in (A) England and (B) Devon in the next three years. [87313]

  Mr. Miliband
  [holding answer 17 December 2002]: As a result of our drive to give extra resources to the front line, there will be no increase in central government spending per pupil but a national average increase of over £540 per pupil in our plans for local government spending over the next three years.

  It is not possible to set out now Education Formula Spending Shares (EFSS) for Devon for 2004–05 and 2005–06: they will depend on pupil numbers and indicator data at January 2003 and 2004. However, we have provided local authorities with increases in total Education Formula Spending for 2004–05 and 2005–06, together with forward projections at national level of pupil numbers for those years. We have also said that there will be minimum and maximum increases for authorities as we introduce the new LEA funding system. Indicator data will be averaged over three years to provide further stability and predictability in future Formula Spending Shares. Authorities will be able to use this data—together with local knowledge about pupil numbers and indicators—to form a good estimate of what their EFSS might be in those years. That will in turn allow them to provide schools with indicative budgets for the next three years.

  The balance of spending between primary and secondary education is determined by local decisions made in each LEA, both in respect to local government spending and, for the most part, support from central government.

  Statutory Instruments
  Mrs. Calton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many Statutory Instruments subject to negative procedure made by his Department(a) came into force and (b) were considered by a delegated legislation committee in each of the last three Sessions. [88025]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The totals are as follows:

  Session commencing 17 November 1999 (a) 164 (b) 3

  Session commencing 6 December 2000 (a) 94 (b) 7

  Session commencing 20 June 2001 (a) 189 (b) 19

TREASURY

  Christinas Expenses
  Mr. Djanogly
  To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer how much will be spent on(a) entertaining, (b) Christmas decorations and (c) other festive activities this Christmas season by his Department and Government agencies answerable to his Department; and of this sum how much will be spent in ministers' (i) private offices and (ii) official residences. [88127]

  Mr. Boateng
  [holding answer 19 December 2002]: The information requested is not available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, expenditure incurred on entertainment, decorations and other festive activities is strictly for official purposes only, and is made in accordance with the departmental guidance on financial procedures and propriety, based on the principles set out in Government accounting.

  Productivity
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer when he plans to publish the paper on public services productivity to which paragraph 1.13 of Productivity in the UK: The Evidence and the Government's Approach refers; and if he will make a statement. [87961]

  Mr. Boateng
  The paper will be published shortly.

DEFENCE

  Absent without Leave
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many service personnel have been reported absent without leave in each of the last five years. [87854]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding reply 17 December 2002]: The information provided is captured in different ways for each of the three services, therefore the figures given are not directly comparable on a Tri-Service basis. All figures are based on both trained and untrained personnel.

  Naval Service

  The Naval Service figures given are for the period 1 January-31 December for all years with the exception of 2002 where the figures relate to the period 1 January-16 December.
  41W

  Royal Navy1

  Year

  Number reported AWOL

  1998

  29

  1999

  34

  2000

  57

  2001

  91

  2002

  108

  1 A warrant is issued on the 7th day of absence unless it is known that an individual will be absent before the 7th day, in which case a warrant is issued sooner. Once a warrant is issued the individual is classed as AWOL.

  Royal Marines2

  Year

  Number reported AWOL

  1998

  4

  1999

  1

  2000

  2

  2001

  4

  2002

  4

  2 The above figures relate only to Royal Marines on land and not those deployed on seagoing duties. They will be recorded in the Royal Navy figures.

  Army3,4

  Financial year

  Number reported AWOL

  1997–98

  1,357

  1998–99

  1,419

  1999–2000

  1,673

  2000–01

  1,834

  2001–02

  1,567

  3 Only one officer was found to be AWOL during the period 1 April 1997–31 March 2002. Subsequently, the above table only shows other ranks.

  4 A person is classed as AWOL if he/she does not report for duty on a particular day. On the 6th day of absence, a signal is sent, if the person has still not reported for duty after 21 days, a Board of Inquiry will meet to investigate the absence. This will report by the 29th day of absence; it will then decide whether to class the person as AWOL. This will then be backdated to start from the first day of absence.

  Royal Air Force5,6,7

  Financial year

  Number reported AWOL

  1997–98

  24

  1998–99

  32

  1999–2000

  35

  2000–01

  28

  2001–02

  20

  5An individual who is reported AWOL on more than one occasion within the same calendar year is counted once in the year they were reported absent.

  6An individual who reported AWOL in one calendar year and is still absent in the following year is counted in the year they were reported absent.

  42W

  7The table does not address certain specific categories within AWOL. An AWOL person is classed as someone who did not report for duty on a particular day. However, after they have failed to report for duty for 23 days a Board of Inquiry can declare the individual "illegally absent". (There has been only one illegal absentee in each of the financial years and they are included in the above figures). Service personnel do not become deserters until either it is known they are not going to return voluntarily and/or are subsequently arrested and found guilty of desertion at court martial.

  Appointments
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence to which bodies his Department makes appointments; how many Members there are(a) in total and (b) in each body: and how many of those appointed are (i) businessmen, (ii) businessmen in SMEs and (iii) businessmen in micro-businesses. [87385]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 16 December 2002]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office on 16 December 2002, official Report, column 607–08W.

  Armed Forces Leavers
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of(a) the Army, (b) the Naval Service, (c) the RAF and (d) the Welsh Guards have applied to leave the armed forces in (i) the last three months, (ii) 2002, (iii) 2001 and (iv) 2000; and if he will make a statement. [87925]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 19 December 2002]: Details of applications for Premature Voluntary Release (PVR) are shown in the tables:

  Table 1: PVR Applications as at 1 October 2002

  Date

  Rank

  Naval service

  Army

  RAF

  Last 3 months

  Officers

  47

  65

  49

  O/Ranks

  456

  1,679

  518

  2002 to date

  Officers

  143

  367

  163

  O/Ranks

  1,470

  5,184

  1,499

  2001

  Officers

  200

  536

  242

  O/Ranks

  1,909

  7,833

  2,174

  2000

  Officers

  232

  564

  305

  O/Ranks

  1,533

  7,569

  1,957

  Notes:

  1. Of all the notices given by Naval Service personnel approximately 17 per cent. are withdrawn at a later date

  2. Of all the notices given by Army personnel approximately 30 per cent. are withdrawn at a later date.

  3. Of all the notices given by RAF personnel approximately 20 per cent. are withdrawn at a later date.
  43W

  Table 2: Welsh Guards Other Ranks—PVR applications

  Year

  Notice Given

  Last 3 months

  25

  2002 to date

  68

  2001

  117

  2000

  114

  Note:

  Details of PVR applications for officers in the Welsh Guards are not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Catterick Barracks
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many persons constitute the capacity of Catterick Barracks; how many(a) self-inflicted deaths and suicides and (b) other deaths have occurred in each year since 1990; and how many of these incidents were firearms-related. [88232]

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

  Chemical and Biological Weapons
  Patrick Mercer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will make a statement on the development of chemical and biological detection technologies to deal with the threat posed by chemical and biological weapons. [87928]

  (2) what recent improvements have been made in capabilities to detect chemical and biological weapons. [88391]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Ministry of Defence continually researches and develops technologies to improve our ability to detect chemical and biological warfare agents. The principal lead for this work is the Defence Science and Technology Laboratories (Dstl), which in turn works closely with a number of industrial partners and overseas governments through international collaboration.

  A range of new chemical detectors will be brought into service in 2003. The Man-portable Chemical Agent Detector (MCAD) and the Lightweight Chemical Agent Detector (LCAD) will replace the existing Nerve Agent Immobilised Enzyme Alarm and Detector (NAIAD). They have been developed to provide the armed forces with a comprehensive warning capability for vapours of chemical warfare agents. A new chemical agent monitor for use in collective protection is also expected to enter service.

  Developments in the detection of biological warfare agents include the vehicle-mounted Integrated Biological Detection System (IBDS) which is due to enter service from November 2003. It will supersede the existing Prototype Biological Detection System (PBDS). Additionally, consideration is being given to fitting HM ships with a new Maritime Biological Detection System (MBDS) from 2007 to supersede the Interim Naval Biological Detection System (INBDS) currently in service.
  44W
  Responsibility for the defence of the United Kingdom civil population and infrastructure is vested in the Home Office and the Cabinet Office.

  Civil Contingencies Reaction Force
  Patrick Mercer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects the Civil Contingency Reaction Forces to be ready for deployment. [88388]

  Mr. Ingram
  Recruiting is now under way for the Civil Contingency Reaction Forces, whose establishment was announced on 31 October 2002. Our aim is that all 14 CCRFs should be available for deployment by the end of 2003, once they are fully recruited and have undergone an annual training cycle.

  Civil Servants and Spending
  Chris Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many civil servants are employed by his Department; and how much money was spent by his Department in the last 12 months, broken down by local authority area. [87180]

  Dr. Moonie
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 16 December 2002,official Report, column 608W by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office.

  Information on financial performance in 2001–02 was published in the Ministryof Defence Consolidated Resource Accounts on 21 November 2002 (HC 47). Copies have been placed in the Library of the House. A breakdown of resource consumption by local authority area is not available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Convicted Servicemen
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his answer of 9 December 2002,official Report, column 20W, how many persons have been permitted to remain or return to service in HM armed forces following conviction for (a) murder, (b) rape or serious sexual assault, (c) serious crimes of violence and (d) drugs-related crime; in each case what rank the offender held at the time of conviction; and how many years elapsed before each subsequent promotion. [88419]

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

  Devonport Dockyard
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the nuclear refit complex at Devonport has received its certification for the Nuclear Installation Inspectorate. [86710]

  Mr. Ingram
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 31 January 2002,official Report, column 499W. With such large and complex nuclear facilities, there is no requirement for an overall approval. However, safety is paramount and no individual facility will be used without the appropriate regulatory approval.
  45W
  Since January 2002, approval has been given for the use of 9 Dock for the refit of HMS Vanguard; 14 Dock for the de-fuel of HMS Valiant; the Low Level Refuelling Facility for the storage of new nuclear fuel; and the rail link for the movement of nuclear fuel within the licensed site.

  Dockyard Development (Portsmouth)
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department has claimed back from the developers at the(a) HMS Vernon and (b) Gunwharf sites in Portsmouth since its original sale because of the change in the level of development on the site since its sale was first agreed; when the money was paid, and if he will make a statement. [87795]

  Dr. Moonie
  To date the Ministry of Defence has received one payment in August 2002, rising from the clawback provisions in the disposal agreement for the Gunwharf Site (which incorporates the former HMS Vernon) and a further payment is under active discussion between the parties.

  I am withholding the specific amounts in accordance with Exemption 13 (Third Party's commercial confidences) of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Financial Dynamics
  Jim Dobbin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when his Department directed UBS Warburg to hire Financial Dynamics; whether(a) he and (b) officials from his Department met employees of Financial Dynamics in the past two weeks; whether his Department is paying fees to UBS Warburg; and what discussions Sir Robert Walmsley has had during the past two months with senior officials from General Dynamics. [88354]

  Mr. Hoon
  The Government retained the services of UBS Warburg in early December to provide specialist financial advice. Financial Dynamics was retained for a short period as part of this arrangement. Ministry of Defence officials attended two meetings with officials of other Government Departments in December at which Financial Dynamics representatives were present.

  Sir Robert Walmsley's only meetings with senior officials from General Dynamics in the past two months took place on 6 and 7 November during the ceremonies to mark the opening of the company's new facility at Oakdale and the related Bowman radio programme review.

  Fire Brigades Strike
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the impact on(a) the general readiness of the armed forces for military operations and (b) the seagoing readiness of individual warships of the Royal Navy resulting from the diversion of armed services personnel to train for and provide cover for services withdrawn by the fire brigades. [87860]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 17 December 2002]: The provision of emergency fire cover has been carefully balanced with other demands on the services allowing
  46W
  the maintenance of maximum flexibility for contingency tasking and operational deployments, as well as protection of public safety during firefighter's strikes.

  Nevertheless, as I stated in the House on 4 November 2002, official Report, column 16:
  "there must be knock on effect for the training regime, and the longer the strike runs the greater the effect will be. We must constantly review the situation; over time it will create problems for effective delivery and for other missions in which we may be called on to participate".

  Specifically for the Royal Navy, the dispute has led to the removal of frigates from NATO's Standing Force Atlantic and from the South Atlantic. Royal Navy and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels remain deployed in the Caribbean, the Gulf, the Far East, the Mediterranean and the North and South Atlantic.

  While we will be able to maintain a balance between key operational deployments and emergency cover, the longer service personnel are required to provide emergency firefighting cover the greater the penalty to other activities is likely to be.

  Future Aircraft Carrier
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of a hybrid solution allowing both vertical and conventional landing aircraft to operate simultaneously in deciding on a platform for the future aircraft carrier. [87688]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 17 December 2002]: Such a solution was considered before we announced our decision, on 30 September last year, to proceed with the Adaptable carrier design. There are concerns about the viability and safety of a design configured to operate STOVL and CV aircraft simultaneously. Indications are that such a design would not be able to meet our sortie generation and simultaneous launch and recovery requirements without a significant increase in ship size. This would impact on construction and through life operations, as well as affordability.

  Fylingdales and Menwith Hill
  Patrick Mercer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent increases in security there have been at(a) Fylingdales and (b) Menwith Hill in Yorkshire. [88400]

  Mr. Hoon
  I am withholding the information requested in accordance with Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. Security at RAF Menwith Hill and RAF Fylingdales is kept under review, and action to improve security is taken as appropriate.

  Iraq
  Patrick Mercer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he plans to use the advanced short-range air-to-air missile as part of the UK's commitment to monitor the no-fly zones over Iraq. [87979]

  Mr. Hoon
  The Government are committed to providing our armed forces with the best possible equipment. The Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) is carried by RAF Tornado F3 Air
  47W
  Defence aircraft that form part of the United Kingdom's contribution to the international coalition monitoring the No-Fly Zones.

  Landing Craft Utility Mk10
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the contract with BAE Systems for the 10 Landing Craft Utility Mk10 will be completed; what the outturn cost of this contract against the tender price is; and if he will make a statement. [87797]

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

  Laser Target Locator Systems
  Patrick Mercer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to procure laser target locator systems. [87930]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Ministry of Defence is currently in the process of procuring Target Locating Equipment to allow Royal Artillery Forward Observers to be equipped with the same type of laser rangefinder as the Infantry's Mortar Fire Controllers. Target Location Equipment is also being procured as part of enhancements to the Warrior Armoured Infantry Fighting Vehicle and CVR(T) reconnaissance vehicle fleets.

  Logistics Stocks (Gulf)
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what logistics stocks are(a) in and (b) in transit to the Gulf region. [87920]

  Mr. Hoon
  [holding answer 18 December 2002]: The logistic stocks that are currently held in the Gulf are maintained at a level commensurate with current operational commitments, and replenished as necessary to ensure that our armed forces can continue to meet those tasks.

  Management Costs
  Patrick Mercer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost was of Ministry of Defence(a) head office and (b) other management costs in (i) 1997 and (ii) in the last 12 months; and what the difference was expressed in percentage terms. [88367]

  Dr. Moonie
  Taken together, the total cost of the Ministry of Defence head office and the other high-level management costs within the Ministry of Defence in the last financial year (2001–02) has been broadly estimated to be around £0.7 billion, although work is currently in hand to produce a more refined figure. The head office element of this figure (based on personnel costs) is around £140 million. The MOD has a target to achieve a 13 per cent. reduction in the overall head office and other management costs by 31 March 2006.

  Comparative figures for head office and management costs for 1997 are not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
  48W

  Ministerial Engagements
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many engagements were undertaken outside London(a) by him or his predecessor and (b) by ministers in his Department in January (i) 2000, (ii) 2001 and (iii) 2002. [87358]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 16 December 2002]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office on 16 December 2002, official Report, column 608W.

  Nimrod and Astute Contracts
  Jim Dobbin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions(a) Sir Robert Walmsley and (b) other Defence Procurement Agency officials have had with BAE Systems relating to monetary amounts connected to resolving issues on the Nimrod and Astute contracts; and whether the Defence Procurement Agency made agreements with BAE Systems concerning the Nimrod and Astute contracts. [88353]

  Mr. Hoon
  As my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Defence indicated in his answer on 10 December 2002,official Report, columns 222–23W to the hon. Member for North Essex (Mr. Jenkin) officials have been in urgent discussions with BAE SYSTEMS to examine the consequences of the slippage to the first flight of the Nimrod MRA4 and to explore how best to proceed. The present contract has not been amended and no contractual undertaking of any kind has been made by either party as to how to proceed. Officials are also in discussion with BAE Systems on a range of issues concerning the Astute contract.

  No assurances have been given regarding the outcome of these discussions and as yet no agreements have been reached. We are, however, prepared to explore those areas where the scope of the contracts could be varied, where this would offer value for money for the taxpayer and where it would be in the nation's defence interest.

  As a major supplier to MOD, BAE Systems officials have many and regular meetings with Sir Robert Walmsley on a range of projects, including Astute and Nimrod.

  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether Sir Robert Walmsley negotiated with officials of BAE Systems about issues arising from the Nimrod and Astute contracts; and how many meetings Sir Robert Walmsley attended with BAE Systems officials to discuss the Nimrod and Astute contracts in the last two months. [88427]

  Mr. Hoon
  BAE Systems is a major supplier to the Ministry of Defence. Representatives of the company have many and regular meetings with Sir Robert Walmsley on a range of projects, including Astute and Nimrod.

  Overseas Postings
  Patrick Mercer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the average time for notice of new addresses given to service families on posting has been over the last 12 months. [87969]
  49W
  Dr. Moonie
  Between December 20W and November 2002, the average time from registration of an application, to the offer by the Defence Housing Executive of a new address for service family accommodation to take effect on post, was 28 days.

  Procurement Projects
  Patrick Mercer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which major procurement projects are behind schedule; and what the costs of the over-runs are(a) expressed as a percentage of the original estimated budget and (b) in real terms. [88410]

  Dr. Moonie
  Information as to the time and cost of 30 major defence procurement projects is published annually in the National Audit Office report on the Ministry of Defence's Major Projects Reports (MPR). The latest report, "MPR 2002", was published on 4 December 2002. Copies are available in the Library of the House.

  Records Service
  John McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if(a) he and (b) his Ministers and officials have met the British Legion and ex-servicemen and women's organisations to discuss his Department's proposal for a PFI scheme for the Ministry of Defence records service. [88489]

  Mr. Ingram
  No Defence Ministers or officials have met the Royal British Legion and ex-servicemen and women's organisations to specifically discuss the Department's plans for the Ministry of Defence record service.

  However, the Minister for Veterans, Dr. Moonie, wrote to the General Secretary of the Royal British Legion on 12 December, to confirm that the relationship between the Department and his organisation will not be affected by this proposed scheme.

  John McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what organisations he has consulted on his Department's proposals for a private finance initiative scheme for the Ministry of Defence records service. [88490]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Ministry of Defence consulted widely within Government on the proposed scheme. The result of that consultation is a pan-Government scheme which if approved, will include provision of record services to the following Departments or public bodies:

  Court Service

  Public Record Office

  Lord Chancellor's Department

  Department for International Development

  Department for Trade and Industry

  Public Guardianship Office

  Parliamentary Commissioner

  Crown Prosecution Service

  Home Office

  Metropolitan Police Service

  Food Standards Agency

  Veterinary Medicines Directorate

  Energy Watch

  50W
  The proposed scheme has no impact on external non-government organisations, who will continue to deal with the Department in accordance with current practice.

  Sea Harrier
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Sea Harrier FA2 in providing air supremacy protection for the Harrier GR7/9 when conducting ground attack missions against land targets. [86439]

  Mr. Ingram
  Air supremacy involves the complete denial of airspace to an opposing force, allowing operations to continue unhindered, which involves immense effort beyond the scope of any single aircraft type. The Sea Harrier can effectively contribute to the achievement of air supremacy as part of a larger coalition effort.

  Air superiority is the suppression of effective enemy use of the air environment, usually within time and space limitations, and can be achieved by a variety of Air Defence aircraft, depending on the strength of the opposing forces. The ability of the FA2 to offer air superiority and protection for the Harrier GR7/9 while conducting ground attack missions is assessed as effective, either in isolation or with other Air Defence aircraft types.

  Service Accommodation
  Patrick Mercer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on Project SLAM. [87973]

  Dr. Moonie
  I refer the hon. Member to my Written Ministerial Statement of 18 December 2002,official Report, column 58WS.

  Patrick Mercer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of the Army's single living accommodation is in need of modernisation; what progress has been made with modernisation; when he expects modernisation to be completed; and what he expects the cost to be. [87975]

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

  Surplus Barracks
  Angus Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what barrack accommodation is surplus to requirements in Scotland and awaiting disposal; and if he will estimate the potential(a) married and (b) single accommodation capacity of these barracks if modernised. [86062]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 10 December 2002]: The Ministry of Defence currently has no barrack accommodation in Scotland surplus to requirement and awaiting disposal.
  51W

  Territorial Army
  Patrick Mercer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he plans to increase the number of TA soldiers equipped and trained for nuclear, chemical and biological warfare. [88389]

  Dr. Moonie
  There are no current plans to increase the number of TA soldiers equipped and trained for nuclear, chemical and biological (NEC) warfare. All TA units hold training stocks of equipment and all TA soldiers undertake basic NEC training as part of their recruitment training and annual Individual Training Directives.

  Terrorist Incidents
  Patrick Mercer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many more reservists need to be recruited to allow the reserves to play a role in dealing with a major terrorist incident. [88383]

  Dr. Moonie
  The volunteer reserves are a capable, integrated and usable part of the armed forces. They are able to play a role in military operations of all types at home and overseas, including those undertaken in response to requests to assist the civil authorities in the event of incidents in the United Kingdom. Additional measures are being put in place as a result of the Strategic Defence Review New Chapter to enhance the capability of the armed forces in general, and reserves in particular, to provide assistance in civil contingencies. These include the establishment of some 700 new Territorial Army posts, principally to give the regional command structure the capacity to sustain 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week working, and to provide a headquarters component for the 14 new Civil Contingency Reaction Forces.

  Patrick Mercer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what extra training reserve forces have received over the past 12 months in dealing with a terrorist incident involving(a) chemical, (b) biological and (c) radiological agents. [88384]

  Dr. Moonie
  None. The training plans for the new Civil Contingency Reaction Forces in relation to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents are still being developed. They will be aligned with existing volunteer reserve training and, in due course, with the requirements of specific regional contingency plans as these are developed in conjunction with local authorities and emergency services.

  Patrick Mercer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the number of brigades with full personnel protective equipment which would be needed to deal with a major terrorist incident using chemical or biological agents. [88390]

  Mr. Ingram
  Terrorism in the United Kingdom is criminal activity. The police and the Home Office consequently have responsibility for preventing and responding to the threat. According to the nature of the event, lead responsibility for managing the consequences of an attack from a chemical or biological agent would fall to a number of Departments, and in particular, the Department for Environment, Food and 52W
  Rural. Affairs or the Department of Health. Other Departments and Agencies provide support as appropriate.

  The armed forces may be called upon to provide support, from available resources, using specific military skills. The extent of assistance would, of course, be dependent on many factors, and in particular, the precise nature and scale of the incident. Most elements of the armed forces are, however, trained to operate in an environment where chemical or biological agents have been released, and they could, if necessary, provide support to the civil authorities using standard armed forces NBC equipment. As a result of work undertaken during the SDR New Chapter, NBC training will also be provided for those reserve personnel forming Civil Contingencies Reaction Forces, again using standard NBC equipment.

  Patrick Mercer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent training the Territorial Army has been given to deal with a major terrorist incident. [88393]

  Dr. Moonie
  No specific training has been given to the Territorial Army to deal with major terrorist incidents. Additional training for volunteer reserves for operations in support of civil contingencies (including terrorist attacks) was one of the New Chapter decisions announced on 31 October 2002. The arrangements for its implementation, for the Territorial Army generally and for those who volunteer to join the new Civil Contingency Reaction Forces, are being made by Headquarters Land Command at the moment.

  Patrick Mercer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what training has been conducted in the last 12 months in each of the armed forces in dealing with a terrorist attack involving chemical or biological agents. [88401]

  Mr. Ingram
  The armed forces are not responsible for dealing with a chemical or biological attack in the United Kingdom. The Home Office, Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs and the Department of Health would take the lead and could, if appropriate, call upon the limited skills of the armed forces. These skills are subject to constant refinement through training and exercises.

  Patrick Mercer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will make a statement on the stock of equipment to deal with a chemical or biological incident; and what plans he has to increase this stock; [88403]

  (2) what equipment is available to deal with a terrorist attack using chemical or biological agents. [88402]

  Mr. Ingram
  The primary responsibility for dealing with the consequences of a chemical or biological terrorist incident in the United Kingdom rests with Civil Departments. They are able to call upon the resources of the Ministry of Defence if they are available and are thought to be relevant. There are sufficient stocks of chemical and biological protective equipment for those members of the armed forces so called upon. The MOD stocks of protective equipment are geared towards military requirements.
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  Patrick Mercer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consultations he has had with the Department of Health about the response to a terrorist attack using biological agents. [88404]

  Mr. Ingram
  Regular consultation takes place at both ministerial and official level about the threat from terrorism, the resilience to attack, and managing the consequences of an attack. These mechanisms were outlined in a joint memorandum by the Home Office, Ministry of Defence and Cabinet Office to the Defence Select Committee on 22 May 2002 (House of Commons 518-II page Ev258, dated 24 July 2002).

  Patrick Mercer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures have been taken to ensure that the communications between the armed forces and emergency services are compatible in the event of a terrorist attack. [88405]

  Mr. Ingram
  A procurement initiation is in train to provide 2 (National Communications) Signal Brigade with AIRWAVE equipment compatible with communications being procured by the police and other emergency services. This will provide the regional chain of command and deployed force elements with communications to support all operations undertaken in response to requests for assistance from the civil authorities. An interim solution is being put in place now to provide an improved mobile network capability in advance of the introduction into service of AIRWAVE.

  Training Review
  Patrick Mercer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the independent training review programme; and what actions he intends to take on the decisions of the programme. [87974]

  Dr. Moonie
  I assume the hon. Member is referring to the outcome of the Defence Training Review (DTR), which was announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence on 27 March 2001,official Report, column 545W. Work is now complete on over a third of the DTR recommendations. Key achievements have included the formation of the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom on 1 April 2002 and, more recently, the establishment of the Director General Training and Education organisation to provide the central policy focus for defence individual training and education. The programme to rationalise a number of specialist training streams, about which my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Armed Forces last updated the House on 25 November 2002, official Report, column 2WS, is also proceeding as planned. Implementation of the remaining DTR recommendations is continuing.

  Warship Deployments
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when(a) HMS Albion and (b) HMS Bulwark will be ready for active deployment in the Royal Navy; what the original contract dates were; and if he will make a statement. [87798]

  Dr. Moonie
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.
  54W

  Warships
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent trials have been conducted on warship hulls in respect of blast-cleaning techniques. [88193]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Ministry of Defence is not aware of any trials in respect of blast-cleaning techniques on warship hulls since July 1996.

  Two systems (including Mr. Farrow's) were demonstrated during 2000. Although the demonstrations were not on hulls, it was shown that the techniques employed could be used for that purpose.

  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on discussions between his Department and Mr.Nigel Farrow in respect of blast-cleaning techniques for warship hulls. [88194]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Ministry of Defence had a meeting with Mr. Farrow at the Defence Procurement Agency in Bristol on 25 November 2002. The Ministry of Defence fully explained its position in relation to Mr. Farrow's UK patent 2344348 in respect of alleged infringement activities at Portsmouth dockyard. The Ministry of Defence considered that the activities at Portsmouth did not infringe that patent.

  At the meeting Mr. Farrow raised further allegations concerning another patent and activities at other dockyards. The Ministry of Defence undertook to investigate the further allegations. It was made clear that the investigation would take some weeks, and would cover alleged patent infringement and validity issues. It will also consider possible contractual responsibilities in the matter. Mr. Farrow is aware that these investigations are on-going.

  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what(a) the differences and (b) the similarities are between blast-cleaning techniques for warship hulls (i) employed by his Department and (ii) patented by Mr. Nigel Farrow. [88195]

  Mr. Ingram
  Following an approach from Mr. Farrow concerning alleged use of his patents, the Ministry of Defence has undertaken to investigate the cleaning techniques in use in naval dockyards. The Ministry of Defence indicated that this investigation would take some weeks and is well under way. The outcome is expected early in the new year.

  Techniques relating to blast cleaning of ships are well known and used extensively. Mr. Farrow has proposed particular parameters for use in such systems and it is the alleged use of the particular parameters that is the subject of the investigation.

  Fleet Support Ltd. of Portsmouth has already stated that grit used at Portsmouth falls outside the range specified by Mr. Farrow. This has already been reported to Mr. Farrow.

  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what legal costs have been incurred by his Department in consequence of its disagreement with Mr. Nigel Farrow in respect of his claim of breached patent rights for blast cleaning techniques for warship hulls. [88196]
  55W
  Mr. Ingram
  No external legal costs have been incurred by the Ministry of Defence. Investigation has been by the Ministry of Defence's intellectual property group, and is overseen by a chartered patent agent. Approximately two man weeks of internal effort have been expended on investigation and searches.

  Wind Farms
  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his Department's objections to wind farm proposals 18 kilometres from the RAF Odiham base; and if he will make a statement. [88212]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Ministry of Defence deals with every wind energy proposal individually and each one is given a full and thorough appraisal by at least seven separate Technical Advisors, each with their own specialism including Radar, Low Flying, Communication Links and Met Office Radar. Changing the location by less than a mile could, in some cases, make the difference between the MOD raising an objection or not. From information supplied by the proposed developer, such an appraisal was conducted for the site near to RAF Odiham. Objections have been raised to avoid a compromise of safety.

  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the time taken by his Department to object to a proposal for a wind farm in the Nunney area in Somerset; and if he will make a statement. [88211]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Ministry of Defence deals with every wind energy proposal individually and each one is given a full and thorough appraisal by at least seven separate Technical Advisors, each with their own specialism including Radar, Low Flying, Communication Links and Met Office Radar. The number of proposals received, in excess of 1,000 this year compared to some 340 last year, impacts on the speed with which the experts involved are able to produce advice.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  CDC Offices
  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when CDC Capital Partners offices will close in each country in(a) South Asia, (b) South east Asia, (c) Africa and (d) Latin America; and whether the proposed re-organisation of CDC Capital Partners will result in job losses in (i) South Asia, (ii) South east Asia, (iii) Africa and (iv) America. [85497]

  Clare Short
  In the Americas region the Miami office will be closed during 2003. No other closures are planned. The proposed reorganisation of CDC may result in the creation of additional jobs in CDC's overseas offices.

  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much third-party capital is under the management of CDC Capital Partners, broken down by(a) investment and (b) country. [85498]
  56W
  Clare Short
  The information is as follows:

  Investment

  Countries

  Third party capital (invested and committed) (£ million)

  CGU-CDC China Investment Company

  China

  32.2

  South Asia Gateway Terminal

  Sri Lanka

  8.1

  Southern Cone

  Argentina, Chile,

  52.8

  Power

  Peru

  Aureos Capital funds

  1—

  92.1

  CPU Funds

  (i) South Asia Regional Fund

  India

  38.8

  (ii) Commonwealth Africa Investments

  1—

  30.0

  1 Aureos operates in Zambia. Kenya, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Ghana, Papua New Guinea, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Tanzania. It also manages two regional funds targeting Central America and one targeting the Indian Ocean region. The Commonwealth Africa Investments Fund is invested in Tanzania, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, and Zambia.

  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what CDC's(a) investments and (b) disposals have been since June. [85512]

  Clare Short
  The value of CDC's investments and disposals since June 2002 have been:

  £ million

  Month

  Investments

  Disposals

  June

  21.3

  3.1

  July

  4.5

  3.1

  August

  1.1

  4.5

  September

  7.6

  6.4

  October

  5.9

  0.9

  November

  22.6

  6.0

  Totals

  63.0

  24.0

  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many CDC Capital Partners offices closed in each country in(a) South Asia, (b) South East Asia, (c) Africa and (d) Latin America since 1997; and whether office closures are anticipated in 2003. [85518]

  Clare Short
  Since 1997, CDC has closed one office in South Asia (Bangladesh), two offices in South East Asia (Philippines and Fiji), two offices in Africa (Malawi and Uganda) and five offices in Latin America (Peru, Mexico, Trinidad, Jamaica, Barbados). It is anticipated that the Miami office will be closed in 2003.

  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the(a) opening and (b) running costs were of CDC Capital Partners offices operating in (i) Asia, (ii) Africa, (iii) Latin America and (iv) Central and North America in the last year for which figures are available. [85519]
  57W
  Clare Short
  For last the CDC financial year, ie the calendar year 2001,(a) there were no material costs relating to the opening of CDC offices (b) the running costs for CDC's offices were: (i) Asia—£5.3 million (ii) Africa—£2.8 million (iii) Latin America—fl. 4 million (iv) Central and North America—£6.4 million.

  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the costs are of(a) opening and (b) closing CDC offices in (i) South Asia, (ii) South East Asia, (iii) Africa and (iv) Latin America. [85611]

  Clare Short
  Since 1997, there have been no material costs relating to the opening of CDC offices and the costs of the closure of CDC offices have been i) in South Asia—none; ii) in South East Asia—£216,000 (awaiting confirmation about Phillippines—actual figure might be higher); iii) in Africa—£35,000; iv) in South America and Caribbean, including an estimate for closing the Miami office—£800,000.

  Famine (Africa)
  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when her Department received information from NGOs warning of the famine in Ethiopia; and which NGOs gave the information. [87074]

  Clare Short
  [holding answer 16 December 2002]: There are a number of regular forums between Government, donors and NGOs around humanitarian issues in Ethiopia. The UN World Food Programme plays a key role by providing early warning and on-going assessment of needs to donors, Government and NGOs. The DFID Addis office has been closely engaged with these groups.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Hague Conference
  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department whether the Government will be making a contribution to the Hague Conference Supplementary Budget XLVIII (2002–2003) for the conference's continuing work on international child abduction; and if he will make a statement. [88185]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  The Government will not be making a contribution towards the Hague Conference Supplementary Budget XLVIII (2002–2003). The Hague Conference Supplementary Budget came into being last year XLVII (2001–2002) when member states of the Hague Conference were invited to make a voluntary contribution towards the additional funding needed to reinforce the administration, monitoring and support for existing conventions, particularly the Children's Conventions. Last year XLVII (2001–2002) the UK was in a position to make a voluntary contribution to the Supplementary Budget and arranged for contributions of €30,600.42 (England and Wales) and €1,601.28 (Northern Ireland) to be made over and above the standard UK contribution of €110,290.62. After the Netherlands the UK was the leading donor of supplemental payments during that year.
  58W
  The Hague Conference carried forward the Supplementary Budget into year XLVIII (2002–2003). Again this was based on voluntary payments since the budget had not been submitted to the Council for approval. The expected UK budgetary contribution of £117,580.65 was paid in full in early August but this year we are not in a position to make any additional voluntary payment.

  The Government supports strongly the work of the Hague Conference and the expansion of its activities. The Supplementary Budget will be assumed into the standard contributions for the next financial year and the appropriate arrangements have been made to ensure that the UK will be in a position to make its full contribution.

  King Edward VIII
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what progress she is making on the review of releasing the records relating to King Edward VIII. [88227]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  I refer the hon. Member for Liverpool, Riverside to the written statement I made on 18 December 2002,official Report, column 64W.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Humfrey Malins
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when he will answer the questions from the hon. Member for Woking of 20 November (refs.82097, 82096), on the night session at Bow Street Magistrates Court. [87998]

  Yvette Cooper
  The questions were answered on 16 December 2002,official Report, column 644W.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Corporate Killing
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues on the introduction of health and safety legislation to deal with corporate killing; and if he will make a statement. [88047]

  Hilary Benn
  [holding answer 19 December 2002]: We have a manifesto commitment to legislation and will do so when parliamentary time allows. I have discussed our proposals for increasing the liability of corporations to manslaughter with colleagues and will continue discussions in the light of the outcome of the regulatory impact assessment we are at present conducting.

  CABs
  Annabelle Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the publications produced by his Department that refer people to the Citizens Advice Bureau Service for advice and assistance; and whether Citizens Advice Scotland is informed of such referrals prior to publication. [84156]

  Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 2 December 2002]: The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) Service in England and in Wales, and in Scotland is a valuable source of independent advice and information on a wide range of

  59W
  issues that affect and concern the citizen. This includes a number of areas of concern to the Home Office, such as immigration and crime. Given the CAB Service's knowledge and expertise, the Department makes frequent reference to CABx as a source of information and advice in its publications, websites, and press-notices and in its replies to correspondence from a number of interested parties.

  The Home Office is committed to working with the Department of Trade and Industry, and other Government Departments with a working relationship with the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureau (NACAB) and Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS), to ensure a productive partnership between Government and the CAB service, and the sharing of information and policy developments relevant to work of the service.

  Immigration
  Mr. Malins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects the French and the United Kingdom Governments will conclude a formal legal agreement to enable United Kingdom immigration officers at Calais to operate full United Kingdom border controls; what arrangements are being made for asylum seekers to claim asylum in the United Kingdom at Calais; and how they will have access to legal advice. [88214]

  Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 19 December 2002]: The United Kingdom (UK) and French Governments are currently engaged in detailed negotiation on the agreement, which we hope will be concluded early in the new year. I am unable to provide information about the specific content of the agreement at this stage, but I can confirm that UK officials operating the current juxtaposed controls at Coquelles and the Gare du Nord in Paris do not accept asylum claims. Where such applications are made they remain the responsibility of the French authorities to consider. There are no plans to adopt different procedures at Calais. The current procedure operated at Coquelles and the Gare du Nord is in accordance with the requirements of the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention and the Dublin Convention. We will be consulting relevant organisations, including the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), in finalising these arrangements.

  Peter Foster
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what discussions Home Office officials other than those referred to in the Home Office Statement on Peter Foster had with(a) the Chief Immigration Officer at Luton Airport and (b) the IND Removals Process Team on (i) 2 and (ii) 3 December on the subject of Peter Foster; [87461]

  (2) what gave rise to the discussion between the Chief Immigration Officer at Luton and the Removals Process Team on 3 December referred to in the Home Office statement on Peter Foster; [87462]
  60W
  (3) in relation to the Home Office Statement on Peter Foster, what discussions the Immigration and National Directorate officials who had contact with Ministers about the case had with the officials in the Immigration and Nationality Department Removals Process Team; who alerted Immigration and Nationality Department officials to media interest in the case, and why they did so; what discussions the Chief Immigration Officer had with the Removals Process Team prior to his arguing that there was no need to delay removal until 18 December; and what factors had led Immigration and Nationality Department officials to conclude that the removal did not need to be delayed until 18th December. [87374]

  Beverley Hughes
  As my earlier statement on the events of 31 August to 4 December 2002 indicated, the only contact between Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND) officials involved in the case and ministerial staff was the request for, and provision of, a factual account for Ministers of where the case stood by officials in the IND Removals Process Team. The acknowledgement in response to this asked for further updates as appropriate.

  The IND Removals Process Team was alerted to media interest in the case by the Home Office Press Office who requested information to enable them to respond to enquiries from the media.

  The Removals Process Team contacted the Chief Immigration Officer at Luton Airport to obtain the necessary information. In the second such conversation, on 3 December, the Chief Immigration Officer indicated that for the reasons given in the statement of events, i.e. that with the application for judicial review refused there was no reason to delay removal, he intended to set removal directions for the first available flight on or after 6 December.

  Prison Service
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the IT developments within the Prison Service completed in the past two years; what developments are in production stage; and what his priorities are for development over the next five years. [81214]

  Hilary Benn
  The Prison Service outsourced its IT with effect from 1 July 2000. A major infrastructure upgrade is under way that will for the first time give the Prison Service a modern, networked IT system and provide 18,600 personal computers at over 170 sites in England and Wales. By early November 2002, implementation was about 50 per cent. complete and work is well under way at remaining sites. Completion is on target for 31 March 2003.
  61W
  In addition, the development and rollout of the Offender Assessment System (OASys) will enable the electronic exchange of information between the Prison and Probation Services and the electronic completion of documents that assist with offender risk assessments and the provision of information on reoffending and the risk of harm to others. This is on target to go live progressively from April 2003.
  62W
  Priorities for development over the next three years will be agreed later this year. The main projects which are likely to be developed over the next five years are:
  a system to improve occupancy at establishments through the provision of accurate and up to date accommodation information;
  a comprehensive replacement of the system for managing prisoner information; and
  new finance and management information systems.