Sitting of 13 June 2003

Preamble
The House met at half-past Nine o'clock

PRAYERS
[SYLVIA HEAL in the Chair]
The House being met, and the Speaker having leave of absence pursuant to paragraph (3) of Standing Order No. 3 (Deputy Speaker), MRS. SYLVIA HEAL, The First Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means, proceeded to the Table.

Points of Order
9.33 am
Sir Patrick Cormack: On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. I wonder whether you have had any indication from the new Leader of the House that he would like to come to the House to make a statement today. Yesterday, an announcement of enormous constitutional significance was slipped out on the television news. I do not know whether Her Majesty was informed, but certainly their lordships' House was not informed, nor were we, that the Government intended to abolish one of the great offices of state. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh, no!"] Labour Members may groan, but some us care about the historical traditions of our country. If the Government have a proposal to abolish an office that goes back over 1,000 years, surely we should expect assurances in this House today—first, that there will be no attempt at hurried legislation this Session, secondly, that any legislation will be in draft form so that it can be the more properly and seriously considered and, thirdly, that all stages of any such legislation will be taken on the Floor of this House.
Mr. Graham Allen: Further to that point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. Would you indeed get the new Leader of the House to come to the House—first, to receive congratulations on his new appointment and, secondly, to receive congratulations from Members on this side of the House on fulfilling a commitment from the 1993 Labour party programme to abolish the office of Lord Chancellor?
Mr. Michael Connarty: On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker.
Madam Deputy Speaker (Sylvia Heal):Is it in relation to the points that have already been made?
Mr. Connarty: Yes, Madam Deputy Speaker. I, too, would like the Leader of the House to come to the House
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to explain how Members from Scotland can transact their business in this House properly, given that Scotland will apparently be represented by a Lord in the new constitutional Department that is being set up. That is wholly inappropriate. To whom should I now address the request for a meeting that had been granted by the outgoing Secretary of State for Scotland about redundancies in my constituency?
Mr. George Osborne: Further to that point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. Could you guide Members on how departmental questions will operate now? Will there be separate Scottish and Welsh questions, or will they all be bundled together in a set of questions on constitutional affairs? Will the Secretary of State for Transport answer on Scottish issues and the Leader of the House answer on Welsh issues, even though neither of them have executive responsibility for those Departments?
Madam Deputy Speaker: I can understand hon. Members' concerns, but I must inform you that I am not aware of any Minister wishing to come to make a statement to the House at this stage. Should anything change, I will of course advise Members appropriately.
As to the other point that Members raised, that is a matter for the Departments concerned. The occupant of the Chair has many responsibilities, but they do not extend to that.
Mr. Eric Forth: On a different point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. You will be aware that a Government reshuffle is under way today, as it was yesterday. Can you help the House by telling us what will happen in the event that the Minister is reshuffled or called to No. 10 during the debate—not least because amendments have been tabled in her name—or that any other Member, on either side of the House, with an amendment in their name is called by the Prime Minister to serve in his Administration? Would you in that circumstance be prepared to consider suspending the sitting for an appropriate amount of time so that the person involved could answer the phone or go to No. 10, and we could then welcome a new Minister to resume the debate appropriately? May we have your guidance on that, Madam Deputy Speaker?
Mr. Connarty: Absolute trivia.
Mr. Forth: No, it is not trivia.
Madam Deputy Speaker: Order. I presume that the right hon. Gentleman would like to hear my reply.
As much as I like to be well prepared, I think that some of the points that Members raised concern matters that we will consider as the morning goes on, should it be necessary.

Orders of the Day
  Fireworks Bill
  As amended in the Standing Committee, considered.
  Fireworks Bill
    Clause 1

      INTRODUCTION
      9.38 am
      Mr. Christopher Chope: I beg to move amendment No. 40, in page 1, line 9, leave out subsection (2).
      Madam Deputy Speaker (Sylvia Heal): With this it will be convenient to discuss amendment No. 66, in page 3, line 28 [Clause 5], at end insert—
      '() Subsections (1) and (2) shall not apply to class I and class II fireworks.'.
      Mr. Chope: The amendment is relevant to the short discussion that we have just had, because it is about ministerial power and how it should be controlled by this House. The amendment would remove from clause 1 the power of the Minister to change the definition of fireworks by regulation rather than by primary legislation. That power goes to the root of the concerns that many people have about the wide scope of the Bill.
      It was clear on Second Reading and in Committee that there is a tension between manufacturers of fireworks, who say that it is impossible to have what we recognise as a firework unless it is manufactured to a specification of 120 dB maximum, and those who buy into the idea that the only way to proceed in this country is to have a limit of 95 dB—a perfectly legitimate view, which I understand is supported by many hon. Members. However, far from clarifying their views, the Government have been fudging the issue. Now we are on Report it is time to hear the Minister make a clear and unequivocal statement of the Government's intentions on definitions of fireworks and the noise limits relating to them.
      The supply of fireworks is governed currently by a British standard on fireworks, BS7114. Regulation 3(1) of the Firework (Safety) Regulations 1997 states:
      "Subject to paragraphs (3) and (4) and without prejudice to regulation 7 below, no person shall supply a category 1 firework, a category 2 firework or a category 3 firework which does not comply with the relevant requirements of Part 2 of BS 7114 when tested in accordance with the appropriate test method (if any) in Part 3 of BS 7114."
      BS7114 classifies fireworks into three specific categories considered suitable for use by the general public and a fourth category suitable only for professional users.
      Category 1 fireworks are suitable for use inside domestic buildings—for most of us, pretty innocuous fireworks. Category 2 fireworks are for outdoor use in relatively confined areas. Many people, especially young people, might regard them as rather boring fireworks. I do not include myself in the category of people that regards them as boring, but they are essentially safe fireworks. My hon. Friend the Member for Gainsborough (Mr. Leigh), whom I am delighted to see in his place this morning, has another amendment in the
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      group that would restrict all the regulations in the Bill and prevent them from being applied to fireworks in categories 1 and 2. I support that effort, which is in compliance with common sense and good regulation. Category 3 fireworks are for use in large outdoor spaces, and category 4 are not intended for sale to the general public. Fireworks and assemblies classified as category 1, 2 or 3 must comply with the requirements of BS7114, which is in addition to the legal duty placed on suppliers under the Consumer Protection Act 1987.
      The Bill defines fireworks as being fireworks for the purposes of British standard specifications relating to fireworks published on 30 November 1988, BS7114, to which I have been referring, or any British standard specification replacing it—or what would be fireworks for those purposes if they were intended as a form of entertainment. I should have thought that that definition of fireworks is perfectly adequate for our purposes. Will the Minister explain why the promoter of the Bill and the Government are supporting clause 1(2), which confers a power to change the definition of fireworks?
      Mr. Eric Forth: I am following my hon. Friend's argument so far, but I hope that at some stage of his analysis he will tell the House why he is not satisfied with the safeguards in clause 2. On this occasion, and rather unusually, the Government have gone a considerable way to reassure us. Although the Secretary of State is given the power to make regulations in clause 1(2), my reading of clause 2 is that it provides detailed safeguards in respect of those regulations. Why is my hon. Friend not satisfied with clause 2, which strikes me as providing a powerful case for giving the Secretary of State the powers that my hon. Friend wishes to delete?
      Mr. Chope: I understand my right hon. Friend's view, but he may not have seen a Government-inspired amendment to clause 2 that would delete subsection (2)—a provision inserted by the Minister by agreement in Committee. It is now apparently to be deleted by the promoter and the Government in an amendment. We will have an opportunity to debate the implications later, but it is certainly one of the reasons why I believe that the safeguards in clause 2 are inadequate to control the Secretary of State's powers to define fireworks.
      9.45 am
      Mr. Forth: I am grateful for that, but I hope that my hon. Friend is not going to skip lightly over the other provisions of clause 2, which would remain even if the Minister were to have her way. It talks at length about consultation and other matters. I hope that my hon. Friend will take a balanced view of the problem, rather than simply home in on what the Minister appears to be doing.
      Mr. Chope: As my right hon. Friend would expect, I take a balanced view of the problem, but he may not have noticed that clause 2(1) states:
      "The Secretary of State may by regulations … make any provision which the Secretary of State considers appropriate … for securing that there is no risk that use of fireworks will have the consequences specified in subsection (3)",

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      which would give the Secretary of State carte blanche to use that provision to ban all fireworks, or all fireworks other than indoor fireworks. Indeed, that provision could be sufficient to ban even sparklers. Even a sparkler can be heated up and pushed into someone's eye, causing a serious injury, if not death—and the same could be done to a captive animal.
      My right hon. Friend is an expert in saying that the Bill should be examined as a whole rather than in individual parts, but the interaction of clause 2 with the power in clause 1(2) to amend the definition of fireworks should cause hon. Members on both sides of the House to be concerned. The Bill, as I say, gives carte blanche to the Secretary of State to draw up a set of regulations that, when presented to the House, would not be capable of amendment.
      Those of us who have studied, or begun to study, the detail of fireworks legislation know that it is a fiendishly complicated subject. The Minister said on Second Reading that she hoped that the detail of the Bill would be considered at much greater length in Committee than on Second Reading. I have to tell the House, however, that Second Reading took about three hours, and the Committee stage less than two hours. That was not detailed scrutiny of the Bill. If hon. Members feel that it is unnecessary to scrutinise the Bill at this stage, all I can say is that the responsibility of those who were not members of the Standing Committee that considered the Bill is all the greater because of the failure of those who did sit on that Committee—I am sorry if that causes embarrassment on the Opposition Front Bench—to ask pertinent questions. A good example of a pertinent question is why the Secretary of State should have the power under clause 1(2) to substitute a new definition of fireworks.
      Mr. Forth: My hon. Friend is being a little harsh. Although we delegate responsibility to our colleagues in Committee to consider a Bill in detail, the whole point of Report stage is that those who did not have the privilege of being on the Committee have an opportunity to consider the Bill again in the light of what the Committee has done. That justifies what we are doing today.
      Mr. Chope: My right hon. Friend is right. It may be that the members of the Committee were not able to go into sufficient detail on the Bill because no regulatory impact assessment had been produced at that stage.
      Madam Deputy Speaker: Order. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman would confine his remarks to his amendment.
      Mr. Chope: I will indeed confine my remarks to the issues before us today, as set out on the Order Paper and in the first group of amendments. It is worth reminding the House of what the Bill's promoter said on Second Reading:
      "I do not intend that the Bill should extend to items such as pyrotechnic bird-scarers, small explosive charges for car airbags, amateur rocket motors or marine distress flares … They are not currently classed as fireworks, and that will continue."
      However, the Bill will give the Minister the power to include, through regulation, those very items that the sponsor of the Bill assured the House he did not intend to include in the ambit of the Bill. If that does not set the alarms bells ringing, I do not know what will.
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      In the same debate, my hon. Friend the Member for Croydon, South (Richard Ottaway) asked the Bill's promoter, the hon. Member for Hamilton, South (Mr. Tynan), whether he had
      "assurances from the Minister that the things for which he asks will happen?"
      In essence, my hon. Friend was asking whether the Bill's promoter trusted the Minister. The hon. Member for Hamilton, South replied:
      "I thank the hon. Gentleman for that. It is important that I set out, after my consultations and discussions, the content that I believe should be included in the Bill. It is an enabling Bill, and it is essential that the Minister listen to the voice of Members and of the general public outside. Under the circumstances, I hope that that will be acceptable to the hon. Gentleman."—[Official Report, 28 February 2003; Vol. 400, c. 482–86.]
      I do not know whether that was acceptable to my hon. Friend, but it would not have been acceptable to me as a response to a reasonable inquiry about whether the Minister had given any assurances to the promoter that what he did not want in the Bill would not subsequently be added through regulation. The hon. Member for Hamilton. South needs to apply his mind to that point, because the power could be used to ban those very items that he said would not be banned. It could also be used to introduce other controls over fireworks, and it could form part of the agenda for those who wish to ban fireworks completely. Much needs to be done to enforce better control over noise from, and abuse of, fireworks, but I believe that we should be allowed to use fireworks. There is scope for regulation, but the enormous powers given in the Bill should be circumscribed.
      Mr. Andrew Robathan: My hon. Friend makes a good point. We hear much from people who do not like fireworks, but those who do like fireworks are not necessarily minded to write to their Member of Parliament to say so. Millions of people in this country enjoy fireworks, which is why we want the Bill to be balanced.
      Mr. Chope: My hon. Friend is right. Listening to the voice of Members and the general public, as the hon. Member for Hamilton, South said on Second Reading, is what this Chamber is all about. I know from my constituents that they do not wish to have an outright ban on fireworks, nor do they wish to see the decibel limit on fireworks reduced to such a level that the firework cannot be propelled into the sky and explode in the way that gives pleasure to those watching it.
      I have spoken to the British Fireworks Association, and it assures me that if the decibel limit is reduced below 120—the proposed European standard, but not contained in the British standard—it will not be possible to produce fireworks that would be propelled into the sky to explode with a bang. On Second Reading and in Committee, I looked for evidence of the thinking of the promoter and the Minister on that issue. Unfortunately, every time someone made a point, whether for the 120 dB limit or for the 95 dB limit, the Minister and the promoter said something like, "Yes, I am on your side. It'll be all right on the day." They were building ambiguity into the debate. It was called seeking consensus, but one cannot have a consensus between

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      those who want a 95 dB limit on fireworks, which excludes most of what we know as fireworks, and those who want a 120 dB limit, which could control the noisiest fireworks but would not stop fireworks containing sufficient propellant and explosive to explode in the sky. It is the exploding in the sky that actually causes the noise.
      Dr. Andrew Murrison: I am sure that my hon. Friend is aware that decibels work on a logarithmic scale. Hon. Members may be confused by the apparently small difference between 95 dB and 120 dB, but it is vast. The level of 120 dB is like standing next to a jet engine and 95 dB is more like loud street noise. Certainly, the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association has said that 95 dB is reasonable for their animals, because it covers traffic noise, for example. Does my hon. Friend agree that that is sound guidance?
      Mr. Chope: I agree with my hon. Friend that ambient traffic noise can reach 95 dB. Indeed, it was claimed in Committee that if one dropped a book from a reasonable height, the sound would reach 95 dB, although if we dropped all the Chancellor's euro documents from a similar height, they would probably produce 120 dB. The 120 dB limit is not unreasonable. Indeed, that is the limit that the Europeans are adopting as a standard. If my hon. Friend thinks that it is an unreasonable limit, he should consider the consequences of legislating for a lower limit. What will happen is that, under the single market—which I support—people will be able to go and purchase fireworks on the continent that are in accordance with the European standard and bring them back to this country. A new smuggling trade might develop, to rival those for alcohol, tobacco and, indeed, humans.
      Mr. George Osborne: My hon. Friend raises an interesting issue about the compatibility of much of the Bill with the single European market. As I understand it, we cannot impose restrictions on the trade of goods within the single market. Is that not the case?
      Mr. Chope: It must be the case. I spoke to the boss of the British Fireworks Association about that and he said that he thought that it might be possible, under European law as it exists at the moment, for regulations to be made here that would introduce a lower decibel limit on fireworks than prevails on the continent. I must admit to my hon. Friend that I did not rigorously go into that matter, but the proposal is sufficient to cause alarm bells to ring for me—and probably for my hon. Friend. If we try to establish a much lower decibel limit for fireworks in this country than the one that applies on the continent, it would engender and encourage an illegal trade in fireworks.
      10 am
      Mr. Mark Field: That is an extremely valid point. Will my hon. Friend go into more detail about the prospect of an illegal trade? In this country, owing partly to the higher tax, more than 30 per cent. of tobacco—
      Madam Deputy Speaker: Order. We are debating an amendment about the definition of "fireworks".
      Mr. Chope: We are indeed, and it is important that there should be compatibility between the definition of "fireworks" in this country and that used on the continent. If no such compatibility exists, there will be smuggling, in the same way that there is smuggling of fuel and tobacco owing to the lack of compatibility in the price and taxation of those products.
      Mr. Osborne: I am sorry to press my hon. Friend on this matter. Perhaps if he does not know the answer to my question, the Minister could intervene on him to provide it. If we had a different legal definition of "fireworks" from the definition that applies on the continent, would it not be contradictory to the principles of the single market? I support the intention of the Bill to deal with nuisance, but the provisions must be legal. If my hon. Friend cannot answer that point, perhaps the Minister can.
      Mr. Chope: I hope that the Minister will be able to answer that question, and I will certainly allow her to intervene on me to do so. That would inform the debate further.
      Mr. Mark Field: I would be interested to hear from the Minister whether the Bill is compatible with the Human Rights Act 1998. Manufacturers in the UK and Europe are worried that an entirely arbitrary new definition, as proposed in clause 1(2), could lead to certain problems. I hope that the Minister will take this opportunity to intervene on my hon. Friend on this important matter.
      Mr. Chope: So do I. This is all part of the debate about the power contained in clause 1 as it is presently drafted. On Second Reading, the hon. Member for Hamilton, South said:
      "In presenting the Bill to the House, I am aware that there are those who may be worried by the fact that this is an enabling Bill. I, too, have some concerns about some of the visions of draconian provisions being enacted using the scope of powers granted under the Bill. I am, however, reassured by the discussions that I have had in preparing the Bill. I believe that with proper thought and scrutiny"—
      we are certainly giving the Bill those things today—
      "the regulations made under it would not be an instrument of tyranny."—
      The trouble is that there will not be much opportunity for the scrutiny of any regulations made under this provision, because they will be debated for a maximum of 90 minutes and will not be capable of amendment. Effectively, all the Members of the House will be excluded from that process and there will be no opportunity to give the measures the scrutiny that the hon. Gentleman says he wants. He went on:

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      "This is not a killjoy Bill. As those with expertise have agreed, it is a sensible"—[Official Report, 28 February 2003; Vol. 400, c. 486.]
      Madam Deputy Speaker: Order. We are now getting into a Second Reading debate. I refer the hon. Gentleman once more to the amendments to this part of the Bill.
      Mr. Chope: I am grateful to you, Madam Deputy Speaker, for ensuring that we stick to the issues under discussion. I hope that the hon. Member for Hamilton, South will accept the amendment. Clause 1(2) gives a very wide-ranging power to the Minister effectively to ban all fireworks by changing the definition of "fireworks" in the Bill. It is in the context of how that power might be used that I am quoting what the hon. Gentleman said on Second Reading.
      When the issue of noise came up in Committee, there were some interesting exchanges of views. The hon. Member for Hamilton, South said:
      "As I am sure the Minister will make clear when she responds,"—
      that is an example of the triumph of hope over experience that often occurs in Committee—
      "the sensible way forward would be to reach a consensus about the decibel level that has the least effect on animals and the elderly. If we can do that, we shall have taken a major step forward, although we may not have achieved the full loaf. That is how we should proceed on the clause, but the Minister will want to make her position clear."
      The hon. Gentleman continued:
      "In its "Quiet Please" report, the RSPCA recognises the fact that changing the construction of fireworks may result in a lower decibel level. I would hate to see the British Fireworks Association start a lobbying campaign, with Opposition parties asking for opposition to the Bill on the basis that we were injuring the industry. It is therefore important that we reach a consensus, and an attempt has been made to do that as regards the noise level. The clause is a way forward, and I hope that the Minister will listen to the concerns that have been expressed this afternoon."
      If such a consensus has been reached on the appropriate noise level for fireworks, will the Minister tell us what it is, and give the House an undertaking that the Government will not use any of the powers in the Bill—particularly those in clause 1—to change that verdict? All that is happening at the moment is that we are being told that the British Fireworks Association wants a limit of 120 dB while those on the other side of the argument want 95 dB.
      The hon. Member for Angus (Mr. Weir) intervened in that same debate in Committee. He said:
      "I fully recognise that the clause gives the Minister powers. We shall find out how effective it is once we see the regulations, but we must first get to that stage. Like the hon. Member for Hamilton, South, I would be worried if we became bogged down in the nitty-gritty at this stage."
      That is a most extraordinary comment. Surely the Standing Committee is precisely the stage at which we should get bogged down in the nitty-gritty and ask pertinent questions, because we shall certainly not be able to do so when we are presented with a set of regulations that we can simply either accept or reject. The hon. Gentleman went on:
      "Let us get the principle on the statute book—we can argue about the nitty-gritty of the regulations thereafter."—[Official Report, Standing Committee C, 30 April 2003; c. 10–11.]
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      That is a wholly misconceived approach, which gives the Government the power to keep their secret agenda and declare their hand only after this enabling Bill has gone through. This is why I am seeking an assurance from the Minister on noise limits in particular. If we do not get such an assurance, we might be minded to accuse the Government of giving the impression that they are on the side of those who want the 95 dB limit, while secretly going for the 120 dB limit, or vice versa.
      Mr. Michael Weir: The point that I was making in Committee is that fireworks change over time. That is one of the difficulties of trying to put into the Bill a definition of "fireworks". A particular type of firework could have been banned, but there could be changes later. If we are too prescriptive at this stage, the Bill will be completely ineffective. By its very nature, this provision will have to be introduced by way of regulation.
      Mr. Chope: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for that intervention. Does he have a specific example of an item that is not defined as a firework but which might be included as such if the definition were changed? I have referred to some, which the hon. Member for Hamilton, South has assured us will not be included.
      Mr. Weir: The hon. Gentleman misconstrues the point. Fireworks evolve over time. When we were young there were small bangers and Catherine-wheels; nowadays there are massive great rockets.
      Mr. Chope: Surely that is covered by the British standard specification. The Bill makes it clear that it is covered by both the existing specification and any subsequent amendments to it. As I said at the outset, fireworks that do not comply with the specification are already subject to controls and are outlawed. What is the agenda that causes the Minister to see a need for a power to change the definition of fireworks in secondary legislation?
      The noise issue was discussed in Committee. The promoter said
      "Although we could have a debate about the noise levels that we could set, does my hon. Friend accept that if, on the basis of, say, the 'Quiet Please' report, we set the noise level at 95 dB and we lost the Bill, that would be a major problem in dealing with fireworks? If so, does my hon. Friend accept that everything will depend on the Minister's implementation of the clause to the full, on the basis of the concerns that he and others have expressed?"
      Today—like many other Members, no doubt—I received a letter from a number of organisations associated with the Bill's promotion: the Pet Care Trust, the Kennel Club, the RSPCA, the Blue Cross, the National Canine Defence League, the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and Battersea Dogs Home. They say that there is a consensus in favour of the Bill which includes not just a coalition of animal welfare organisations but the British Fireworks Association. That consensus, however, is due to ignorance of the decibel level that will feature in future regulation by the Minister, and ignorance of the true intent.
      I know that the Minister has had discussions with the fireworks industry. Perhaps she can tell us a bit more about the assurances that she can give. A relatively short time ago, she said that the amendments to the regulations produced by the Government in 1997 were sufficient to

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      deal with the mischief of firework noise and nuisance—which I am the first to accept is a real problem for many people, including a number of my constituents.
      In a sense this is a narrow amendment, but I think that the response to it will affect the whole tenor of today's debate. Many fears—mine, certainly—will be allayed if the promoter or the Minister says unequivocally that there is no intention of introducing a noise standard that differs from the European standard.
      There is a built-in conflict, which was identified in Committee. A Member whose constituency I cannot remember said:
      "A 120 dB limit is not at all reasonable or sensible. I understand that that level, which the European Union perhaps advocates, is the equivalent of a jet aircraft at 100 m or a loud car horn at 1 m. It is far too loud. That is why I am attracted by the RSPCA's 'Quiet Please' campaign … because it gives us a starting point. Our constituents want the control of noise to be the prime consideration of the House of Commons in dealing with fireworks, which is why that campaign should be a starting point. We should at least be able to tell our constituents why 95 dB is not appropriate, reasonable or consensual, as my hon. Friend the Member for Hamilton, South suggested it was not."
      10.15 am
      Unless we are given a clear response, as I hope we will be, Members will be saying to one group of constituents that the Government are in favour of 95 dB and assuring another group that the Government are committed to a minimum level of 120 dB. A deep chasm lies between the two sides. I fear that the broad terms of the Bill in its current form, and in particular the power in clause 1, enable the Government to come down on one side or the other without providing any opportunity for parliamentary scrutiny and amendment.
      I hoped that reading what the Minister said in Committee would clarify the Government's intentions, but it did not. The Minister said
      "Noise was mentioned in many contributions. I have met the RSPCA. Indeed, I commended it on producing the document entitled 'Quiet Please—Loud fireworks frighten animals' and on working to reduce the alarm and distress caused to animals by fireworks, which my hon. Friend the Member for Cleethorpes (Shona McIsaac) and others"—
      Madam Deputy Speaker: Order. The hon. Gentleman is now beginning to talk about the next group of amendments, headed "Risk and the consequences of fireworks". He must address himself to amendment No. 40.
      Mr. Chope: I am trying to confine my remarks to the definition of fireworks, Madam Deputy Speaker. The issue of definition includes the issue of the decibel level, and of whether the Government intend to introduce a maximum level. I will not say much more, because I am sure the Minister will speak for herself shortly, but I must challenge her on one point. In Committee, when asked whether she favoured the 95 dB or the 120 dB level, she said:
      "I do not want to get technical or be drawn into technical arguments, but my hon. Friend talked about background noise with regard to how loud a noise seems. Other issues include proximity—whether it is a one-off or repeated noise, the environment in which it takes place"
      and so forth.
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      A Member asked:
      "If my hon. Friend will indulge me in my zealotry, could she say how a scenario might develop whereby, through regulations, it could be dictated whether a firework with a noise level of, say, 120 dB was set off next door to someone's house or in a field half a mile away?"
      The Minister said
      "Obviously one cannot do that, as my hon. Friend is well aware. There is nothing absolute about sound. Where and how it is measured, and the environment in which it takes place, make a huge difference to its impact on humans and animals."—[Official Report, Standing Committee C, 30 April 2003; c. 12–13.]
      She went on to say that the number of bangs on 5 November would be reduced as a result of an agreement with the fireworks organisations, an idea that I strongly support.
      The Minister and the promoter and sponsors have ducked and weaved on the issue of the decibel level. Now is the time for that ducking and weaving to end. We need some clear speaking from the Government, the promoter and the sponsors. The proposal to remove the power in clause 1(2) will make that possible.
      Mr. Edward Leigh: Amendment No. 66 says that subsections (1) and (2) of clause 5
      "shall not apply to class I and class II fireworks."
      That goes to the heart of the Bill, as far as I can see. I understand that there is much concern about fireworks, safety and noise but I do not want us to create, as we appear to be creating today, an enabling Bill that will be used gradually to ratchet up controls on class 1 and class 2 fireworks.
      Class 1 fireworks can be used indoors. With class 2 fireworks, one is advised to stand about 5 m away. They can be bought in a shop. We all grew up with those fireworks; they were used for small private displays in the garden with our parents on Guy Fawkes' night. Admittedly, they can be used wrongly, as my hon. Friend the Member for Christchurch (Mr. Chope) said. Even a sparkler can blind someone. We allow small children to wave sparklers around. If they poke a sparkler in another child's eye, they could blind that child. There will always be a risk with those fireworks, but most responsible people take tremendous care to ensure that, at little private firework displays in the garden, children are kept back and they are nice occasions.
      I accept that the Government are not in the business of banning private firework displays yet, although, in some parts of the world, including America, they have been. In some American counties, it is even difficult to buy a sparkler. What I am concerned about is that some people have an agenda and oppose any sale of fireworks to private individuals for such displays. I am concerned that we will gradually through this enabling Bill give the Minister power to deal with such relatively modest

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      fireworks. My amendment is modest. One can support what the Bill is trying to do and still accept the amendment. The Bill contains great powers.
      Mr. Mark Field: My hon. Friend rightly expresses alarm at the prospect of a lot of new law coming in and a fully fledged outlawing of firework displays. He mentioned the United States of America—
      Madam Deputy Speaker: Order. I hope that the hon. Gentleman's intervention will address the amendment under discussion.
      Mr. Field: In many parts of France, except on Bastille day, firework displays are entirely outlawed, so I entirely share my hon. Friend's concerns.
      Mr. Leigh: My amendment deals with class 1 and class 2 fireworks. I will describe later all the regulations and voluntary agreements that have been made but, in our gardens and little displays, we can compare the fireworks we see now with those we saw as children. There is a danger. If we look at the draconian powers in subsections (1) and (2), we can see that Ministers—I do not know about this Minister but Ministers come and go—could use the powers to ensure that it was impossible for a private individual to buy class 2 fireworks; I am prepared to accept that no Minister would ever make it impossible to obtain class 1 fireworks. Alternatively, there will be so many rules, regulations and limitations on the time of year at which they can be bought and all the rest of it that, in five, 10 or 15 years, the traditional British private little firework party will cease and one will not go along to the local Woolworth's to buy a little box of fireworks.
      May I deal with amendment No. 40? The point about the decibel limit is very serious. As my hon. Friend the Member for Christchurch said, the definition of fireworks is important. I do not think that either of us wants to kill the Bill. [Interruption.] What we want this morning—it is for the hon. Member who is in charge of the Bill to make his decision—is a sensible compromise. We are concerned as much as anyone else with noise and safety but I have talked to the British Fireworks Association. Frankly, if we define fireworks in such a way that people will be able to buy at a shop only fireworks that have a decibel limit of 90, the traditional private firework display in Britain will become meaningless. One will be able to buy a few little Roman candle-type things that splutter at the bottom of the garden and make a bit of light.
      I do not think that that is what people mean by a firework display. To propel the rocket into the sky and let off a firework as we traditionally understand it, one has to make a noise. There have been horrendous descriptions of what 120 dB means, but if we think about 90 dB in terms of ambient traffic noise, we realise that, if ever we were to listen to what the anti-firework lobby is saying, our own private firework displays would mean very little.
      One only has to look at the Bill to realise that it is an enabling Bill. I would not mind if, by studying the Bill today, studying the debates and the amendments that I have tabled, we could pin down the promoter of the Bill on precisely what he wants to do about class 1 and class
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      2 fireworks. He will have an opportunity to sum up but the Minister said herself that the Bill will provide a raft of new powers to control the misuse of fireworks. All I am trying to do with the amendments is ensure that the House has a serious debate about class 1 and class 2 fireworks.
      The shadow spokesman, my hon. Friend the Member for Blaby (Mr. Robathan), put it well when he said that the Bill had "little substance". When I read the Bill, that was my view—that it had already been watered down by the Government. However, on Second Reading, my hon. Friend went on to say:
      "we can only guess what will come in its wake. For that reason, we are not entirely happy. I urge the Minister to concentrate on enforcement more than on anything else."—[Official Report, 28 February 2003; Vol. 400, c. 496.]
      I return to subsections (1) and (2) of clause 5. Remember that we are now dealing with sparklers, the sort of things one buys in a little box from Woolworth's. Subsection (1) says:
      "Fireworks regulations may include provision—
      (a) prohibiting persons from supplying, or offering or agreeing to supply, fireworks of a description specified in the regulations".
      As my hon. Friend the Member for Christchurch said, that gives this Minister, or a subsequent Minister, carte blanche to say in five years that fireworks will not be anything like the fireworks we have known and grown up with. Under subsection (2), the Minister could prohibit
      "the purchase or possession of fireworks of a description specified in the regulations",
      which she introduced as a result of this enabling Bill. She could prohibit
      "the purchase or possession of fireworks of a description specified in the regulations by persons of a description so specified."
      As I understand it—and we are talking about class 1 and 2 fireworks—we are giving enormous powers to the Minister.
      It will be said in answer to what I am saying, "I am sorry that the hon. Member for Gainsborough thinks that but we have to be concerned about noise and safety." I make one important point: however quiet one makes the fireworks, one can never make them entirely safe. We are talking about "fire" works and, if we were to make them so boring that they made no noise and could not be propelled into the sky, they would still be a potential risk. A flame would still be involved. Completely noiseless fireworks might achieve one's aim, because no one would want to buy them. However, they could still cause death and injury.
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      I am talking about class 1 and 2 fireworks, and it is true that, in 2001, there were 1,362 injuries. Therefore, it might be said that we have to deal with class 1 and 2 fireworks, because those are the fireworks that people buy and light in the garden. They are not used in the controlled environment of an organised firework display, and they are not the vast rockets that fly up into the sky. However, they are precisely the fireworks that cause injuries. That is why, like everyone else, I am in two minds about the Bill. I do not want to be accused of blocking a Bill if to do so means that there could be injuries in the future. That is not my intention; I want to

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      improve the Bill. A figure of 1,362 injuries sounds a lot. No doubt a fair proportion of them were caused by class 2 fireworks, typically by children playing around with them.
      Mr. Chope: Will my hon. Friend comment on the fact that, ironically, the number of injuries has gone up under this Government despite the fact that they made much play of introducing new regulations in 1997 to address the problem?
      Mr. Leigh: The Bill's supporters place much credence in the fact that the number of injuries is going up and that we face a crisis. I have had the advantage of carrying out some research on this subject and, if the 1996 figures are taken into account, we see more of a fluctuating picture rather than a build-up from 1997 that has reached crisis point now.
      I suggested that many of the 1,362 injuries in 2001 were caused by class 2 fireworks. That year, there were no fatalities, but the previous year there were 972 injuries and two fatalities—and one fatality is too many. However, let us consider the figures from the Department of Trade and Industry for accidents in the home and put the matter into perspective. The DTI's website shows that 2.7 million accidents requiring visits to hospital and nearly 4,000 fatalities resulted from accidents in the home.
      Nobody wants anyone to be injured by class 1 and 2 fireworks. Nobody, we are told, wants to ban fireworks altogether. There have been injuries and fatalities, but 4,000 fatalities result from accidents in the home. I do not think that giving the Minister the draconian powers over class 1 and 2 fireworks—the fireworks that we buy and use in the garden—will save lives. All that would happen is that we would kill off the traditional private firework display and not save a single life. After all, 313,000 injuries resulted from road traffic accidents. About 40,000 of them were serious, and there were 3,450 fatalities. Our responses must be appropriate and proportionate.
      Let us consider all the controls that are in place for class 1 and 2 fireworks. If one listens to the anti-firework lobby, one might think that the problem is completely out of control, that people can buy what they want, that fireworks cause a massive number of injuries, that animals are being scared and all the rest. The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association tells us that only four or five dogs have to retire each year because of the distress caused by fireworks. I agree that it is unfortunate that four or five dogs have to retire each year, but I doubt whether that means that it is necessary to introduce such draconian powers to deal with the traditional fireworks that one can buy over the counter.
      Many powers are available to deal with the sale and control of fireworks. I am prepared to accept that the Minister should perhaps have the powers in the Bill to deal with class 3 and 4 fireworks. However, we are dealing with class 1 and 2 fireworks and there is a requirement that all fireworks intended for use by the public must comply with BS 7114, the British standard referred to by my hon. Friend the Member for Christchurch. That already controls what we can buy.
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      There is a permanent ban on the supply of category 3 bangers, including flash bangers, jumping crackers, Chinese crackers and fireworks with erratic flight. That ban came into force on 15 October 1997. As the Minister's predecessor showed on that date, there are powers to deal with the worst fireworks—those that actually irritate people.
      An increase was made in the minimum age—from 16 to 18—of persons who can be supplied with fireworks. The supply of caps, cracker snaps, novelty matches, party poppers, serpents and throw-downs was made exempt from that prohibition, but, under the Explosives Acts, remain subject to the prohibition on sale to persons apparently under the age of 16. It is said that we need the Bill because people are buying the class 1 and 2 fireworks that cause injury, but all those regulations have already been made.
      There is already a prohibition on retailers splitting large boxes and selling fireworks individually. That previously formed part of a voluntary agreement. Therefore, one has to be of a certain age to buy fireworks and one has to buy a box. In our families, there is no question of our children, with their little bit of pocket money, being able to buy one firework in the way that we did as children. Mothers and fathers have to buy a whole box, and that is quite expensive. There has also been an increase in the permitted length of hand-held sparkers from 450 mm to 470 mm.
      I have gone through that list of regulations to show what has already been achieved. The need for the draconian powers in clause 5 is a mystery. There is already a prohibition on the supply to the public of class 2 bangers and on the supply of mini-rockets except for the purpose of special effects in the theatre, film and television. There is a requirement for sparklers to carry the additional warning that they are not suitable for children under five years of age and that all fireworks not suitable for use by the general public have clear warning labels to that effect. Size limits have been imposed on the supply to the general public of certain fireworks such as Roman candles, mines, batteries—for example, a cake of Roman candles—wheels and combinations. It is already one of the most regulated industries in this country. It is seriously concerned that it will cease to exist if the Bill is implemented in its current form.
      Madam Deputy Speaker: Order. The hon. Gentleman is now straying into remarks that are more suitable for Second Reading. They are not directed at his amendment.
      Mr. Leigh: I am grateful to you, Madam Deputy Speaker. I hope that you think that I have managed to explain why the Bill should not apply to class 1 and 2 fireworks. All that the promoter has to do is stand up and accept my amendment. For the life of me, I do not understand why he does not. He cannot seriously argue that the main evil in terms of death, injury, noise and disturbance is class 1 and 2 fireworks. I shall wait to hear what he says in reply.
      If the promoter says, "I'm sorry but many of the problems are caused by class 1 and 2 fireworks", I should like to see proof of that. The point about safety is dealt with by amendment No. 40. We will never make

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      fireworks entirely safe unless we ban them altogether. However, there are so many controls on class 1 and 2 fireworks that we must ask why they need to be dealt with by the Bill. The Environmental Protection Act 1990 deals with noise nuisance and empowers local authorities to deal with noise from fixed premises. A local authority can deal with class 1 and 2 fireworks if it wants.
      The British Fireworks Association is constantly making progress on the introduction of voluntary codes and procedures on the class 1 and 2 fireworks that can and cannot be sold over the counter. For instance, it announced on 14 October 2002 that it is to remove single-tube air bombs—a sort of cheap, noisy Roman candle—and small whistle-bang rockets from the market after they were linked to injuries. That came into effect on 1 January 2003. The association distributes 95 per cent. of all family fireworks in the UK. It is estimated that the withdrawal of those fireworks will result in the removal of 30 million loud bangs from the market every year. That measure is already in place.
      The industry is one of the most regulated in the country and it is making great progress in dealing with class 1 and 2 fireworks. Why on earth do we need the extra powers? If the industry were not responding and had not made progress, or if the Minister did not have powers to deal with class 1 and 2 fireworks, it might be a different matter, but all those regulations were issued in October 1997 and the industry has dealt with some of the problems itself.
      The Minister announced on 17 October 2002 tough new measures to cut the number of firework injuries. In the context of class 1 and 2 fireworks that are taken home, she said that there would be a new drive to encourage local councils to use their powers to curb the problem of noise and nuisance. Councils have the powers to do their job properly. The regulatory impact assessment notes that only 35 per cent. of local authorities offer a full night-time noise response service and that 18 per cent. of local authorities do not have any out-of-hours response cover.
      Surely the reason why noise complaints have increased is the poor service provided by local authorities. We do not need the draconian new powers contained in clause 5. All we need is for local authorities to do what they are already fully empowered to do. If antisocial people are buying boxes of fireworks and taking them home where they cause all sorts of noise and are a nuisance to their neighbours in the middle of the night, at 1 or 2 am, the local authorities have all the powers they need to deal with that.
      Dr. Murrison: I am listening with great interest to what my hon. Friend says about existing powers. However, the British Fireworks Association, the British Pyrotechnics Association and the explosives group of the CBI want the Bill to succeed. They clearly do not necessarily share his feelings about existing powers and the ability of councils to sort out such nuisance.
      Mr. Leigh: I have not said that I do not want the Bill to succeed. I want to improve it. To be honest, the industry is in a dreadful cleft stick. It believes that if the Bill does not—
      Madam Deputy Speaker: Order. Once again, I remind the hon. Gentleman of the narrowness of the amendment and of the need to contain his remarks to it.
      Mr. Leigh: I shall try to respond to my hon. Friend the Member for Westbury (Dr. Murrison) later. He made a serious point.
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      I want to ensure that the Bill deals with the main evil—if there is an evil—of people who do not worry about other people and deliberately set out to cause distress and noise. Looking at recent history and what is contained in regulations, Acts of Parliament and announcements by the industry and the Minister, I do not believe that those serious powers need to apply to class 1 and 2 fireworks, the traditional fireworks that we buy and take home for our own firework displays. I hope that the Minister reassures us on that.
      Mr. Bill Tynan: I was reluctant to get involved in the debate, but arguments are being developed that are not relevant to the Bill. We have a proposal on the noise level, whether it be 120 or 95 dB. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has argued strongly for 95 dB. When I embarked on the Bill, I tried to get as much consensus as possible. People might think that that is not the right way to proceed, but I think that it is better to get agreement on how we move forward than constantly to bicker about the issues raised by fireworks legislation.
      10.45 am
      I tried to draw all the strands together and spent considerable time with the voluntary organisations because I thought that their views were important. I also wanted to reassure the British Fireworks Association and the explosives industry group that there was a problem with which we had to deal. The 120 dB has been discussed in Europe and will probably not come into effect until 2004. We could live with a Bill that included 120 dB. That would be acceptable. It is up to the Minister to say what she thinks about that, but I think that 120 dB is sensible at the moment.
      The fireworks industry argued that a level lower than 120 dB would make the composition of fireworks and displays difficult. I attended a "Quiet Please" firework demonstration and understand the problems that the RSPCA raises, but I believe that the inclusion of 120 dB is sensible for the Bill's purposes.
      Mr. Chope: I am extremely grateful for what the hon. Gentleman just said. If that position had been made clear earlier we might not have had to spend an hour discussing the subject. Does he intend to table an amendment to that effect in another place? How does he intend to go about that because it is important to stipulate 120 dB in the Bill for the reasons set out earlier?
      Mr. Tynan: I must make it clear that the Bill is an enabling Bill to deal with present problems. There is no need to table such an amendment in another place. I hope that my assurances and those given to the British Fireworks Association by the Minister would be sufficient for the hon. Gentleman to accept the Bill as it stands. That would be sensible.
      Mr. Leigh: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for replying to the debate in a moderate and sensible manner. He is clearly trying to make progress. With the greatest respect, however, I am afraid that his reassurances are not enough because he is not the Minister responsible. Such an assurance has to come from the Minister when she sums up.
      Mr. Tynan: Perhaps it is my Scottish accent or that I talk too quickly and should slow down, but I made the

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      point that I hope that the Minister will indicate in her response that 120 dB is satisfactory for the Bill's purposes. I hope that that clarifies the situation.
      The hon. Member for Gainsborough (Mr. Leigh) mentioned category 1 and 2 fireworks. If we only had fireworks of those categories, we would not have the problems that we do and would not be so concerned. Category 3 and 4 fireworks are the major problem and they are primarily what the Bill attempts to address. It is important to compromise. The last thing I want to do is to accuse Opposition Members of wrecking the Bill, which is important for our constituents. A jocular remark was made about the electorate. The Conservative Front-Bench spokesman said that millions of people enjoy fireworks, So do I. However, they enjoy fireworks when they are used safely and responsibly. That is what the Bill is about; it is not about trying to put pressure on the fireworks industry. We do not want to create a situation in which we cannot make progress with the Bill.
      I ask the Minister to accept that category 1 and 2 fireworks are not a problem and that a noise level of 120 dB is not a problem. I hope that we can have a sensible debate on that basis. Until now, we have been prevaricating and widening the debate. Obviously, Madam Deputy Speaker, it is for you to determine the limits of the debate, and you have done so efficiently. I want a debate on the issues, not on supposition about what might happen.
      Mr. Leigh: We are making a lot of progress, which is what Parliament should be about, and I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for the way in which he is summing up the debate. He agrees with us about 120 db and about categories 1 and 2. I cannot remember his exact words, but he seemed to be saying that if there were only category 1 and 2 fireworks, there would be no problem. He has already requested that the Minister state that she does not want to the Bill to apply to those fireworks; do I take it that the hon. Gentleman is prepared for amendments to that effect to be tabled, perhaps in another place?
      Mr. Tynan: I will allow the Minister to respond to that question. Other issues have been raised by the amendments which I would like to address, but as I said, 120 dB and category 1 and 2 fireworks are not a problem.
      The intention behind the Bill is that fireworks are used responsibly and enjoyably. I am conscious that today is Friday 13—black Friday, as far as many are concerned—and it would be a black day if two Conservative Members were able to destroy the work done over the past few months to reach agreement with all sections of the industry and with voluntary organisations. [HON. MEMBERS: "And the House."] Indeed. I hope that those two Members will be content with what I have said.
      Mr. John Baron: I want to make it clear that I support the Bill. In particular, I support licensing, so that there will be proper control over the sale of fireworks to the public, and the tightening of controls on
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      the import of fireworks, which, in some cases, we know is a public health hazard because of low standards of manufacture.
      I suggest to the Minister, however, that clarification about the regulations to be made under clause 1(2) would help the House tremendously. I share the concern expressed by my colleagues, which I believe the hon. Member for Hamilton, South (Mr. Tynan) has expressed in the past. We have a natural aversion to enabling powers. I cast no aspersions on the Minister, but the House should be concerned about allowing the Government, at a later stage, to introduce unknown powers or regulations over which we will have no control.
      I am not suggesting that the Minister would introduce draconian powers, but it is only right that the House question her on the issue because the measure could be open to all sorts of abuse. We need to know the boundaries and parameters within which the Government are operating, so that we have some idea of what we are agreeing to in this enabling Bill. It goes against the interests of the House easily and freely to give enabling powers without clear guidance as to how the Government will use them. That is the main concern of Conservative Members, who support the Bill overall.
      Mr. Robathan: For the benefit of any doubt, I reiterate that Her Majesty's Opposition support the Bill. Valuable points have been made, and I was particularly impressed by the sincerity of the hon. Member for Hamilton, South (Mr. Tynan). I know that he has done a great deal of work on the Bill, and we all want it to improve life for our constituents, but that is not to say that it is perfect. We have expressed our concerns before, and the amendments go to the heart of those concerns.
      We do not distrust the Minister, but as we all know, Ministers, and Governments, come and go. I hope that the Minister is still here this evening. [Interruption.] Not in the Chamber, although perhaps she would like to stay until then, but in her post. Our major concern is that the Bill gives the Government enormous enabling powers. In his speech on Second Reading, the hon. Member for Hamilton, South said that he did not like enabling Bills. I, too, dislike them, not because I distrust this Minister, but because I distrust the giving of unfettered power to any Government, be they Conservative or Labour.
      I want to see my children and, if they become parents, my children's children enjoying fireworks parties, and I want my constituents and their children to enjoy them. I am concerned that the powers in the Bill could, in the hands of a different Government or a different Minister, lead to a complete ban on fireworks. As we have heard, the "Quiet Please" campaign is really about getting rid of fireworks altogether. I did not see the demonstration on Potters Green, but I spoke to some people who were there, and they said that it was a bit of a joke. One wonders what on earth was the point of those fireworks.
      I take on board the severe criticism that I have received from my hon. Friend the Member for Christchurch (Mr. Chope), and I accept his blaming me for not adequately scrutinising the Bill in Committee. As I said, however, we want it to proceed—
      Madam Deputy Speaker: Order. Will the hon. Gentleman address his remarks to the amendments?
      Mr. Robathan: Indeed, Madam Deputy Speaker.
      The amendments cut to the heart of the Henry VIII powers in the Bill. My right hon. Friend the Member for Bromley and Chislehurst (Mr. Forth), who is an expert on these matters, and on private Member's Bills in particular, described them as Henry VIII powers with knobs on. The amendments would improve the Bill without harming the effect that we want it to have because they would restrict the ability of a future Government or Minister to abuse those powers.
      The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (Miss Melanie Johnson): I rise with pleasure to respond to the points that have been made, and I will endeavour to do so as briefly as possible.
      I turn first to the point made by the hon. Member for Blaby (Mr. Robathan) about the balance to be struck in making legislation effective. I agree that there must be a balance, but I say to all hon. Members that we have to be very careful; we must enable the Government to make regulations that tackle the problem in an appropriate and measured way.
      Mr. Forth: Will the Minister give way?
      Miss Johnson: I have barely said anything, but I will give way.
      Mr. Forth: On a point of clarification, the Minister said that the Government should make regulations, but surely the Government and Parliament together make regulations. That is the point at issue. Perhaps the Minister will clarify in her own mind whether she thinks that the Government have an absolute right to make regulations, or whether she thinks that there should be parliamentary involvement.
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      Miss Johnson: I stand corrected. It is clear that Parliament makes those regulations.
      Amendment No. 40 is subject to affirmative resolution, despite the comments of the hon. Member for Christchurch (Mr. Chope), and would allow full, detailed decisions to be made by Parliament under the affirmative procedure. However, it would also remove our ability to define fireworks or substitute a definition. We can compromise, but that may remove the House's ability in future to pass regulations and primary legislation to address an as yet unforeseen development in categorisation, such as something falling outside the definition of fireworks but nonetheless having the same sort of impact and effect. I hope that the hon. Member for Christchurch understands that that is why clause 1(2) was included in the Bill.
      Mr. Chope: Can the Minister assure the House that that power would not be used to extend the category of fireworks to include things which the Bill's promoter assured us on Second Reading would not be included? Does she also accept that no Government or Parliament can legislate for all possible contingencies? Surely, if and when such contingencies arise, Parliament should then look at them. Something fundamental like the definition of fireworks is a matter for primary legislation.
      Miss Johnson: That is why the provision is as close to primary legislation as possible, and will be subject to the
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      affirmative resolution procedure. Debate and a positive decision by the House will be needed if such changes are to be made. I am not going to spend a long time debating this. I would like to respond to the points that have been made rather than keep taking interventions.
      Mr. Robathan rose—
      Miss Johnson: I will take one further intervention, but then I intend to make progress.
      Mr. Robathan: I am grateful to the Minister. It is important that the Bill's provisions are clarified in debate. Is the Minister saying that clause 1(2) is currently subject to affirmative resolution?
      Miss Johnson: To be absolutely clear, under clause 16(2), the matter raised in amendment No. 40 is subject to affirmative resolution. I am correcting the misinformation that the hon. Member for Christchurch gave the House. I am sure that that was not intentional, but his information was not correct. I echo the comments of my hon. Friend the Member for Hamilton, South (Mr. Tynan) about amendment No. 66. There is no intention to do anything about class 1 and class 2 fireworks.
      Mr. Chope rose—
      Miss Johnson: Can I just make some remarks, in the light of which the hon. Gentleman may wish to reconsider making an intervention?
      Amendment No. 66 is perfectly acceptable to us, but I have some difficulties with amendment No. 40 for the reasons that I have given. However, I trust that the assurances that I have given the House will be sufficient for the Opposition Members who tabled that amendment. I do not remember the hon. Member for Christchurch commenting on his intentions, save for his belief that certain things needed to be clarified. I take at face value the comment of the hon. Member for Gainsborough (Mr. Leigh) that he is not trying to kill the Bill. However, I have a cutting from the Grimsby Telegraph from 29 July 1998, in which a senior member of the Conservative party in the locality publicly bemoans the fact that he killed the Bill's predecessor.
      We must all be careful to strike the right balance and make legislation that works effectively. I entirely agree with Opposition Members that we need to make sure that fireworks continue to be available for public use and can still be enjoyed by many people on different occasions, as they have been for decades if not centuries.
      Mr. Leigh: I am grateful for the Minister's apparent acceptance of amendment No. 66—we are making progress. However, I do not want her to conclude without dealing with the decibel point, which is crucial to the whole industry.
      Miss Johnson: I do not want to seem uncharitable by not giving way, but some Opposition Members are simply spending time urging me to discuss things that I have not yet had a chance to deal with.
      However, as the hon. Member for Gainsborough has raised the question of noise, I shall address it now. We have been taking a further look at the work done by the

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      Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. In the spirit of consensus, which we all think is important, the Health and Safety Executive took a further look at its work on the 95 dB limit. However, the RSPCA's work on that limit appears to be flawed. Personally, I would have preferred to have evidence before me, but the Bill's progress should not be halted purely by the question of whether or not the House has an assurance today about a limit of 120 dB. I join my hon. Friend the Member for Hamilton, South in giving an assurance that we will stick to the 120 dB limit when implementing the Bill.
      Some Opposition Members are pressing us to accept an amendment in another place, and I fear that I must address that directly. We would not be content to accept such an amendment for the simple reason that it would have to be considered further by the Commons, so the Bill would go back and forth between the two Houses. I warn the Opposition that if that were the case, there is a risk that the Bill, given its timetabled passage as a private Member's Bill, would be lost and would not reach the statute book. That is my only reason for objecting to an amendment being accepted in the other place.
      Mr. Chope: Will the Minister accept an assurance from my hon. Friend the Member for Gainsborough (Mr. Leigh) and me, as the Members who are concerned about this issue, that if such an amendment were accepted in the other place we would not impede the free passage of the Bill through the Commons? It is a pity that this issue was not addressed in Committee, as we could have finished dealing with it today. However, it is important that it should be included in the Bill, and I assure the hon. Lady that we will not block the Bill if it is.
      Miss Johnson: I am content with the assurances that the hon. Gentleman gives on behalf of the hon. Member for Gainsborough and himself. Unfortunately, however, the Conservative ranks are clearly not united on these issues. There is always a possibility that other Members will do what the hon. Member for Christchurch assured me he will not do. If, after this debate, a concrete assurance was given and Government business managers were happy to accept it, that would be a matter for them and their Opposition counterparts. However, on the basis of this morning's debate, we are not confident that the Bill's passage will not be impeded.
      The hon. Member for Cities of London and Westminster (Mr. Field) sought an assurance about the Bill's compatibility with human rights legislation. I assure him that it is fully compatible with the requirements of such legislation—Ministers only sign off Bills when they are certain that they are. Finally, on the question of injuries, none of us should belittle the injuries that have occurred both this year and in previous years. However, I would like to point out that there has been a big drop in injuries over the past year. It is a welcome drop from a figure that was too high, but because we do not have the legislative means that the Bill would provide, we cannot do more than we are
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      doing to tackle the matter of injuries. I trust that the House will speedily see the Bill through its remaining stages here this morning.
      Mr. Chope: We have made great progress. I am grateful to the hon. Member for Hamilton, South (Mr. Tynan) for indicating to me that he was prepared to accept both amendments, and I am grateful to the Minister for indicating that she is prepared to accept amendment No. 66. I am also grateful to both of them for indicating that they accept the argument that there is no case for reducing the decibel level for fireworks below 120 dB.
      Mr. Leigh: We are almost there, but the Minister said that she would not object to a provision in the Bill dealing with the decibel limit, except for the fact that it might lead to further delays. She wanted concrete assurances. I am sure that my hon. Friend the Member for Christchurch (Mr. Chope) could catch the eye of my hon. Friend the Member for Blaby (Mr. Robathan) on the Front Bench, so that such assurances could be given.
      Mr. Chope: My hon. Friend makes a good point. I give way to my hon. Friend the Member for Blaby (Mr. Robathan).
      Mr. Robathan: Notwithstanding the fact that every Member of the House is a free spirit, I can assure the House that the Front Bench, with the support of the Whips, will try its utmost not to impede any amendment from the other place relating to the figure of 120 dB.
      Miss Johnson rose—
      Mr. Chope: I am grateful to my hon. Friend. I give way to the Minister.
      Miss Johnson: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman. It is for the usual channels to discuss the matter fully and determine the outcome. I have made clear our position and our only reservation. I want to make it clear to hon. Members that although we would be content to accept amendment No. 66, unfortunately we are not content to accept amendment No. 40, which is subject to affirmative resolution.
      Mr. Chope: I am sorry that the Minister is not prepared to accept amendment No. 40. As I understood it, the Bill's promoter considered it a reasonable amendment. We may have to press the matter to a Division and test the will of the House.
      Perhaps the Minister is constrained by the Government approach: they want to keep open as many options as possible, but as Members of the House, we wish to keep some control over the matter within our remit. One way in which we could do that would be to ensure that changing the definition of fireworks had to be the subject of proper primary legislation, which could be debated and amended in the usual way, rather than through regulation, even by the affirmative procedure.
      On the substantive issue, we have made enormous progress in clarifying beyond peradventure that the Government believe that the 120 dB limit should be the lowest limit. That is in line with the view of the British

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      Fireworks Association and with what is being contemplated in Europe. The only issue now is how we can ensure that the expressed will of the House can be written into the Bill, to prevent the possibility of a single-issue factor in the future putting pressure on the Government to amend it. That is why I should like the figure of 120 dB, which is fundamental to the future of the British fireworks industry and fireworks as we know them, to be written into the Bill.
      The Minister said that she was concerned that if the clause were amended in the other place, the entire Bill may fall, but I hope that, as she said, the matter can be sorted out through the usual channels, because we are here to try together to improve legislation where it can be improved.
      I regret that in all the earlier statements from both the Minister and the promoter there was insufficient clarity on the issue. If there had been proper clarity, we could probably have tabled the amendment in Committee, it would have been accepted on Report, and the Bill could have gone through in that form. Perhaps it is a feature of the House that we do not have as many stages for considering a Bill as they do in their lordships' House. That is a matter that the Procedure Committee may want to consider on a future occasion.
      I am grateful to the Minister for her acceptance. I hope that it is shared by other hon. Members. I should like to press amendment No. 40 to a Division, as it involves an issue of principle. A fundamental change to the definition of fireworks should be the subject of primary, rather than secondary, legislation.
      Question put, That the amendment be made:—
      The House divided:Ayes 6, Noes 85.

      Division No. 230]

      [11:15 am

      AYES

      Field, Mark (Cities of London & Westminster)

      Steen, Anthony

      Forth, rh Eric

      Grayling, Chris

      Tellers for the Ayes:

      Robathan, Andrew

      Mr. Christopher Chope and Mr. Edward Leigh

      Ruffley, David

      NOES

      Adams, Irene (Paisley N)

      Crausby, David

      Alexander, Douglas

      Cunningham, Jim (Coventry S)

      Allan, Richard

      Davey, Valerie (Bristol W)

      Allen, Graham

      Dobbin, Jim (Heywood)

      Anderson, rh Donald (Swansea E)

      Dobson, rh Frank

      Austin, John

      Fitzpatrick, Jim

      Bailey, Adrian

      Gale, Roger (N Thanet)

      Barnes, Harry

      Gapes, Mike (Ilford S)

      Baron, John (Billericay)

      Gerrard, Neil

      Barrett, John

      Gilroy, Linda

      Bennett, Andrew

      Griffiths, Jane (Reading E)

      Best, Harold

      Griffiths, Win (Bridgend)

      Betts, Clive

      Hall, Patrick (Bedford)

      Blears, Ms Hazel

      Harris, Dr. Evan (Oxford W & Abingdon)

      Blizzard, Bob

      Bradley, rh Keith (Withington)

      Harris, Tom (Glasgow Cathcart)

      Cable, Dr. Vincent

      Holmes, Paul

      Cairns, David

      Hood, Jimmy (Clydesdale)

      Cawsey, Ian (Brigg)

      Iddon, Dr. Brian

      Chapman, Ben (Wirral S)

      Irranca-Davies, Huw

      Chapman, Sir Sydney (Chipping Barnet)

      Jackson, Glenda (Hampstead & Highgate)

      Clark, Paul (Gillingham)

      Johnson, Miss Melanie (Welwyn Hatfield)

      Clarke, Tony (Northampton S)

      Cranston, Ross

      Keetch, Paul

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      Ladyman, Dr. Stephen

      Robertson, Hugh (Faversham & M-Kent)

      Leslie, Christopher

      Levitt, Tom (High Peak)

      Ryan, Joan (Enfield N)

      Linton, Martin

      Sheridan, Jim

      Luke, Iain (Dundee E)

      Spellar, rh John

      McCabe, Stephen

      Stewart, Ian (Eccles)

      McIsaac, Shona

      Sutcliffe, Gerry

      McKechin, Ann

      Thomas, Gareth (Clwyd W)

      McNulty, Tony

      Touhig, Don (Islwyn)

      McWalter, Tony

      Truswell, Paul

      Mallaber, Judy

      Turner, Dr. Desmond (Brighton Kemptown)

      Mercer, Patrick

      Moffatt, Laura

      Tynan, Bill (Hamilton S)

      Moonie, Dr. Lewis

      Vis, Dr. Rudi

      Murrison, Dr. Andrew

      Ward, Claire

      Norris, Dan (Wansdyke)

      Watson, Tom (W Bromwich E)

      Osborne, George (Tatton)

      Weir, Michael

      Palmer, Dr. Nick

      Wright, Anthony D. (Gt Yarmouth)

      Perham, Linda

      Prosser, Gwyn

      Pugh, Dr. John

      Tellers for the Noes:

      Quin, rh Joyce

      Mr. Barry Gardiner and Mr. Andrew Dismore

      Robertson, Angus (Moray)

      Question accordingly negatived.

    Clause 2

      POWER TO MAKE REGULATIONS ABOUT FIREWORKS
      Mr. Chope: I beg to move amendment No. 41, in page 2, line 1, leave out 'there is no' and insert 'the'.
      Madam Deputy Speaker: With this it will be convenient to discuss the following amendments: No. 42, in page 2, line 2, after 'subsection (3)', insert 'is controlled'.
      No. 43, in page 2, line 2, leave out ', or'.
      No. 44, in page 2, line 3, leave out paragraph (b).
      No. 45, in page 2, line 8, leave out paragraph (a) and insert—
      '(a) death, injury or unnecessary suffering to persons'.
      No. 46, in page 2, line 9, leave out paragraph (b) and insert—
      '(b) death, injury or unnecessary suffering to any domestic or captive animal, and'.
      Mr. Chope: This is another important group of amendments, which deals with the issue of risk and consequences, and their effect would be to make clause 2 much more reasonable. If amendments Nos. 41 and 42 were accepted, clause 2(1)(a) would read:
      "for securing that the risk that use of fireworks will have the consequences specified in subsection (3) is controlled".
      Those of us who have any experience of health and safety issues and legislation—I have some, having had the privilege of serving on the Health and Safety Commission for a number of years—know that the elimination of risk is not practical. We are talking about introducing means by which risks and the consequences of those risks can be controlled. That is reflected in my amendments, rather than the absolutist approach—
      [Interruption.]
      Madam Deputy Speaker: Order. There are too many alternative conversations going on in the Chamber.
      Mr. Chope: It may be that hon. Members are discussing telephone calls that they have received or are about to receive from No. 10.
      Clause 2 states:
      "The Secretary of State may by regulations … make any provision which the Secretary of State considers appropriate … for securing that there is no risk that use of fireworks will have the consequences specified".
      As I said earlier, the only way of eliminating the risk completely is to ban fireworks completely. The only way of eliminating the risk of being struck dead by a falling branch or tree is to cut down every tree in the country. The only way of eliminating the risk of being mown down by a motor car is to ban all cars. At the moment, the clause is far too extreme. The only way in which we could completely eliminate the risk of being struck by lightning would be to stay in our bunkers permanently unless there were a completely clear blue sky outside, although a thunderbolt might even then come from nowhere. It is important that when we as a House introduce legislation, we use language that people can understand. Without too much immodesty, I argue that the wording of my amendments would make the Bill better and clearer, which is why I commend them to the House.
      11.30 am
      I do not know whether the hon. Member for Twickenham (Dr. Cable) is going to speak, but on Second Reading, he said:
      "the Bill introduces a subjective test. The prosecuting authorities will have to define personal distress … That clause requires in-depth examination."—[Official Report, 28 February 2003; Vol. 400, c. 502.]
      As there was no such in-depth examination in Committee and on Second Reading, he may wish to comment on my modest suggestion that we introduce what is clearly an objective test.
      Mr. David Ruffley: In the interests of clarity, will my hon. Friend confirm that the amendments are designed to make the Bill better and to make it good law, and that it is not his intention to destroy a Bill that will provide the protection that so many of our constituents want, especially in Bury St. Edmunds, where I have received a huge mailbag of letters from concerned people, most of them older people—
      Madam Deputy Speaker: Order. The hon. Gentleman's intervention should relate to the amendment under discussion.
      Mr. Chope: I welcome my hon. Friend's intervention. I have no intention whatever of preventing good law from getting on to the statute book, but it is important that we as Members of this House should try to use the opportunities that we have to improve and clarify the Bill. One of the purposes of the amendments is to ensure that the Bill is clear and that it does not enable the Minister at some future stage to say that, as there is a residual risk that somebody might be injured, the Government will be justified in introducing draconian regulations. My hon. Friend will probably agree that there is no need to deal with such an issue at great length, but I hope that one or two other hon. Members will contribute to the debate.
      Mr. George Osborne: Will my hon. Friend explain how the amendment would materially affect the Bill? I
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      agree that the idea of ensuring that there is no risk is ludicrous and would mean that nobody could light a sparkler because of the risk of injury or damage to property. How would the amendment alter the way in which the legislation would work?
      Mr. Chope: As the passage that I seek to amend is an introductory passage relating to the powers of the Secretary of State under clause 2, the amendment would not allow the Secretary of State to introduce in regulations changes securing that there was no risk of firework use having the consequences specified in the clause. She would be able to intervene only to ensure that the risk of incurring the specified consequences is controlled.
      Mr. George Osborne: Does my hon. Friend accept that that is still a fairly subjective test? The word "risk" is subjective, and it would still be left to the Minister to decide what was an acceptable risk and what was not.
      Mr. Chope: I accept that risk is subjective, but its total elimination is absolute, and it is that absolutism that I am trying to remove from the Bill. That is the essence of my proposal. I hope that both the promoter and the Minister will think that that is common sense and worthy of support.
      Mr. Mark Field: I wish to make a very brief contribution, as, like many hon. Members who are present, I broadly support the aims of the Bill. I represent an urban seat and have been lobbied by many constituents who are very concerned about the noise nuisance.
      Mr. Robathan: Including me.
      Mr. Mark Field: I should say that they include my hon. Friend.
      The Conservatives have traditionally recognised, however, that such legislation, as an instinctive infringement on the individual's right of free action, is justified only on grounds of public safety or antisocial behaviour that harms or stands to harm others. I therefore share some of the concerns expressed by my hon. Friend the Member for Christchurch (Mr. Chope) in the sensible amendments that he has tabled to suggest that at least the absolute elimination of risk cannot sensibly be achieved.
      Like many hon. Members, I have some instinctive worries about the ever more intrusive role of government—and I do not make a narrow point about the current Administration as opposed to previous ones. For example, the proposed restrictions on smoking are based on purely social grounds, rather than necessarily those of harm. I am reminded that the last non-Conservative to represent my parliamentary seat was none other than John Stuart Mill, who had a three-year spell representing the constituency until 1868. I suspect that he might be seen as a Conservative nowadays, and "On Liberty" is a tome that I have read with great interest and would largely support, but the increasing public concern about injuries and public nuisance must not override the sense of what my hon. Friend proposes, which is to ensure that some sort of balance is in place.

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      There is inevitably a risk with anything in life. Obviously, we instinctively view using fireworks as a hazardous activity. None the less, we need a workable law, as it would be a disaster to introduce an unworkable Bill and so not achieve all the good that is being proposed. The hon. Member for Hamilton, South (Mr. Tynan) said forcefully that there had been a great deal of consultation in the political sphere and with firework manufacturers and a range of different charities, many of which have been in touch with all of us as Members of Parliament. Let us ensure that the Bill is workable. The concern to do so is one of the reasons why we have had a fairly full debate so far.
      Mr. George Osborne: My hon. Friend is right to say that the law must be workable. Does he agree that, if the Government failed to introduce regulations eliminating all risk of injury, they themselves would risk being liable to a court action taken by someone who had been injured and claimed that the Minister had failed to introduce such regulations?
      Mr. Mark Field: That is a concern, although there is an equal risk that I may not entirely have understood all the implications of my hon. Friend's question. Above all, we need to ensure effective enforcement. I know that we will discuss that issue later in relation to the duties and financial responsibilities of local authorities, but it seems unacceptable for us to fill the statute book with yet more unworkable law. It is better to focus on ensuring that we introduce workable legislation.
      I wish the Bill Godspeed, but I hope that the Minister will seriously consider the points that have been made.
      Dr. Vincent Cable: This string of amendments poses a bit of a dilemma to those of us who want the legislation to be introduced. I realise that there is a tight timetable and I do not want to speak at any great length.
      I raised my concern on Second Reading. In particular, I want to mention the substance of amendments Nos. 45 and 46, which would affect clause 2(3). I ask the Minister whether the subsections are necessary at all—a point that goes to the heart of what was said in respect of the previous group of amendments about whether there should be an objective measure of noise. If there were clear agreement on a proper decibel count, whether of 95 or 120, it would simply not be necessary to include in the Bill powers enabling the Minister to define the nature of distress in a very subjective way. So in part, my question is: is this provision really necessary? And what would happen if these regulations went to the courts, which probably would happen if a judicial review were launched against them? One can imagine a lawyer having great fun trying to get the Government's representative to explain, for example, why animals suffer distress but people suffer alarm, distress and anxiety. An Aquinas-type philosophical debate could easily ensue.
      I do not want to obstruct progress, but I do have anxiety about these clauses. I understand the logic of the amendments, which seem entirely sensible in this context. I hope that the Minister will work hard to explain to us why these subsections are necessary to preserve the spirit of the Bill.
      Mr. George Osborne: The hon. Gentleman says that the lawyers would have a field day if some of the
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      amendments were accepted, but would they not have a field day if the Bill were passed unamended? For example, as it stands the Secretary of State will be responsible for introducing regulations to ensure that there is "no risk" that the use of fireworks will result in the
      "death of persons or injury, alarm, distress"
      or even "anxiety". That is such a broad provision that it would virtually prohibit all fireworks.
      Dr. Cable: Indeed. Perhaps I did not make myself sufficiently clear: in talking about the dangers of legal ambiguity I was referring to the Bill as drafted, not to the amendments. So I take the hon. Gentleman's point entirely.
      Mr. Richard Allan: I shall be brief, as I do not want to obstruct progress on the Bill. I simply want to point out my one concern, which relates to amendment No. 46. It would redefine the problems that may be caused to animals by removing the concept of distress and referring only to
      "death, injury or unnecessary suffering".
      The concept of distress is one of my primary motivations in supporting this legislation, as it is for many people. I have been lobbied by perhaps the most effective of my constituents in this regard—my mother. Her dog Gipsy suffers immensely every time that fireworks go off, and such suffering brings home the reality of this issue. My mother and many other constituents have said that it is a question of balancing the right of pet owners to have nights during which they can sleep without their dogs jumping into bed with them, against the right of others to enjoy fireworks. That issue is at the heart of this legislation.
      I am concerned at the possible removal of the provision relating to distress, and that the amendments might raise the threshold at which regulations could be brought in beyond their most effective point.
      Mr. Chope: Has the hon. Gentleman noticed that the current provision, unless it is amended, will extend not just to domestic and captive animals, but to wild animals? How easy does he think it will be to enforce the distress provision in relation to wild animals?
      Mr. Allan: My understanding is that the provision will simply enable the Secretary of State to introduce regulations, and what we are doing is setting out the Secretary of State's motivations in doing so. I would trust any Secretary of State, from whichever party, to take a reasonable stance in terms of introducing regulations. However, when they do so, I should like them to be motivated by the question of the causing of unnecessary distress to animals. I would not expect any Secretary of State in their right mind to introduce regulations because distress might have been caused to a wild animal that was far away from people's homes. We must use a certain amount of common sense in judging this issue, but I do want the Secretary of State to have the power to take distress caused to pets into account in deciding whether to introduce regulations. That is covered in the original wording, and my worry is that it would not be covered if the amendment were accepted.
      Mr. Robathan: I shall be extremely brief. The amendments draw attention to some very real worries to

      957
      which the Bill gives rise. The hon. Member for Twickenham (Dr. Cable), who made a very sensible contribution, referred to his anxiety about the amendments. I am not a lawyer, I am glad to say, but I notice that, in the context of subsection (3)(a), such anxiety might lead him—or someone like him—to take the Government to court to require that the Secretary of State make regulations to contain that anxiety. The Bill's proposer and the hon. Gentleman might therefore consider that the drafting is not quite all that it should be.
      Mr. Leigh: I shall also be brief, particularly in view of the progress that we are making and the very moderate way in which the Bill is being promoted. My hon. Friend the Member for Christchurch (Mr. Chope) did not really have time to deal with amendments Nos. 45 and 46 in his initial remarks. As drafted, the latter amendment would put the Bill on all fours—if that it the right way to put it—with the Protection of Animals Act 1911, which is an entirely sensible way to proceed. If the amendment were accepted, the Bill would then refer to
      "death, injury or unnecessary suffering to any domestic or captive animal".
      The promoter of the Bill undoubtedly did not want to draw it so widely that the Secretary of State would have the power to deal with any possible distress to wild animals. Of course we do not want, to cause distress to wild animals, but we must also be in the business of framing sensible legislation that we can enforce. It is difficult to know how such a provision could be enforced in country areas such as the one that I represent. I suppose it is possible that people living in the countryside who let off fireworks in their garden could cause distress to wild animals—I do not know. I suspect that there is insufficient evidence to reach a conclusion one way or the other about the long-term consequences. In any event, it is entirely sensible to use the same language as that contained in the 1911 Act.
      11.45 am
      There is one sensible point that we need to sum up in a sentence or two, and which was dealt with very well by the hon. Member for Twickenham. Including in the Bill a reference to there being "no risk" that fireworks will cause death, injury, alarm or distress will give rise to great difficulties. It will never be possible to enforce such a provision, and one would never be able to prove that there is no risk that a firework might cause distress; indeed, any kind of firework can do so. Up until last year, my own young son could not stand the thought of being outside when fireworks were being let off—he is now six and is getting a bit better about this matter—and was really frightened by them. We can never say that there is no risk, and in that regard the Bill's drafting is very wide.
      I should point out that the Minister unkindly accused me of wanting to kill the Bill. Perhaps she does not know that I used to hold her position as Minister with responsibility for consumer affairs; indeed, I was the Minister with responsibility for fireworks. In the early 1990s, we had to deal with precisely the same issues that are being dealt with now, and there was precisely the
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      same pressure for such legislation. Like her, we simply tried to strike a balance, and that is all that we are doing today. A Bill that means that any risk that causes people any anxiety could lead to the Secretary of State's introducing draconian regulations is a step too far.
      All that the Government are trying to do, and all that previous Conservative Government tried to do, in this very difficult area is to strike a balance: to allow people to enjoy fireworks in a sensible way, while providing some protection for the public. However, I am afraid that there is a small minority of people who absolutely loathe fireworks, and who will use any mechanism to outlaw them altogether, or to corral them into a very few public displays. That said, I know that that is not the Minister's intention, and that in summing up this debate, she can give us the reassurances that we seek.
      Miss Melanie Johnson: I can assure the hon. Member for Gainsborough (Mr. Leigh) that I accept his assurance that he is not in the business of wrecking the Bill; I was merely pointing out the contrast with his activities in 1998. I am therefore grateful for his reassurance on this occasion.
      I shall discuss the various amendments and their effect, as it is important that the House be aware of our understanding of them. Amendment No. 45 would not in fact add anything to the Bill. As drafted, the Bill refers to the
      "death of persons or injury, alarm, distress or anxiety to persons".
      That gives us a rounded and comprehensive indication of the problems that people face in respect of fireworks. "Unnecessary suffering", the wording in the amendment, is much vaguer. It would leave the Secretary of State a much freer hand—something that the hon. Gentleman has argued against, and which I feel less, not more comfortable with. Therefore I am puzzled as to why the amendment is before the House, in light of all that the Conservatives have said so far.
      Amendment No. 46 is similar to the previous amendment in that it waters down the protection requirements of the Bill. The Bill currently states,
      "death of animals or injury or distress to animals".
      That means all animals, and includes intentional distress or injury to wild animals. Conservative Members do not seem to want that protection afforded to wild animals, and I have some sympathy with where they are coming from, in so far as I think that it is far less likely that injury will occur to wild animals. However, I do not support the amendment, as I think the Bill is better as currently drafted, because there is no doubt in any of our minds that injury or distress to a wild animal or group of wild animals could be as great as it would be to a domestic or captive animal or group of animals.
      Mr. Chope: Does that mean that the Minister, and indeed the Government, are in favour of amending the 1911 Act to widen its application to all wild animals?
      Miss Johnson: That is a matter for my colleagues in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, as I am sure the hon. Gentleman is aware, because that legislation comes within their remit, so I cannot comment on what would happen to that legislation. All I can say is that this provision is appropriate and I stand by the Bill as drafted and presented to the House today.

      959
      In response to amendments Nos. 41 to 44, I agree that clause 2(1) does look a little strange, but in fact it is a well-crafted and sensible provision. The first limb, paragraph (a), is needed for cases when a ban is considered necessary and relevant. I am sure that Conservative Members would support all of us in thinking that there are occasions when a ban is actually necessary. The second limb, paragraph (b), covers regulation short of a ban. Therefore both limbs are needed. "Controlling" the risk, as suggested by the tabled amendment, does not offer the same level of protection as both the existing parts of the Bill.
      I point out in that connection that the purpose is to ensure that there is no risk of the consequences specified in subsection (3), which are the death of persons, the death of animals, and the destruction of or damage to property. It is not that there is no risk of something, because I entirely agree with Conservative Members that this is not a risk-free world and we are not living in a world where "no risk" is a sensible objective for any area of life, least of all this one. There will always be risks associated with the use of fireworks and I believe it is the business of the House today to try to ensure that we get the right balance between, on one hand, reducing the dangers and disruption and disorder that are being caused in our communities, which have led so many members of the public, from every constituency, to write to their Member of Parliament, asking us to take more measures to deal with that risk; and on the other, ensuring that people can continue to enjoy fireworks in the way that they always have and in the way that I did as a child in my family when I was growing up and children continue to do today.
      Mr. Leigh: Will the hon. Lady give way?
      Miss Johnson: I have finished.
      Mr. Chope: I am sorry that the Minister is being so short with some hon. Members today, because this is an important proposal. It has won support from a number of other contributors to the debate but the Minister has more or less said, "Because we have produced this particular text, it is correct and it is not worth talking about trying to amend it." That is the spirit of intransigence and inflexibility that leads to trouble with legislation.
      Miss Johnson: I am very happy to hear what hon. Members have to say on this point. I am simply seeking to reassure the hon. Gentleman as to the interpretation of the Bill before us today, and of the intentions of the subsections that we are discussing. It is important that people understand why the Government have drafted them as they have, and why we still think that is right, even in light of the points that the hon. Gentleman has made.
      Mr. Chope: The Minister has not really addressed the issue of how she thinks it is reasonable that a Minister should have the legal responsibility to secure that there is no risk that the use of fireworks will cause distress to wild animals. How can the Government take upon themselves responsibility for securing, to use the exact words, that there is "no risk" whatever that the use of fireworks will cause distress to wild animals? Are we a
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      madhouse? Do we really think the Government should take that role for themselves? Are we really legislating to give them such a role? I think not. Therefore I, with other hon. Members—many of my party, but others too—cautioned the Minister that what was contained in clause 2—
      Mr. Leigh: I wish that the Minister would reply to that point about animals. It is a very good point.
      The Minister made some progress in the summing up. I wanted to intervene on her but she sat down rather quickly. She seemed to accept that we do not live in a risk-free society and that there will always be some sort of risk, even a minimal risk, that fireworks might cause death or distress to people. The words that a Minister utters at the Dispatch Box are important, and the hon. Lady seemed to accept that entirely sensible point of view; but for some consequential reason or some drafting reason, she maintains that the words "no risk" must appear in the Bill. That is why I am slightly confused. I hope that my hon. Friend will try to help me on this point.
      Mr. Chope: My hon. Friend asks me to help! I cannot understand why the Government are not prepared to accept the points that we are making about what may be described as a contradiction at the very beginning of clause 2(1), but the notion of trying to eliminate all risk from fireworks is of course the agenda of those who wish to ban fireworks outright. It was encapsulated quite well in the words of the lion. Member for Bury, North (Mr. Chaytor) on Second Reading, when he asked:
      "Can he assure the House that the restrictions on sales to which he refers will ensure that fireworks that can maim and kill children and young people will not be available for use at private parties?"—[Official Report, 28 February 2003; Vol. 400, c. 484.]
      Any firework could maim or kill a young child, and the hon. Gentleman was asking for an absolute assurance.
      Miss Johnson: I will try to explain again to the hon. Gentleman. Paragraphs (a) and (b) are alternatives. It is not the case that (a) will always apply, because (b) says,
      "or for securing that the, risk that the use of fireworks will have those consequences is the minimum that is compatible with their being used."
      Therefore there is art option (a) which is related to the need to ban and an option (b) which is related to the need to make regulation; that is the reason. We are not talking about a statement about how much risk there is in the world. I entirely agree with the hon. Gentleman about what the risks are and I agree that we must strike a balance.
      Mr. Chope: I think we are reaching a clear position on this now. The Minister has openly said that paragraph (a) enables the Government and the Secretary of State to ban. My hon. Friends and I are concerned about that, so we wish to introduce wording that is less absolutist. We are disappointed.
      Mr. George Osborne: My hon. Friend is on to a very important point. Perhaps the Minister would intervene again to explain in what circumstances the Government could seek to ban all fireworks. Why does the Minister feel that the Government need that option?
      Mr. Chope: I give way to the Minister.
      Miss Johnson: The point is that the purpose of the measure is not to ban all fireworks at all. I am not aware

      961
      of any Labour or Opposition Member who has any desire to ban all fireworks—quite the contrary. The Bill is crucial if fireworks are to remain available to the general public under the right conditions. Without it, there is a danger that those who support a ban will get the upper hand. I entirely agree that there are people who want a full ban, but they are not represented in the Chamber today or among hon. Members. We want to be able to implement bans under certain circumstances, and I am sure that Conservative Members would agree with that. We have already taken steps by using existing powers to ban fireworks that were considered dangerous. Bangers have been banned, and we need to be able to continue to do such things.
      12 noon
      Mr. Chope: I am grateful to the Minister for that long intervention. I hope that it provided clarification, although I am not convinced.
      Dr. Murrison: I wonder whether the Minister's dilemma would be sorted neatly by the deletion of subsection (1)(a). She could then rely on subsection (1)(b), and any talk of banning things would be eliminated.
      Mr. Chope: My hon. Friend is on to a good point. I have been kicking myself quietly for not tabling such an amendment because it would have encapsulated our case more clearly, given the Minister's understanding of the more convoluted amendments. No one wants to prevent the Bill from making progress but we want to protect ourselves against the possibility of a future Secretary of State being keen to ban fireworks outright and using the Bill to justify that. As the Minister will appreciate, no Government can bind their successors. The powers in the Bill—we shall address clause 2(2), which the Minister wishes to remove, in a minute—go to the root of what a future Government might be able to do, which is why I am keen to circumscribe them.
      Miss Johnson: Let me make it absolutely plain that the provisions relate to a category of firework or situation for which a ban might be necessary. They would not ban fireworks. We used powers to ban bangers—they are no longer on the market—because they were identified as dangerous fireworks that caused many injuries and much distress. The Bill contains an equivalent provision to allow us to make a ban when that is considered necessary under the objectives in subsection (3). I hope that I am explaining myself sufficiently clearly to the hon. Gentleman because I think he misunderstands the intention behind the provisions. I assure Conservative Members that the drafting was primarily a job for the parliamentary counsel. They bring their wisdom and experience to bear to ensure that legislation is right when it comes before the House.
      Mr. Chope: The Minister has explained herself and I hope that her clarification proves to be correct. I doubt whether it is worth pressing the amendment to a Division because it is narrow—it would only substitute the words "there is no" with the word "the". We have
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      had a useful debate because the Minister told us the intentions behind the measure, and I am sure that if worries remain, they may be raised in another place.
      I am disappointed that the Minister does not accept our point about wild animals. How could we possibly legislate to eliminate distress caused to wild animals by fireworks? How could that be policed and how would one know where the wild animals were? The suggestion is ludicrous. However, the Minister seems to be intransigent and I am conscious that amendment No. 44 is part of a group and does not lend itself easily to a vote, so I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.
      Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
      Miss Melanie Johnson: I beg to move Government amendment No. 1, in page 2, line 5 [Clause 2], leave out subsection (2).
      Mr. Deputy Speaker (Sir Alan Haselhurst): With this it will be convenient to discuss the following amendments: No. 47, in page 2, line 16, at end insert—
      'Before making fireworks regulations the Secretary of State must issue a full regulatory impact assessment setting out details of the costs and benefits and the wider economic social and environmental impact of the proposed regulations'.
      No. 48, in page 2, line 18, leave out 'twelve' and insert 'six'.
      No. 49, in page 2, line 25, leave out paragraph (b).
      Miss Johnson: In Committee on 30 April, an amendment was accepted as a result of a concern about the nature of the powers in the Bill. It was tabled to ensure that any regulations arising from the Bill would be subject to the affirmative resolution procedure. However, we have had more time to consider the relevance of that amendment. Government amendment No. 1 will reverse the amendment accepted in Committee and restore the Bill to its original form. I hope that the reason for that will become clear.
      Clause 2(2) is technically inefficient. No orders as such will be made under the Bill but fireworks regulations will be made under clause 2 that will be subject to the negative procedure under clause 16(3). Fireworks regulations are intended to fill gaps in safety regulations that are made under section 11 of the Consumer Protection Act 1987. Fireworks regulations address both the use and supply of fireworks. Safety regulations are already subject to the negative procedure and an additional advantage of fireworks regulations being subject to the same procedure is that an excessive bureaucratic regulatory process would be avoided by permitting a single set of regulations to be made using powers in both the Bill and the Consumer Protection Act 1987.
      It is worth noting that given parliamentary concerns about powers such as those in clauses 1(2) and 14(3)—so-called Henry VIII powers—during the passage of the Fireworks Bill promoted by my hon. Friend the Member for Plymouth, Sutton (Linda Gilroy) in 1998, regulations made under those clauses, which would not be fireworks regulations made under clause 2, would be subject to the more restrictive affirmative procedure under clause 16(2), which I mentioned when we

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      considered amendment No. 40. My Department's view is that fireworks regulations do not involve considerations of special importance that might render the affirmative procedure appropriate.
      I make it clear to hon. Members that we accepted the amendment in Committee in good faith but that I was subsequently advised that it would cause much difficulty owing to a conflict with regulations made under the Consumer Protection Act 1987, which are subject to the negative procedure. That is why we wish to withdraw our acceptance of the amendment. It is important that there is full consultation on all matters and we intend that draft regulations would be produced before consideration of regulations under either the negative or affirmative procedure. However, I am advised that clause 2(2) would cause much difficulty and bureaucracy in order to achieve the same effect, which makes it highly undesirable. The Government hope that hon. Members will accept the amendment.
      Mr. Robathan: I do not doubt the Minister's good faith. Like her, I sometimes tread with trepidation in the fields of parliamentary technicalities, and therefore rely to a large extent on the advice of counsel. However, I have a question for her that goes to the heart of the matter. Clause 2(2) states:
      "No order shall be made under this section unless a draft of the order has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament."
      In other words, regulations are to be subject to negative, not affirmative, action. If that subsection is withdrawn, is it possible that, without a statutory instrument or order of any sort, a future Government might introduce under clause 2 a blanket ban on fireworks? The Bill allows the Government enormous powers, and I am concerned that they could ban whatever they like without affirmative action. I hope that the Minister will be able to reassure me on that.
      Mr. Chope: For those of us who are concerned about changes of mind by Ministers, this episode does not give us much confidence. In Committee, the Minister said:
      "I am happy to accept amendment No. 2 if the Committee so desires."—[Official Report, Standing Committee C, 30 April 2003; c. 4.]
      The Committee did so desire, which resulted in subsection (2) being added to the Bill. That is the very subsection that the Minister now seeks to take out through the Government amendment, for the reasons that she explained. I hope that she has suitably castigated her advisers in Committee for not having drawn her attention to the difficulties that would arise were she, in a fit of generosity, to accept the amendment, which was tabled by my hon. Friend the Member for Blaby (Mr. Robathan). However, that is all in the past. I leave it to the House to judge whether it is sensible to accept the Government amendment, because it will result in there being less control over the regulation-making process than there would be if subsection (2) were retained.
      I am sorry that the Minister chose not to comment on my amendments.
      Miss Melanie Johnson: That is because I would rather hear what the hon. Gentleman has to say first, and respond later.
      Mr. Chope: I accept that.
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      I hope that the Government will accept amendment No. 47. It is more for the Government to accept it than the promoter of the Bill, because I am sure that he would have no difficulty with it whatsoever. It would require the Secretary of State to issue a regulatory impact assessment before making regulations. One might have thought it unnecessary to legislate for that, given that it is already Government policy, but I have to report to the House my disappointment that the regulatory impact assessment that was promised for this Bill was signed by the Minister only yesterday, and I received a draft of it only the day before. I was told that the reason was that the Minister was returning from Slovenia, or possibly Slovakia—somewhere beginning with "S" in eastern Europe—on Thursday, and would not be able to sign it until then. I told the parliamentary clerk at the Department of Trade and Industry that that was not satisfactory, because it meant that we would not be able to see it before the deadline for the tabling of amendments to the Bill.
      The Minister should have a go at her officials for having failed to produce by Second Reading an RIA for a private Member's Bill that the Government are supporting. The Cabinet Office Minister responsible for the regulatory impact assessment process has expressed concern about the matter. On 3 April, there was no less than a written ministerial statement by that gentleman, which said:
      "A baseline for measuring the level of compliance with the Regulatory Impact Assessment is today being placed on the website … An exercise in December 2002 to establish a snapshot of the level of compliance provided a figure of 92 per cent. We will keep this under six monthly review and strive not only to retain this level of compliance but improve it. In addition, we recognise the need to increase the quality of RIAs and the value they add to the policy making process. We are working closely with departments to identify ways of achieving this."—[Official Report, 3 April 2003; Vol. 402, 7OWS.]
      12.15 pm
      That was a written ministerial statement, so we did not have the chance to ask any questions. The Minister of State did not comment on why the regulatory impact assessment that should have been produced for the Fireworks Bill on a February had not been produced by then. I tabled a parliamentary question in March and was told that the assessment was in the process of being produced. As I said, it was only when I phoned the parliamentary clerk to the DTI on Wednesday to ask what had happened that the RIA was forthcoming.
      That is why amendment No. 47 should be built into the Bill. It is difficult enough for the House to deal with Bills on which amendments can be tabled. However, it is even more difficult when the House has to deal with regulations introducing various restrictions to fireworks without any full regulatory impact assessment having been conducted—notwithstanding what the Government say about the importance of such assessments.
      The person in charge of the better regulation taskforce—or is it the regulatory impacts assessment unit, I do not know—addressed a lunch of parliamentarians not long ago. In response to a question, he said that he needed our help—the help of parliamentarians—to make the system work. He advised that one way of making it work would be to embarrass Ministers when they had not complied with the requirements that had been laid down.

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      Let me remind the House that those requirements are contained in a document—quite a thick document, which I downloaded because it is often difficult to acquire these items in hard-copy form—called "Better Policy Making: A Guide to Regulatory Impact Assessment". It was produced in 1998 and embellished with a foreword by the Prime Minister. It worth reminding the House and embarrassing the Minister with what he said:
      "In August 1998, I announced that no proposal for regulation which has an impact on businesses, charities or voluntary bodies, should be considered by Ministers without a regulatory impact assessment being carried out. I have charged the Cabinet Office to ensure departments deliver better regulation through full compliance with the regulatory impact assessment process. Where regulations or alternative measures are introduced, this should be done in a light touch way, with decisions informed by a full regulatory impact assessment, which includes details of not only the obvious costs and benefits of the proposal but also the wider economic, social and environmental impacts. New regulations should only be introduced when other alternatives have first been considered and rejected, and where the benefits justify the costs."
      Hon. Members will note that some of that language is adopted in my amendment.
      The document stresses the full requirements of the process by which the Government are to introduce regulatory impact assessments. It makes it clear beyond peradventure that, for a private Member's Bill supported by the Government, a regulatory impact assessment should be available on Second Reading. We have barely had one today in time for Report and Third Reading, which is not good enough.
      I hope that the Minister will accept that, because of the manifest failure of her Department to comply with the requirements of the Prime Minister—and, indeed, good common sense—amendment No. 47 should be put on the statute book. I hope that she will make that concession.
      I hope that the Minister will also respond to the other amendments in the group. Amendment No. 48 is modest and would ensure that, if the Government needed to legislate instantly for emergencies or other eventualities without seeking the approval of Parliament, any such legislation would apply for only six months rather than a year. That is a sensible amendment. However, the regulatory impact assessments need to be produced in better time than in the past.
      Many hon. Members will not have seen the regulatory impact assessment that has been produced for this Bill because the Minister signed it only yesterday, and I am not even sure that there is a copy in the Library—as there should be. Perhaps the Minister could confirm that. The RIA identifies a concern shared by almost all hon. Members about enforcement. Many rules and regulations already exist to control the use of fireworks, but the problems our constituents face are caused by lack of enforcement.
      The RIA mentions costs and the Minister, in Committee, talked about the importance of getting tough and sorting out the problems that our constituents face. That is why I was concerned to read in the RIA that the Bill is not expected to add to the burden on the police. Most of our constituents expect that the Bill will result in the police becoming hyperactive in dealing with firework abuse and antisocial behaviour. In paragraph 9.3, the RIA states:
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      "The Police already have a role in firework enforcement and are unlikely to have any extra duties as a result of this Bill."
      That will come as a disappointment to many of us, because the Bill will not be enforced unless by the police.
      The RIA also sets out some of the costs associated with the process, and it seems that most of the burden will fall on local authorities. The assessment states:
      "With regard to clause 4—the use of fireworks outside of hours—it should be noted that only 35 per cent. of local authorities currently offer a full night time noise response service. Furthermore, 18 per cent. of local authorities do not have any outof-hours noise response cover. This limitation, however, is expected to change with the proposed amendments to the 1996 Noise Act—making the application of the Act mandatory for all local authorities. There is therefore likely to be little in the way of an extra financial burden arising from the enforcement of clause 4 in the Bill."
      Despite the short time I had after receiving the RIA so late, I looked at how the Government intended to amend the Noise Act 1996. The changes mentioned in the RIA are contained in clause 47 of the Anti-social Behaviour Bill. I discovered that, far from putting a duty on local authorities, clause 47 will relax their responsibilities to control noise nuisance, including the abuse of noisy fireworks, after 11 pm. That is amazing, because most issues raised in correspondence about fireworks relate the use of fireworks to antisocial behaviour. The Government are in a mess, because the regulatory impact assessment is not consistent with clause 47 of the Anti-social Behaviour Bill. I am sure that if more hon. Members had had the chance to read the RIA, they too would have become concerned, because it shows that the Government are talking tough on dealing with antisocial behaviour relating to fireworks but have hardly anything substantive with which to address the problem.
      Dr. Cable: I want to say a few words in support of amendment No. 47, which relates to the regulatory impact assessment. I confess to being something of an anorak about these assessments. There are a few of us slightly sad characters in the House—I know that the hon. Member for South Cambridgeshire (Mr. Lansley) is another—who actually read these things, and I have obviously been deprived of this particular one.
      It is important to stress why regulatory impact assessments are important. There is consensus on both sides of the House—I do not think that the issue divides the Government and the Opposition—that, whichever Government are in power, there is remorseless pressure to extend regulation, and successive Governments find that pressure difficult to resist. There are all kinds of compelling reasons why regulations are introduced. One of the brakes or disciplines in the process is that, when a new regulation is introduced, it should be subjected to a proper cost-benefit analysis.
      The Cabinet Office has devoted a lot of time and energy to improving the situation. I have been tabling written questions on the subject to Ministers for about five years to try to ensure that all Ministries carry out such assessments consistently. Practice is improving, and the National Audit Office suggested six months ago that there had been improvement in the way in which the Government handled the assessments, but that there were many gaps and Ministers had differential levels of performance.

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      This is an important issue, and I am surprised that the provision outlined in amendment No. 47 is not already written into the Bill. If it were Government legislation, I think that it probably would have been. I commend the provision on principle, although the one technical point that I guess lies behind the amendment is that the Government will claim that they have an overall regulatory impact assessment for the Bill as a whole. Since this is a framework Bill, however, that will not tell us much. Common sense suggests that it is the specific regulations that will result in particular costs and benefits, and those are the questions that we need the answers to.
      I would have thought that it was very much in the present spirit of the Department of Trade and Industry—which, I know, is a liberalising Department that tries to get these things right—to agree to this proposal without difficulty, and I hope that the Minister will be able to make a concession on this amendment.
      Miss Melanie Johnson: First, I shall inform the House of the reason that the draft regulatory impact assessment was not published sooner. It had been produced, but the actual publication failed to take place due to an administrative oversight. I can only apologise to hon. Members for their not having had more chance to study it, but I understand that the hon. Member for Christchurch (Mr. Chope) received a copy following a telephone conversation with a parliamentary clerk. I appreciate that that was not the case for all hon. Members, and that the hon. Member for Twickenham (Dr. Cable) has been deprived of his anorak activity. I am sure that he is looking forward to catching up on that over the weekend.
      Mr. Chope: Will the Minister tell us where the regulatory impact assessment is now? Is it in the House of Commons Library?
      Miss Johnson: It is indeed. Copies have been placed in the Library; it is available.
      Like both the hon. Gentlemen who have just spoken, I am a firm enthusiast for regulatory impact assessments. They are an extraordinarily good thing, and we want them carried out on a wider basis. We also want them carried out more effectively in Europe, and we have been working hard to that end. It is important that, as each aspect of any implementing regulations come forward from the Bill, the detail of those regulations should be subject to a proper RIA, and that will indeed be done. I have no problem with amendment No. 47 advocating such action. The amendment is unnecessary, however, because it is already a requirement of Government procedure that such an assessment should be carried out. I am perfectly happy to accept the amendment in the spirit of the way in which it was moved, however.
      On the point raised by the hon. Member for Christchurch about the police, the issue is whether the duties arising from the Bill will be more extensive than they were before. The duties do not necessarily extend police responsibilities. It is on the basis of the duties referred to that the assessment must be carried out.
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      12.30 pm
      Amendment No. 48 refers to emergency regulations. Such regulations ate not often made, but when they are it is fairly usual for them to last a year. If the hon. Gentleman thinks about the detail, he may foresee problems with a six-month period. It might, for instance, expire shortly before autumn, when the firework season will be in full swing. This is not a huge issue of principle, but I would prefer the regulations to last for a year, although we do not expect to have to use them.
      If amendment No. 49 were accepted, we would not be able to alter or amend regulations. I do not think any of us want that. The whole point of regulation, as dealt with in the House, is that it can be altered to take account of some detail or change in circumstances. That is not the case with primary legislation.
      Mr. Robathan: Can the Minister answer a question that I asked earlier about Government amendment No. 1? If the draft order were not subject to the affirmative procedure, would the Government have power to impose an outright ban?
      Miss Johnson: I can give the hon. Gentleman a categorical assurance that his anxieties are misplaced.
      Question put and agreed to.
      Amendments made: No. 1, in page 2, line 5, leave out subsection (2).
      No. 47, in page 2, line 16, at end insert—
      'Before making fireworks regulations the Secretary of State must issue a full regulatory impact assessment setting out details of the costs and benefits and the wider economic social and environmental impact of the proposed regulations'.—[Miss Melanie Johnson.]

    Clause 3

      PROHIBITION OF SUPPLY ETC. TO YOUNG PERSONS
      Mr. Chope: I beg to move amendment No. 7, in page 2, line 39, leave out 'an age so specified' and insert
      'the age of 18 years'.
      Mr. Deputy Speaker: With this we may take amendment No. 9, in page 2, line 42, leave out 'an age so specified' and insert
      'the age of 18 years'.
      Mr. Chope: I thank the Minister for accepting amendment No. 47. Amendments Nos. 7 and 9 are intended to introduce more clarity and precision. Clause 3 refers to "young persons". Does that mean people aged 16, 18, 21 or 25? I regard anyone over 50 but under 60 as young. Why does the Bill not give a precise definition—people aged 18, for instance? That is not asking very much.
      On Second Reading, the hon. Member for Hamilton, South (Mr. Tynan) said:
      "Clause 3 would ban sales to minors. The intention is that the current minimum age of 18 should be retained."—[Official Report, 28 February 2003; Vol. 400, c. 482.]

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      The amendments would ensure that the promoter's intention was enshrined in law, clearly and unambiguously.
      Miss Melanie Johnson: I understand why the hon. Gentleman has tabled the amendment but certain category 1 fireworks are currently available to 16-year-olds: party poppers, Christmas crackers and throw downs. The amendment would mean that regulations implementing the Bill limited all fireworks to 18-yearolds. I think that those are the sort of fireworks that people commonly have and that they are generally regarded as pretty risk free and pretty harmless. In the spirit of the hon. Gentleman's earlier comments about category 1 fireworks, I hope that we will not be over-prescriptive. It is for that reason that specifying a single age may be a problem. Therefore, I hope that he will withdraw the amendment.
      Mr. Chope: The purpose of my amendment was not to specify ages under 18. What I was concerned about was that the power could be used to prohibit those aged 18 or over from buying fireworks. If the Minister is prepared to give an assurance that there is no intention to introduce restrictions for people who are over 18 but who are still described as young people, I will have no problem.
      Miss Johnson: I have twin daughters who are still, just about, 18. It is unlikely that the Government will wish to extend the prohibition to those aged over 18. It is just those under 18 who are the issue.
      Mr. Chope: In the light of what the Minister said, I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.
      Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

    Clause 4

      PROHIBITION OF SUPPLY ETC. IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES
      Mr. Chope: I beg to move amendment No. 52, in page 3, line 4, leave out from 'from' to 'using' in line 5.
      Mr. Deputy Speaker: With this it will be convenient to discuss the following amendments No. 53, in page 3, line 7, leave out from 'from' to 'using' in line 8.
      No. 64, in page 3, line 16, at end insert—
      '() Fireworks regulations may not prohibit the supply of fireworks for private use on residential premises.'.
      No. 67, in page 3, line 16, at end insert—
      '() Firework regulations may not prohibit the supply of fireworks in such a way as to interfere with the celebration of major religious and national festivals.'.
      No. 55, in clause 5, page 3, line 44, at end add—
      '() Nothing in this section shall apply to—

      (a) any person whose trade or business is the professional organisation or professional operation of firework displays;

      970

      (b) any person whose trade or business, or part of whose trade or business, is the supply of fireworks or assemblies, for the purposes of supplying them in accordance with the provisions of these Regulations;

      (c) any local authority for the purposes of a firework display;

      (d) any person for use, in the course of a trade or business of his, for special effects purposes in the theatre, on film or on television;

      (e) any local authority, enforcement officer or other body, where that authority or body:

      (i) has enforcement powers, conferred by or under enactment, applying to the firework or assembly in question; and

      (ii) before it purchases the goods, informs the supplier that the purchase is to be made for the purposes of ascertaining whether any provision made by or under any enactment and relating to the safety of the goods has been contravened in relation to those goods;

      (f) any department of the Government of the United Kingdom for the purposes of a firework display put on by that department for use by that department at a national public celebration or a national commemorative event or for use by that department for research or investigations purposes;

      (g) any person who:

      (i) is in business as a supplier of goods designed and intended for use in conjunction with fireworks or assemblies; and

      (ii) intends to use the firework or assembly in question solely for the purposes of testing those goods to ensure that, when used in conjunction with fireworks or assemblies of the same type, they will perform their intended function or comply with any provision made by or under any enactment and relating to the safety of those goods; or

      (h) any establishment of the naval, military or air forces of the Crown for the purposes of a firework display or for use at a national public celebration or a national commemorative event.'.

      No. 60, in page 4, line 30, leave out clause 7.
      No. 61, in clause 7, page 5, line 13, at end add—
      '() Nothing in this section shall apply to—

      (a) any person whose trade or business is the professional organisation or professional operation of firework displays;

      (b) any person whose trade or business, or part of whose trade or business, is the supply of fireworks or assemblies, for the purpose of supplying them in accordance with the provisions of these Regulations;

      (c) any local authority for the purposes of a firework display;

      (d) any person for use, in the course of a trade or business of his, for special effects purposes in the theatre, on film or on television;

      (e) any local authority, enforcement officer or other body, where that authority or body:

      (i) has enforcement powers, conferred by or under enactment, applying to the firework or assembly in question; and

      (ii) before it purchases the goods, informs the supplier that the purchase is to be made for the purposes of ascertaining whether any provision made by or under any enactment and relating to the safety of the goods has been contravened in relation to those goods;

      (f) any department of the Government of the United Kingdom for the purposes of a firework display put on by that department for use by that department at a

      971
      national public celebration or a national commemorative event or for use by that department for research or investigations purposes;

      (g) any person who:

      (i) is in business as a supplier of goods designed and intended for use in conjunction with fireworks or assemblies; and

      (ii) intends to use the firework or assembly in question solely for the purposes of testing those goods to ensure that, when used in conjunction with fireworks or assemblies of the same type, they will perform their intended function or comply with any provision made by or under any enactment and relating to the safety of those goods; or

      (h) any establishment of the naval, military or air forces of the Crown for the purposes of a firework display or for use at a national public celebration or a national commemorative event.'.

      Mr. Chope: Some of the amendments are in the names of my hon. Friends, so I will not speak at length on those, but amendments Nos. 52 and 53 concentrate on the mischief of misuse rather than supply. I think that our constituents are concerned about the misuse of fireworks. There are already controls over supply under existing regulations. As the Minister said earlier, there are controls over safety. The big lacuna in the law and in the regulation-making power at the moment is in relation to the use of fireworks. That is why I seek in amendments Nos. 52 and 53 to cut out all the other guff and concentrate on misuse.
      Mr. Tynan: The hon. Gentleman should be aware that the Police Federation has recently suggested that we should change the law in order to ensure that possession of fireworks is an offence, so that it could be dealt with. I ask him to withdraw the amendment. The issue of supplying, purchasing and possessing fireworks is very important and should be left in the Bill.
      Mr. Chope: It is interesting that the hon. Gentleman raises the issue of possession. Is someone who has fireworks in his possession going to be arrested by the police and charged with possessing fireworks? Surely the biggest problem is when the fireworks are used. There are already restrictions on the use of fireworks in the street. If we are talking about giving powers to the police to deal with people who are just possessing fireworks, are we not going unnecessarily far?
      Mr. Tynan: The hon. Gentleman should accept, and I hope that he will, that minors often have fireworks in their possession and the police are powerless to deal with that situation. Sometimes, the minors are responsible for antisocial behaviour. On that basis and in those circumstances, it is vital that we give them the power to deal, if necessary, with the issue of possession and supply.
      Mr. Chope: I understand the hon. Gentleman's point, but I am not sure that the Bill will deal with the situation that he described. As I understand it, one of the big concerns is that it is not possible to introduce a fixed-penalty notice for anyone under the age of 18. The hon. Gentleman refers to young people and there are already restrictions on the supply of fireworks to them. Will the police be given powers to seize the fireworks in their possession?
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      The issue is similar to that of children or young people carrying drink in public places. I believe that the European Court of Human Rights has said that the police can seize cans of drink in the possession of young people only if the young people are consuming the drink or have started to do so. Will we be able to enforce a requirement that young people are not allowed to carry fireworks in a public place? Should they be subject to all these regulations if they have fireworks in their possession? That is my concern. I would like us to address the problem of misuse—and not just supply and possession—much more effectively.
      Mr. Tynan rose—
      Mr. Chope: The hon. Gentleman is itching to intervene again, but I want to make a final point. I hope that he is as alarmed as I am by what is said in the regulatory impact assessment about nothing in the Bill placing an extra burden on the police or causing them any more hassle. He seems to be under the illusion that the Bill will enable the police to be proactive in dealing with the hooliganism and antisocial behaviour associated with the use of fireworks in public places.
      Mr. Tynan: I might not be explaining my position properly but, in the real world, individuals under the age of 18 sometimes obtain a supply of fireworks or purchase them from rogue dealers so that they are in possession of fireworks. Is it not a good idea for the police to have the opportunity to deal with that issue? In those circumstances, the hon. Gentleman should realise that it is in the best interests of the individual, as well as the population in general, for the police—I am sure that they would use their powers in a limited fashion—to be able to deal with the problem of minors having possession of fireworks.
      Mr. Chope: We are both keen on achieving the same objective, namely reducing to a minimum the misuse of fireworks. I have heard what the hon. Gentleman said, and I shall listen with interest to the Minister's remarks. The hon. Gentleman has been persuaded by some of my arguments and, in the spirit of the debate, I may well yet be persuaded by his.
      Mr. Leigh: I wish to speak to amendments Nos. 64 and 67, which are in my name. Amendment No. 64 deals with the supply of fireworks for private use, and we have already made progress on that matter. The Bill's promoter has already said that he does not want it to apply to class 1 and 2 fireworks. Class 4 fireworks are only to be used by explosive factories; they are not sold to the public. Class 3 fireworks have a safety distance of 25 m and they are used in displays. As a result of the assurances by the Bill's promoter that he does not want it to apply to class 1 and 2 fireworks and that he would be happy for an amendment to be tabled in another place, my fears, which I tried to deal with in amendment No. 64, have probably been addressed.
      12.45 pm
      I have primarily been concerned with protecting the traditional private family firework display in people's gardens. I look forward to hearing what the Minister and the promoter say about amendment No. 64.

      973
      Perhaps it is possible to obtain clays 3 fireworks for a private garden display. I do not know what the legal situation is on that or what the supply situation would be. It may be that we have dealt with that issue.
      The more substantial point that I want to raise relates to amendment No. 67. I do not know what the technical objection may be, but I hope that the Minister reassures me about the issues that it raises. As well as protecting the private traditional display with one's family, I want to avoid the situation in which people can let off fireworks only around 5 November. I would not approve of that. I do not say that because I am a Catholic and would object to the fact that fireworks could be used only to celebrate the gunpowder plot, but because it raises an interesting point. We live in a varied society with many religious groups and types of people. I do not understand why we should gradually move bit by bit—as we are doing as a result of a ratchet-type effect—to let off fireworks only at that time of year. There is no reason why people should not be allowed—encouraged even—to let off fireworks around new year.
      We also have to recognise that there are other religious festivals, such as Hindu and Muslim festivals. A Conservative colleague came up to me in the corridor yesterday and said, "I don't know what you're doing about this Bill. The fact is I get loads of letters from people objecting to the fact that we get fireworks at all times of the year. They're used to celebrate Hindu festivals and some of my constituents don't like it." But that is the country we live in. If someone wants to celebrate a Hindu festival with fireworks, that might not be on 5 November. In the spirit of a liberal multicultural country, we should recognise people's ability to let off fireworks when they want to.
      Amendment No. 67 might not be necessary. I hope that the Minister will take the opportunity to make it clear that we recognise that people in our society will want to let off fireworks at different times of the year. I am not sure that many people would want to let them off on Bastille day, but if they want to, let them. There is, after all, an ever-growing French community. If it wants to let off fireworks, why not? Why should the ever-growing American community not let off fireworks on independence day? We do not want to be more and more restrictive. We have a voluntary agreement that makes it difficult for members of the public to obtain fireworks except around the period of 5 November and the new year. If the Minister reassures me on that, I shall be very happy.
      Mr. Tynan: The issue is important. In my constituency it is simple to purchase fireworks all year round. That is the fact of the matter and I am sure that it happens in many constituencies. However, when I formulated the ideas behind the Bill. I was conscious that we should not disadvantage other multicultural groups. As a member of one of them, I recognise their value. I spoke to Hindu people about what could be done. That is why we suggest a two-tier licensing system that will give those who want to celebrate major religious or national festivals the opportunity to buy fireworks. I raised the matter on Second Reading; I recognise the fact that we live in a multicultural society, and the Bill
      974
      takes account of the points that have been made. I ask the hon. Member for Christchurch (Mr. Chope) to withdraw his amendment.
      Miss Melanie Johnson: Amendments Nos. 52 and 53 would remove the prohibition on the supply of fireworks, and limit prohibition simply to the use of fireworks, and my hon. Friend the Member for Hamilton, South (Mr. Tynan) has explained why that is not desirable. There are occasions on which the prohibition on supply is crucial, and we may want to consider prohibiting supply at certain times of day, in certain places or in certain circumstances. The amendments would therefore take a retrograde step because we would lose some of our ability to control the supply of fireworks. Conservative Members agree with us about the importance of that control, so I hope that they will not feel the need to press the amendments.
      Amendment No. 55 is too prescriptive. However, it was tabled before our discussions earlier this morning, and I hope that Conservative Members will recognise that the flexibility in the Bill is necessary so that we can consider who should be excepted from certain of the prohibitions imposed by any regulations made under the Bill.
      I turn now to amendment No. 60 on the licensing of suppliers. Many people, including consumers, enforcement officers, firework companies and many hon. Members feel that licensing is a suitable way further to control the availability of fireworks entering the market. The provisions are important because the Bill will allow local authorities to refuse and revoke licences to retailers who have previously breached conditions such as those relating to storage or supply to children.
      Mr. Baron: As I said, I fully support the Bill and, in particular, the idea of proper licensing and control of the sale of fireworks to the public, but may I tease out of the Minister any suggestions that the Government may have for addressing the issue that licensing will not solve all the problems? One could stockpile fireworks, for example. Although the Bill is helpful, and I support it, I would be grateful for a little clarification from the Minister.
      Miss Johnson: We are considering the issue carefully to make sure that the provisions are effective but not overly bureaucratic or burdensome for retailers. Where possible, we are trying to link them with revision of the regulations on the manufacture and storage of explosives, which obviously relate to the hon. Gentleman's point about storage. Those regulations are currently under review by the Health and Safety Executive, so there will be an opportunity to tackle that.
      Amendment No. 61 is very similar to amendment No. 55, so I need say nothing further on that. Turning to amendment No. 64, I think that the hon. Member for Gainsborough (Mr. Leigh) accepts that things have changed since he tabled the amendment. It would remove our ability to create a watershed for residential use, and we would all regret that. In any event, the hon. Gentleman indicated that he would not press the amendment, and I hope that he will not.

      975
      Amendment No. 67 is rather vague and, therefore, unhelpful. It may be difficult to define "interference". We entirely share the hon. Gentleman's aspiration that the buying and selling of fireworks is not confined to the period around 5 November.
      The amendment is not necessary because under clause 2(4) the Secretary of State is required to consult organisations and other people considered to have interests and to be affected by the Bill. Additionally, the Government are obliged in the regulatory impact assessment to consult extensively members of particular minorities when drawing up regulations, and we shall obviously ensure that all sections of the community are represented. I hope that that reassures the hon. Member for Gainsborough, whose concerns are similar to ours.
      Mr. Chope: In the light of the Minister's explanation, I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.
      Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

    Clause 5

      PROHIBITION OF SUPPLY ETC. OF CERTAIN FIREWORKS
      Amendment made: No. 66, in page 3, line 28, at end insert—
      '() Subsections (1) and (2) shall not apply to class I and class II fireworks.'.—[Miss Melanie Johnson.]

    Clause 6

      PUBLIC FIREWORKS DISPLAYS
      Mr. Chope: I beg to move amendment No. 56, in page 4, line 3 [Clause 6], at end insert—
      '() advanced notification of the time and place of the display has been given to the owners or recipients of land adjoining the site of the display'.
      Mr. Deputy Speaker: With this it will be convenient to discuss the following amendments: No. 57, in page 4, line 9, leave out paragraph (c).
      No. 58, in page 4, line 29, at end insert—
      '() Nothing in this section shall apply to a display from which the public are excluded notwithstanding that it may be witnessed by the public.'.
      No. 59, in page 4, line 29, at end insert—
      '() Nothing in this section shall apply to a display which does not include the use of fireworks under category 4 of the British Standard Specification relating to fireworks published on 30 November 1988 (BS 7114) or any British Standard Specification replacing it.'.
      1 pm
      Mr. Chope: These amendments deal with the issue of public displays. My hon. Friends may think that amendment No. 56 is far too regulatory and restrictive, as it requires that advance notification of the time and place of a display be given to the owners or occupiers of land adjoining the site of the display. The amendment uses the word "recipients" instead of "occupiers", but I am sure that that is a typo.
      A big mischief results from the antisocial use of fireworks when, for example, people let them off without thinking about their neighbours—that is even more true when there is a large, organised display. If they knew
      976
      that fireworks were going to be let off, dog owners such as myself could put their dog inside and people who have a horse or pony, as my daughter has, could take appropriate precautions. Obviously, it is difficult to take such precautions if one does not know that an event is taking place. In our village, somebody's horse eventually died, I think, from injuries caused by problems with fireworks. Those problems could easily have been overcome if the person organising the firework display had thought of notifying their neighbours. That is the thinking behind the amendment.
      Turning briefly to amendment No. 58, the Bill does not cover displays that are not public. However, I am concerned that that may be interpreted as covering displays that may be witnessed by the public. Lots of members of the public, for example, may not be inside the enclosure. That is a nightmare for people organising fireworks displays, as they need income from paying visitors to pay for the fireworks. However, people sometimes find vantage points nearby and enjoy the whole event for free. If the public witness an essentially private fireworks display, that should not fall foul of the regulations.
      Amendment No.59 would restrict the application of the clause to fireworks displays that use fireworks under category 4, which vie recognise as big public displays. Again, it is a reasonable measure to clarify, define and limit the application of the clause.
      Miss Melanie Johnson: The hon. Gentleman may have corrected the word "recipients", but it still appears in amendment No. 56, and he and I would agree that its meaning is unclear.
      Mr. Chope: I raised the matter when I saw the amendments in draft on blue paper. The Clerk assured me that there had been a typographical error and that the word "recipients" would be replaced by the word "occupiers". I am sorry that that does not seem to have materialised on today's Order Paper.
      Miss Johnson: I am not sure where that leaves us for the purpose of the debate, although I understand the hon. Gentleman's point. I accept the good intention underlying the amendment, but such a measure would be difficult to operate and potentially ineffectual. The owners of adjoining land in highly populated areas such as London could mean the owners of properties immediately around the perimeter of the display, but neighbours living just a few meters away or at the other end of a small road might be left out. It is difficult to see how the measure would be helpful to all those who might be affected, particularly because, as the hon. Gentleman acknowledged, public displays tend to be large and significant, and can be viewed from quite a wide surrounding area.
      I do not believe that the intention is to inform all residents within a defined perimeter, which would be difficult anyway, because of the cost to the operators. Fireworks displays generally are heavily subsidised. There is usually a promoter, who puts a substantial amount in. The proposed measure could oblige the organisers to notify thousands of residents. That might

      977
      kill off public displays, which we all agree are in general a good thing. In the light of my reservations, I hope the hon. Gentleman will not press the amendments.
      Mr. Chope: Has the Minister given the House an assurance that the clause as drafted would not impact in the way that I fear, in relation to displays witnessed by the public from outside?
      Miss Johnson: The definition of a public display is set out in subsection (5), which clearly states that a fireworks display is one attended by the public or a section of the public, thereby precluding private fireworks displays on private land. If members of the public choose to watch their neighbours' garden display, that is an instance of "free riding", but we could not classify it as a public display.
      Mr. Chope: I thank the Minister far that clarification. In the light of her comments, I shall seek leave to withdraw my amendment No. 56, but with this caveat: the Minister's Department is involved in public information, and it would be useful for the Department to encourage people who are organising public fireworks displays, particularly outside the usual season for fireworks and in rural area s, to notify their neighbours as a matter of good neighbourliness, to avoid some of the problems that have occurred in the past.
      Given the particular difficulties with my amendment, which has been printed differently from the way that I had intended, I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.
      Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

    Clause 9

      PROHIBITION OF IMPORTATION ETC. OF FIREWORKS
      Mr. Leigh: I beg to move amendment No. 65, in page 5, line 33, leave out Clause 9.
      First, I am grateful to the Minister for accepting amendment No. 66, so that category 1 and 2 fireworks will no longer effectively be dealt with by the Bill. That is good progress.
      This is a probing amendment that seeks to determine why clause 9 is necessary. I accept that some extremely unpleasant and unsafe fireworks are being manufactured around the world, which we may not want here, but why cannot the Minister use powers provided elsewhere in the Bill and in earlier regulations to deal with such products? Why is it necessary to have a separate clause on imports? The Minister may be able to give a good reason.
      The Minister will also want to explain how the clause impacts on Europe and the single market. I am sure that the clause does not apply to imports from the EU. Bearing in mind what the Minister has said, there will probably be agreement throughout Europe on a decibel limit of about 120, so imports will presumably be on that basis. I am sure that the Minister will assure the House that clause 9 in no way militates against the free
      978
      exchange of fireworks across the EU, which adds to competition and creates choice in a free market—all the things that we are in favour of.
      Mr. Robathan: The clause is of immense importance and I shall be interested to hear what the Minister has to say. Many of the problems that are associated with fireworks are the result of some rather dodgy importers. My hon. Friends have improved the Bill and made some good points, but I would not wish to see the amendment carried.
      Mr. Chope: I shall be interested to hear what the Minister has to say about the single market and on the issue of personal imports that was mentioned earlier. Is it envisaged that there should be restrictions on personal imports of fireworks? If people go to Calais or Boulogne and buy a case of fireworks, or fill up the back of their white van with fireworks instead of with booze, will they be restricted by the clause?
      My understanding of the thinking behind the clause was that something needed to be done to control the situation between the point where fireworks were imported, for example, Felixtowe docks, and the place where they were stored. If that is the mischief that needs to be addressed in regulations, I question whether prohibiting the import itself, or putting conditions upon the importer, is necessarily the right way to proceed. I look forward to hearing what the Minister has to say.
      Mr. Tynan: I am concerned about removing the clause from the Bill because it serves a useful purpose. The industry is concerned about fireworks that, having been imported, do not go to a licensed storage place. The drivers therefore have no need to register that they are driving to a storage place and sometimes drive to a lay-by and split their load between perhaps 12 rogue retailers, who then sell the fireworks indiscriminately over three months. I think that the clause is essential if we are to deal with the rogue retailer who sells fireworks indiscriminately to anyone who will buy them, and with problems such as those that arose in my constituency over Christmas and new year, when category 4 fireworks were imported by the white van people, who were distributing and selling them in pubs.
      My concern is not about imports from Europe, as most imports—some 95 per cent.—come from China. On Second Reading, I pointed out that an application form for an import licence is a simple A4 document that is very easy to fill in and to submit to the Department of Trade and Industry. If somebody has £25,000 to spare, they can send a banker's draft to China and ask for a lorry load of fireworks, and there is no need to determine whether proper storage and licensed premises will be used. If the Minister uses the powers wisely, the clause will assist in eliminating many problems concerning antisocial use of fireworks.
      I hope that the amendment will not be pressed and that hon. Members will accept the difficulties that currently exist with regard to importation.
      Mr. Baron: I rise briefly to speak in support of clause 9, which I think is a very important aspect of the Bill.
      I was recently contacted by constituents about an unfortunate accident that occurred because of a poorly manufactured firework from the far east. Fortunately,

      979
      there was no fatality, but an injury was caused. Any attempt to tighten up the situation to ensure that imported fireworks are of a certain standard is to be welcomed, as is any attempt to combat the illegal importation of fireworks and related problems of inadequate storage and supervision.
      I welcome the clause, notwithstanding the fact that, as ever, it is an open-ended and enabling provision and I am not quite sure what will result. Overall, I think that it should remain in the Bill and it will certainly receive my support.
      Miss Melanie Johnson: There is no single market in respect of fireworks and fireworks control, so the question of the single market is not an issue, as hon. Members have suggested.
      Importation prohibition is required if there is an intention to minimise the availability of banned fireworks and thus to ensure that the British public are not the victims of the white van sales described by my hon. Friend the Member for Hamilton, South (Mr. Tynan). In most cases, the products sold in such circumstances are unsafe.
      Furthermore, I believe that the amendment would lead to a peculiar situation in which fireworks banned under the Bill and the Fireworks (Safety) Regulations 1997 would be manufactured and stored in a country that prohibits them. That seems a very paradoxical outcome and I am sure that it is not intended.
      I request and hope that the amendment will be withdrawn.
      Mr. Leigh: This was a probing amendment and I think that we have had a reasonable debate. I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.
      Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

    Clause 10

      TRAINING COURSES
      1.15 pm
      Mr. Chope: I beg to move amendment No. 63, in page 6, line 10, leave out clause 10.
      The amendment was inspired by the receipt late on Wednesday of the regulatory impact assessment on the Bill. The clause introduces a lot of regulation, requirements about training and so on. We probably know from our constituency postbags that some of these requirements impinge disproportionately on small businesses and shopkeepers—on the small business person, rather than the large multiple. If a butcher, for example, has to go on a training course, he has to find somebody else to run his shop. A little café in Highcliffe in my constituency recently obtained a licence to sell alcohol with meals, and the proprietor is required to go on a training course. He needs no training in something like that—he is a fit and proper person for the task. The requirement to go on a training course means that he will have to close his café or get someone in in his stead.
      My instinct that there is no evidence of a problem that needs to be addressed, particularly in the case of organised displays, was confirmed when I read paragraph 5.4 of the regulatory impact assessment, which states in respect of training of display operators:
      980
      "There is no clear evidence of major incidence of death or serious injury caused by the use of fireworks by display operators. We do know that there have been occasional serious accidents in the past. But in the cases for which the Health and Safety Executive … have recent accident reports, there is still little clear evidence that the injuries sustained by members of the public were as a direct result of incompetence or the unprofessional use of fireworks."
      The assessment proceeds to point out that although there has been a sharp increase in the number of injuries from fireworks in general terms, the number of injuries sustained at firework displays has remained fairly static, dropping in 2000 to 119, from the 1998 figure of 132. In 2001, the figure rose a little.
      The important point is that we do not duplicate legislation. The regulatory impact assessment states that event organisers and display operators already have duties
      "under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety of members of the public, as well as their and others' employees. These duties would … require"—
      regardless of anything in the Bill—
      "operators to carry out a full site assessment; ensure that the equipment they use is suitable for the purpose; and ensure that they and their staff are competent and properly trained."
      The assessment also states:
      "The Health and Safety Executive … believes that the fireworks display industry has a generally very good safety record."
      Those are very important arguments for leaving things as they are and not introducing the very convoluted regulation contained in clause 10.
      We are almost getting into a mindset whereby we think that we should introduce a requirement for training, tests and so on through back-door regulation. We sometimes lose sight of the big picture, and the big picture in fireworks is that general safety would be improved if more people went to organised firework displays, rather than choosing to run them in their own gardens. Yet I suspect that if unamended, clause 10 would impose unnecessary and counter-productive burdens on those who are contemplating organising firework displays, add to their costs and encourage much smaller, unofficial firework displays. If the Minister has signed up to the regulatory impact assessment, why will she not carry through the logic of it and accept that we would be better off without clause 10?
      Mr. Melanie Leigh: I very much hope that when the Minister sums up, she will make it absolutely clear to the House that she does not intend to insist on introducing regulations to require training. As my hon. Friend the Member for Christchurch (Mr. Chope) said, some people make it their business to provide public fireworks displays—incidentally, it is quite commonly retired or practising vicars who enjoy doing it; I do not know why. They are very responsible people. There is no evidence whatever that they are causing death or injury to themselves or anyone else. As my hon. Friend said, the Government's own regulatory impact assessment says in paragraph 5.4:
      "There is no clear evidence of major incidence of death or serious injury".

      981
      Training takes up people's time, and it is not necessary. When my hon. Friend and I were discussing the Bill in the past two days, we both felt that it was important to drive this point home and that we really did want an assurance from the Minister that she would not regulate to require training. If the hon. Lady will give us that assurance now, we shall be satisfied.
      Miss Melanie Johnson: Training is very important in some of these contexts. We would be neglecting our responsibilities in the House if we did not support the provision of training courses. The elimination of the entire clause, as proposed in the amendment, would leave no provision in the Bill to ensure safe and professional practice in the fireworks display industry. Displays do of course provide a safe way for people to watch and enjoy fireworks, but one reason why that is so is that people are highly trained and qualified to run such displays.
      Mr. Chope: So what is the purpose of the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974?
      Miss Johnson: That is a very general question to which I cannot respond in like terms.
      We would not wish to leave the supply of professional fireworks to those with little knowledge of their product. With products to whose supply and use a number of risks are attached, it is important that the Government should be able to ensure that the aims that we all agree are important under clause 2(1) and (3) are upheld and strengthened. An officially organised training course would ensure high standards while excluding the novice from such enterprises.
      I cannot comment on the relationship of this Bill with the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act because that is a large piece of legislation. I am happy to undertake to write to him, but I think it is very important that we provide for training. That training helps to ensure that people who handle the equivalent of explosives and set up displays and use or supply the product are appropriately qualified.
      Mr. Leigh: Of course people who run displays must be properly trained and do their job; no one is denying that. But the Minister is not suggesting, is she, that there is any lack of training at the moment? Is she saying that there are cowboys, not properly trained, who are moving around the country causing death or injury to people? If she is saying that, that entirely contradicts her own regulatory impact assessment. The training is taking place. It works. All that we want to hear from the Minister today is that she will not impose a set of new regulations requiring new training, which is plainly not necessary.
      Miss Johnson: Of course plenty of training is being done and some of that works well, and there are some highly professional people setting up displays; no one would question that. However, it would be a rash person who would assert that every such person had done everything that should be done, arid had been properly trained. There are always cowboys out there.
      982
      If the hon. Gentleman is seeking my assurance that we are not thinking of some radically bureaucratic system to impose on all those dealing with fireworks training of a very different character from that envisaged at present, I am sure that I can give him that assurance. However, the amendment would delete the clause full stop, and many hon. Members, including myself, find that unacceptable.
      Mr. Chope: I am disappointed in the Minister's response. I read from the regulatory impact assessment—if the hon. Lady she had not read it before, I hope that she was listening—and paragraph 5.5 makes it clear:
      "Event organisers and display operators have duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974".
      It also says that duties under the existing law
      "require operators to carry out a full site assessment; ensure that the equipment they use is suitable for the purpose; and ensure that they and their staff are competent and properly trained."
      If operators' staff are not competent or properly trained, the operators are in breach of existing legislation—the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974. The more the House tries to duplicate general legislation such as that Act, the more we undermine the responsibility we believe people should take for organising effective health and safety at work.
      The issue is close to my heart because I served on the Health and Safety Commission for so long. The Health and Safety and Work, etc. Act 1974 has stood the test of time, but it will not continue to stand the test of time if people who operate within its bounds are told that there must be duplication to comply with a fresh lot of regulations.
      Mr. Robathan: I raised training courses on Second Reading. I am worried that people might be compelled to go on training courses that are frankly unnecessary, so what my hon. Friend says is broadly right.
      Mr. Chope: I am grateful for the endorsement of my hon. Friend and the official Opposition. What he and I have said is in line with what my hon. Friend the Member for Castle Point (Bob Spink) said on Second Reading:
      "We want more professional displays—we do not want to raise barriers to them—and I am not aware that there is a major problem with the safety of professional displays."—[Official Report, 28 February 2003; Vol. 400, c. 485.]
      That is our position and it is why I shall press the amendment to a Division.
      Question put, That the amendment be made:—
      The House divided: Ayes 9, Noes 78.

      Division No. 231]

      [1:27 pm

      AYES

      Baron, John (Billericay)

      Robathan, Andrew

      Field, Mark (Cities of London & Westminster)

      Robertson, Hugh (Faversham & M-Kent)

      Forth, rh Eric

      Walter, Robert

      Grayling, Chris

      Tellers for the Ayes:

      Mercer, Patrick

      Mr Christopher Chope and Mr. Edward Leigh

      Murrison, Dr. Andrew

      983

      NOES

      Adams, Irene (Paisley N)

      Hood, Jimmy (Clydesdale)

      Allan, Richard

      Iddon, Dr. Brian

      Allen, Graham

      Irranca-Davies, Huw

      Anderson, rh Donald (Swansea E)

      Jackson, Glenda (Hampstead & Highgate)

      Anderson, Janet (Rossendale & Darwen)

      Johnson, Miss Melanie (Welwyn Hatfield)

      Austin, John

      Bailey, Adrian

      Keetch, Paul

      Barnes, Harry

      Ladyman, Dr. Stephen

      Barrett, John

      Levitt, Tom (High Peak)

      Best, Harold

      Linton, Martin

      Betts, Clive

      McIsaac, Shona

      Blears, Ms Hazel

      McKechin, Ann

      Blizzard, Bob

      McNulty, Tony

      Bradley, rh Keith (Withington)

      McWalter, Tony

      Cable, Dr. Vincent

      McWilliam, John

      Cairns, David

      Mallaber, Judy

      Cawsey, Ian (Brigg)

      Moffatt, Laura

      Chapman, Ben (Wirral S)

      Norris, Dan (Wansdyke)

      Chapman, Sir Sydney (Chipping Barnet)

      Palmer, Dr. Nick

      Prosser, Gwyn

      Clarke, Tony (Northampton S)

      Quin, rh Joyce

      Connarty, Michael

      Robertson, Angus (Moray)

      Cormack, Sir Patrick

      Ryan, Joan (Enfield N)

      Cranston, Ross

      Sheridan, Jim

      Crausby, David

      Spellar, rh John

      Cunningham, Jim (Coventry S)

      Stewart, Ian (Eccles)

      Davey, Valerie (Bristol W)

      Sutcliffe, Gerry

      Dobbin, Jim (Heywood)

      Taylor, Matthew (Truro)

      Dobson, rh Frank

      Thomas, Gareth (Clwyd W)

      Dowd, Jim (Lewisham W)

      Touhig, Don (Islwyn)

      Fitzpatrick, Jim

      Truswell, Paul

      Gale, Roger (N Thanet)

      Tynan, Bill (Hamilton S)

      Gapes, Mike (Ilford S)

      Vis, Dr. Rudi

      Gardiner, Barry

      Ward, Claire

      Gerrard, Neil

      Watson, Tom (W Bromwich E)

      Gilroy, Linda

      Weir, Michael

      Griffiths, Jane (Reading E)

      White, Brian

      Griffiths, Win (Bridgend)

      Wright, Anthony D. (Gt Yarmouth)

      Hall, Patrick (Bedford)

      Harris, Dr. Evan (Oxford W & Abingdon)

      Tellers for the Noes:

      Harris, Tom (Glasgow Cathcart)

      Mr. Stephen McCabe and Mr. Andrew Dismore

      Holmes, Paul

      Question accordingly negatived.
      Mr. Deputy Speaker: Before we proceed, may I remind the Tellers that the correct procedure is that, on reaching the Table, they should bow again to the Chair.

    Clause 12

      ENFORCEMENT
      Mr. Chope: I beg to move amendment No. 62, in page 8, line 15, leave out subsection (3).
      Mr. Deputy Speaker: With this, it will be convenient to take Government amendment No. 2.
      Mr. Chope: This is a probing amendment, because this is the first chance that any hon. Member has had to find out what subsection (3) is about and why the Minister wants to keep it in the Bill. That is why I tabled the amendment and I look forward to hearing her response.
      Miss Melanie Johnson: I believe that I can help the hon. Gentleman considerably. The amendment would
      984
      remove the limit or, the disclosure of information under the fireworks regulations. The limit makes sense. It is imposed under the Enterprise Act 2002 and it means that only relevant parties will have access to certain information gained in relation to activities carried out under the Fireworks Bill and the subsequent regulations. It could be commercially damaging if anybody was able to demand that information be disclosed to him or her, and that is why the limitation is in place.
      Mr. Chope: I thought that I would be easily satisfied, but the Minister is introducing a secrecy clause to prevent people from gaining access to information.
      Miss Johnson: Obviously, freedom of information legislation covers various aspects of disclosure, but the limit refers to information that might he commercially damaging, as I mentioned.
      Mr. Chope: Can the Minister assure the House that the limit will be used only to withhold information that would be commercially damaging?
      Miss Johnson: I believe that that is its principal purpose. I am not sure that I can give the hon. Gentleman a cast-iron guarantee, but I can give him as close to it as I can get that it is my belief that the limit covers only commercial information. I am happy to write to the hon. Gentleman further on the issue, if that would be helpful.
      Mr. Chope: Indeed, it would, and I am grateful to the Minister for that response. I hope that the letter she sends me will make it clear that the limit will be restricted to commercial considerations. The Minister has an amendment in the same group—
      Mr. Deputy Speaker: Order. The hon. Gentleman must advise me whether he wishes to withdraw his amendment, before I invite the Minister to put her amendment formally.
      Mr. Chope: I thought that that Minister had not yet introduced her amendment.
      Mr. Deputy Speaker: That was done as part of her earlier contribution. The amendment has yet to be made formally. I need to know first whether the hon. Gentleman intends to proceed with his amendment.
      Mr. Chope: No, I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.
      Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

    Schedule

      REPEALS AND REVOCATION
      Amendment made: No. 2, in page 10, line 15, at end insert—
      'Road Traffic Act 1974 (c. 50) Section 18.'. —[Miss Melanie Johnson.]
      Order for Third Reading read.
      1.42 pm
      Mr. Tynan: I beg to move, That the Bill be now read the Third time.
      I wish to thank everyone for the consensual nature of the debate on Report. When I saw that the debate was to take place on Friday 13 June, I was deeply concerned that yet another Fireworks Bill would not get through Third Reading. I wish to thank everyone who attended and participated in the debate. It seemed like a long time between Second and Third Readings, but circumstances dictated the delay.
      The safe passage of a meaningful Bill on the misuse of fireworks is long overdue. It is essential to have a proper debate on issues that are important not only to Members of Parliament but to the electorate in general. The choice is between passing the Bill and achieving a proper fireworks regime, or allowing continual misuse and abuse of fireworks. I am delighted that we have reached Third Reading, and I hope that the Bill will overcome this hurdle, too.
      This is an enabling Bill. Concerns have been expressed about the draconian provisions that could be introduced, but I believe that the guarantee of consultation with all interested parties is a sufficient safeguard. The Bill cedes only suitable powers to the Government and serves to approach the issues comprehensively.
      A number of recent events have shown that the fireworks issue remains topical. A professional footballer was recently sentenced to 100 hours of community service and ordered to pay compensation for disfiguring a teenager with an illegal firework. More disturbing events have occurred in Liverpool. Firefighters were called to a fire in a toy warehouse in Walton. The fire then spread to a neighbouring warehouse that was being used to store fireworks illegally. The roof was removed by the resulting blast, forcing firefighters to retire to a safe distance before they could eventually tackle the blaze. Even more disturbingly, those responsible for the illegal storage have not yet been traced.
      I have promised to be brief, because I understand that other Bills are awaiting safe passage through the House. I shall conclude my Third Reading speech on that note. This is not a killjoy Bill. It is a serious attempt to deal with the serious concerns of our constituents and of Members of the House. I trust that all hon. Members will support the Bill and I commend it to the House.
      1.45 pm
      Mr. Robathan: I am glad to have heard what the hon. Gentleman said, and I congratulate him again on introducing the Bill. I am delighted that it is going from this House with a fair wind. We have always said that we supported the spirit of the Bill, although, if I am honest, we remain concerned about the Henry VIII provisions. No one likes giving the Government—and, perhaps more to the point, future Governments way down the line—powers that will not come back to the House, and they are indeed draconian powers.
      The discussion that we have had today, to which my hon. Friends the Members for Christchurch (Mr. Chope) and for Gainsborough (Mr. Leigh) have contributed, has been helpful. Some of the amendments
      986
      that have been accepted were also helpful. The problem with private Members' Bills is that they sometimes do not have all the support that they might, although the present Bill has of course been supported by the Government. I wish the Bill well, and look forward to its successful passage through the House of Lords.
      1.46 pm
      Dr. Cable: I would simply like to add a few words of support for the Bill and to congratulate the hon. Member for Hamilton, South (Mr. Tynan). He has not had to intervene very often today, but he has helped the Bill along in a way that I think most of us respected.
      At the core of the Bill is a dilemma: in many cases, fireworks give innocent pleasure, yet they can equally be associated with antisocial behaviour, noise and disruption. It is a question of getting the balance right. I was reminded of this on Monday evening, at the party to celebrate the 20th anniversary of our party leader's arrival at the House of Commons. The party was held in a big garden in Harrow, and it was rounded off by a firework display—the full works. Everyone thought it a thoroughly splendid occasion, but as we walked down the drive afterwards, burglar alarms were going off all over the place and dogs were howling. No doubt there were plenty of crying babies as well. So we saw at first hand both the positive and negative sides of the situation. That rather reinforced my view that the Bill is a useful corrective.
      I am very supportive of the Bill. I think that we all recognise the two principal reasons for it. One involves major legislative tidying up; the schedule shows that the hon. Gentleman is bringing together seven existing pieces of legislation and removing one past Act. The other is the importance of sending a clear signal to animal lovers and elderly people who are concerned about noise. Those are positive reasons.
      Some concerns—both of commission and omission—have been registered in relation to the Bill this morning. The worry on the commission side is that, in certain circumstances, the provisions could lead to rather bureaucratic and heavy-handed regulation. That needs some attention in the other place. On the omission side, the key controversy over the decibel limit was not addressed in the Bill, although it was addressed from the Floor by the hon. Member for Hamilton, South. That is the key issue for hon. Members on both sides of the debate, but the limit has not been specified.
      The other issue is enforcement. The success of this legislation will ultimately depend on whether sufficient numbers of trading standards officers and environmental health officers who have been sufficiently well briefed will be able to enforce the regulations at local level. That is what will determine whether the legislation will work. With those qualifications, I am very happy to support the Bill and to congratulate the hon. Member for Hamilton, South on having taken it so far.
      1.49 pm
      Mr. Leigh: I congratulate the hon. Member for Hamilton, South (Mr. Tynan). Private Members' Bills are delicate flowers, and they can be trampled underfoot in the parliamentary rush, but we are delivering this Bill to the hon. Gentleman with time to spare. We are

      987
      grateful to him for the concessions that he has made today to make that possible. In particular, we are grateful to him for allowing us to incorporate the provision that the Bill will not apply to class 1 and class 2 fireworks, which are the ones that people use in their private homes and gardens. Above all, we have met the requirements of the fireworks industry, a reputable industry providing employment and much enjoyment. Its one fear was that when the Bill was enacted there would be no likelihood of the decibel limit being reduced from 120 to 95. That would have made it impossible to produce fireworks as we have known them throughout our lives.
      We have achieved our aims. An amendment will be moved in the other place. The Minister made clear that she did not object to the principle, but feared that dealing with the amendment would delay the Bill's progress. That will not happen. The Bill will, I am sure, become law, and it will be a better Act as a result of the work we have done this morning.
      1.50 pm
      Mr. Chope: I endorse what has been said by my hon. Friend the Member for Gainsborough (Mr. Leigh). I, too, thank the hon. Member for Hamilton, South for the co-operative and common-sense way in which he has approached the Bill. It is a pity that it was not considered in more detail in Committee: I think that there is a lesson to be learnt from that, and applied to other private Members' Bills. The Minister said on Second Reading that she expected this Bill to be considered in detail in Committee, but it was not, which is probably why today's debate took so much longer than it need have.
      We have established today that the Government, the promoter, the sponsors and the House do not want the decibel limit to be below 120. I am grateful to the Minister for her undertakings in that respect, and to the promoter, because the decibel limit has been the major concern. Until today an ambiguity has been built into our discussions, but we have now resolved the difference between those who wanted a 95 dB limit and those who wanted a limit of 120 dB. We have, I believe, decided in favour of common sense and a much more liberal regime than we would otherwise have had.
      We have achieved quite a lot today, although at greater length than some of us would have wished. I hope that in future there will be no need for such prolonged Report stages, because Bills will have been considered properly in Committee.
      1.52 pm
      Miss Melanie Johnson: I am pleased with the enthusiastic reception and positive co-operation that the Bill has been given and the progress that it has made so far. That includes what has been done today. I join others in congratulating my hon. Friend the Member for Hamilton, South (Mr. Tynan) on his excellent stewardship of the Bill. I also congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Plymouth, Sutton (Linda Gilroy) on her earlier work on the subject.
      As for what the hon. Member for Twickenham (Dr. Cable) said about his leader's birthday party, I trust that a focus leaflet will be published shortly saying that this
      988
      issue will be addressed as a result of Liberal Democrat activity. This is the standard to which we have become used.
      Mr. Keith Bradley: May I add some congratulations of my own? The Manchester Evening News has run an excellent campaign in support of the Bill, which I am sure helped to secure the Government's support.
      Miss Johnson: I, too, congratulate that newspaper, and the many other regional papers that have run similar campaigns which have increased support for the Bill.
      The Bill enables us to plug a serious gap. If fireworks are supplied in an irresponsible manner and are used thoughtlessly and irresponsibly, for many people "fun and joy" does not serve as an accurate description of the nuisance, fear and distress that can be caused. Some sections of the public want over-the-counter firework sales to be banned, while some go further and want fireworks themselves to be banned. As I have said, those are not realistic options and that is not the purpose of the Bill.
      The Bill gives us a solid base on which to build new firework regulations. They will not prevent individuals from buying and using fireworks in a responsible way; what the Bill seeks to minimise is the irresponsible supply and antisocial use of fireworks. It will allow us, for the first time, to produce firework regulations that will make sensible controls possible.
      The Bill has been supported by organisations of all kinds, including the fireworks industry. The British Fireworks Association, which represents the main firework-importing companies, and the British Pyrotechnists' Association, which mostly represents display operators, have supported it so far, and are keen for the industry to have a well-balanced body of legislation with which to comply. Hon. Members on both sides of the House have expressed concerns. I trust that the hard work that has gone into the Bill this morning and on previous occasions means that the right balance will be struck. I wish the Bill a good passage when it reaches the other place.
      1.55 pm
      Mr. Tynan: With the leave of the House, I would like to place on record my thanks to everyone here, to the voluntary organisations, to the various individuals and to the press throughout the country who have supported the Bill. It is important that we recognise their contribution.
      There has been a genuine attempt this morning to deal with the issues of concern. I believe that we can allay the fears of hon. Members on both sides of the House and that the Bill will make a meaningful contribution to the control of the misuse of fireworks. I thank hon. Members again for their assistance.
      Question put and agreed to.
      Bill accordingly read the Third time, and passed.

  Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Deceased Fathers) Bill
  Order for Third Reading read.
  1.56 pm
  Mr. Stephen McCabe: I beg to move, That the Bill be now read the Third time.
  It is a pleasure to move that the Bill be read the Third time. I confess that I was anxious earlier that we might not have had this opportunity. I hope that there is such good will for the measure among hon. Members on both sides of the House that we will be able to use the time available economically and efficiently.
  I said on Second Reading that I did not believe that the issue was particularly contentious. I think that the debates on the Bill so far have tended to show that. I am grateful to hon. Members on both sides of the House for their help and support for this small but significant measure. It is a short Bill with a simple purpose that is wholly compassionate. It will permit: a man's name to be entered as a child's father on the birth certificate when the child has been born following fertility treatment after the man has died.
  The Bill is not deeply concerned with underlying philosophical and ethical fertility treatment issues. I recognise that they are very important issues for many people but this Bill seeks only to make a relatively simple change for the purpose of birth registration. The change proposed is symbolic only. It will not confer on the children any inheritance or other legal rights. Nevertheless, hon. Members will know of mothers, children and grandparents for whom this is a very important recognition. I pay tribute to the people who have campaigned long and hard on the issue.
  This is the second time that a Bill with essentially the same provisions has reached Third Reading in this House. I hope and believe that, as a result of the scrutiny to which the measure has been subjected, it has been significantly improved. Some straightforward amendments were made in Committee to allow additional flexibility where the mother cannot register the birth herself, perhaps due to the tragedy of death in childbirth, or serious illness leading to incapacity. As a result, the amended Bill is more in line with current registration practice. I proposed those amendments largely as a precaution. As I said in Committee, I hope that those circumstances will be extremely rare.
  I fully understand the issues that some hon. Members have raised about the Bill's retrospective provisions. That is hardly surprising as legislation is rarely made for retrospective purposes. In this case, however, I believe that it is right that the Bill should apply to existing as well as future cases. I hope that Members will be reassured that it does so in a way that sends an appropriate signal for the future, particularly in terms of the clear process that will have to be followed.
  Mr. Eric Forth: I am not asking for an exact figure, but can the hon. Gentleman give us a rough idea of how many cases the Bill would apply to retrospectively? I suspect that it is a very small number, but it would be helpful to know even at this stage of the Bill's consideration.
  Mr. McCabe: I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman. As he rightly says, there is no way of coming
  990
  up with an absolutely accurate figure. However, we believe that the provisions could apply to about 30 children, and possibly fewer. I hope that that makes the position clear.
  Fundamentally, the Bill represents a crucial opportunity for the House to put right earlier attempts to deal with such legislation. That is long overdue and, in reality, what we are doing is righting a wrong. The original intentions were never to prevent a father's name from appearing on a birth certificate. It is clear that the original architects of the Bill were concerned about inheritance and succession rights, and we can all understand that. All that I am seeking to do is ensure that the father's name appears on the child's birth certificate. That is a symbolic recognition; no issues of inheritance or succession are allowed. I commend the Bill to the House.
  2.2 pm
  Chris Grayling: I congratulate the hon. Member for Birmingham, Hall Green (Mr. McCabe) on the way in which he has stewarded this Bill to Third Reading. It is obviously an evocative and sensitive issue, and he has managed it well.
  We know that the origin of the Bill is the situation that faced Diane Blood. However, as the hon. Gentleman rightly points out, many children and families—we do not know exactly how many—have been affected by the circumstances that the Bill seeks to cover. It is right to say that the House would wish to do the right thing by those children. Therefore, Conservative Members have welcomed and supported the Bill right the way through the proceedings on it.
  I raised with the hon. Gentleman two concerns on Second Reading. I would like to put on record the way in which my concerns have been responded to. First, the hon. Gentleman has dealt well with the Bill's retrospective elements. They will not create an open-ended process for the future, but they acknowledge that some children today cannot, as a result of the lack of such legislation, have their position clarified. I am now comfortable with the Bill's retrospective elements.
  I also want to put on record my concerns about the proposed new section 28 (5D) of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990. I shall explain why I ultimately decided not to object to that. It allows an unmarried couple who have gone through fertility treatment using another man's sperm—the treatment may even have taken place outside the UK—to benefit from the provisions of the Bill. On reading that, my first thought was, "Hang on a moment. This is going a bit too far."
  The hon. Gentleman has set aside my concerns for two reasons. First, he pointed out that the provision is reflected in the existing human embryology legislation. It already exists in law. That is fine but my challenge to him was that, in cases covered by the existing legislation, the child would get to know the father, so there would be a bond between the father and the child. In a case in which the father had predeceased the child, that would not be the position. We had a long conversation about the matter and agreed that there are circumstances in which such a measure must be necessary.
  It is because of those circumstances that the hon. Gentleman has my support for that aspect of the Bill even though it causes me some anxiety. There may be

  991
  cases in which, for example, a partner in a relationship, perhaps a marriage, is in a long-term coma from which he is unlikely to recover. If the other partner forms a new relationship but does not want to get divorced because of the particular circumstances, she may be caught up in the situation addressed in the Bill. That is an unlikely circumstance, but unlikely is not never. In such a situation, which would be brought about by tragedy rather than by personal choice, it is right and proper that we should acknowledge the rights of the child. For that reason, following my discussion with the hon. Gentleman, I am happy not to challenge new section 28(5D).
  The measure is welcome. It will right a wrong and is overdue. I am delighted that it has had such a smooth process through the House. I congratulate the hon. Gentleman and all those who worked with him on their work. I wish the Bill well when it reaches another place and hope that it receives Royal Assent before too long.
  2.6 pm
  Dr. Vincent Cable: I have not been involved in the Bill before. I simply want to put on record my colleagues' support for it and to congratulate the hon. Member for Birmingham, Hall Green (Mr. McCabe) on promoting it. My hon. Friend the Member for Hazel Grove (Mr. Stunell) supported the original Bill when it went through the House.
  A key point, which has partly been covered, is that it is limited in both scope and scale. The scope is limited because it is confined to the one issue of a name appearing on a birth certificate. The scale is small because we are talking about 30 individuals. The estimate is that the measure could cover 10 additional babies a year. Presumably that could increase as technology develops. None the less, the Bill will have a limited scale of operation.
  It is fair to say that my hon. Friend the Member for Oxford, West and Abingdon (Dr. Harris) shared many of the concerns of the hon. Member for Epsom and Ewell (Chris Grayling) about the retrospective element, but he, too, is reassured that the problem is largely resolved. We therefore support the Bill and wish it well.
  2.7 pm
  Dr. Andrew Murrison: I also congratulate the hon. Member for Birmingham, Hall Green (Mr. McCabe) on promoting the Bill. It is overdue and I wish it well. There are one or two mildly controversial aspects, in particular to do with the retrospective elements and written consent, which is a complex matter, especially if the man is incapable of giving it for one reason or another. However, I hope that the Bill has a speedy passage.
  Mr. Tony Clarke: I, too, congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Hall Green (Mr. McCabe) on his sterling job in stewarding the Bill through to this stage. It will have a significant impact on the lives of the individuals whom it is meant to support and help, both retrospectively and in the future. I can think of nothing worse than going through life without being able to right the wrong of not having one's father's name recorded on one's birth certificate. I wish the Bill a good and speedy passage, even at this late stage.
  2.8 pm
  Mr. Eric Forth: In some ways, this is a model private Member's Bill. As has been mentioned, it is limited in scope and is, to use that ghastly modern term, focused. However, it does have complexities. I was gratified, not least given the earlier debate on the Fireworks Bill, that the Committee considered this Bill responsibly and saw fit to amend it. That is what Committees are for. Too often Bills, not least private Members' Bills, are ushered through Committee without proper scrutiny and run into difficulty on Report, which is what happened to the Fireworks Bill.
  I congratulate the hon. Member for Birmingham, Hall Green (Mr. McCabe) on the Bill. It has been carefully considered and has drawn on the experience of previous attempts to deal with the problem, and rightly so. I wish it well, and I think that we can be confident that it will go through to another place.
  It is worth noting that the Bill has been brought about partly by the advance of technology. The hon. Gentleman mentioned a moment ago that technology often obliges us to react within the legislative framework, and that is certainly the case here. However, this is also a very human Bill; technology has had a bearing on people in the most difficult of circumstances, and the law has been unable to catch up until now, courtesy of the hon. Gentleman and his Bill.
  Although I have always been very unhappy about retrospective legislation, we have now to accept that, as with almost everything in life and in legislation, there will occasionally, of necessity, be exceptions to the principle. The principle of retrospectivity, or rather the lack of it, in our legislation has been built up over many centuries as a proper protection for the citizen. However, in this day, when so many things advance so quickly, we have to be prepared to make allowances, particularly when, as in this case, the number of people involved is necessarily small. It may increase, but only slightly, so we are not opening a floodgate or risking abuse. Almost by definition, there will only ever be a few people, in their very human family circumstances, affected by these advances, and in that case we can take a more relaxed view of retrospectivity. The hon. Gentleman had that in mind when he was framing the legislation, and we have all been prepared to take a positive attitude to that.
  All in all, the Bill is an intriguing mixture of the narrow, the focused, the technical and the retrospective. I am reassured on this occasion by the fact that the Standing Committee took its work seriously. I am, funnily enough, more reassured by a Bill returning to the House on Report that has been amended in Committee than by one that has not, because that tells me that the members of the Committee took their responsibilities seriously. They persuaded the promoter, and indeed the Government, that amendments were proper and appropriate. In that case we can take a more relaxed view of the Bill on Report. There is a message there for all concerned, not least future promoters of private members' Bills.
  I congratulate the hon. Gentleman on how he has managed to steer his Bill through the House thus far. I am confident that it will succeed on this occasion, and I wish it well in the future.
  2.12 pm
  The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health (Ms Hazel Blears):I am absolutely delighted to add my congratulations to my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Hall Green (Mr. McCabe) on his excellent job in promoting a complex Bill involving many technicalities, both in technology and in the legal framework. I congratulate also my hon. Friend the Member for Northampton, South (Mr. Clarke), who promoted an earlier Bill on the issue, which did not get to this stage. I know that he has long been a doughty campaigner on these issues.
  We all appreciate the need to be compassionate and to recognise that there are children and their families who find themselves in incredibly distressing circumstances. It is right for the House to try and respond while maintaining the integrity of our legal process. The Bill treads a fine line in balancing the needs of the children and their families with those of the legal process, the considerations of technology and some of our long-held principles, particularly those concerning retrospectivity. All of us, whether as lawyers or legislators, are always very nervous about the effect of retrospectivity.
  The Bill is an opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of those children and their families. In considering the Bill my concern is the rights of those children, their future and, I hope, their opportunity to have their father's name registered on their birth certificate. They find themselves in tragic circumstances. Not only do they no longer have a father, but they face the added distress of lacking legal recognition of their situation. That is why the families have campaigned long and hard on the issue. They have had excellent parliamentary representation, but we should not take away from them the fact that they have had the determination, tenacity and will to see the process through, despite the personal problems that they have faced. I therefore pay tribute to the families who have championed this cause.
  Hon. Members have said that the Bill is a symbolic recognition, and we have made it clear that it will not have an effect on inheritance and the rest of the legal framework. Although it is symbolic, it is important for the people involved, and I hope that it will be of great emotional value to the children as they grow up. I am also delighted that there is an opportunity in the parliamentary timetable to implement one of the recommendations in Professor McLean's review. When that review was completed, we said that we would legislate when parliamentary time allowed. Clearly, there is a tight legislative schedule, but I am delighted that my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Hall Green has managed to find parliamentary time to proceed with his Bill. There is one recommendation in the McLean review that remains to be dealt with, on the use of gametes that have been taken and put into storage. Again, that involves fairly technical circumstances. For example, a child may be unable to consent to having their gametes taken because they are in a coma, but they may well want to use them in the future. We still have legislative work to do in that narrow area, but I hope that we can make progress there too.
  I shared some of the concerns expressed by the hon. Member for Epsom and Ewell (Chris Grayling) when I first saw the legislation, which attempts to think about
  994
  all possible eventualities. I am nervous of legislation that looks at hypothetical situations, because it can lead to unintended consequences that we may not have contemplated when we initially looked at the system. However, I am reassured that the provisions in the Bill do not simply mirror existing legislation. That is one good reason for doing something, but it is not always the whole story. If legislation mirrors existing provisions, it sometimes replicates problems as well as good measures. The hon. Member for Epsom and Ewell outlined a specific instance in which a couple, not married, undertook fertility treatment together but not using the man's sperm. There are a lot of "nots" in that equation, but such a procedure may have practical benefits.
  Amendments agreed in Committee dealt with similar matters. For example, a woman would have 42 days to register a birth. If there were circumstances in which she was unable to do so immediately, her children would not lose the benefit of having their father's name on their birth certificate. Those amendments had a narrow focus and dealt with something that might possibly happen in tragic circumstances. It was right that they were considered in Committee, as the right hon. Member for Bromley and Chislehurst (Mr. Forth) said. They were properly formulated scrutinised and debated, and have improved the Bill.
  There has been complex discussion of the interaction of the Bill and human rights legislation. Hon. Members will know that there was a declaration of incompatibility between section 28 of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 and article 8 of the European convention on human rights. That declaration was made some time ago in the courts, and was subject to the progress of this private Member's Bill. The judge who made it said that there was an incompatibility, but that he would stay proceedings pending the outcome of the Bill, which we consider remedies the incompatibility. We would only need to return to the possibility of introducing a remedial order under human rights legislation if the Bill did not make progress. That is another good reason why I am delighted that we have reached this stage in our proceedings.
  Chris Grayling: If the Bill is to work, the clinics involved will be an important factor, whether in the NHS or not. They should make a point of drawing the measure to the attention of patients when they go for their initial treatment and say, for example, "In the event of the unthinkable happening, you need to get something down on paper." Can the Minister assure the House that the Department, in its communication efforts to the NHS, will make sure that that happens?
  Ms Blears: The hon. Gentleman makes an important point. I understand that it is already in the code of practice that consent in writing to all procedures is to be sought from people undergoing treatment. We are due to issue a revised form of the code of practice in the autumn, and we can ensure that that message is as strong as it can possibly be. It is good practice that consent is obtained. It is also good practice that people should think long and hard, and engage in proper discussion and deliberation about what might happen.
  The requirement in the Bill for written consent prospectively rather than retrospectively ought to enhance the possibility of further deliberation and

  995
  discussion between partners about "what might happen if". I can give the hon. Gentleman the commitment that the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, which is responsible for such matters, will ensure that it is brought to the attention of NHS clinics, private clinics and clinics in the voluntary sector. It is an important aspect for us to be sure about.
  With reference to the human rights provision, the right hon. Member for Bromley and Chislehurst raised the question of the class of people that we are dealing with, whether the commitment was open-ended, or whether it was a closed class of people so that we had a fairly definitive view of how many people might be affected. It is a closed class. In future people will need written consent, so the class of people that we are dealing with are those from 1991—after the 1990 Act was passed—up to the passage of the Bill. There will also be those whose sperm has been stored.
  The normal period for the storage of sperm is about 10 years, so for a period of years following the Bill there may be cases where sperm has been stored. That could extend the class, but it is still very limited and closed. As my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Hall Green said, we think about 30 to 40 children are affected.
  Even within that closed class, I understand that the majority had written consent. What they might not have is written consent to having the name registered in the births and deaths registry. They may well have consent to the use of the sperm, but the Bill provides not only that consent is needed to the use of the sperm, but that the man must specifically consent to the fact that he will be registered as the father. It is important that that should be in the couple's contemplation. Even in the closed class of 30 or 40 individuals, many have written consent to the use of the sperm, so the effect will be marginal.
  We discussed whether there could continue to be human rights challenges even to the provisions of the Bill, because article 8 is engaged, and whether the court would hold that the Bill is a proper and proportionate response in human rights terms to the problem that has been identified, concerning the rights of the children and the possible rights to marriage and family life. We said previously that we could not prevent a legal challenge or pre-empt the judgment of the court, but the Bill serves three purposes.
  First, it makes sure that the requirement for written consent is clear. There was some debate about whether it was clear under the 1990 Act. Secondly, it serves a
  996
  legitimate aim by encouraging discussion about the use of the sperm before procedures are undertaken. That protects the rights of donors. Thirdly and probably more fundamentally, it reflects the right balance between the interests of children, donors, families and society. It meets a pressing social need and is necessary in a democratic society.
  For those three reasons, we believe the law is defensible against any possible challenge under the human rights legislation, and I hope that we are in the process of making good, valuable, well founded and technically effectively law. It is always much more satisfying to all of us as legislators when we feel that we are meeting a situation with law that is not messy—that is not lazy legislation—but is designed to achieve the end upon which we are all embarked.
  The Bill is fairly short. It deals admirably with complex technical provisions. Above all, for me and for my hon. Friends the Members for Birmingham, Hall Green and for Northampton, South, it will improve the lives of the children and families concerned, bring to an end the distress that they have suffered over a considerable number of years, and make a real difference to their future. I am tremendously grateful for the support of all Members of the House, including the Opposition, in giving the Bill a fair wind. I hope that we are able to bring it into law.
  2.24 pm
  Mr. McCabe: I should like briefly to thank everyone who has given me help and support—
  Mr. Deputy Speaker (Sir Alan Haselhurst): Order. I appreciate that the hon. Member simply wishes to pay tribute to those who have assisted him, but he should seek the leave of the House to speak again.
  Mr. McCabe: Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
  With the leave of the House, I simply want to thank all those who have given me help and support in the preparation of the Bill, and I particularly thank hon. Members here today for their comments. I am also grateful for the welcome advice and assistance of the hon. Member for Epsom and Ewell (Chris Grayling).
  The Bill will help people who have already suffered tragedy and it is in the interests of the children concerned. Today we are doing something that we all came here to try and do at some time in our life.
  Question put and agreed to.
  Bill accordingly read the Third time, and passed.

  Pensioner Trustees and Final Payments Bill
  Order for Second Reading read.
  2.26 pm
  Mr. Jim Cunningham: I beg to move, That the Bill be now read a Second time.
  I was quite taken aback to find that I would have four or five minutes to introduce the Bill. This is the second, not the first, time that I have brought it forward, but I hope that today I can generate support among hon. Members to take it further. However, before I attempt to do so, I should like to thank all those hon. Members who have supported me during those two attempts.
  The majority of the trade union movement supports the Bill. In particular, Derek Simpson, the new general secretary of the Amalgamated Engineering and Electrical Union side of Amicus, and the general secretary of Amicus support the Bill. In addition, I must thank the Coventry Rolls-Royce retired members group, particularly the chairman and secretary, and the British pensioners group in Coventry, which, over the years, have provided tremendous support, not only for the Bill but in a number of other areas. I was quite surprised when, a couple of months ago, I attended a Rolls-Royce retired members meeting in Coventry, and roughly 400 people turned up on a Friday afternoon. That says something about the interest in and the need for the Bill.
  The Bill simply means that retired members can nominate and elect a trustee of the various pension fund schemes throughout the country. That person would have the usual role of a trustee, but would take a special interest in relation to decisions that could affect any benefits that the members would receive.
  We all know about the mis-selling of pensions, certainly under the previous Government, and 1 drew attention to that the last time that I spoke in the House a couple of weeks ago in the pensions debate. However, we must also recognise that two or three years ago the Government set up a new financial services regulator. That will obviously take time to have an impact, but one interesting statistic is that, in redressing some of the issues in that regard, about £11 billion has been paid back in compensation. That gives an idea of the magnitude of that problem.
  I know that the Bill is only one step in a particular direction. Pensions, occupational pensions and issues that affect old-age pensioners in general terms are a far bigger area than I can deal with today. Nevertheless, it must be addressed and it is vital that the Bill receives the support that is necessary for it to complete its passage. I do not have time to go through all the arguments, but I ask hon. Members to support the Bill—
  Mr. Deputy Speaker: Order.
  It being half past Two o'clock, the debate stood adjourned.
  Debate to be resumed on Friday 11 July.

  Remaining Private Members' Bills

    GREENBELT PROTECTION BILL
    Order read for resuming adjourned debate on Question [21 March], That the Bill be now read a Second time.
    Hon. Members: Object.
    Debate to be resumed on Friday 11 July.

    COMPANY DIRECTORS (HEALTH AND SAFETY) BILL
    Order for Second Reading read.
    Hon. Members: Object.
    To be read a Second time on Friday 11 July.

    LOCAL COMMUNITIES SUSTAINABILITY BILL
    Order for Second Reading read.
    Hon. Members: Object.
    To be read a Second time on Friday 20 June.

    CROWN EMPLOYMENT (NATIONALITY) BILL
    Order for Second Reading read.
    Hon. Members: Object.
    To be read a Second time on Friday 20 June.

    REGULATION OF CHILD CARE PROVIDERS BILL
    Order for Second Reading read.
    Hon. Members: Object.
    To be read a Second time on Friday 4 July.

    DISABLED PEOPLE (DUTIES OF PUBLIC AUTHORITIES) BILL
    Order read for resuming adjourned debate on Question [16 May], That the Bill be now read a Second Time.
    Hon. Members: Object.
    Debate to be resumed on Friday 11 July.

    GOVERNMENT POWERS (LIMITATIONS) BILL
    Order for Second Reading read.
    Hon. Members: Object.
    To be read a Second time on Friday 20 June.

    HARBOURS BILL [LORDS]
    Order for Second Reading read.
    Hon. Members: Object.
    To be read a Second time on Friday 11 July.

  Cancer Screening
  Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House do now adjourn.—[Joan Ryan.]
  2.32 pm
  Dr. Vincent Cable: I am grateful for the opportunity to introduce an Adjournment debate on the rather broad issue of cancer screening, but my interest is somewhat narrow and is prompted by two considerations. The first is a constituency interest, as the leading bowel cancer charity is located in Twickenham. I met those at the charity recently, and they expressed their frustration about the fact that thousands of people die unnecessarily because the disease was not picked up sufficiently early. They urged me to do what I could at a political level to draw attention to a disease that is not particularly fashionable or that people enjoy talking about, but which deserves more attention, especially in respect of early detection and screening.
  The second reason why I feel motivated to raise this subject is a personal one. My wife died of breast cancer two years ago, and we lived with the disease for 13 years through all its stages. That left me with the very strong feeling that nobody should have to go through the same experience if at all possible. I am also left with a lingering doubt; although my wife was wonderfully cared for by the NHS, she was diagnosed in her early 40s. One is always left with the thought that, if there had been screening and early detection for women in their 40s, she might still be here. One is bound to have that thought in the circumstances.
  For those two reasons, I have a personal motivation for pursuing the issue. I approach it in a positive spirit. I acknowledge that in Britain, certainly in relation to breast cancer and cervical cancer, we probably have the most ambitious and long-standing, and arguably the most successful, approach in the world. That is certainly the British reputation and we must be proud of it, so I approach the matter in that upbeat spirit. One reason for that success is a general popular understanding of why screening is important—that screening leads to early diagnosis and early diagnosis saves lives; it is as simple as that.
  I was a little concerned to read a couple of months ago the conclusions of Professor Baum, one of the leading cancer specialists, who argued against cancer screening on the grounds that it raises anxiety and leads to what I believe are called in the trade "false positives": people who are falsely diagnosed with various forms of cancer, thereby leading to unnecessary operations. I hope that that has not led to confusion or doubt—certainly in the Government's mind—about the virtues and importance of cancer screening. It is important that public confidence be restored.
  Having made those general points, I want quickly to discuss the main cancer screening areas for which there are outstanding and important questions about Government policy, and to seek reassurance from the Minister. In many ways, the breast cancer programme is the best-established, best-understood programme. The mammography programme deals with some 1.3 million women a year aged 50 to 64. By common consent, it has a demonstrable and proven record in saving lives; indeed, there has been a sharp decline in mortality rates.
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  In 2001, 13,000 women died of the disease, but that constituted a 20 per cent. reduction on the figure for a decade earlier.
  There are also some very simple comparisons that can be made. Of a sample of women diagnosed with breast cancer in the mid-1990s, 76 per cent. survived for five years. However, the rate for those who had been screened rose to 93 per cent. So over the years, some 80,000 cases have been detected and very many lives saved as a result of this programme. I appreciate that the Government have indicated that they are willing to extend breast cancer screening to 70-year-old women, thereby removing a rather arbitrary element of age discrimination, and that in the process they will make the tests more comprehensive and less liable to faults.
  I have three questions for the Minister on breast cancer specifically. First, as a result of research carried out in Sweden in particular, empirical proof has emerged in just the past few months that the lives of a substantial number of women in their 40s could be saved if screening were extended to them. Indeed, an article in the April edition of The Lancet reached a very strong conclusion to that effect. Are the Government aware of that finding, do they accept it and do they propose to act on it?
  The second question is a related one. There have been worrying reports that in some parts of the country, particularly in the London boroughs, the cancer screening programme had to be stopped—it happened last year—because there simply was not the personnel capacity to cope with the number of women involved. I seek some reassurance from the Minister that that problem will not recur, and that the capacity will be available to cope with the expanded numbers if we quickly move to including 70-year-old women. Indeed, if the programme is also extended to 40-year-olds, will the system be able to cope with such numbers? Will it be held back, if it is clinically necessary, by lack of capacity, personnel and equipment?
  My third question relates to a group of women who came to see me at my constituency advice surgery two weeks' ago. They had been diagnosed early—the system had worked—but they were extremely alarmed to discover that treatment was being very seriously delayed as a result of difficulties in getting appointments at, in this case, Charing Cross hospital. My understanding is that under National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidelines, nobody should have to wait more than a month for cancer treatment at any stage. However, one woman who had already had a mastectomy in one hospital and was referred for radiography at another was told that she would have to wait six months for that treatment—way beyond the NICE guidelines. I seek reassurance from the Minister that such incidents are extremely rare, and perhaps she could tell us how serious and widespread these slippages are. Of course, this issue does not relate to the screening programme, but it would be tragic if people's expectations were raised by good screening and diagnosis, only for it not to be followed up by appropriate treatment.
  My second set of questions relates to cervical cancer screening, which is an even bigger programme. As the Minister knows, it deals with 3.5 million women a year, from a much wider age group: 20 to 65. It has a clear scientific rationale, based on the fact that early detection in this area is crucial to cure and the evidence that has

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  emerged from past work that something of the order of 1,000 lives a year are being saved specifically as a result of the smear test system—in other words, it is one of the great success stories of the NHS.
  However, there are several specific problems surrounding the programme. Seventeen per cent. of women who are entitled to screening do not come, mainly for sociological reasons—ethnic minorities and those from certain social classes—and many of these women die, needlessly because the screening is there. About 10 per cent. have to be recalled and experience all the anxiety associated with that. About 20 per cent. are simply missed because the test is not sufficiently accurate. Of those, there are significant numbers—perhaps half of the 1,200 who die every year—who were screened and passed, but were missed by the test. It is that inaccuracy which gives so much rise to so much anxiety and the necessity for moving on to improved technology.
  New technologies are available. The new liquid-based cytology has been extensively trialled and I believe is now available broadly in Scotland, A few weeks ago, I attended an all-day medical conference where the leader of that programme in Edinburgh described the efficiency with which that system now operates in Scotland. The simple question that I put to the Minister is, since it has now being extensively trialled and proven, appears to have few negative side effects and has positive outcomes, when will it be rolled out through England and Wales? When may we realistically expect comprehensive cervical cancer screening, using that new technology?
  The other question that I have on cervical cancer relates to the fact that some women report that their results are being seriously delayed. I have had anecdotal evidence of this and surveys suggest that 15 per cent. do not get their results within 10 weeks, which is way outside the guidelines. I should be grateful for some reassurance on that.
  The third category to which I wish to refer specifically is bowel cancer, which was where I started. There is increasing anxiety that it is growing rapidly. It has become the second cause of deaths among cancer victims; 35,000 a year are diagnosed, of whom 16,000 die. But there is now effective screening technology, and evidence from trial studies suggests that 2,500 of those who die could be saved if they were screened satisfactorily. I am delighted to read that the Government have now accepted that conclusion and are proceeding to a national screening programme. That is very good news. However, most of the people with whom I have discussed the subject—the action groups and those in the profession—are not sure how the Government's programme will work. Perhaps the Minister would be good enough to tell us as much as possible about how that screening programme will work, and particularly how long it will be—one year, two years or longer?—before most of the men and women who have anxiety on that score can be screened. Are the resources available? Are the nurses and specialists being trained for it?
  In conclusion I shall refer to two other types of cancer, in connection with which the screening process and the technology are less advanced, but where there is a growth of cancers and growing anxiety. One is
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  prostate cancer. I was horrified to discover that by the age of 80, half of all men will have prostate cancer. Very few will die of it because they have other things, but obviously it is a major source of anxiety for any man, and it is a growing source of death.
  Tests are available. There is the prostate specific antigen test, but it is a very primitive testing system. Even the leading prostate cancer action group, the supporters of the charter for action, are not pressing for screening based on that technology because they acknowledge that it has major errors. Two thirds of all men show raised PSA levels when they are tested and 20 per cent. of men with prostate cancer are not picked up by the test, so it is an imprecise system. No one is currently calling for a national screening programme based on the test. None the less, there is a strong desire for the Government to do what they can to promote research on screening technologies and to advance the situation so that we are not quite as helpless in the face of the disease.
  My final comments relate to another woman's cancer: ovarian cancer. I know from women who have been affected by the disease that it is a growing source of anxiety because the death rate is so high. Only about 30 per cent. of women affected survive for longer than five years and the problem seems to be growing. There is a worry that the scanning process in the NHS is highly inconsistent. Some parts of the country have ultrasound equipment and actively encourage screening. Some parts of the country offer screening if it is sought, yet it is simply not available in some areas. That reflects the different distribution of resources and differences among health professionals about whether the procedure is useful. Will the Government give clear guidance on whether screening is useful? If it is useful, will there be a consistent approach in the NHS? That information would help the pressure groups and the general public. There seems to be much confusion and uncertainty, although research at Barts and in Cambridge may cast light on the situation.
  I have covered a wide spectrum from established programmes for cervical and breast cancers to programmes in which screening and research are at an early stage. The Government and the country can be proud of the programmes but much remains to be done. Enormous numbers of people are dying, but they might not do so if better technology were being better applied. I would be grateful for as much encouragement as the Minister can give me.
  2.47 pm
  The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health (Ms Hazel Blears):I congratulate the hon. Member for Twickenham (Dr. Cable) on securing the debate. The measures in the NHS cancer plan on early screening, early diagnosis and better treatment are beginning to be significantly beneficial in the field. We have a genuinely good story to tell about screening but there is also more to do to extend the programmes.
  Reducing the incidence of cancer is vital to long-term efforts to reduce cancer mortality. If we can screen early, we can reduce the number of deaths. Vigilance against the onset of disease is absolutely crucial. When screening is possible, it is an important method to detect abnormalities at an early stage, which allows treatment

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  when the cancer is most likely to be curable or, in some cases, even before it develops. That is why the cancer plan proposes a major expansion of screening programmes that is absolutely based—this is not quite a caveat—on the fact that they should be used when it is clear that screening can reduce mortality. We want to use screening when there is evidence that it works and has a proper effect.
  The UK was the first country in the European Community and one of the first in the world to launch a nationwide breast cancer screening programme based on computerised call and recall services in 1988. Women aged between 50 and 64 are invited for breast screenings every three years and women aged over 65 may request free three-yearly screenings. In 2001–02, 1.3 million women were screened at an estimated cost of £52 million. More than 8,500 cancers were detected, many of which were small and could not be detected by hand because they had not developed into a lump. The breast cancer screening programme can help to save lives. We funded pilot studies that showed that extending screening to women aged between 65 and 70 is feasible and cost-effective.
  The hon. Gentleman asked whether we might be able to extend screening to women under 50. The Forrest report, on which the whole breast cancer screening programme is based, recommended further research to assess the clinical and cost effectiveness of offering routine screening to women under 50, and that research is under way. The study began in February 1991. Recruitment to the trial has stopped, but 160,000 are now on it. It costs about £1 million to run, and looks primarily at mortality benefits. Interim results are expected late this year, with full results expected in 2005. We are extremely interested in using it to decide whether such a programme is feasible and cost-effective.
  The hon. Gentleman asked about work force capacity in breast screening programmes. I am delighted to be able to tell him that we have run several pilot programmes in trying to get a greater skill mix among the various professions involved and trying to ensure that radiotherapists and radiographers can perform tasks that previously only radiologists could perform. Those pilots have been evaluated, with an extremely successful outcome. Practitioners are now able to put markers on to X-rays to show where cancers are, and some are able to do basic radiotherapy. That frees up consultants to carry out the work that they should properly be doing, and perhaps which only they can do, and enables us to get more people through the programme. We have increased training places for radiographers by some 55 per cent. since 1997: we are getting more people into training, changing the skill mix and increasing capacity. I entirely accept, however, that there is tremendous pressure in this field, because as we get more equipment and do more screening, we create more demand, and rightly so. We need to keep on top of that.
  The hon. Gentleman asked about time between diagnosis and treatment. In the cancer plan, we said that it would be a maximum of one month for breast cancer. I can tell him that the latest figures that we have for 2001–02 show that 96.5 per cent. of women with diagnosed breast cancer received treatment within that month. I am pleased to reassure him that the example that he gave relates to a very small minority. Early
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  treatment is absolutely key, especially after a diagnosis, because a great deal of distress and worry can be caused at that time.
  Moving on to cervical screening, the national computerised call and recall system was, again, introduced in 1988. Again, it was the first such programme. Women aged 20 to 64 are invited for a free cervical screening test every three to five years, and women aged over 65 are invited for screening if their previous two tests were not clear or if they have never been screened. In 2001–02, 3.9 million women were screened in England. Research has shown that death rates from cervical cancer fell by 43 per cent. between 1988 and 1997. Lives are being saved by the screening programme.
  On 6 June 2000, we announced that we would pilot the introduction of new technology—liquid-based cytology, or LBC, along with the use of human papilloma virus, or HPV, testing—as part of the NHS cervical screening programme. LBC techniques offer a new way to prepare cell samples for examination in the laboratory. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence has suggested that introducing LBC could increase the sensitivity of slides, reduce the number of inadequate screening tests—an area of concern—and improve the speed with which slides can be read. The report of the independent evaluation has been sent to NICE, and final appraisal guidance is due in August. If that is positive, LBC techniques will be introduced across the NHS in England, as promised in the NHS cancer plan.
  The hon. Gentleman mentioned that the system is being adopted in Scotland. Obviously, it will be a much bigger programme in England and Wales if we decide to adopt it nationwide: there will need to be a phased transition in terms of work force capacity and changes in laboratories. We are working with the NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency to examine ways in which we can procure the new technology in a cost-effective way to ensure that a programme can be established across the country, if that is what NICE recommends in its final guidance.
  HPV is a group of more than 80 viruses that are known to be implicated in 99 per cent. of cases of cervical cancer, but in most women those viruses are cleared naturally by the immune system. The HPV arm of the pilot study tests women if they have a mild or borderline screening test result. That evaluation report is due this autumn. As yet, there is no evidence to support the use of HPV as a primary screening tool.
  Professor Henry Kitchener, at St. Mary's hospital in Manchester, is co-ordinating a study to investigate whether it could be used in that way in the future. The study began in January 2001: it will take six years, involving 28,000 women, and we are keen to press on with it.
  The hon. Gentleman mentioned bowel cancer, which he is right to say has not received a huge amount of attention in the past, partly because of the difficulties we have in talking about the subject. It is the second largest killer, with 14,000 lives lost a year, so it is an important area for us to concentrate on. We now have breast and cervical cancer screening programmes, and we are sometimes accused of being sexist, because there are no screening programmes for cancers that affect men. In

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  men's health week, I should like to put it on the record that we are absolutely not sexist. We want screening where it is effective: evidence is key. One area where evidence is increasingly good is in relation to colorectal and bowel cancer.
  In a speech to the Britain Against Cancer conference in November last year, the Secretary of State reaffirmed his commitment to introduce a national screening programme for bowel cancer for both men and women, and the national cancer director, Professor Mike Richards launched the programme on 4 February this year. There are three main strands: developing the screening programme, streamlining the care for patients who already have symptoms, and improving treatment.
  One important subject of current debate is the best screening methodology to adopt. Much research and discussion is taking place about the respective merits of faecal occult blood testing and flexible sigmoidoscopy. In order to take that forward, the screening working group will examine those complex issues and make recommendations about the most appropriate way to make progress. The faecal occult blood testing has a research base, but flexible sigmoidoscopy is becoming increasingly important as a good way of detecting cancer.
  On prostate cancer, we are committed to introducing a screening programme if and when screening and treatment techniques are sufficiently well developed. Trials have shown that there is no conclusive evidence from any country that screening for prostate cancer would reduce the death rate, which is our objective. The prostate-specific antigen test, a blood test, is not always accurate. Some men with high PSA will not have prostate cancer, and some with low PSA will have prostate cancer. There is also no clinical consensus on the best way to treat prostate cancer. We need more serious and extensive research in that area—exactly what we are doing. We are on target to spend the promised £4.2 million on research into prostate cancer this year—something like a 20-fold increase on the research carried out in previous years.
  However, the fact that there is insufficient evidence for a screening programme does not help men who are worried about prostate cancer, which is why we introduced the prostate cancer risk management programme. Those who go for a PSA test should have good information about the benefits, limitations and risks associated with that test. Evidence-based resource packs were sent to all general practitioners in September last year. They included information leaflets for
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  patients, and doctors were encouraged to have discussions with their patients when they seek the test and ensure that they have the fullest information available to them.
  The hon. Gentleman also mentioned ovarian cancer screening. As more technology becomes available, more screening will be a possibility. The health technology assessment programme has undertaken a systematic review of the evidence for introducing ovarian screening. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to reach a firm conclusion, but the UK collaborative trial of ovarian cancer screening began in 2000. About 200,000 post-menopausal women aged between 50 and 74 are being randomised in 12 UK centres. Half the women will be screened, either by annual blood test or annual trans-vaginal ultrasound, with the remainder as the control group. The study is funded by the Department of Health, the Medical Research Council and Cancer Research UK. It is expected to cost some £20 million and will continue until 2010. We are keen to examine further evidence on ovarian screening, which, as the hon. Gentleman said, is an increasing problem and rightly a proper matter of concern.
  We are also examining the possibility of lung cancer screening. Recent research has shown that low-dose spiral computer tomography scanning can identify lung cancer in asymptomatic individuals at high risk. That suggests that CT scanning might be a useful screening test for lung cancer. The outcomes for lung cancer are very poor indeed in terms of five-year survival rates, so screening could be useful there.
  Finally, I should like to emphasise that no screening programme is perfect. Those who seek it need to understand the potential benefits and limitations, and then make informed choices about them. That is why we said that we would produce national leaflets. We have done so for breast and cervical screening, and they are sent out to all women who take part in the programmes. It is important—in every area of health care, not just in screening—that patients are able to participate in the decisions about their health and feel some ownership of the process of managing their own clinical conditions.
  I am delighted that we have had the debate today, and wish to place on record my personal thanks to all the staff who are involved in the screening programme. They work incredibly hard and do a fantastic job. They have contributed enormously to the good health of thousands of people in this country, and they have helped to save lives, too.
  Question put and agreed to.
  Adjourned accordingly at Three o'clock.

TRANSPORT

  Convention Reform
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on progress on the reform of the Warsaw Convention, with particular reference to(a) the cap on compensation awards, (b) compensation for psychiatric injury and (c) ratification of the Montreal Convention. [118695]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The 1999 Montreal Convention is intended to consolidate, update and eventually replace all previous international agreements on air carrier liability, including the 1929 Warsaw Convention. The Warsaw Convention will be subject to no further amendment or reform. The Montreal Convention removes liability limits in relation to claims for death and injury to passengers, but retains limits in relation to delay and baggage claims. The Montreal Convention does not acknowledge psychiatric injury as a separate head of claims. The UK is ready to ratify the Montreal Convention but since it contains issues that are subject to Community competence we are waiting until all 15 members of the EU are in a position simultaneously to deposit their instruments of ratification.

  Highway Winter Maintenance
  Mr. Peter Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has(a) to classify rock salt and its flow agent ferrocyanide as hazardous substances and (b) to restrict their use in highway winter maintenance operations. [118091]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Sodium hexacyanoferrate(II), rather than ferrocyanide, is the most common anti-caking (or "flow") agent used by the salt industry with rock salt for highway winter maintenance operations.

  There are no plans to classify rock salt and its anti-caking agent as hazardous substances nor are there plans to further restrict their use in highway winter maintenance operations.

  Maritime Security
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assistance has been given to the merchant shipping industry to increase maritime security in non-UK waters since 11 September 2001; and if he will make a statement. [118277]

  Mr. Jamieson
  My Department regularly issues advice to the United Kingdom merchant shipping industry. This includes information about the prevailing. threat around the world, and appropriate security responses and enhancements. The advice is either issued directly or through representative trade associations.
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  Detailed security guidance is issued to UK flagged cruise ships operating from overseas ports. This guidance is kept under review and has been enhanced since the events of September 2001. Measures contained in the guidance are appropriate to the level of threat, and implementation is monitored by my officials during regular overseas inspection visits.

  In November 2002 my Department published a Marine Guidance Note containing security advice on measures to counter attacks against merchant shipping. This was issued to every UK seafarer.

  Railways
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations he has received from train operating companies about the future of the railway network. [118525]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Ministers in my Department receive representations from train operating companies from time-to-time on a range of issues and meet with them on a regular basis.

  Rapid Transit System (Cambridge-Huntingdon)
  Mrs. Anne Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to make an announcement about the viability of the rapid transit system between Cambridge and Huntingdon. [117976]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Work on the appraisal of this scheme is progressing well, but I cannot yet say when my right hon. Friend will be in a position to make an announcement.

ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

  Agency Workers
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many agency workers have been employed by the Department in each of the last two years; and at what cost to public funds. [115208]

  Alun Michael
  The cost to public funds of employing agency staff for each of the last two years is as follows (excluding Defra Agencies and for foot and mouth disease):

  £

  2001–02

  5,387,536

  2002–03

  6,277,965

  The number of agency workers employed is not held centrally by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and could be provided only a disproportionate cost.

  Avian Influenza
  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on preparedness for an outbreak of Avian Influenza in the UK. [118326]
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  Mr. Morley
  In the light of the outbreak of Avian Influenza in the Netherlands we have checked all elements of the Department's preparedness and are keeping the position under review in consultation with the industry. Veterinary field instructions were reviewed and amended in early March and are being further reviewed to reflect lessons learned in the Netherlands. Other elements of emergency preparedness including laboratory capacity, slaughter methods and disposal options have all been checked and updated as necessary. The supporting structures, systems and arrangements set out in the FMD Contingency Plan are ready to be employed. In the light of information on the Dutch outbreak and our experience with FMD in 2001, we would impose national movement controls immediately, unless there was very good evidence not to do so, in order to assess the source and contain any further spread of disease. We are liaising with the industry about arrangements allowing licensed movements.

  We will be checking our emergency preparedness by holding an Avian influenza exercise later this month.

  Countryside Agency
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her forecast funding of the Countryside Agency is for(a) 2003–04 and (b) 2004–05; and if she will make a statement. [118602]

  Alun Michael
  The Countryside Agency has been allocated £98 million grant in aid for 2003–04 compared with £92 million in 2002–03. Decisions on future years have not been made but we have indicated to the Agency that it may provisionally plan on receiving a similar amount in 2004–05.

  Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the implications for property owners faced by environment charges for access resulting from changes in the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. [117553]

  Alun Michael
  Regulations under section 68 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, relating to vehicular access over common and other land, prescribe the compensation sums that property owners have to pay to landowners in connection with a statutory easement under the regulations. The compensation is 0.25 per cent.-2 per cent. of the value of the property served by the vehicular access, depending on its age. In addition, property owners may face other costs, such as getting their property valued.

  These costs will not arise unless the property owner chooses to make an application under the regulations They compare very favourably with the sums the property owners might have to pay if they were to negotiate the grant of an easement with the landowner outside the terms of section 68.

  Departmental Expenditure
  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her departmental expenditure was for each year since 1997; arid what administration costs limits were set for 2003–04. [117536]

  Alun Michael
  I refer the hon. Member to Chapter 5 of the 2003 Departmental Report. Defra did not come into existence until June 2001, but information about Defra's predecessor departments can be found in their annual Departmental Reports for 2001 and earlier years, copies of which are available in the Library of the House of Commons.

  Eco-schools
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much financial grant her Department has given to EnCams for its Eco Schools programme in each year since 1997. [118692]

  Alun Michael
  Defra does not provide EnCams Ltd. with a specific grant for its Eco Schools programme, which is funded by SITA Environmental Trust. Annual grant to EnCams from Defra incorporates a funding element for management and administration costs. This enables EnCams to deliver on a wider range of campaigns and programmes, including its Eco Schools programme. Management and administration costs include salaries and employers' costs for EnCams staff, conference and workshop costs, and office costs.

  Mr. David Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many jobs are dependent on the Eco Schools programme in England. [118693]

  Alun Michael
  Defra funds the environmental charity EnCams, which is the parent organisation of the Tidy Britain Group, for work on litter, waste and local community initiatives in England. The Eco Schools initiative is a European Environmental award scheme funded by SITA Environmental Trust. The work of EnCams in this field has been welcomed by Ministers at Defra, as well as DfES but is in addition to the work that we fund. I understand that the work is currently undertaken by a central team but that EnCams may devolve the work to its regional teams in future.

  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what arrangements her Department makes to distribute information on sustainable development to Eco Schools in England. [118694]

  Alun Michael
  Officials from the Department and DfES are regularly in contact with EnCams Ltd, the environmental charity that runs the Eco Schools programme in England, about a range of sustainable development information that may be suitable for
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  specific programmes. Any decision about what information to distribute to schools that participate in the Eco Schools programme is a matter for EnCams.

  Foot and Mouth
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she intends to implement a veterinary disease strategy for foot and mouth disease. [118572]

  Mr. Morley
  The veterinary disease control strategy for foot and mouth disease is summarised in the Foot and Mouth Disease Contingency Plan which was laid before Parliament on 28 March 2003.

  GM Crops
  Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what clinical trials have been conducted into the effects on the human body of the ingestion of GM foods in the(a) long and (b) short term. [118577]

  Ms Blears
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is unaware of any clinical trials conducted into the effects on the human body of the ingestion of genetically modified (GM) Foods. However, a number of research projects have been funded by the FSA on the safety of GM foods, which have included a project which has examined the survival of DNA in the digestive tract.

  Details of the work funded by the FSA are described in its annual research report, which is available in the Library.

  National Parks Authority
  Kate Hoey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what account she takes of sport and recreational interests when appointing members of the National Parks Authority. [117105]

  Alun Michael
  As set out in the Environment Act 1995, the purposes of National Parks are to conserve and enhance their natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage; and to promote the public understanding and enjoyment of their special qualities. In pursuing these purposes National Park Authorities have a duty to seek to foster the economic and social well being of communities within the National Park.

  Candidates for membership of a National Park Authority are welcomed from all backgrounds. We expect those appointed by the Secretary of State to represent the national interest, including the views of people not living in or near the Parks; to work to achieve both the Parks' purposes; we encourage them bring experience of wider issues, such as an interest in outdoor recreation or sport or business conservation. In making appointments, we seek to ensure members collectively have a range of interests which cover all the Authority's activities.

TREASURY

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will reply to the question from the hon. Member for Portsmouth, South tabled for answer on 12 May 2003, ref 112668. [119115]

  John Healey
  The question concerned was transferred to the Treasury by the Cabinet Office earlier this week. I hope to be in a position to reply to the hon. Member shortly.

  Aggregates Levy
  Mr. Andrew Robathan
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of the funds raised by the Aggregates Levy has been paid(a) directly by the Government and (b) via another party in respect of work carried out for the Government. [118643]

  John Healey
  The aggregates levy is payable by anyone who commercially exploits virgin aggregate. Whether the cost is passed on to the end user is a commercial decision for these suppliers; therefore, it is not possible to establish the proportion of revenue raised by the levy which is paid by, or on behalf of, Government.

  Banknotes
  Mr. Gordon Marsden
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what measures have been incorporated into(a) £5, (b) £10, (c) £20 and (d) £50 notes to enable blind and partially sighted people easily to distinguish between them; [118644]

  (2) what representations he has received on further mechanisms that would enable blind and partially sighted people more easily to distinguish between banknotes; [118645]

  (3) what plans his Department has to introduce additional mechanisms to enable blind and partially sighted people easily to distinguish between banknotes; [118646]

  (4) what consultation has been undertaken with groups representing blind and partially sighted people on the effectiveness of measures to enable them to distinguish between banknotes. [118647]

  John Healey
  The production of most UK banknotes is the responsibility of the Bank of England. The Bank is very conscious of the problems experienced by visually impaired people in identifying banknotes. Each denomination has a unique colour theme and there is a symbol to aid the partially sighted incorporated into the front design. The new design £5, £10 and £20 notes have large and clear denomination numbers. In addition, differentials in size allow some visually impaired people to distinguish between the denominations.

  On occasions the Treasury and the Bank receive suggestions from members of the public with a view to enabling visually impaired people to distinguish banknotes more readily. Suggestions are considered and where appropriate incorporated into the finished note. An example of this is the use of larger denomination figures on the new style £5, £10 and £20 notes. The

  1091W
  incorporation of Braille into the design of the notes has also been suggested. However, it was felt that this (and any other kind of raised markings) would wear rapidly once the notes were in active circulation, and so would cease to be reliable.

  There are no plans to make any further changes to the current series of banknotes to assist visually impaired people in distinguishing between the different denominations.

  The Bank of England regularly consults a number of organisations, including the Royal National Institute for the Blind, during the design phase of all new banknotes.

  When changes are made to banknotes, information is available from the Bank of England in Braille and large print. I also understand that visually impaired people can obtain banknote guides from commercial banks and the RNIB.

  Children at Risk
  Margaret Moran
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he intends to publish the Children at Risk Green Paper. [118854]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Government are currently finalising the proposals to be detailed in the Children's Green Paper and will be publishing it shortly.

  Correspondence
  Martin Linton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will reply to the letter of 6 March 2003, from the hon. Member for Battersea. on behalf of Jackie von Calster of Battersea, London, regarding inheritance tax. [119177]

  John Healey
  Treasury Ministers have no record of having received this correspondence. Officials have requested a copy from the hon. Member's office and will deal with it as soon as it is to hand.

  Financial Advisers
  Mrs. Iris Robinson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many independent financial advisers are working across the UK; how many have been unable to source professional indemnity insurance; and what action has been taken by the Financial Services Agency to address the situation within the professional indemnity insurance market. [118062]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Financial Services Authority (the FSA) advise that there are approximately 4,000 directly authorised firms of independent financial advisers (IFAs) in the UK. Between September 2002 and April 2003 just under 2,800 of these were due to renew their professional indemnity (PI) cover, over 1,950 have done so or been granted a waiver of the requirement to have PI.

  The FSA is in discussion with the other firms, and works with them to find a solution in light of their individual circumstances.
  1092W
  IFAs may be reluctant to confirm that they have PI cover until they have a policy document, even if they have agreed terms. This means that the reported position can appear less positive than it is.

  Last month the FSA authorised a new insurance company that intends to provide cover for IFAs. The FSA also published a consultation paper on its future PI policy in February 2003 and is currently analysing the responses. The FSA is in on-going discussions with IFAs, PI insurers, PI brokers and other interested parties about the situation in the PI market.

  Heavily Indebted Poor Countries
  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to his answer of 4 June 2003,Official Report, column 429W, what options the UK Government are exploring to address the issue of creditor litigation and improve the legal defence offered to heavily indebted countries. [119209]

  John Healey
  As stated in my answer of 4 June 2003, the UK believes that an adequate HIPC legal defence is essential in reaching fair and equitable settlements with some creditors. The UK is exploring options to address the issue of creditor litigation with other donors and the staffs of the World bank and IMF.

  At the recent Evian Summit, the G8 agreed to ask the IMF and World bank to intensify their efforts to secure the participation of all creditors, and to explore further options to deal with the issues of creditor litigation. The Chair's summary and further information on summit outcomes can be found at: http://www.g8.fr.Evian

  Higher Rate Taxpayers
  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to his answer of 3 June 2003,Official Report, column 194W, whether he has figures for (a) Brent and (b) Brent, North. [119210]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Reliable estimates are not available by parliamentary constituency.

  Personal Debt
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the average level of personal debt was in each of the last 10 years. [118685]

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

  Letter from Colin Mowl to Mr. Jenkins, dated 13 June 2003:

  The National Statistician has been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question on personal debt. I am replying in his absence. (118685).

  The figures you requested are given below. These averages have been derived by dividing household sector financial liabilities by the number of adults (aged 16 and over).

  The financial liabilities data used in the calculation include liabilities of non-profit institutions serving households (NPISH) in addition to those of households. The accounts for the household and NPISH sectors are currently combined; separate estimates are not available.

  1093W

  Average level of personal debt

  Calendar year

  £

  1993

  10,768

  1994

  11,248

  1995

  11,766

  1996

  12,215

  1997

  12,999

  1998

  13,796

  1999

  14,859

  2000

  16,102

  2001

  17,657

  2002

  19,737

  Tax Credits
  Mr. Russell Brown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to carry out an inquiry into the Inland Revenue's handling of applications for(a) child tax credit and (b) working tax credit. [116640]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 5 June 2003]I would refer the hon. Member to my statement to the House on 28 April 2003,Official Report, column 53W, and to the further update I provided during the debate in Westminster Hall on 4 June 2003, Official Report, column 120WH.

  Sue Doughty
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the cost of extending the baby element of the child tax credit payable in the first year so that parents of multiple birth children receive payments for each child. [117574]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The cost of extending child tax credit, so that parents receive a higher family element to reflect each child in a multiple birth, is estimated to be £5 million per year.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the time and duration of each occasion since 1 April 2003 when staff working on the public helpline desks have been unable to access the computer system for handling children's tax credit claims. [118035]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 9 June 2003]The IT system supporting the new tax credits has not been working as well as we expected and there has been unscheduled down time as a result. The Inland Revenue are working urgently with their IT partners to improve the system's availability, speed and stability.

CHURCH COMMISSIONERS

  Lambeth Palace Library
  Hugh Bayley
  To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners pursuant to his answer to the right hon. Member for Birkenhead (Mr. Field) on 8 May 2003,Official Report, column 864W, on Lambeth Palace Library, whether the Commissioners' review of the arrangements for the housing and conservation of the documentary heritage of the Church will (a) take account of the documentary heritage held by York Minster Library and (b) seek to define the purposes and role of the collections of York
  1094W
  Minster Library and how they complement those of Lambeth Palace Library and supplement those in the north of England. [118724]

  Mr. Bell
  The terms of reference of the Review are concerned with collections belonging to the national institutions of the Church of England and do not, therefore, extend to the cathedral libraries, which belong to the various Deans and Chapters.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  National Lottery
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make the funding of sports and open space projects for community use a priority for unallocated Lottery funds. [118738]

  Mr. Caborn
  The 15 Lottery distributing bodies have, collectively, committed around £1 billion more to projects, than the overall balance held in the National Lottery Distribution Fund. The latest available figures for distributors' total commitments is over £4.2 billion, and for the total NLDF balance, under £3.2 billion.

  Both sport and open space projects continue to be a priority for lottery funding. Sport currently receives 16⅔ per cent. of all new Lottery income and they are guaranteed to get at least this until 2009. Furthermore, up to the end of the financial year 2002–03 sport had received over £2.22 billion as a result of the Lottery.

  The New Opportunities Fund, under its environment remit, has already funded a number of open space projects and will continue to do so in the future. The HLF also funds open space projects.

  New Opportunities Fund
  Jonathan Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much has been committed by the New Opportunities Fund under its environment programme in the financial year 2001–02. [119339]

  Mr. Caborn
  The New Opportunities fund committed £5,653,000 under its environment programme. This is a revision to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for North Devon (Nick Harvey) on 19 May 2003,Official Report, columns 540W–542W.

  Sport England
  Mr. Love
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what discussions she has had with Sport England regarding the development of the High Performance Centre for Greater London at Pickets Lock; and if she will make a statement; [118686]

  (2) what discussions she has had with Sport England regarding their re-prioritisation programme to better match their income to expenditure; what impact is expected on the development of the High Performance Centre for Greater London; and if she will make a statement; [118701]

  (3) if she will make a statement on the feasibility study being undertaken by Sport England into the proposed High Performance Centre for Greater London. [118702]
  1095W
  Mr. Caborn
  Sport England has kept me and my officials fully informed of its review of its Lottery funded programmes. The Review is being carried out as part of the modernisation and restructuring programme that we have asked it to undertake and will ensure that all projects meet its new business strategy. I understand that its Council plan to consider all the projects under review at its meeting in July.

  I have been kept fully informed by Sport England about the proposed High performance Centre at Pickets Lock including the decision by UK Athletics to select this site as its preferred location for its London Indoor 200m Centre.

  The Lea Valley Regional Park Authority is undertaking a study into the feasibility of constructing and operating an indoor athletics centre at the Pickets Lock site. The study is being funded by the Authority, Sport England the Capital Modernisation Fund. Sport England, the Authority and UK Athletics are working closely together to facilitate the study which will form the basis of a Lottery application from the Authority should it consider the project viable.

  Television Exports
  Nick Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will list the(a) value and (b) unit sales of UK television exports in (i) US, (ii) Canada, (iii) Germany, (iv) France, (v) Spain, (vi) Italy, (vii) Scandinavia, (viii) the rest of Western Europe, (ix) Eastern Europe, (x) Australia and New Zealand, (xi) Latin America, (xii) Asia and (xiii) elsewhere, broken down by type, in (A) 2000, (B) 2001 and (C) 2002. [118760]

  Dr. Howells
  This Department, in liaison with the British Television Distribution Association (BTDA), collate and publish annual statistical export data on behalf of the television industry. The following tables provide the information requested.

  UK television export statistics 2000 vs 2001

  $ million

  2000

  2001

  Percentage

  Sales by territory

  USA

  167

  199

  19.2

  Canada

  16

  22

  31.5

  Germany

  59

  59

  0.1

  France

  50

  37

  -25.7

  Spain

  28

  22

  -21.8

  Italy

  16

  19

  16.2

  Scandinavia

  29

  29

  0.1

  Rest of Western Europe

  43

  38

  -12.5

  Eastern Europe

  16

  18

  11.4

  Australia/New Zealand

  65

  59

  -9.0

  Latin America

  22

  24

  9.0

  Asia

  50

  46

  -9.6

  Not elsewhere classified

  55

  53

  -2.1

  Total

  617

  624

  1.2

  Sales by type

  Television

  339

  352

  3.9

  Videogram

  41

  54

  30.5

  Co-production

  58

  61

  5.0

  Format/Local production

  23

  35

  51.4

  Licensing/misc

  149

  118

  -20.8

  Commission on UK sales

  7

  4

  -36.7

  Total

  617

  624

  1.2

  1096W

  UK television export statistics 2001 vs 2002

  $ million

  2000

  2001

  Percentage

  Sales by territory

  USA

  199

  232

  16.4

  Canada

  22

  26

  20.3

  Germany

  59

  40

  -32

  France

  37

  36

  -2.6

  Spain

  22

  23

  1.7

  Italy

  19

  17

  -8.9

  Scandinavia

  29

  25

  -14.8

  Rest of Western Europe

  38

  69

  82.3

  Eastern Europe

  18

  18

  2.3

  Australia/New Zealand

  59

  65

  8.8

  Latin America

  24

  23

  -5.8

  Asia

  46

  55

  21.1

  Not elsewhere classified

  53

  38

  -28.1

  Total

  624

  666

  6.6

  Sales by type

  Television

  352

  323

  -8.2

  Videogram

  54

  77

  43.8

  Co-production

  61

  79

  29.3

  Format/Local production

  35

  40

  12.2

  Licensing/misc

  118

  145

  22.9

  Commission on UK sales

  4

  2

  -55.1

  Total

  624

  666

  6.6

  Notes:

  1. The BTDA represents over 30 of the UK's leading distributors, including all the major companies such as BBC Worldwide, Carlton International, Granada International, Channel 4 International, Minotaur and Fremantle International Distribution. In total the organisation represent more than 90 per cent. of all UK exports. The BTDA was relaunched in 1999 as a joint venture with producers' association PACT—with a key objective being the development of relationships between producers and distributors for the creation of improved programming for export.

  2. Numbers have been rounded up or down to the nearest million.

  Tourism (Staffordshire)
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) in what ways her Department has supported the Staffordshire tourism industry; [119235]

  (2) what plans she has to encourage an increase in the level of national and international tourism within Staffordshire. [118682]

  Dr. Howells
  As part of the Government's programme of tourism reform, the Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) are, from 1 April 2003, playing a stronger part in the strategic leadership of tourism, with the Regional Tourist Boards (RIBs) being their natural delivery partners. Guidance has been issued to RDAs on how tourism should be covered in their Corporate Plans and Regional Economic Strategies, including the development with RIBs, sub-regional and local partners of Regional Sustainable Tourism Strategies. 'Advantage West Midlands' (RDA) will lead this process in the West Midlands, taking into account the tourism potential of Staffordshire, and in 2003–04 will receive £252,000 to pass on to the 'Visit Heart of England Tourist Board, (VHOE) subject to agreed targets and objectives.

  In addition 'Advantage West Midlands' recently provided South Staffordshire with resources to commission a study of the area's visitor profile. The

  1097W
  study will include an action plan, which will guide future investment in tourism development in the area. A similar process is also occurring in North Staffordshire.

  The Government has invested some £72 million in 2002–03, and is spending a further £50 million this year, on tourism, including £47 million to VisitBritain to encourage people in Britain and abroad to take their holiday here. I am sure that VisitBritain's campaigns, such as 'Outdoor Britain' which leads on the Peak District National Park, will, alongside the good work done by Visit Heart of England Tourist Board, be of enormous benefit to tourism in Staffordshire.

  Government support for tourism is not limited to supporting a tourist board. DCMS alone spends some £1 billion per year, for example, on the arts, royal parks and palaces, museums and galleries, much of which directly benefits tourism.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Afghanistan
  Mr. George Osborne
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what the total UK expenditure has been on the reconstruction of Afghanistan. [118703]

  Hilary Benn
  DFID has spent £122 million on reconstruction and humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan since 2001.

  Agricultural Subsidies
  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what assessment the Department has made of the impact of reducing agricultural subsidies in Europe on nations in the developing world. [119190]

  Hilary Benn
  DFID have commissioned a number of studies looking at the impact of different aspects of agricultural liberalisation by developed countries. Some studies have analysed the effect of reforming certain commodity market regimes in the EU, such as the sugar and dairy regimes. These have shown that reducing support in the EU for these commodities will have a positive impact on world prices, thus benefiting exporting developing countries. It will also lead to reduced dumping on developing country markets which is currently harming local production and trade. But there will also be losers as some countries may see their highly profitable preferential access to the EU market eroded.

  A recent study on wider liberalisation in agriculture by all developed countries shows similar results. It also stresses the need for complementary policies in helping developing countries reap the full benefits of agricultural trade. Support will need to be provided to those who lose their preferential access to EU markets in order to identify alternative market opportunities. This will need to be taken carefully into consideration within individual countries' development strategies.
  1098W
  DFID is also in the process of commissioning a long-term study over three years to look into the effects of developed countries' domestic and export subsidies on developing countries. This will look in detail at specific country and commodity case studies.

  Asbestos
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development if she will list the actions her Department, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies are taking to comply with the requirements of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002; whether she has made an estimate of the cost of compliance; and if she will make a statement. [117701]

  Hilary Benn
  All three of our UK buildings have been refurbished over the last two years. Formal surveys of each were carried out as part of these works, and in each case has confirmed that there is no asbestos present. There were no additional costs incurred as a result of the regulations.

  There are no agencies or NDPBs for which this Department is responsible.

  Departmental Website
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what actions she has taken or is taking to ensure that the websites of her Department, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies are accessible to partially sighted and blind people; and if he will make a statement. [117354]

  Hilary Benn
  Specific consideration has been given to visually impaired users of the DFID website through the use of clear fonts and distinguishing colours. Overall the site is graphics/image light with the majority of the information on the website in text format, which can be easily manipulated through Screen reader software.

  Our site is under redevelopment, which will involve loser compliance with W3C Web Accessibility Initiative and consultations with external organisations such as the Royal National Institute for the Blind.

  G8 Summit
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development if he will make a statement on the international development issues discussed at the G8 Summit. [118995]

  Hilary Benn
  The G8 met in Evian on 1–3 June and discussed a number of issues relating to international development:On Africa, significant progress was made on areas such as conflict resolution. It was agreed to expand the group of Africa Personal Representatives and meet as the Africa Partners Forum in November 2003.
  The G8 supported the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, as part of wider work on corruption. We are now working towards a Conference on the Initiative in mid-June.
  There was support for the International Finance Facility, which would significantly increase volumes of aid, up to 2015. Finance Ministers were asked to report by September on financing instruments, including this Facility.

  1099W
  There was a commitment to making progress at the WTO Ministerial in Cancun.
  The outcome on Access to Medicines includes some actions for G8 countries, which we will push forward in coming months in our country programmes.
  The UK announced a further $80 million to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, while calling for improvements in its management. Other EU countries will announce their commitments at the European Council in late June.
  The G8 renewed their commitment to eradicating polio by 2005.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Biometric Testing
  Mr. MacDougall
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to introduce biometric tests with(a) passport applications and (b) other official documents. [118116]

  Beverley Hughes
  As indicated in its 2003–08 Corporate and Business Plan the UK Passport Service (UKPS) is planning to include a computer chip in British passports storing a facial recognition biometric captured from photographs submitted with applications. This form of biometric deployment will be in line with international standards endorsed in May 2003 by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

  Studies are also planned by the UKPS and DVLA into the use of fingerprints and iris scan biometrics. These studies will include trials of live capture of the biometric at personal interviews, which will be required, if these forms of biometric are deployed. Finger prints or iris scans could be included in passports, passport cards along side facial recognition and in driving licences.

  Cannabis
  Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what further milestones remain in the process which could lead to the legalisation of medicinal cannabis; when the final decision will be made; and when he expects that medicinal cannabis could be made available in the UK. [117882]

  Mr. Bob Ainsworth
  The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), an agency of the Department of Health, is currently evaluating the safety, quality and effectiveness of a medical preparation of a cannabis-based drug developed and extensively tested by GW Pharmaceuticals. This assessment by the MHRA is one which all prospective new medicines have to go through and is designed to protect public health.

  Concurrently, in consultation with the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, the Government is considering how the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 would apply to prescribed cannabis-based medicine in the event that the MHRA approves the safety, quality and effectiveness of the product.

  If marketing approval is forthcoming, we will seek Parliament's agreement to any necessary changes to the Regulations. Our aim is to ensure ready and early
  1100W
  availability of the drug as a prescribed medicine once marketing approval has been received. It is a possibility his could be done by the end of the year.

  Deportations
  Mr. Cawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were deported from the UK following failed asylum claims(a) in each tear from 1980 to 2002 and (b) in each calendar month n 2003. [118074]

  Beverley Hughes
  Data on the number of principal asylum applicants removed from the United Kingdom in each year from 1992 to 2002, and for the first three months of 2003 are given in the table. Data are not available for earlier periods.

  Principal asylum applicants removed from the United Kingdom 1992 to March 2003 1, 2, 3

  Principal applicants

  1992

  1,350

  1993

  1,820

  1994

  2,220

  1995

  3,170

  1996

  4,820

  1997

  7,165

  1998

  6,990

  1999

  7,665

  20004

  8,980

  20014

  9,285

  20024

  10,410

  2003

  January4

  770

  February4

  890

  March4

  955

  1Data have been rounded to the nearest five.

  2Persons who had sought asylum at some stage, excluding dependants. Removal figures exclude dependants of asylum seekers removed; data on dependants removed have only been collected since April 2001.

  3Including persons known to have departed 'voluntarily' after enforcement action had been initiated against them.

  4Provisional.

  The data provided in the table exclude dependants of asylum seekers, since data on dependants have only been available since April 2001. 1,495 dependants of asylum seekers were removed in the period April to December 2001, 2,925 in 2002, 390 in January 2003, 455 in February 2003 and 525 in March 2003. All data are provisional.

  Deportations are a specific subset of removals alongside persons subject to administrative removal, removal due to illegal entry action or those refused entry at port and subsequently removed.

  Information on the removal of asylum applicants is published quarterly. The next publication will cover the period up to June 2003, and will be available from the end of August 2003 on the Home Office Research Development and Statistics Directorate web site at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigration1.html.

  Drug-related Assets
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the value is of drug-related assets that have been recovered each year since May 2000. [117919]

  Mr. Bob Ainsworth
  The receipts remitted to the Secretary of State from confiscation orders made under the Drug Trafficking Acts 1986 and 1994 and from drug cash seizures under the Drug Trafficking Act 1994 for each year from 2000 were:

  £14,827,000 for 2000–01 and £16,503,000 for 2001–02. The figure for the year 2002–03 is not yet available.

  Sex Industry
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps are being taken to provide counselling and protection for women and young girls found after being brought into the UK illegally to work in the sex industry; and if he will make a statement. [118151]

  Beverley Hughes
  The White Paper "Secure Borders, Safe Haven"—published in February 2002—sets out our general proposals for assisting the victims of trafficking.

  On 10 March, we launched a pilot scheme under which adult female victims of trafficking for sexual exploitation who are willing to come forward to the authorities and help law enforcement against organised criminals are offered protection and a range of support services such as counselling and health checks in safe accommodation managed by a voluntary sector organisation.

  We will also consider, in the light of individual circumstances, whether it would be appropriate to allow such victims who have co-operated to remain here. Where they are to return home, we will assist them to do so, providing them with initial counselling, ensuring that they have suitable accommodation to return to, and providing help to enable them to re-integrate into their own community and find employment.

  Under the provisions of the Children Act 1989 minors are the responsibility of local authority social services departments. It is not possible for minors to be admitted to the pilot scheme.

  Sickness Absence
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many staff in the Department have been on long-term sick leave in each of the last two years. [115868]

  Beverley Hughes
  I refer the hon. Member to my previous answer on 28 April 2003,Official Report, column 219W.

  Unauthorised Campers
  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures he plans to take to reduce the financial burden to local authorities of evicting unauthorised campers. [117741]

  Mr. McNulty
  I have been asked to reply.
  1102W
  The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister already provides grants to local authorities for environmental, protective and cultural services. It is for local authorities to set out their own priorities for use of their resources, such as for evicting unauthorised campers from land.

  Grants for the provision of transit sites, and refurbishment of existing sites are specifically targeted for Gypsies and Travellers.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Access for Disabled People
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what actions she has taken or is taking to ensure that the websites of her Department, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies are accessible to partially sighted and blind people; and if she will make a statement. [117355]

  Ms Hewitt
  My Department adheres to the Guidelines for UK Government Websites, which aim to make websites accessible to the largest possible number of users, regardless of disability or the level of technology they are using. We also carry out user testing to ensure the sites are easily accessible and usable by all.

  Accident Group
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will launch an investigation under the Companies Acts into the Accident Group. [117104]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The administrators of the company have a duty under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 to report to the Department of Trade and Industry on the conduct of the company's directors. If the hon. Member has information which indicates the need for an additional Companies Act investigation he should send it to the Department for consideration.

  Arms Exports (Indonesia)
  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list outstanding arms related export licence applications from companies wishing to export to Indonesia; and if she will make a statement. [118141]

  Nigel Griffiths
  As of the 6 June 2003, 30 Standard Individual Export Licence applications and 15 Open Individual Export Licence applications were awaiting a decision, where the end users were in Indonesia, with the following ratings:

  ML4

  ML5

  ML6

  ML10

  ML11

  ML13

  ML14

  ML16

  ML21

  ML22

  PL5001

  PL5017

  1103W

  S1P1

  1A001

  3A233

  5A001

  5A002

  5D002

  5E002

  6A001

  6A002

  6A006

  6A203

  7A102

  7A103

  Asbestos
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action her Department, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies are taking to comply with the requirements of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002; whether she has made an estimate of the cost of compliance; and if she will make a statement. [117702]

  Ms Hewitt
  The DTI has for the London Estate an Asbestos Register of known asbestos materials. We inspect the known asbestos on a regular basis to ensure that it is still safe. If not we would recommend the necessary action such as removal or encapsulation. We are contacting landlords or Managing Agents to prepare the necessary documentation of known asbestos for all buildings that the DTI or agencies occupy.

  We are proposing to be ahead of the requirement to comply with the Regulations by the end of the year.

  Procedures are in place to advise contractors of any known or suspect material when they are working within a specific vicinity.

  A procedure is in place for the identification of known locations.

  Costs can not be identified at present until such time as the whole has been surveyed.

  Credit Agencies
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list(a) licensed credit agencies and (b) home credit agencies. [114382]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  A list of credit agencies and home credit agencies licensed by the Office of Fair Trading is not readily available, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Departmental Outdoor Activities
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what additional guidance she has given to management units organising outdoor activities for her Department since her Department's recently published accident record. [117712]

  Ms Hewitt
  Following this incident the department is reviewing its procedures for assessing such events. The Departments Health and Safety team are in the process 1104W
  of devising a checklist for employees carrying out outdoor activities (such as away days). The checklist will ensure that the employees are:

  (a) Trained, the method of training, ensure they keep a record of the training session;

  (b)Whether all employees are able to take part—i.e. details of fitness, disability etc;

  (c)Is there any basic knowledge employees should have prior to the activity?

  (d)Are the employees taking part aware of the potential dangers when carrying out the activity?

  (e)Have risk assessments been carried out for all activities, these will highlight hazards and risks, and the control methods;

  (f)Will the employees be provided with relevant PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)?

  (g)Have the employees been made aware of the Emergency Procedures on site i.e. Fire Exits, First Aiders, Assembly Points etc;

  (h)The procurement of such activities will also require that the providing company has adequate and suitable insurance and that there is evidence that any equipment used in the course of the activity is fit for purpose.

  EU Consumer Credit Directive
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the Government's position is on the proposed EU Directive on Consumer Credit (Draft September 2002); and if she will make a statement. [114381]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The Government supports the Commission's overall objective of creating an internal market that provides a high level of consumer protection enabling consumers to shop cross border with confidence and lenders to trade with legal certainty. However, we have serious concerns about the current draft delivering this objective and believe it needs substantial change.

  We aim to secure recognition that mortgages require significantly different regulation than other forms of consumer credit and therefore should be outside the scope of the Directive. We also recognise that the Directive would prove a significant burden on credit unions and are therefore seeking to exclude them from the scope of the Directive.

  We are fighting hard to ensure that we maintain the joint and several liability protections that currently govern credit card use in the UK and are highly valued by consumers.

  Executive Pay
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action she has taken since 1997 to address excessive executive remuneration. [117714]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  In May 1999 the Government commissioned a review of compliance by quoted companies with the Greenbury Code of Best Practice and the Combined Code. Subsequently, a consultation document "Directors' Remuneration" was issued in July 1999 setting out proposals for strengthening the legislative framework. In December 2001 the Government issued a consultation document which sought views on draft legislation. This legislation (The Directors' Remuneration Report Regulations 2002) came into force on 1 August 2002 and applies to quoted
  1105W
  companies with financial years ending on or after 31 December 2002. The regulations significantly enhance requirements relating to disclosure of directors' remuneration, particularly with regard to policy matters, and provide for an annual shareholder vote on the Directors' Remuneration Report.

  Most recently, on 2 June this year, the Government issued a consultation document entitled "Directors' Remuneration—Contracts, Performance and Severance", seeking views on a range of options to improve the linkage between compensation and performance when contracts are terminated.

  Export Credits Guarantee Department
  Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which international environmental standard requirements the ECGD imposes on companies seeking loans; and which environmental standard requirements on these companies originate from the UK Government. [117194]

  Ms Hewitt
  ECGD requires as a minimum that all projects, goods or services comply with host country legislation, regulations and standards. In addition, ECGD normally expects the projects it supports to comply with World Bank Group environmental guidelines and relevant safeguard policies.

  Alternatively, ECGD may accept other relevant internationally recognised standards including those of the UK, EU, WHO, World Bank, IFC and relevant regional development banks.

  Host country or project standards that are below international standards would normally be unacceptable and, in line with the World Bank Guidelines, would need site specific justification.

  UK Government policy is that ECGD should use the environmental guidelines and standards developed by the international financial institutions identified above rather than developing its own standards.

  Ferries
  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions her Department has had with(a) P & O and (b) Stena Line on competition policy issues on the North Channel crossing from Loch Ryan ports to Northern Ireland. [115810]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  None.

  SIC 27.51 Casting of iron

  SIC 27. 52 Casting of steel

  SIC 27.53 Casting of light metals

  SIC 27.54 Casting of other non-ferrous metals

  Total SIC 27.5 Casting of Metals

  Numbers of foundries1

  1996

  290

  200

  160

  280

  1997

  265

  205

  155

  275

  1998

  270

  200

  155

  255

  1999

  240

  210

  165

  250

  2000

  220

  210

  185

  225

  2001

  210

  205

  200

  225

  2002

  215

  215

  190

  215

  Foundries
  Syd Rapson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many people are employed in the UK foundry sector; and if she will make a statement on the contribution of the foundry sector to domestic GDP. [118811]

  Alan Johnson
  The latest available official data is for 2001 which gives employment in the foundry sector in December of that year as 29,0001. The contribution of the foundry industry to GDP in 2001 was 0.1 per cent. (provisional)2.

  These figures relate to businesses classified by the ONS to SIC code 27.5 "casting of metals". They omit casting activities by in-house foundries which belong to a parent company whose main business is other than casting.

  Source:

  1ONS Annual Business Inquiry

  2ONS Annual Business Inquiry, National Accounts Blue Book, and Input/Output tables.

  Syd Rapson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many jobs have been lost in the foundry sector in the past(a) year, (b) five years and (c) 10 years. [118812]

  Alan Johnson
  Data on employment in the foundry industry since 1993 are as shown in the table. Figures are not available for the past year.

  Number

  1993

  38,000

  1994

  38,000

  1995

  38,000

  1996

  38,000

  1997

  38,000

  1998

  35,000

  1999

  33,000

  2000

  32,000

  2001

  29,000

  Note:

  Approximate net change over the past 10 years:-9,000

  Approximate change from 1998–2001: -6,000

  Source:

  1993–1997: Annual Census of Production

  1999–2001: Annual Business Survey

  Syd Rapson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many foundries have ceased trading in the past(a) year, (b) five years and (c) 10 years. [118813]

  Alan Johnson
  Data are available for the net change in numbers of foundries, not for the numbers that have ceased trading. Information is available for 1996 to 2002, as follows.
  1107W

  SIC 27. 51 Casting of iron

  SIC 27. 52 Casting of steel

  SIC 27.53 Casting of light metals

  SIC 27.54 Casting of other non-ferrous metals

  Total SIC 27.5 Casting of Metals

  Approximate Change2

  1996–2002

  -75

  +15

  +30

  -65

  -95

  1998–2002

  -55

  +15

  +35

  -40

  -45

  1Local units (that is, individual sites). All figures are rounded to nearest 5.

  2All changes are approximate because they are calculated from rounded data.

  Source:

  National Statistics, Size Analysis of United Kingdom Businesses, based on Interdepartmental Business Register

  Office of Fair Trading
  Dr. Stoate
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the powers vested in the OFT by virtue of section 2 of the Fair Trading Act 1973 are applicable in the devolved countries of the United Kingdom; and if she will make a statement. [117411]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  Yes. Section 2 of the Fair Trading Act 1973 gives the Director General of the Office of Fair Trading broad powers to investigate any commercial activities that may not be in the interest of the consumer anywhere within the United Kingdom.

  Pharmacies
  Dr. Stoate
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether she will make an interim report to the House prior to publishing the Government's proposals in response to the OFT's report on the control of entry regulations and the retail pharmacy market. [117409]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The Government announced on 26 March 2003 that they will come forward with proposals to respond to the OFT's study on retail pharmacies before the summer recess and will publish a progress report at the end of June.

  Dr. Stoate
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the competing factors that have to be balanced by her Department in order to produce the balanced package of measures in response to the OFT's report on the control of entry regulations and the retail pharmacy. [117410]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The Government said on 26 March that while we favour change to open up the market and improve quality and access this needs to be achieved without diminishing the crucial role that pharmacies play, especially in poorer and rural areas. We have also made clear that we are considering all the issues raised with us by stakeholders.

  Post Office Closures
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary Of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the proposed closure of the Pagham branch post office as set out in the Post Office Limited press release of 28 May. [118043]

  Mr. Timms
  Post Office Ltd.'s proposal to close the Pagham post office branch has been made under the company's urban reinvention programme.

  Decisions on post office closures and relocations are an operational matter for the company. It would be inappropriate for the Government to intervene in determining individual closures. That has been the
  1108W
  policy of successive Governments since 1969 when the Post Office was established as a statutory public corporation.

  In accordance with the Code of Practice on Post Office Closures and Relocations—agreed between Post Office Ltd. and Postwatch, the consumer watchdog for postal services—the company enters into consultation on all proposed closures for a period of not less than one calendar month. Postwatch are consulted on every post office closure proposal before a decision is made and there is an opportunity for those affected by a proposal, and the local MP, to make representations to the company or to Postwatch before a final decision is made.

  John Barrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many post office closure decisions under the urban reinvention programme have been reversed following public consultation. [117096]

  Mr. Timms
  Decisions on post office closure proposals under the urban reinvention programme following public consultation are an operational matter for Post Office Ltd. and I have asked the Chief Executive to reply direct to the hon. Member.

  John Barrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many post offices have closed under the urban reinvention programme, broken down by region. [117097]

  Mr. Timms
  I understand from Post Office Ltd. that the number of post office closures under the urban reinvention programme are analysed by Government region on a quarterly basis. The following chart represents the number of urban reinvention closures, by region, as at the end of March 2003.

  Urban reinvention closures by region

  Region

  End of March 2003

  East Midlands

  7

  East of England

  11

  London

  11

  North East

  4

  North West

  10

  Northern Ireland

  0

  Scotland

  8

  South East

  19

  South West

  9

  Wales

  9

  West Midlands

  7

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  7

  Total

  102

  1109W
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many(a) post offices and (b) sub-post offices have been closed within the Greater London area in each of the last three years. [117152]

  Mr. Timms
  I understand from Post Office Ltd. that as at the end of each of the last three financial years, the number of post office closures in London was as follows:

  2000–01–10

  2001–02–16

  2002–03–44

  Of the 44 closures in the period 2002/03, 11 were compensated closures attributable to Post Office Ltd.'s programme to restructure the urban network of post offices. The increase in unplanned closures underlines the need for the company's urban reinvention programme under which the company is seeking to match the scale of the network to the volume of business available, and so ensure a viable network for the future.

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much time is allotted for public consultation on the proposed closure of post offices within the Greater London area. [117153]

  Mr. Timms
  In accordance with the Code of Practice on Post Office Closures and Relocations—agreed between Post Office Ltd and the consumer body Postwatch—a period of not less than one calendar month is allowed for consultation on a proposed post office closure.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many post office branch closures over the last 12 months have been opposed by Postwatch; if he will list them; and how many of these post offices have(a) remained open, (b) had the decision to close postponed and (c) been closed or set for closure. [117270]

  Mr. Timms
  Decisions on post office closure proposals under the urban reinvention programme are an operational matter for Post Office Ltd. and I have asked the Chief Executive to reply direct to the hon. Member.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many post offices(a) have closed since 1 January 2001, and (b) are subject to consultation on closure, broken down by parliamentary constituency; and if she will make a statement. [117715]

  Mr. Timms
  Decisions on post office closure proposals under the urban reinvention programme are an operational matter for Post Office Ltd. and I have asked the Chief Executive to reply direct to the hon. Member.

  Sustainable Development
  Mr. Horam
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which United Kingdom commitments arising from the World Summit on Sustainable Development(a) have been incorporated into the Department's existing delivery plan for Service Delivery Agreements and (b) will be incorporated in its delivery plan for Service Delivery Agreements in advance of the 2004 Spending Review. [113940]
  1110W
  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 22 May 2003]My Department's contributions to progress on the commitments agreed at the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) range across a number of areas, as set out in the Annex to the Government's Memorandum to the Environmental Audit Committee on WSSD follow-up (12 February 2003). They are reflected in the Department's current business plans and will be further incorporated and refined in the light of future developments, for example on the Doha Development Round, work on a UK Sustainable Consumption and Production Strategy and an independent report commissioned by the Department on options for action at the international level to follow up the WSSD outcomes on Corporate Social Responsibility. Where appropriate and relevant the commitments will be taken into account in setting my Department's next Public Service Agreement as part of the 2004 Spending Review.

  Unsolicited Advertising
  Mr. Tynan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions she has had with network providers, the Direct Marketing Association and the Advertising Standards Agency on the best methods by which to protect consumers from unsolicited junk SMS text-message and mobile phone voicemail advertisements. [118244]

  Mr. Timms
  Regulations to implement the new Directive on Privacy and Electronic Communications will introduce stricter rules on the use of SMS messages for the purposes of direct marketing, and these Regulations are currently open for public consultation closing on 19 June. The consultation paper is available in the House of Commons Library, or on the DTI website at the following URL:

  http://www.dti.gov.uk/industries/ecommunications/ directive_on_privacy_electronic_communications_200258ec.html

  As part of the consultation, some 1,200 interested parties were contacted direct in March 2003, including most mobile network providers, the DMA and the ASA. In addition, there have been a number of meetings between my officials and major stakeholders, including a joint DTI/DMA open meeting on 29 May.

  The present rules are set out in the Telecommunications (Data Protection and Privacy) Regulations 1999, which introduced a statutory opt-out scheme, the Telephone Preference Service (TPS), through which individuals can register to avoid the receipt of unsolicited direct marketing calls. Direct marketers must not contact numbers listed on the TPS without the prior consent of the recipient of the call. The body responsible for the enforcement of the Regulations, the Information Commissioner's Office, treats an SMS message to a mobile as a "call" for the purposes of the current Regulations. Until the new Regulations are in farce, individuals can therefore best protect themselves from unsolicited direct marketing SMS and voicemail messages to their mobile telephone by registering their number with the TPS. Details of how to register are available on the TPS website at www.tpsonline. org.uk

  Unsolicited E-mails
  Mr. Dhanda
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to introduce legislation in the United Kingdom to reduce the number of unsolicited e-mails. [119108]

  Mr. Timms
  There will be new controls on the use of unsolicited commercial e-mail under the UK's implementing regulations for the Privacy and Electronic Communications Directive (Directive 2002/58/EC). The new rules, to come into force this year, will require that unsolicited e-mails may only be sent for the purposes of direct marketing to individuals with their prior consent, except where there is an existing customer relationship between the sender and the addressee.

  Consultation on draft regulations started on 27 March this year, closing on 19 June, and details are available in the Libraries of the House or on the DTI website at the following UR L:

  www.dti.gov.uk/industries/ecommunications/ directive_on_privacy_electronic_communications_200258ec.html.

  Each member state of the European Union is required to implement the Directive.

DEFENCE

  Iraq (Mental Health)
  Mrs. Calton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will ensure that there are sufficient resources to meet the mental health needs of(a) armed forces personnel returning from Iraq, (b) their nurses and doctors and (c) their families and carers. [118467]

  Dr. Moonie
  Any members of the Armed Forces, including medical personnel, returning from the Gulf with mental health problems will receive appropriate medical treatment from within the Defence Medical Services or the NHS. In the United Kingdom, the mental health needs of their families and carers are the responsibility of the NHS. The Ministry of Defence would be responsible for the mental health care of their dependants if they were stationed overseas.

  Air Training and Sea Cadet Corps
  Mrs Claire Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on(a) the role and (b) the contribution made by the air training corps, sea cadet force on Merseyside (i) the individual cadets and (ii) the serving community. [118410]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Air Training Corps' (ATC's) role as a national youth organisation is to encourage a practical interest in aviation and the RAF and also to develop the personal qualities of its members. The Sea Cadet Corps (SCC) is an independent charitable body that provides an opportunity for youths to learn seamanship skills and to develop their personal qualities also. Both organisations foster the spirit of adventure and develop qualities of leadership, encouraging a sense of community and good citizenship that is highly valued by both military and civilian employers. They also encourage membership of schemes such as the Duke of 1112W
  Edinburgh's Award, which provides practical, cultural and adventurous activities, including an emphasis on helping others in the local community.

  The ATC and the SCC support their local community through such contributions as Remembrance Sunday parades and providing guards of honour and marching bands for mayoral and civic events. A significant emphasis is also placed on raising money for charity, with local causes such as Claire House Children's Hospice receiving fund-raising through sponsorship. The cadets themselves carry out all these community activities. However, there are also occasional joint ventures with the serving military community, such as the support provided at the Southport Air Show and the recent 60th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic.

  Cluster Munitions
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much cluster bomb type ordnance was recently deployed in Iraq. [117655]

  Mr. Ingram
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 5 June 2003,Official Report, column 507W, to my hon. Friend for Lewisham Deptford (Joan Ruddock).

  D-Day Anniversary
  Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans the Government have to(a) commemorate in this country and (b) support in France the 60th anniversary of the D-Day landings. [118875]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Ministry of Defence is working closely with the French Comite du Debarquement, in association with the Normandy Veterans Association to develop a full programme of commemorations in France. Already there are preliminary plans for events on the beaches and in Caen, Bayeux, Arromanches and Colleville Montgomery from 5 to 7 June 2004. A number of options for United Kingdom involvement at these events are being considered where it is intended that there will be suitable representation at Minister and Senior Officer level.

  We will also be providing assistance, including suitable representation at Minister and Senior Officer level to a service of remembrance and thanksgiving at St. Paul's Cathedral in London on 20 October 2004, being organised by the Normandy Veterans Association.

  Defence Equipment Policy (EU)
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the European Commission's communication, Towards an EU Defence Equipment Policy. [117502]

  Mr. Noon
  The Government's position is outlined in the Explanatory Memorandum on European Community Document entitled: Communication from the Commission to the Council, The European Parliament, The European Social and Economic Committee of the Regions "European Defence—Industrial and Market Issues: Towards an EU Defence Equipment Policy" Reference Number 8484/03 [COM(2003) 113 final] dated 15 May 2003, which is available in the Library of the House.

  Defence Scientific and Technical Laboratory
  Rachel Squire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a copy of the responses made to the Defence Scientific and Technical Laboratory's site rationalisation consultation document. [118898]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 12 June 2003]I will arrange for a copy of the Trades Unions' response to the Dstl Site Rationalisation Consultation Document to be placed in the Library.

  It would be inappropriate to publish comments from individual members of staff as these relate to their personal circumstances and I am therefore withholding this information in accordance with Exemption 12 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government information.

  Executive Agencies
  Angus Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people work for the Defence Repository; how many are employed in Scotland; what the personnel costs of the agency are; and how these figures compare to 2002. [119294]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Ministry of Defence has a central records repository that is located at Hayes in West London. The records repository is not a defence agency and does not have any other sites associated with it, including in Scotland.

  In January 2002, there were 100 Ministry of Defence personnel directly involved in providing the main records and support services at the Hayes site, some working part-time, at an annual cost of £1.743 million. There are currently 84 MOD personnel, including part-timers, providing records and support services at Hayes at an annual cost of £1.469 million.

  In January 2002, there were 12 MOD personnel based at Hayes who were working on associated tasks at an annual cost of £281,000. There are now 19 MOD personnel working on associated tasks at an annual cost of £495,000.

  Angus Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people work for the Meteorological Office; how many are employed in Scotland; what the personnel costs of the agency are; and how these figures compare to 2002. [119296]

  Dr. Moonie
  The current number of people working for the Meteorological Office is 2,170 as at 11 June 2003. Of this number, 151 people are currently employed in Scotland. The total Met Office pay bill for Financial Year 2003–04 is budgeted at £74,700,000. This compares with a total of 2,208 people working for the Met Office as at 11 June 2002, with 147 people employed in Scotland, and a total actual pay bill for Financial Year 2002–03 of £77,261,000.

  Angus Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people work for the Defence Scientific Advisory Council; how many are employed in Scotland; what the personnel costs of the agency are; and how these figures compare to 2002. [119297]
  1114W
  Dr. Moonie
  The Defence Scientific Advisory Council,(DSAC) is an advisory Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB). It has a membership of 13, supported by an additional seven Ministry of Defence officials. None work or reside in Scotland at present. As an advisory NDPB, it does not incur expense on its own account.

  Goodwill Visit
  Andrew Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the last occasion was that a goodwill visit was made by a vessel of the navy of the Irish Republic to London; and when he will extend an invitation for a future visit. [118887]

  Dr. Moonie
  The last visit made by a vessel of the navy of the Irish Republic to London took place from the 6 to 11 October 1997 to participate in an International Maritime Defence Exhibition. Visits to United Kingdom ports by vessels of the Irish Republic are always welcome and do not require a formal invitation.

  HMS Dryad
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the procedures that Defence Estates will follow on the disposal of the site of HMS Dryad. [118628]

  Dr. Moonie
  If the site is ultimately identified for disposal then Defence Estates will dispose of the site in line with the guidelines set out in Government Accounting.

  It is too early to say what the specific marketing arrangements might be. However, Defence Estates is fully aware of the historic significance of the site, not least Southwick House, and will ensure that due cognisance is given to those parts of the site where sensitivity exists and arrangements for public access to historic features are retained where appropriate.

  Instructional Techniques Course
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps have been taken to modify the aims of the Instructional Techniques Course to enable instructors to change their teaching methods to trainees; and what advice has been sought on developing appropriate coaching and mentoring skills. [118938]

  Dr. Moonie
  A standardised set of instructional techniques is now included in instructor courses following a review of the practices in single Services. This includes coaching and mentoring skills, developed following examination of internal best practice within each Service. Further instructional modules are also being developed drawing on the outcome of the review.

  Medical Personnel
  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much depleted uranium ordinance was used during military operations in Iraq. [118324]

  Mr. Ingram
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence gave on 4 June 2003,Official Report, column 445W, to the hon. Member for Islington, North (Mr Corbyn).

  1115W
  These figures have also been published on the MOD website at www.mod.uk/issues/depleted_uranium

  New Army Recruits
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent research he has commissioned into the psychological profiles of new recruits to the Army. [118955]

  Dr. Moonie
  It is already the Army's practice to build up a personal profile of an individual during the recruiting and selection process, to better assign that individual to an appropriate career employment group. Action is in hand to allow existing civilian medical records to be made available to the Army medical authorities at an early stage of training to allow more thorough medical/psychological screening to help reduce the incidence of injury and failure in training. The Army has recently evaluated a number of commercial tests of motivation and personality, but the results were inconclusive. However, a longer-term three-year research project is in the planning stage to identify a suitable test or tests.

  Nimrod Programme
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what factors underlay the decision to halt the production phase of the Nimrod programme; what assessment he has made of the effect on jobs of halting the production phase; what plans he has to meet BAe Systems and the trade unions involved to discuss the effects of halting the production phase; and if he will make a statement. [116882]

  Mr. Ingram
  I refer the hon. Member to the answr given by my noble Friend the Minister for Defence Procurement in another place on 19 February 2003,Official Report, column 175–77W. The Agreement that was struck with BAe Systems to restructure the Nimrod contract, including a controlled stop to production, acknowledged that the programme had a history of financial loss and delay. It recognised the need to minimise the cost increases that have resulted from overlapping development and production programmes. Design maturity must be established before further production work for aircraft four to 18 can recommence. The Company continue to assure the Department that they are working in as sensitive way as possible to mitigate the effects of the proposed redundancy programme, including looking at ways in which they may retain the key skills they require to meet the requirements of the Agreement. There are best placed to manage the industrial relations issues that have arisen following the Agreement, though we do remain in close touch with BAe Systems and the trades unions on this matter.

  Nuclear Weapons Tests
  Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) when the UK will next participate in a sub-critical test in the United States; and to what use the data collected will be put; [118404]

  (2) whether the Government is making preparations for participation in a sub-critical nuclear test experiment at the Nevada test site. [119079]
  1116W
  Dr. Moonie
  Experiments of this kind are required for the purposes I explained in my answer of 12 February 2002,Official Report, column 166W, to the hon. Member for Cleethorpes (Ms Mclsaac). The Government attaches great importance to maintaining the safety and serviceability of the United Kingdom's nuclear weapons. The Strategic Defence Review in 1998 confirmed the need for a robust capability to underwrite the safety and reliability of Trident, in the absence of nuclear testing. Sub-critical experiments do not produce nuclear yield and are fully consistent with our obligations under the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. A review of the science behind this programme, which describes the need for the data from sub-critical experiments, was published in Nature in February 2002. The timing of any future experiment in the United States is under consideration.

  Partnership Agreements
  Angela Eagle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he plans to conclude a partnership agreement with the trade unions representing the staff in his Department. [117460]

  Dr. Moonie
  We do not have a Departmental partnership agreement with our trades unions, and we have no plans to introduce one.

  However, the Ministry of Defence is committed to working in partnership with its trades unions, and actively encourages the partnership approach of shared aims, objectives and outcomes, when consulting with the trades unions on issues that affect civilian staff.

  RAF Manoeuvres
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the occasions on which RAF aircraft flew over South East Essex in the last six months; and what the purpose was of each flight. [119203]

  Dr. Moonie
  This information is not held centrally in the format requested and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Reserve Forces
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the maximum amount is that a self-employed GP in the Reserve Force may claim under the Reserve Forces Call-out and Recall (Financial Assistance) Regulations 1997, S.I. 1997, No. 309, under(a) Regulation (5), Employer's standard award and (b) Regulation (6), Employer's hardship award. [118797]

  Dr. Moonie
  A GP who is a partner in a practice may make a claim both in his capacity as a Reservist and as an employer. The latter will usually cover payments to locums and other additional training costs to the practice arising from call-out.

  The regulations to which you refer are Statutory Instrument 1997, No. 309, The Reserve Forces (Call-out and Recall)(Financial Assistance) Regulations. The information requested is contained within SI309/97. Under Part II, section 5 of SI309/97, an Employers Standard Award means:

  1117W
  (a) a lump sum payment equivalent to any costs, other than recurring costs, but not exceeding either 6 per cent. of the called-out Reservist's average weekly earnings from the employer, multiplied by 52 or £2,400, whichever is less;
  (b) sums equivalent to any recurring costs not exceeding 4 per cent. of the called-out Reservist's average weekly earnings from that employer of £31, whichever is less, multiplied by the number of weeks in the period of the Reservist's relevant service; and
  (c) an administrative expenses allowance of £55 for each employee who is accepted into service.

  Under Part II, section 5 of SI309, providing an Adjudication Officer is satisfied that the employer has incurred costs exceeding 1½ the amount of his Standard Award, and that incurring such costs would cause hardship which the Standard Award would not relieve, an employer would be entitled to a Hardship Award. There is no financial limit to a Hardship Award.

  Every employer's situation is different and has to be judged on a case-by-case basis. Therefore, it is not possible to state the maximum Standard and Hardship Awards that may be granted.

  Royal Anglian Regiment
  Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will make a statement about(a) the future strength of the Royal Anglian Regiment and (b) its composition of permanent battalions; [118717]

  (2) if he will list those counties which are deemed to be the recruiting area for the Royal Anglian Regiment; [118714]

  (3) if he will list the county regiments which were merged to form the Royal Anglian Regiment; [118716]

  (4) whether he plans to disband the Second Battalion of the Royal Anglian Regiment as a permanent full-strength battalion. [118713]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 12 June 2003]The following county regiments were merged to form the Royal Anglian Regiments in 1964: The Royal Norfolk Regiment; The Suffolk and Cambridgeshire Regiment; The Essex Regiment; The Royal Lincolnshire Regiment; The Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment; The Royal Leicestershire Regiment; and The Northamptonshire Regiment.

  These counties also form the natural recruiting area for the Royal Anglian Regiment, with the addition of the County of Rutland, though we place no geographic limitations on the area from which eligible recruits can come.

  There are no current plans to disband or alter the composition of the Royal Anglian Regiment.

  Royal Irish Regiment
  Mr. Dodds
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received from the Government of the Irish Republic on the phasing out of the Home Battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment. [118014]

  Mr. Ingram
  I believe the hon. Member is referring to the Royal Irish Regiment Home Service battalions.
  1118W
  The Ministry of Defence has not received any specific representations from the Government of the Irish Republic in relation to the Royal Irish Regiment Home Service battalions. The Irish government has, however, within the context of exchanges on all aspects of the Joint Declaration, expressed a view to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which emphasised that any decisions should take account of the aim of normalising security arrangements.

  Shot Serviceman
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence at what time a serviceman was shot on 4 June at the Stanford Battle area in East Anglia; at what time he went on duty; at what time the scene of the incident was secured; at what time he was pronounced dead; at what time the police were called to investigate; at what time the next of kin were notified; and if he will make a statement. [118937]

  Dr. Moonie
  Corporal Christopher Strickleton, a member of 3 Squadron RAF Regiment who was serving at RAF Aldergrove, died from gun shot wounds during a tactical live-firing exercise at Stanford Training Area in Norfolk on 4 June 2003. This tragic incident is the subject of an investigation by Norfolk Civil Constabulary who have primacy in the case. They have yet to complete their inquiries.

  Although the precise timings of all events are strictly matters for HM Coroner, we believe the events took place as follows:

  Hours

  0800

  Corporal Strickleton went on duty.

  1030

  Incident occurred.

  1030–1035

  999 call to emergency services.

  1115

  In accordance with military guidelines, the scene of the incident was secured.

  1140

  Next of kin first informed of incident.

  1200

  Cpl Strickleton died.

  1210

  Thetford Criminal Investigation Department notified of 999 incident.

  1230

  Civilian police arrive at the scene.

  1230

  Next of kin informed of death

  Note:

  All these times are approximate

  My whole hearted sympathy goes to the family and friends of Corporal Strickleton for their loss.

  Territorial Army
  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what backlog of individual cases of TA reservists mobilised for recent operations in Iraq is still outstanding at the Army Pay Centre. [117837]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 9 June 2003]I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of the Territorial Army is deployed to the Gulf region. [118737]

  Dr. Moonie
  As at 11 June 2003, some 4 per cent. of the Territorial Army were deployed in the Gulf region.

  Type 23 Frigates
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which Type 23 frigates will be retrofitted with communications band electronic support measures systems. [117493]

  Mr. Ingram
  I am withholding the information requested under Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, which relates to defence, security and international relations.

  US Weapons Research
  Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether scientists at the Atomic Weapon Establishments are continuing their collaborative work with the United States on hydrodynamic and primary certification testing. [118631]

  Dr. Moonie
  The United Kingdom is continuing to participate in a series of hydrodynamic experiments in the USA to help ensure the safety and reliability of our Trident nuclear warheads. The Government attaches great importance to maintaining the safety and serviceability of the United Kingdom's nuclear weapons. The Strategic Defence Review in 1998 confirmed the need for a robust capability to underwrite the safety and reliability of Trident, in the absence of nuclear testing. A scientific methodology is being developed at the Atomic Weapons Establishment to continue to give this assurance with high confidence. I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 12 February 2002,Official Report, column 166W, to my hon. Friend the Member for Cleethorpes (Ms McIsaac). A review of the science behind this programme was published in "Nature" in February 2002.

  Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if the UK(a) will contribute data to and (b) use US data gathered from the Advanced Concepts Initiative research and development work; [118633]

  (2) to what extent UK scientists will collaborate with the US National Nuclear Security Administration's weapons laboratories in research and development into potential new and modified nuclear weapons capabilities under the Advanced Concepts Initiative. [118630]

  Dr. Moonie
  Exchanges of information on a wide field of technologies take place between the United Kingdom and the United States under the auspices of the 1958 Mutual Defence Agreement. There is no formal UK involvement in the US Advanced Concepts Initiative or the Advanced Nuclear Weapons Concepts research programme under the 1958 agreement.

  VIP Aircraft
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the(a) lease and (b) procurement of VIP aircraft; and what aircraft fulfil this role. [117494]

  Mr. Ingrain
  The aircraft currently used to carry VIPs are primarily those of 32 (The Royal) Squadron. Two BAe 146, five BAe 125 aircraft and three leased Twin Squirrel helicopters are used. Routinely one Royal Navy Jetstream aircraft from RNAS Yeovilton is also available. Number 32 (The Royal) Squadron is primarily established for the support of military and government communications tasks in times of crisis and 1120W
  war; the Royal Household, government ministers and senior military officers may use spare capacity during peacetime. Since the Royal Air Force ceased providing long range VIP transport in December 2001, Royal and Ministerial long range VIP transport is undertaken by civil airline charter or scheduled flight.

  The Ministry of Defence has no plans to procure or lease aircraft specifically for long range VIP transport, but is looking at whether the service might be provided by the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft, subject to this being cost effective. We will be examining in due course how the capability for short to medium range VIP transport will be provided when existing aircraft reach the end of their service life.

  War Service Records
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when Service records of officers who served in the(a) First and (b) Second World Wars will be published. [119102]

  Dr. Moonie
  The majority of surviving Service records for officers who served in the First World War have already been transferred to the National Archives (The Public Record Office).

  Exact details of the coverage vary according to Service, but the National Archives' website provides both details of the coverage of the material it holds and advice on requests for information from later records still with the Ministry of Defence.

  The transfer of later Service records is under discussion, and they will be processed and released in accordance with data protection principles, confidentiality and privacy requirements.

  West Freugh Range
  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the level of continued military use of West Freugh range in Wigtownshire. [118317]

  Dr. Moonie
  There is a requirement for continued military use of the West Freugh range. The currently projected workload is mainly in support of two Ministry of Defence equipment programmes, which will entail trials of BL755 cluster munitions and batch acceptance testing of the High Velocity Missile. The MOD also expects to continue to use the site in support of military training and military exercises.

HEALTH

  A National Voice
  Mr. Dawson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking to support the work of A National Voice following the collapse of First Key. [118909]

  Jacqui Smith
  I was saddened to learn of the decision by the Trustees of First Key that they had no option but to cease trading with immediate effect on 6 June. I recognise the serious consequences of this development for A National Voice (ANV), which was dependent on
  1121W
  First Key for their management support. Officials from the Department will be meeting with the former managers of First Key shortly, as a first step in establishing how the charity's previous work programme on behalf of care leavers might be managed in future—this meeting will also discuss the immediate and long-term future of ANV.

  The Government remain committed to the principle that one important aspect of safeguarding the welfare of children and promoting the participation of looked after children in their own care and in wider policy is support for an organisation led by care-experienced young people representing the voices of children in care and care leavers.

  Ashford and St Peters NHS Trust
  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the debts and overspending of the Ashford and St. Peters Hospitals NHS Trust. [117979]

  Ms Blears
  Ashford and St. Peter's Hospitals National Health Service Trust is aware of the duty it has to ensure that sound financial management is practiced and also the need to achieve a break-even position at the end of the financial year.

  The management of the trust is a matter for the local health community managing within the context of "Shifting the Balance of Power", local partnership and agreement. The underlying deficits will be resolved by the primary care trusts and the NHS trusts within their three year plans. This will be performance managed through the local development plan, which has been formulated by the Surrey and Sussex Strategic Health Authority.

  BCG Vaccinations
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many schoolchildren have not received BCG vaccinations in the current school year because of a shortage of vaccine; and if he will make a statement. [114069]

  Ms Blears
  No schoolchildren should have missed out on the opportunity of receiving BCG vaccination.

  There were no supplies of BCG vaccine from August to November 2002, following Evans Vaccines voluntary withdrawal of all batches of their BCG as a precautionary measure after discovering, during stability testing, that a number of batches did not comply with the requirements of their registered specifications for potency during its shelf life. This was a decision taken by the company outside of our control and was wholly unexpected.

  However, district immunisation co-ordinators were asked to arrange catch-up programmes for children in their areas who may have missed out receiving their BCG immunisation once supplies were available from 25 November 2002.

  Cancer
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list, for each of the cancer networks, the current 1122W
  average waiting time for (a) radiotherapy and (b) chemotherapy from the time of consultant referral; and if he will give comparable figures for (i) 2002, (ii) 2001 and (iii) 1997. [117397]

  Ms Blears
  Information on waiting times for chemotherapy and radiotherapy are not collected centrally. However, the NHS Cancer Plan set out maximum waiting time targets for first definitive cancer treatment which could include either chemotherapy or radiotherapy. From December 2001 there is a one month maximum wait from diagnosis to first treatment for breast cancer and a one month wait from urgent general practitioner referral to first treatment for children's cancers, testicular cancer and acute leukaemia. From 2002 there is a maximum two month wait from urgent referral to treatment for breast cancer. By 2005 there will be a maximum two months from urgent referral to treatment and a maximum one-month wait from diagnosis to first treatment for all cancers.

  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many teenagers with cancer are being treated on wards intended for use by, or classified as(a) children and (b) old people (i) in England, (ii) within each health authority and (iii) within each hospital in the Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland constituency. [118178]

  Ms Blears
  No statistics are available centrally which allow us to show which hospitals treat teenager cancer patients alongside children and which treat them alongside older people.

  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what counselling and support services are available through the NHS for teenage cancer and transplant patients. [118180]

  Ms Blears
  The National Institute for Clinical Excellence is currently completing guidance on supportive care for people with cancer. This guidance will inform local decisions on what support services are given to teenage cancer patients and will be published in February 2004. Currently, paediatric units will usually provide counselling and support services for teenage cancer patients, based on local need.

  All national health service organ transplant units are expected to provide counselling and support services for teenage transplant recipients. This ranges from educational support and general preparation for transplantation to post operative care.

  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps are being taken to support and promote teenage cancer units; and if he will make a statement. [118181]

  Ms Blears
  Primary care trusts are responsible for providing local national health service services, based on the needs and priorities of the local population. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence is currently preparing service guidance for the NHS in England and Wales on child and adolescent cancers. This guidance is due to be published in February 2005 and will form the basis for the treatment of teenage cancer patients in the NHS.
  1123W
  The NHS is working with the Teenage Cancer Trust throughout the United Kingdom in developing specialist units for teenagers with cancer. We are also developing the children's national service framework, which will put both children and teenagers at the centre of their health and social care, building services around their needs.

  Sir Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what specific health care strategies he has set for the detection and treatment of(a) prostate, (b) lung, (c) bowel and (d) testicular cancer in men; and if he will make a statement. [118563]

  Ms Blears
  We are taking action in several areas to improve the detection and treatment of prostate, lung, bowel and testicular cancer:The national health service prostate cancer programme sets out the Government's approach to improving prostate cancer services including the publication of the prostate cancer risk management programme in July 2001 and a commitment to introducing a prostate cancer screening programme if, and when, screening and treatment techniques have developed sufficiently.
  There has been targeted investment in lung cancer services. An additional £10 million was made available from 1999 to improve lung cancer services. This money is being used to help improve access to services, enhance the quality of treatment and to bring down waiting times for treatment for lung cancer. From 2002–03, this money was placed in baseline allocations.
  The national cancer director launched the NHS bowel cancer programme on 4 February 2003. This programme will translate into action the Government's commitment to continue to improve services for bowel cancer patients and to introduce a national screening programme for bowel cancer.
  There are already specialist NHS services for the management of men with testicular cancer and outcomes are generally good with the vast majority of patients being cured. Men should be aware of any unusual changes in their testicles and consult doctors early in order to ensure the maximum chance of a cure. That is why we have collaborated with Cancer Research UK in the production of a testicular self-awareness leaflet "Testicular Cancer: Spot The Symptoms Early", which is widely available.
  The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has published guidance on the use of new generation chemotherapy drugs benefiting around 5,000 lung cancer patients and 7,000 bowel cancer patients each year. NICE is currently preparing guidance on the use of a new drug, Iressa, for the treatment of lung cancer.
  Last year, NICE published "Improving Outcomes Guidance" (I0G) on the organisation and delivery of services for people with urological cancers, including prostate and testicular cancer. Local NHS organisations are currently developing action plans for implementing the guidance.
  NICE is currently updating the 1997 IOG for bowel cancer services. The updated guidance is due to be published later this summer.
  IOG for lung cancer services was published in 1998. NICE is now developing clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and management of lung cancer, which are due to be published in March 2004.
  We are determined to improve cancer services for all patients, including those with prostate, lung, bowel and testicular cancers. That is why the Cancer Plan is being backed by the biggest ever increase in funding for cancer services. Compared to 2000–01, there will be an additional £570 million a year in 2003–04.
  1124W
  Sir Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to increase awareness of cancer in men; and what specific age-groups of men are being targeted by his Department. [118564]

  Ms Blears
  We have increased the visibility of health messages highlighting to smokers the risks of smoking, including lung cancer. New Regulations require tobacco products to carry larger, starker health warnings on both front and back of the packet. The dangers of second hand smoke are also highlighted in some of the new warnings.

  NHS smoking cessation services are well established across England. The services are available to help smokers who want to stop, with a particular emphasis on helping smokers from manual socio-economic groups. The services provide counselling and support to smokers in a variety of settings in primary or secondary care, and in the community, to complement the provision of smoking cessation aids such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and Zyban.

  Regarding prostate cancer, we want men to know what their prostate gland is, what it does and what can go wrong with it, but we need to raise awareness in a responsible way. The Department has funded three projects in this area:
  Section 64 grant to the Prostate Cancer Charity to increase further information about prostate cancer
  Section 64 grant to the Prostate Cancer Charity to improve awareness of the risks and symptoms of prostate cancer in African and Afro-Caribbean men in Britain
  The Database of Individual Patient Experiences in prostate cancer

  As part of the prostate cancer risk management programme (PCRMP), evidence-based primary care resource packs were sent to all general practitioners in England in September 2002, to aid them in counselling men who are worried about prostate cancer, ensuring the men make an informed choice about whether or not to have a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test. Future public awareness programmes are a key term of reference for the newly established prostate cancer advisory group, chaired by the national cancer director. The content and target audience for these programmes will be an important consideration.

  The national health service bowel cancer programme was launched in February, and has three key strands: developing a national screening programme, improving services for people with symptoms, and improving treatment. Underpinning the programme will be an expansion of the workforce and an information strategy for both the public and professionals. The national cancer director is now taking this work forward.

  Testicular cancer is almost always curable if found early. The disease responds well to treatment, even if it has spread to other parts of the body. More than nine out of 10 patients are cured. Men should be aware of any unusual changes in their testicles and consult doctors early in order to ensure the maximum chance of a cure. That is why we have collaborated with Cancer Research UK in the production of a testicular self-awareness leaflet "Testicular Cancer: Spot The Symptoms Early", which is widely available.
  1125W
  These different ways of raising awareness of cancer in men are aimed at the age ranges affected by these cancers. Therefore the testicular cancer leaflet is aimed at younger men, prostate and bowel cancer information is generally aimed at older men, while the smoking policies to combat lung cancer, among other diseases, is aimed at all smokers.

  Dr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many cancer care spell delays were recorded in(a) England, (b) each NHS region and (c) each strategic health authority in each of the last six years; [116942]

  (2) how he defines a cancer care spell delay. [116943]

  Ms Blears
  Information is not collected centrally on cancer care spell delays. A cancer care spell delay is defined as a delay in either an out-patient appointment or treatment for suspected cancer after a referral has been received. A cancer care spell delay should be recorded locally for each delay. Information on cancer care spell delays will be used locally for performance management of cancer services.

  Cardiac Services
  Mr. Kevan Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures are being taken to assess the extent to which NICE's recommendations on implantable cardioverter defibrillators have been implemented. [R] [118523]

  Ms Blears
  The Commission for Health Improvement (CHI) and the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) have agreed a methodology for CHI to incorporate the monitoring of NICE guidance in its clinical governance reviews. This is to ensure that national health service trusts have mechanisms in place to implement and comply with NICE guidance.

  Children's Hospices
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will issue guidance to clarify how children's hospices are eligible to apply for grants under the local council administered carer's special grant and the qualified projects programme; [117643]

  (2) how many children's hospices have applied for (a) the carer's special grant and (b) the qualified projects programme administered by local councils; and if he will make a statement; [117644]

  (3) how many children's hospices received no Government funding in the last year; and if he will list them; [117645]

  (4) what advice and guidance his Department gives to primary care trusts on the levels of Government funding that should be made available to (a) adult and (b) children's hospices; [117646]

  (5) how many beds were available in children's hospices in each of the last five years for which figures are available; [117647]

  (6) what was the average percentage of public funds, excluding lottery funds, given towards total running costs for (a) all adult hospices, (b) all children's
  1126W
  hospices and (c) Little Havens Children's Hospice in Castle Point in the latest year for which figures are available. [117648]

  Ms Blears
  Guidance on eligibility for accessing the quality protects (QP) programme funding has been issued and is available on the Department's website at http://www.doh.gov.uk/qualityprotects/workpro/project 6.htm. For the Carers Grant funding, guidance is available on the Government carers website www.carers.gov.uk which explains that 20 per cent. is available for children's services.

  Disabled children are a priority area in the QP programme. From 2001–02 to 2003–04 £60 million for the children's services special grant has been earmarked for services for disabled children and their families, with £15 million in 2001–02 and 2002–03 and £30 million in 2003–04. One of the areas local authorities have been told that expenditure should be targeted on is increased provision of family support services including short term breaks.

  Last year's QP management action plans show that authorities are beginning to improve the services they provide to disabled children. More family support services are being provided, particularly home based respite care and sitting services. Many are developing proposals in collaboration with partners from other agencies and sectors, such as the national health service and voluntary sector.

  The Department of Health does not collect centrally information on children's hospice bed numbers nor do we monitor which service providers local authorities consider or use to provide short term breaks. Local councils may use other service providers than hospices (sitting services, residential homes) and they may fund opportunities for families with disabled children to go on holiday together.

  The Department does not give advice and guidance to primary care trusts on the levels of Government funding that should be made available to adult and children's hospices. Primary care trusts have a pivotal role in assessing the extent of health care needs within their catchment area and funding service provision, including adult hospice and children's hospice services. The level of funding agreed is a matter for local discussion and decision.

  A central budget of an additional £50 million per annum for adult specialist palliative care, including hospices, has been set up for the three years beginning 2003–04. This funding is specifically to meet the commitments and aims set out in the NHS Cancer Plan. The extra £50 million represents an increase of about 38 per cent. in the amount of NHS funding being put into adult specialist palliative care over 2000 levels and means that the pledge in the NHS Cancer Plan will be more than met. Allocation from this £50 million to local cancer networks will be made once network investment plans have been approved by the joint NHS/voluntary sector group, the National Partnership Group. The current NHS funding levels for adult hospices average 28 per cent. of running costs, although this varies across the country.
  1127W
  I understand the Association of Children's Hospices has estimated that the contribution made by the NHS to children's hospices varies significantly between hospices but averages about 5 per cent. Little Haven children's hospice receives about 3 per cent. of its funding from the NHS.

  Children's hospices are a very distinct and emerging area of provision for children with life threatening illness. It is therefore important that hospices engage as much as possible with the NHS, in particular with primary care trusts which are responsible for commissioning services, including services for children with life threatening illnesses.

  I appreciate there may be a need for some pump priming funding to demonstrate the range and quality of care that children's hospices can provide. I am therefore pleased that the New Opportunities Fund has provided £48 million in support of palliative care projects for children in England£from which I understand the Little Haven children's hospice has received £650,000.

  The Fund is supporting existing good quality hospice services and will help to develop more. At the end of the three year New Opportunity Fund funding period we shall have in place a better strategic fit for services in support of children with life threatening illnesses, and one which will further inform service and funding considerations.

  Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps the Government is taking to improve facilities for people suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome; and if he will make a statement. [119390]

  Jacqui Smith
  In our response to the independent working group's report on chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) in January 2002 we endorsed their view that there should be no doubt this is a chronic illness and that health and social care professionals should recognise it as such.

  On 12 May we announced that funding of £8.5 million would be provided to develop services for people with CFS/ME. In July health organisations will be invited to bid for development funds to set up centres of expertise to develop clinical care, support clinical research and expand education and training programmes for health care professionals and to establish satellite community multidisciplinary teams. The first phase of development will commence in April 2004.

  We asked the Medical Research Council to develop a research strategy for advancing biomedical and health services research on CFS/ME.

  The MRC published their research strategy for CFS/ME on 1 May. The strategy will enable researchers and funders to develop research proposals on all aspects of this illness. It was developed by an independent research advisory group in response to a request from the Chief Medical Officer, and was informed by contributions from patients, carers, charities, researchers and clinicians via a consultation exercise in summer 2002.

  The MRC has announced two initiatives in response to the strategy. One is a notice to the research community welcoming high quality proposals across the
  1128W
  entire spectrum of CFS/ME research. The other is a scientific meeting to discuss the potential to use existing UK resources and infrastructures to undertake epidemiological studies in this country. In May 2003 the MRC announced funding for two trials that will look at the effectiveness of various treatments for CFS/ME. The results of these trials will help patients and their doctors to choose the best treatment. These complementary trials will assess a variety of treatments and in doing so will both help address important issues for those with CFS/ME.

  The first trial known as PACE (Pacing, Activity and Cognitive behaviour therapy: a randomised Evaluation) will make the first assessment of a treatment choice popular with patients called 'Pacing'. The second trial, known as FINE, (Fatigue Intervention by Nurses Evaluation) will test two different treatments that are particularly suited to helping reach those who are too ill to attend a specialist clinic as patients will be treated by nurses in their own homes.

  CJD
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people in the UK have died of CJD since the disease was first identified; and how many have been(a) cremated and (b) buried. [113393]

  Ms Blears
  Since 1970, when comprehensive records were first kept, 1,277 people have died from CreutzfeldtJakob disease (CJD) in the United Kingdom. Of this total, 130 deaths have been attributed to definite or probable variant CJD, the form of the disease thought to be linked to BSE.

  The Department does not collect information on how many people with CJD have been either cremated or buried.

  Deep Vein Thrombosis
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children suffered from deep vein thrombosis in each year since 1997. [117579]

  Ms Blears
  Information available on the number of children who suffered from deep vein thrombosis as a primary diagnosis in each year since 1997 is shown in the table.

  Number of Finished Admissions started and finished within the year, primary diagnosis deep vein thrombosis in NHS hospitals in England 1997–98 to 2001–02

  Deep Vein Thrombosis (I802 ICD10) Children aged 0–15 finished Admissions

  1997–98

  24

  1998–99

  24

  1999–2000

  15

  2000–01

  43

  2001–02

  41

  Notes:

  1. Figures in this table have not yet been adjusted for shortfalls in data.

  2. An admission is defined as a first period of patient care under a consultant in one health care provider. The figures do not represent the number of patients, as one person may have several admissions within the year.

  3. 2001–02 is the latest year for which figures are available.

  Source:

  Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Department of Health

  Fluoridation
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research has been commissioned to investigate the change in the incidence of thyroid disease in fluoridated areas. [114276]

  Ms Blears
  A review by the University of York into the fluoridation of water listed three studies in which the incidence of thyroid (goitre) disease was the outcome of interest. Two of these studies (Gedalia and Brand (1963), "The relationship of fluoride and iodine in drinking water in the occurrence of goiter, Arch Int Pharmacodyn, 142, 312–315)"; Jooste et al. (1999) "Endemic goiter in the absence of iodine deficiency in schoolchildren of the Northern Cape Province of South Africa, Eur J Clin Nutr, 53(1), 8–12)" found no significant association with water fluoride level. The third (Lin et al. (1991) "The relationship of a low iodine and high fluoride environment to subclinical cretinism in Xinjiang," Xinjiang Institute for Endemic Disease Control and Research, Office of Leading Group for Endemic Disease Control of Hetian Prefectural Committee of the Communist Party of China and County Health and Endemic Prevention Station, Yutian, Xinjiang—unpublished report submitted through national health service centre for Reviews and Dissemination website) found a significant positive association between combined high fluoride/low iodine levels and goitre.

  The Department of Health asked the Medical Research Council (MRC) to suggest where it might be possible to strengthen the evidence currently available. In their report, MRC concluded that, because the 1991 study looked at combined fluoride/iodine uptakes and has not been published in a peer-reviewed journal, the findings should be treated cautiously. The MRC reported in September 2002 and on their recommendation, we have commissioned a study to investigate the effect of water hardness and source of fluoride ion on bio-availability of fluoride in drinking water. The study is due for completion in autumn 2003.

  The Chief Medical Officer and the Chief Dental Officer have been asked to advise on the implications of the other MRC recommendations for Government policy.

  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has for public consultation prior to introducing fluoride into public drinking water. [114278]

  Ms Blears
  There is already a statutory requirement for local consultations on fluoridation. We have asked for advice from the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Dental Officer on research priorities and the conduct of consultations. We wish to ensure that relevant research findings are accessible to the local population, together with the views of both supporters and opponents of fluoridation, so that people may make a well-informed decision on whether or not to have their water fluoridated.

  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what health problems have been found to be a result of fluoridation of water supplies. [114704]

  Ms Blears
  The Government commissioned an up to date review of the evidence on the relationship between fluoride and health from the national health service 1130W
  centre for Reviews and Dissemination at the University of York. The report of the review was published in October 2000. The review found that the evidence showed that fluoridating water helps to reduce tooth decay. In areas of comparable social mix, dental health is much higher if the water is fluoridated.

  The review found no clear evidence of other adverse effects on general health associated with water fluoridation, other than the increased risk of dental fluorosis—mottling of the teeth, which, in its more extreme forms, will leave some people concerned about the appearance of their teeth. Nevertheless, the strength of the teeth is not affected, they are still endowed with extra resistance to decay and, where it is cosmetically unacceptable, the effect can often be removed by routine dental treatment.

  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 17 December 2002,Official Report, column 672W, on fluoridation, what easily accessible and reliable information on fluoridation has been supplied by the Department to local communities; and what further research is being undertaken to improve the understanding of fluoridation. [114819]

  Ms Blears
  We have asked for advice from the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Dental Officer on the conduct of consultations including the range and format of information to be made available in local consultations. We have also commissioned a study to investigate the effect of water hardness and source of fluoridation on bio-availability of fluoride in drinking water. The study is due for completion in autumn 2003.

  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether people will have their water fluoridated against their will under the Department's proposals to extend the fluoridation of water; and if he will make a statement. [114952]

  Ms Blears
  There is a statutory requirement for local consultations on fluoridation. We have asked for advice from the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Dental Officer on how best to conduct consultations to ensure all views are taken into account.

  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to monitor the ingestion of fluoride in order to minimise the effects of toxicity. [114277]

  Ms Blears
  The Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT) is evaluating estimates of fluoride intake. The estimates are based on analysis of samples from the 1997 Total Diet Study, a market basket study that allows the levels of food constituents in the average UK household diet to be estimated, and on information on fluoride levels in the UK public water supply. COT is an independent scientific committee which provides advice to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), the Department of Health and other Government Departments and Agencies on matters concerning the toxicity of chemicals.

  The Department is funding analyses of fluoride in drinking-water samples taken as part of the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) of British adults aged 19–64 years. NDNS is a joint initiative between the Department and FSA. Fieldwork for the study was

  1131W
  undertaken in 2000–01, and also included urine samples, which have, been analysed for fluoride. These data are expected to provide further information on fluoride intake and absorption.

  The Department is considering the research recommendations, on total exposure and uptake of fluoride, from the Medical Research Council working group report "Water fluoridation and health" published in September 2002, including other potential uses of the NDNS programme.

  Food Standards
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his policy is on the publication of advice from the Food Standards Agency which runs counter to Government policy. [118807]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 12 June 2003]The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has been constituted as a non-ministerial department. Its right to publish its own advice, irrespective of the views of Government, is protected by the provisions of section 19 of the Food Standards Act 1999. There has been no occasion when Ministers have prevented the FSA, from publishing its advice or have altered the FSA's advice before publication. The FSA's board puts its open approach into practice by meeting, and discussing policy issues, in public.

  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what support the Food Standards Agency is offering to those involved in setting up local food chains or food links. [118893]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 12 June 2003]Support for the promotion of locally produced food is not the responsibility of the Food Standards Agency (FSA). However, the FSA is considering producing guidelines on the use of the term 'local' in food marketing.

  The FSA is keen to promote access to safe and nutritious food at the local level. It is engaged with Local Authority Co-ordinators of Regulatory Services and the Local Government Association in the 'Food: the local vision' initiative to examine how local authorities can develop effective partnerships to promote and co-ordinate food and nutrition related action locally and develop good practice guidelines.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many prosecutions have been initiated by the Food Standards Agency in each year since its establishment. [118045]

  Ms Blears
  Information on the number of prosecutions initiated by the Food Standards Agency in each year since its establishment is shown in the table.

  Year

  Number of prosecutions

  2000–01

  9

  2001–02

  12

  2002–03

  13

  A further 14 cases are currently scheduled for court, while action against another 16 companies is currently being taken forward by prosecutors.

  Medical Technologies
  Dr. Desmond Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS patients have received a drug eluting stent since April 2002. [118051]

  Ms Blears
  The Department does not currently collect data relating to the number of national health service patients who have received drug eluting stents.

  Dr. Desmond Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS patients have received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator since April 2002. [118052]

  Ms Blears
  The latest available figures, from the national pacemaker and implantable cardioverter defibrillator database, collected by the British pacing and electriophysiology group, report that 26,151 pacemakers were implanted in the United Kingdom and Ireland in 2001.

  Men's Health
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department is taking to increase the accessibility of health advice and treatment far men. [118495]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 12 June 2003]It is important that men are encouraged to take their health needs seriously and to make full use of the information and treatment services offered by the national health service. Men can benefit from the advice and access to treatment that is available to the whole population. The Department, however, is seeking to make health advice arid treatment available to address men's specific needs through a variety of means including the effective use of modern technologies, innovative approaches and more flexible services.

  Telephone helplines and websites are playing an increasing role in providing information and advice to men. New services such as NHS walk in centres have contributed to improvements in the accessibility of advice and treatment for men. We run promotion campaigns, such as the Sex Lottery, which raises awareness of sexually transmitted diseases and includes material that targets young men in particular.

  We also work in collaboration with other organisations such as Cancer Research UK with whom we have produced a self awareness leaflet on testicular cancer.

  The Department works closely with Men's Health Forum, the leading organisation in this field, which has an active information and publications service. We are currently helping to fund the core activities of the Forum and we also fund it to undertake specific projects on men's health.

  For the future we are undertaking research to inform policy development on access to advice and treatment for men.

  Mumps Vaccine
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many doses of mumps vaccine are allowed into the UK each day; [115220]
  1133W
  (2) how many doses of the mumps vaccine are held in the UK. [115219]

  Ms Blears
  Single mumps vaccines being prescribed and administered, as part of single measles, mumps and rubella vaccination programmes are unlicensed imported medicines. The number of doses of mumps vaccines allowed into the United Kingdom varies according to the number of notifications submitted per day by importers of unlicensed medicines, who are licensed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Every importer must notify the MHRA on each occasion they intend importing an unlicensed medicine and there is a legal restriction on the maximum quantity they may import per notification (a maximum of 25 single administrations). This applies to all imported unlicensed medicines. The MHRA received an average of 172 notifications to import unlicensed mumps vaccines per month during the first quarter of 2003. This is the number of notifications submitted to the MHRA for importation and does not necessarily relate to the number of doses actually imported. Consequently the MHRA does not have data on the actual number of doses imported or on the stocks held in the UK.

  Obesity
  Nick Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures he has to promote the prevention of obesity; and how much funding has been made available for this purpose. [114797]

  Ms Blears
  The Government are committed to tackling the rising trend in obesity. The Department of Health is working with other Government Departments and a range of other partners at national, regional and local levels, on programmes to improve diet and increase physical activity levels.

  Action to improve diet includes the Food in Schools Programme, the Five-A-Day programme to increase fruit and vegetable consumption and work with industry to address the overall balance of diet including fat, sugar and salt, working with the Food Standards Agency (FSA). The Department of Health, Sport England and the Countryside Agency are funding local exercise action pilots (LEAP), based in the nine English regions. The Department of Health is also working with other Government Departments, such as the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) and the Department for Transport (DfT), to establish a sport and physical activity board (SPAB) to begin raising levels of mass participation for young people and adults, particularly women and the elderly.

  Significant funding is also being provided to support the physical education (PE) and school sport and club links programme, which will implement the joint DfES/DCMS public service agreement target to provide two hours of high-quality PE and school sport to 70 per cent. of pupils by 2006. The New Opportunities Fund are also funding improvements to sports facilities in schools.

  The Food and Health Action Plan will also pull together all the issues that influence what we eat and will address healthy eating at all stages of the life course. The
  1134W
  plan will build on comprehensive on-going programmes of work already underway across Government on healthy eating.

  The delivery of these policies is through a number of resources, including the Department of Health, DCMS, DfES, DfT, FSA, the New Opportunities Fund, the national health service and other stakeholders, and it is not possible to identify the specific funding being used to achieve these goals.

  Ooplasmic Transfer
  Jim Dobbin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether(a) ooplasmic transfer and (b) oocyte nucleus transfer have been licensed in the United Kingdom by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority. [117168]

  Ms Blears
  The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority has not issued any licenses for these procedures.

  Poisonous Plants
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many accidents there were in each year since 1997 involving children coming into contact with poisonous plants in the countryside. [117581]

  Ms Blears
  The Department of Health does not collect information on the number of accidents involving children coming into contact with poisonous plants in the countryside.

  The Department collects information on accidental injuries leading to hospital admission as an in-patient in the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) system. Children admitted to hospital after coming into contact with poisonous plants in the countryside are included in HES; however, the codes used in HES to record cause of injury cannot identify accidents involving contact with poisonous plants as a separate group.

  Prostate Cancer
  Vernon Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent assessment he has made of research into(a) the causes and (b) the treatment of prostate cancer; and if he will make a statement. [117898]

  Ms Blears
  The main Government agency for research into the causes of and treatments of disease is the Medical Research Council (MRC) which receives its funding from the Department of Trade and Industry via the Office of Science and Technology.

  The MRC has co-funded two prostate cancer collaboratives with the Department of Health and Cancer Research UK (CRUK). The total funding from all partners is approximately £6 million over five years. These are the ICR Prostate Cancer Collaborative, directed by Colin Cooper and the Northern Prostate Cancer Consortium, directed by David Neal.

  In March 2000, we announced £1 million additional new funding for urgent research studies into prostate cancer as a mark of its concern over this disease. The NHS Plan went further by announcing that the Government would increase by £1 million the resources devoted to prostate cancer for each of the next three

  1135W
  years. This means that, quality permitting, Department of Health direct funding for prostate cancer research will be:

  £

  2000–01

  1,200,000

  2001–02

  2,200,000

  2002–03

  3,200,000

  2003–04

  4,200,000

  This is a twenty-fold increase compared with 1999–2000. Funding in previous years was:

  £

  1999–2000

  200,000

  1996–97

  98,000

  Examples of research the Department is funding are:
  A review of new and emerging treatments, for example, brachytherapy and cryotherapy for prostate cancer.
  Prostate Cancer Studentships, funded jointly with the MRC.

  Research Expenditure
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much public money was spent on research into(a) cystic fibrosis and (b) gene therapy in each of the last five years. [116929]

  Ms Blears
  The main Government agency for research into the causes of and treatments for disease is the Medical Research Council (MRC) which receives its funding from the Department for Trade and Industry via the Office of Science and Technology. Since 1997–98 MRC expenditure on cystic fibrosis has been as follows:

  Expenditure on Cystic Fibrosis

  £ millions

  Amount

  1997–98

  1.8

  1998–99

  1.9

  1999–2000

  1.8

  2000–01

  1.5

  2001–02

  1.25

  The Department of Health funds the national health service research and development programme, which aims to identify NHS needs for research and to commission research to meet those needs. Commissioning is undertaken through national programmes of research such as the health technology assessment (HTA) programme. There have been two recent projects on cystic fibrosis, "Information needs for health planning; screening for cystic fibrosis" and "A comparative study of hypertonic saline, daily and alternate day rhDNase in cystic fibrosis". The cost of these projects totalled £177,000.

  Shepperton Health Centre
  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the plans of North Surrey Primary Care Trust and the doctors who use the centre to redevelop the Shepperton Health Centre. [117980]
  1136W
  Ms Blears
  North Surrey Primary Care Trust (PCT) is committed to providing local and accessible healthcare to all its residents. Shepperton Health Centre has been identified as one of the PCTs top priorities for redevelopment and will be reviewed as part of the new estates strategy being prepared.

  The review will be taken with full consultation with local general practitioners and where appropriate Surrey county council.

  Smoking
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to tackle attitudes to smoking among different ethnic groups in the UK. [118286]

  Ms Blears
  The Department of Health has been actively tackling attitudes to smoking among different ethnic groups in the United Kingdom and offers support through its national health service Asian tobacco helpline. This helpline provides a confidential advice service in mother-tongue languages and English, specifically tailored to the needs of the South Asian communities. It provides advice and support on giving up tobacco whether as cigarettes, bidi, the hookah, chewing tobacco or tobacco in paan. Leaflets and other materials in all South Asian languages support the helpline. A national training programme will shortly be available to local cessation workers to help ethnic groups.

  Smoking cessation services and local tobacco control alliances areas with significant ethnic communities are encouraged to provide publicity material and advice in appropriate languages.

  Specialist Wards
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans there are to provide specialist wards, treatments and guidance for teenage patients being treated within the NHS. [118179]

  Ms Blears
  The Department of Health and the Welsh Assembly Government have asked the National Institute for Clinical Excellence to prepare service guidance for the national health service in England and Wales on cancers affecting children and adolescents. This guidance will form the basis for the local planning of teenage cancer services in the NHS.

  As well as preparing service guidance for child and adolescent cancers, we are also developing the children's national service framework, which will put both children and teenagers at the centre of their health and social care, building services around their needs.

  Waste Processing (Health Effects)
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to commission research into links between heart defects and neural tube defects and living near incineration plants; and if he will make a statement on research he has studied concerning childhood disabilities and abnormalities and plants processing industrial waste. [118240]
  1137W
  Ms Blears
  The Department is currently participating in four projects, which include an assessment of the relationship between waste disposal, including incineration, and health. These are:"Review of environmental and health impacts of waste management and disposal", which is being led by the Department of Food, Environment and Rural Affairs.
  "Human health related review of incineration and combustion techniques", which is being led by the Environment Agency.
  "Assessment of health impacts: landfill directive and UK Government waste strategy", which is being led by the Environment Agency.
  "Understanding the possible effects on human health by incineration of municipal waste", which is being led by the Department of Health and funded by the Environment Agency.

  Research concerning childhood disabilities and abnormalities and plants processing industrial waste will be considered in these reviews, all of which will be published in due course.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

  Eco-schools
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many eco-schools there have been in each local education authority area in England in each year since 1997. [118689]

  Mr. Miliband
  The information requested is not collected by DfES but by ENCAMS who run the Eco-Schools scheme. Currently, 4,404 schools are registered with the scheme but due to inconstant information sent by the schools when registering, ENCAMS are unable to give figures on how many Eco-Schools there are in each local education authority. To calculate the number of schools for each local education authority from the information available would be disproportionately costly.

  Information on Eco-Schools can be found at www.eco-schools.org.uk.

  Education Support Staff
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) if he will extend school holiday pay and jobseeker's allowance to education support staff; [118255]

  (2) what plans he has to limit the use of term-time only contracts for education support staff; and if he will make a statement. [118257]

  Mr. Miliband
  Pay and conditions of service for education support staff are determined locally, in the light of local needs and circumstances.

  Jobseeker's Allowance is an issue for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. Jobseeker's Allowance is intended to support those who are out of work and looking for a job. Our view is that the most appropriate form of help for low-paid term-time workers is through in-work support. The introduction of the working tax credit from April will improve and extend the provision of in-work support,
  1138W
  and there are specific provisions to ensure that term-time workers' pattern of work is taken into account for the working tax credit.

  Music
  Vernon Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) what recent assessment he has made of the standard of school music; and if he will make a statement; [117965]

  (2) what plans he has to increase the availability of music tuition for school pupils; and if he will make a statement; [117966]

  (3) what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the strategy for school music; [117967]

  (4) what plans he has to increase the support for school music. [117969]

  Mr. Miliband
  This Department is strongly committed to music education. According to the recent Ofsted report (published November 2002), schools music has improved significantly in one-third of primary schools and in two-fifths of secondary schools since the last inspection. There has been a steady improvement in pupils' achievement across all four Key Stages. In its recent monitoring report, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority also found that pupils are experiencing a greater enjoyment of music lessons than previously indicated, and noted a dramatic increase in the take up of AS and A Level music, particularly among boys.

  We are also committed to providing opportunities for young people to sing and play musical instruments. Music making is a key part of the National Curriculum for music and, outside of the classroom, LEA Music Services, supported by the Music Standards Fund, are currently providing nearly half a million pupils with additional, specialist tuition in a range of traditions and styles. Since 1999, more than a million music making opportunities have been provided by Youth Music (funded by the Department of Culture, Media and Sports), and for the exceptionally talented, there is on-going provision through the Government's Music and Dance Scheme and through the 10 National Youth Music Organisations, which are supported by the Department for Education and Skills.

  To widen opportunities still further, we have pledged, over time, to offer all primary school pupils who want to do so the opportunity to learn a musical instrument, and we are currently piloting 12 models of delivering this pledge across the country. An evaluation of the models will be produced in December 2003.

  I have opened discussions with a range of key stakeholders from the music world to explore how our combined resources might be deployed more coherently in our future planning to maximise their impact.
  1139W
  To support schools music further, we are:
  establishing a new category of specialist school—the music college—from 2004;
  commissioning a suite of new units for the Music Schemes of Work, looking at the integration of classroom music with specialist instrumental tuition; and
  to support recruitment into music education, commissioning a mapping document that will set out all the various routes into becoming a music teacher—in or out of school—and the skills and qualifications needed for each.

  Official Spelling
  Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what measures he has taken to ensure that schools teach the English spelling of words where it differs from the US version; and if he will make a statement. [118873]

  Mr. Miliband
  The National Curriculum Handbook for Teachers contains a statement on "Use of Language across the Curriculum" which says that:"Pupils should be taught in all subjects to express themselves correctly and appropriately and to read accurately and with understanding. Since standard English, spoken and written, is the predominant language in which knowledge and skills are taught and learned, pupils should be taught to recognise and use standard English.
  In writing, pupils should be taught to use correct spelling and punctuation and follow grammatical conventions".

  We expect teachers to adopt this approach.

  Ofsted Inspectors
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many complaints about individual inspectors have been received by Ofsted since 2000; and how many inspectors have been deregistered as a result of investigations into those complaints. [117349]

  Mr. Miliband
  This is a matter for the Ofsted and David Bell, the HM Chief Inspector will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of his reply will be placed in the Library.

  School Funding
  Paddy Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what estimate he has made of the level of funds held in school balances; and if he will list this, broken down by local education authority. [118614]

  Mr. Miliband
  [holding answer 12 June 2003]The following table indicates, for each local education authority, the balances carried forward by maintained schools in England at the end of the financial year 2001–02. The figures are taken from the outturn statements for that year produced by local education authorities under section 52 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. These figures should not, therefore, be taken as necessarily being representative either of the amounts being carried over at the end of 2002–03 or of the current position. Information on balances carried forward at the end of 2002–03 is not yet available because the deadline for the production of 1140W
  LEAs' outturn statements for that financial year is not until 10 October 2003, and it would be premature at this stage to attempt an estimate.

  Balances carried forward by maintained schools at end of financial year 2001–02

  £

  Name

  Balances

  Barking and Dagenham

  4,067,500

  Barnet

  6,187,606

  Barnsley

  6,513,693

  Bath and NE Somerset

  3,881,082

  Bedfordshire

  8,078,138

  Bexley

  3,396,173

  Birmingham

  32,716,066

  Blackburn with Darwen

  5,304,593

  Blackpool

  3,424,694

  Bolton

  5,158,449

  Bournemouth

  3,921,711

  Bracknell Forest

  1,238,194

  Bradford

  11,801,146

  Brent

  3,152,281

  Brighton and Hove1

  3,280,485

  Bristol, City of

  4,125,008

  Bromley

  5,482,860

  Buckinghamshire

  6,073,043

  Bury

  2,113,007

  Calderdale

  4,612,605

  Cambridgeshire

  10,318,395

  Camden

  6,206,029

  Cheshire

  15,453,372

  City of London

  27,398

  Cornwall

  15,826,332

  Coventry

  7,812,009

  Croydon

  11,218,303

  Cumbria

  8,868,669

  Darlington

  1,243,908

  Derby

  5,052,453

  Derbyshire

  13,628,675

  Devon

  8,890,468

  Doncaster

  8,996,732

  Dorset

  6,492,746

  Dudley

  8,748,810

  Durham

  13,958,495

  Baling

  6,028,172

  East Riding of Yorkshire

  8,531,194

  East Sussex

  6,253,009

  Enfield

  8,124,116

  Essex1

  37,509,075

  Gateshead

  4,989,702

  Gloucestershire

  11,405,925

  Greenwich

  3,814,303

  Hackney

  2,069,758

  Halton

  3,695,867

  Hammersmith and Fulham1

  3,075,931

  Hampshire

  29,585,555

  Haringey

  2,549,177

  Harrow

  4,551,156

  Hartlepool

  2,452,725

  Havering

  5,856,044

  Herefordshire

  3,474,183

  Hertfordshire

  28,542,675

  Hillingdon

  5,344,167

  Hounslow

  6,722,652

  Isle of Wight

  1,791,732

  Isles of Scilly

  176,789

  Islington

  5,962,389

  Kensington and Chelsea

  2,708,112

  Kent

  29,784,014

  Kingston upon Hull, City of

  4,267,027

  Kingston upon Thames

  3,461,609

  Kirklees

  5,225,772

  Knowsley

  1,974,362

  Lambeth

  4,886,874

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  Balances carried forward by maintained schools at end of financial year 2001–02

  £

  Name

  Balances

  Lancashire

  40,876,279

  Leeds

  10,506,850

  Leicester

  7,831,462

  Leicestershire

  5,205,018

  Lewisham

  2,868,102

  Lincolnshire

  9,774,928

  Liverpool

  17,545,506

  Luton

  5,338,063

  Manchester

  15,705,601

  Medway

  7,172,815

  Merton

  4,991,839

  Middlesbrough

  4,188,678

  Milton Keynes

  6,076,750

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  6,829,253

  Newham

  5,027,691

  Norfolk

  16,721,828

  North East Lincolnshire

  4,135,223

  North Lincolnshire

  3,592,146

  North Somerset

  2,626,826

  North Tyneside

  1,695,221

  North Yorkshire

  18,358,924

  Northamptonshire

  18,483,397

  Northumberland

  5,030,243

  Nottingham

  6,574,242

  Nottinghamshire

  14,135,105

  Oldham

  6,082,248

  Oxfordshire

  11,612,527

  Peterborough

  5,387,880

  Plymouth

  5,850,136

  Poole

  4,483,934

  Portsmouth

  4,108,913

  Reading

  1,881,661

  Redbridge

  7,240,831

  Redcar and Cleveland

  4,066,994

  Richmond upon Thames

  2,485,233

  Rochdale

  3,130,795

  Rotherham

  2,857,044

  Rutland

  654,276

  Salford

  2,704,299

  Sandwell1

  9,153,454

  Sefton

  10,498,372

  Sheffield

  5,381,621

  Shropshire

  3,135,223

  Slough

  3,195,089

  Solihull

  3,774,813

  Somerset

  11,784,110

  South Gloucestershire

  4,728,949

  South Tyneside

  4,044,686

  Southampton

  3,341,094

  Southend-on-Sea

  6,202,213

  Southwark

  5,336,153

  St. Helens

  4,844,669

  Staffordshire1

  15,950,430

  Stockport

  4,655,358

  Stockton-on-Tees

  3,931,321

  Stoke-on-Trent1

  6,943,772

  Suffolk

  17,799,002

  Sunderland

  6,643,454

  Surrey

  20,403,112

  Table 1: The number of applications for undergraduate to secondary teacher training courses

  England and Wales

  England only

  Undergraduate

  1996/97

  1997/98

  1998/99

  1999/00

  2000/01

  2001/02

  2002/03

  2001/02

  2002/03

  Secondary1

  Maths

  750

  589

  389

  361

  259

  251

  217

  250

  213

  English and Drama

  765

  436

  663

  126

  114

  79

  109

  79

  109

  All Science

  640

  517

  405

  342

  311

  152

  128

  151

  127

  All Modern Languages

  184

  109

  86

  54

  64

  37

  23

  23

  7

  1142W

  Balances carried forward by maintained schools at end of financial year 2001–02

  £

  Name

  Balances

  Sutton

  3,395,341

  Swindon

  6,204,865

  Tameslde

  5,661,504

  Telford and Wrekin

  2,655,872

  Thurrock

  5,103,666

  Torbay

  2,133,113

  Tower Hamlets

  7,825,858

  Trafford1

  6,352,453

  Wakefield

  3,718,545

  Walsall

  8,186,648

  Waltham Forest

  5,725,045

  Wandsworth

  5,488,978

  Warrington

  4,263,356

  Warwickshire

  7,941,072

  West Berkshire

  3,394,340

  West Sussex

  6,847,044

  Westminster

  1,128,111

  Wigan

  5,399,480

  Wiltshire

  8,613,870

  Windsor and Maidenhead

  2,036,292

  Wirral

  4,698,670

  Wokingham

  2,551,820

  Wolverhampton

  5,158,927

  Worcestershire

  11,595,511

  York

  4,565,290

  Total1

  1,098,316,518

  1 These figures, and hence the national total, are provisional.

  Note:

  The figures, which represent surpluses net of deficits, are taken from Table 2 of the outturn statements for 2001–02 produced by local education authorities under section 52 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998.

  Teacher Training
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many applicants there were for(a) undergraduate and (b) postgraduate secondary teacher training courses, (i) in total and (ii) broken down by subject, in each year since 1991. [118188]

  Mr. Miliband
  The tables show, the number of applications to undergraduate and postgraduate secondary teacher training courses in England and Wales that were processed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service and the Graduate Teacher Training Registry respectively. Some applications are made independently of these bodies. Since 2001/02 it has also been possible to report the number of applications for England only as shown in the tables.

  The number of postgraduate applications reflects the number of applicants to courses. Undergraduate applicants are allowed to make up to six applications per person. Data on applications for undergraduate teacher training courses for years before 1996/97 are not available.
  1143W

  Table 1: The number of applications for undergraduate to secondary teacher training courses

  England and Wales

  England only

  Undergraduate

  1996/97

  1997/98

  1998/99

  1999/00

  2000/01

  2001/02

  2002/03

  2001/02

  2002/03

  All Technology2

  1,677

  1,492

  1,193

  1,063

  961

  989

  764

  1,996

  2,481

  History

  75

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Geography

  41

  29

  37

  27

  20

  18

  14

  18

  14

  PE

  9,132

  7,843

  7,300

  5,516

  4,707

  3,869

  2,241

  3,869

  2,241

  Art

  70

  63

  76

  118

  79

  4

  76

  4

  -

  Music

  351

  78

  75

  51

  60

  38

  28

  33

  17

  RE

  142

  77

  57

  19

  11

  11

  —

  11

  —

  Other3

  2,433

  2,229

  1,434

  1,183

  861

  573

  850

  573

  850

  Total secondary

  16,260

  13,462

  11,715

  8,860

  7,447

  6,021

  4,450

  7,007

  6,059

  1 Before 1996/97, from available data, it is not possible to distinguish applications to secondary course

  2 Technology includes Design and Technology, Business Studies, Information Technology and Home Economics

  3 Other includes Social Science, Classics, Economics

  Source:

  UCAS

  Table 2: The number of applications for postgraduate secondary teacher training courses

  England and Wales

  Postgraduate

  1991/92

  1992/93

  1993/94

  1994/95

  1995/96

  1996/97

  1997/98

  Secondary

  Maths

  1,942

  2,470

  2,613

  2,374

  2,186

  1,873

  1,579

  English and Drama

  2,240

  2,806

  3,000

  2,964

  3,158

  3,197

  3,104

  All Science

  3,294

  3,977

  4,186

  4,205

  4,020

  3,698

  3,265

  All Modern Languages

  2,295

  2,599

  2,750

  2,830

  2,706

  2,680

  2,561

  All Technology

  1,352

  1,834

  2,079

  1,840

  2,056

  1,549

  1,605

  History

  1,172

  1,661

  1,858

  1,829

  1,984

  2,017

  1,901

  Geography

  741

  965

  1,168

  1,178

  1,280

  1,297

  1,188

  PE4

  532

  663

  920

  992

  1,027

  1,145

  1,372

  Art

  260

  380

  425

  510

  352

  939

  1,503

  Music

  448

  519

  593

  632

  646

  594

  549

  RE

  435

  525

  532

  612

  741

  845

  826

  Other

  764

  843

  852

  747

  840

  820

  621

  Total secondary

  15,475

  19,242

  20,976

  20,713

  20,996

  20,654

  20,074

  Table 2: The number of applications for postgraduate secondary teacher training courses

  England and Wales

  England only

  Postgraduate

  1998/99

  1999/2000

  2000/01

  2001/02

  2002/03

  2001/02

  2002/03

  Secondary

  Maths

  1,288

  1,690

  1,776

  2,031

  2,381

  1,917

  2,249

  English and Drama

  3,141

  3,007

  3,235

  3,983

  4,566

  3,768

  4,346

  All Science

  2,878

  3,450

  3,728

  4,093

  4,079

  3,822

  3,823

  All Modern Languages

  2,442

  2,307

  2,763

  2,761

  2,687

  2,562

  2,506

  All Technology

  1,595

  1,619

  1,996

  2,665

  3,457

  2,481

  3,275

  History

  1,793

  1,671

  1,745

  2,067

  2,014

  1,926

  1,893

  Geography

  1,064

  1,226

  1,213

  1,361

  1,341

  1,285

  1,264

  PE

  1,406

  1,398

  1,522

  1,782

  2,006

  1,555

  1,746

  Art

  1,406

  1,277

  1,475

  1,744

  1,867

  1,633

  1,731

  Music

  544

  634

  634

  713

  704

  676

  666

  RE

  837

  806

  806

  816

  754

  764

  709

  Other

  510

  577

  573

  850

  1,013

  850

  1,013

  Total secondary

  18,904

  19,662

  21,466

  24,866

  26,869

  23,239

  25,221

  Note:

  1. Technology includes Business Studies, Information Technology, Design and Technology, and Home Economics

  2. Other includes Social Studies, Economics, Classics and Citizenship from 2001/02

  3. Modern Languages includes TEFL in 1992/93 and Community Langs until 1994/95

  4. PE includes Outdoor Activities until 1996/97

  Source:

  GTTR

  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many students started(a) undergraduate and (b) postgraduate primary teacher training courses in each year since 1991. [118189]
  1144W
  Mr. Miliband
  The following table shows the number of students who started postgraduate and undergraduate primary teacher training courses in each year since 1991.
  1145W

  Postgraduate

  Undergraduate

  Total

  1991/92

  5,012

  9,765

  14,777

  1992/93

  5,712

  10,946

  16,658

  1993/94

  5,570

  10,205

  15,775

  1994/95

  5,074

  8,669

  13,743

  1995/96

  5,145

  8,458

  13,603

  1996/97

  4,846

  7,619

  12,465

  1997/98

  4,677

  7,072

  11,749

  1998/99

  5,121

  6,707

  11,828

  1999/00

  5,452

  6,644

  12,096

  2000/01

  6,592

  6,581

  13,173

  2001/02

  6,749

  6,386

  13,135

  2002/03

  7,989

  6,491

  14,480

  Notes:

  Postgraduate figures for 2001/02 and 2002/03 include entrants to the Fast Track scheme.

  Figures above do not include trainees recruited to employment based routes.

  Source:

  DFE Recruitment Survey, 1990/91 to 1993/94; HESES 1994/95; TTA Survey of ITT Providers 1995/96 to 2000/01; TTA ITT Trainee Numbers Census 2001/02

  In addition to the entrants detailed above, there has been an increasing number of starters on employment based teacher training routes. In 2001–02 there were nearly 2,000 starters on employment based primary teacher training routes.

  Full-time and part-time entrants in maintained primary schools in England

  Financial year of entry

  New entrants to teaching1

  New to maintained sector2

  Returner to maintained sector3

  Total4

  Nursery/Primary

  1 April 2000 to 31 March 2001

  8,280

  4,860

  6,570

  19,710

  1 April 1999 to 31 March 2000

  9,470

  4,080

  4,850

  18,390

  1 April 1998 to 31 March 1999

  8,770

  3,940

  5,290

  18,000

  1 April 1997 to 31 March 1998

  9,360

  4,120

  5,200

  18,680

  Secondary

  1 April 2000 to 31 March 2001

  8,630

  4,930

  5,790

  19,340

  1 April 1999 to 31 March 2000

  8,770

  4,280

  4,470

  17,530

  1 April 1998 to 31 March 1999

  8,730

  3,900

  4,630

  17,260

  1 April 1997 to 31 March 1998

  9,330

  3,940

  4,670

  17,940

  Full-time and part-time entrants in maintained secondary school in England

  Secondary entrants 1 April 1997 to 31 March 1998

  New entrants to teaching1

  New to maintained sector2

  Returner to maintained sector3

  Total4

  Maths

  1,040

  290

  190

  1,530

  English

  1,790

  310

  270

  2,370

  Science

  1,580

  420

  270

  2,260

  MFL

  1,060

  220

  210

  1,490

  Technology

  1,020

  370

  190

  1,580

  History

  630

  130

  100

  860

  Geography

  600

  110

  90

  800

  Art

  470

  190

  80

  740

  Music

  330

  80

  70

  480

  RE

  420

  60

  60

  530

  PE

  940

  220

  170

  1,330

  Total

  10,510

  4,240

  4,900

  19,650

  Secondary entrants 1 April 1998 to 31 March 1999

  New entrants to teaching1

  New to maintained sector2

  Returner to maintained sector3

  Total4

  Maths

  880

  260

  230

  1,360

  English

  1,830

  350

  340

  2,520

  Science

  1,410

  400

  300

  2,110

  Teachers
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many qualified entrants to full-time or part-time service there were in the maintained nursery/primary and secondary sector in England in each year since 1997, broken down by(a) newly qualified entrants, (b) deferred entrants, (c) re-entrants and (d) subject in the case of secondary school teachers. [118117]

  Mr. Miliband
  The tables show qualified entrants to full-time or part-time regular service in the maintained nursery/primary or secondary sector in England.

  The tables showing entrants to the secondary phase show the main subjects of teacher training. A teacher can appear under two different subject rows, reflecting the fact that some teachers qualify in more than one subject. The figures shown in the first table are not based on subject and therefore exclude any double counting. Teachers with 'other' subjects or 'subjects not known' are included in the secondary totals but not shown separately.

  Around 10 per cent. to 20 per cent. of part-timers may not be included.

  Secondary entrants 1 April 1998 to 31 March 1999

  New entrants to teaching1

  New to maintained sector2

  Returner to maintained sector3

  Total4

  MFL

  1,050

  250

  210

  1,510

  Technology

  850

  300

  200

  1,350

  History

  620

  160

  120

  890

  Geography

  530

  150

  100

  770

  Art

  430

  190

  90

  700

  Music

  290

  90

  80

  460

  RE

  410

  80

  70

  560

  PE

  870

  270

  180

  1,320

  Total

  9,730

  4,220

  4,890

  18,840

  Secondary entrants 1 April 1999 to 31 March 2000

  New entrants to teaching1

  New to maintained sector2

  Returner to maintained sector3

  Total4

  Maths

  790

  260

  220

  1,280

  English

  1,830

  400

  360

  2,590

  Science

  1,400

  450

  360

  2,210

  MFL

  1,000

  260

  250

  1,510

  Technology

  870

  340

  220

  1,420

  History

  600

  230

  140

  970

  Geography

  510

  200

  100

  820

  Art

  450

  200

  100

  760

  1147W

  Secondary entrants 1 April 1999 to 31 March 2000

  New entrants to teaching1

  New to maintained sector2

  Returner to maintained sector3

  Total4

  Music

  340

  80

  100

  520

  RE

  410

  110

  70

  590

  PE

  930

  340

  210

  1,480

  Total

  9,740

  4,640

  4,730

  19,110

  Secondary entrants 1 April 2000 to 31 March 2001

  New entrants to teaching1

  New to maintained sector2

  Returner to maintained sector3

  Total4

  Maths

  830

  250

  280

  1,350

  English

  1,740

  430

  480

  2,650

  Science

  1,430

  460

  470

  2,360

  MFL

  890

  300

  350

  1,540

  Technology

  780

  350

  290

  1,420

  History

  610

  230

  150

  990

  Geography

  570

  170

  140

  890

  Art

  470

  260

  140

  870

  Music

  330

  130

  100

  560

  RE

  370

  110

  100

  590

  PE

  930

  420

  240

  1,600

  Total

  9,470

  5,310

  6,120

  20,910

  1 Teacher qualified in the calendar year prior to the end of the financial year shown.

  2 Teacher has no known service in the English maintained sector, and qualified before the calendar year prior to the end of the financial year shown.

  3 Teacher was not in service at the beginning of the financial year shown but has previous service, most recently in the English maintained school sector.

  4 Does not include those moving from full-time to part time or part-time to full-time in the English maintained sector.

  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many newly qualified teachers employed in the(a) primary and (b) secondary sector have left their posts within one financial year of qualifying, broken down by subject in the case of secondary school teachers, since 1997. [118118]

  Mr. Miliband
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 10 March 2003,Official Report, column 286W.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Burma
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with(a) the international community and (b) the Burmese military regime about (i) implementing the 1992 democratic election result and (ii) achieving good governance. [117993]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  We regularly take the opportunity of our bilateral and multilateral contacts with the international community to discuss democracy and good governance in Burma. We, and other UN partners co-sponsored the recent UNCHR resolution on Burma on 16 April 2003. We also remain in close contact with the UN Secretary General's Special Envoy to Burma, Razali Ismail. We welcome that he was able to meet with Aung San Suu Kyi on his recent visit to Burma and that she was unharmed. However, we still remain deeply concerned over the situation in Burma and call for the immediate release of Aung San Suu Kyi and members of the NLD.
  1148W
  The UK has made numerous representations to the Burmese Authorities. Most recently, on 2 June 2003, my hon. Friend, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Bill Rammell) called in the Burmese Ambassador to express the British Government's deep concern over recent events in Burma. On 6 June 2003, I spoke to the Burmese Deputy Foreign Minister to reiterate our concern and to call for substantive and meaningful dialogue with the democratic movement.

  We and our EU colleagues agreed to strengthen and update the EU Common Position on Burma on 14 April 2003. The Common Position contains a range of measures designed to bring pressure to bear on the military regime to move towards national reconciliation, respect for human rights and democracy in Burma.

  Julie Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he will make to the Burmese Government on the crackdown on democracy in Burma and the detention of Aung San Suu Kyi. [118060]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  We welcome that the UN Secretary Generals Special Envoy to Burma, Razali Ismail, was able to meet with Aung San Suu Kyi on his recent visit to Burma and that she was unharmed. However, we remain deeply concerned about the latest developments in Burma and have firmly called on the Burmese to release immediately Aung San Suu Kyi (ASSK) and National League for Democracy (NLD) colleagues, and to reopen NLD offices and universities in Burma. Our embassy in Rangoon has repeatedly called on the Burmese authorities and criticised them over their actions. On 2 June 2003, my hon. Friend, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Bill Rammell) called in the Burmese Ambassador to express the British Government's deep concern over recent events in Burma. On 6 June 2003, I spoke to the Burmese Deputy Foreign Minister to reiterate our concern and to call for substantive and meaningful dialogue with the democratic movement.

  We are now in discussion with our EU and other international partners about what further steps we will take against the Burmese Government if they do not provide immediate satisfactory responses.

  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his EU counterparts on the development of democratic representative government in Burma. [118460]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  With EU colleagues, we decided to strengthen and update the EU Common Position on Burma in April 2003. The Common Position contains a range of measures designed to bring pressure to bear on the military regime to move towards national reconciliation, respect for human rights and democracy in Burma. We are in regular contact with EU partners and are in discussion on what further steps we will take if the regime does not provide immediate satisfactory responses.

  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking to prevent trade in contravention of UN sanctions between the Burmese military regime and other countries. [118548]
  1149W
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  At the present time there are no UN sanctions on trade with Burma. There is, however, an EU Common Position on Burma. EU companies wishing to trade with Burma have their export licence applications rigorously assessed against the consolidated EU export and national arms licensing criteria.

  Chechnya
  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on human rights abuses by Russian forces in Chechnya. [118322]

  Mr. MacShane
  HMG recognises the genuine and serious security challenges in Chechnya, demonstrated by the recent wave of suicide bombings in the republic, but has consistently stressed that counter terrorist operations must respect human rights and the rule of law. We continue to regard allegations of human rights violations with serious concern, and have called for their thorough, transparent and effective investigation, and for those responsible to be prosecuted and punished.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Department has made to the Government of Russia(a) regarding the rights of Chechens to take refuge in Ingushetia and (b) to ensure that war-affected civilians will not be forcibly repatriated. [118421]

  Mr. MacShane
  Both bilaterally and through the EU, we have repeatedly reminded the Russian Government of their obligations under the 1951 UN Convention on Refugees, stressing that all movement by internally displaced persons (IDPs) must be strictly voluntary. 'We have also stated that the dismantling of shelters, or the suspension of food, water and energy supplies, in our view constituted a forced return. The policy of enforcing the return of IDPs from Ingushetia to Chechnya appears to have been reconsidered as a result of the representations made.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Government of Russia regarding the delivery of efficient and sustainable humanitarian assistance to displaced Chechens in Ingushetia. [118422]

  Mr. MacShane
  The matter was discussed at official level during the last round of bilateral human rights talks, in which we pressed the Russian Government to provide full co-operation to humanitarian NGOs operating in the region. We have also made the same point through the EU.

  Cyprus
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the travel requirements will be for the UK citizens living in the Turkish occupied area of Cyprus who wish to enter British sovereign areas; and if he will make a statement. [118445]

  Mr. MacShane
  In line with the commitments made to the Republic of Cyprus in the 1960 Treaty of Establishment, British citizens, like others resident in 1150W
  Cyprus, have freedom of access and communication to and through the SBAs, provided they entered the island legally.

  Any persons, including British citizens, who enter the island of Cyprus through a port of entry that is not internationally recognised, are considered illegal immigrants by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus. It has been HMG policy since 1974 to act in accordance with the Republic of Cyprus' immigration policy.

  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the visa requirements are for those citizens of the Turkish occupied area of Cyprus who do not have a Cypriot passport after the accession of Cyprus to the EU. [118446]

  Mr. MacShane
  The Government deeply regret the failure to achieve a settlement of the Cyprus problem before Cyprus' signature of its EU Accession Treaty. In the continuing absence of a comprehensive settlement, this is one of the issues that will have to be resolved before Cyprus' accession, within the framework established by the Cyprus protocol to the Accession Treaty.

  G8 Global Partnership
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) how much of the pledged £750 million for the G8 Global Partnership against the spread of weapons and materials of mass destruction has been paid out; [117914]

  (2) what activities have been conducted by the G8 Global Partnership against the spread of weapons and materials of mass destruction; and if he will make a statement. [117915]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister announced in July 2002 that the UK would commit up to $750 million over 10 years to the G8 Global Partnership. We began developing programmes in the late 1990s to help deal with the former Soviet Union's WMD legacy. In 2002–03, we spent approximately £15 million on this programme, and in 2003–04, we anticipate spending around £33 million.

  We continue to work to translate this G8 pledge into projects to prevent the proliferation of WMD. Following complex preparatory work, and recent progress on multilateral and bilateral UK-Russia legal agreements, we can now begin implementing projects to deal with spent nuclear fuel and dismantle nuclear submarines, a commitment of around £10 million this year. Other activities include: a contribution of £70 million to a G8 programme to help Russia dispose of weapons-grade plutonium; development of a Closed Nuclear Cities Partnership to tackle problems related to WMD expertise; and projects at the main Russian chemical weapons destruction facility at Shchuch'ye.

  I am pleased to announce we are willing in principle to significantly increase our assistance to Russia to help destroy its declared stockpile of chemical weapons. Total funding of up to $100 million could be made available, from the $750 million Global Partnership commitment.
  1151W
  Our G8 partners are developing or already implementing complementary project portfolios. Norway, Poland, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Sweden and Finland have recently decided to join the Partnership.

  Gibraltar
  Andrew Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Spain's decision to refer to the European Court the provision in the European Parliament (Representation) Act 2003 to extend the European Parliament elections franchise to Gibraltar; and how the United Kingdom intends to respond. [118896]

  Mr. MacShane
  [holding answer 12 June 2003]If Spain were to bring an action in the European Court of Justice over the enfranchisement of the Gibraltar electorate for the purposes of European parliamentary elections, we would defend any such action robustly.

  Official Spelling
  Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy that official(a) correspondence, (b) reports and (c) documentation from his office use the English spelling of words where this differs from the US version. [118863]

  Mr. Straw
  Yes, except when referring to a US institution.

  Travel Advice
  Hugh Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he will next review the advice given to British citizens about travel to Kenya and other countries in east Africa and the horn of Africa; what assessment he has made of the economic impact of reduced travel to the countries concerned; and what assistance the Government are giving to those countries to address the security issues which gave rise to his travel advice. [118293]

  Mr. Rammell
  Our travel advice is kept under regular review. We are well aware of the impact on Kenya of our present advice, not least given the importance of tourism, particularly from UK visitors. But our travel advice must reflect our best assessment of the potential risks to British travellers. We are providing support and technical assistance to the Kenyan authorities to help improve their security arrangements and meet the terrorism threat, as part of a long-term strategy for cooperation on counter-terrorism.

  Weapons Disposal (Russia)
  Mrs. Lawrence
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government are taking to assist in the safe disposal of Russia's stockpiles of(a) nuclear, (b) chemical and (c) biological weapons. [118306]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the right hon. and learned Member for North-East Fife (Mr. Campbell) today (UIN 117914 and 117915).

CABINET OFFICE

  Departmental Website
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will list the actions he(a) has taken and (b) is taking to ensure that the websites of the Cabinet Office, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies are accessible to partially sighted and blind people; and if he will make a statement. [118844]

  Mr. Alexander
  The Cabinet Office website (www.cabinet-office.gov.uk) makes every effort to be accessible for partially sighted and blind people.

  It adheres to the relevant sections of the Office of the e-Envoy's Guidelines for UK Government websites. It has passed the Bobby accessibility tool and meets key guidelines set out in the World Wide Web Consortium's (W3C) Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI).

  Specific measures that have been taken are:

  Text size can be increased by users according to their needs

  Colour or shading is not used to convey key information

  Frames are not used

  Plug-ins are not used

  Images have alternative text to aid screen readers

  Links and navigation are meaningful through speech browsers

  We will address other accessibility issues, such as ensuring that all PDF documents are offered in alternative formats, during on-going improvements to our web presence.

  There are a number of other websites managed by the Cabinet Office; details of which have been placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Civil Service
  Tony Wright
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what evidence he has collated on the type of(a) school and (b) university attended by those recruited to the senior civil service in the last two years. [116830]

  Mr. Alexander
  For new recruits to the senior civil service (including internal promotees as well as those appointed from outside) over the past two years, those individuals against whom universities are recorded (with numbers of 10 or more) are as follows:

  Number

  2000–01

  Oxford

  26

  London

  11

  Cambridge

  10

  Others

  102

  2001–02

  Oxford

  18

  London

  15

  Cambridge

  12

  Glasgow

  12

  Others

  108

  Data on university attended is only available for 53 per cent. of new entrants, as provision of this information is non-mandatory.
  1153W
  No data is collected on the type of school attended.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many staff have been employed in the Ministerial Correspondence Unit of the Department in each of the last two years. [115877]

  Mr. Alexander
  3.1 permanent full-time equivalent members of staff were in post in the Ministerial Correspondence Unit within the Cabinet Office at 1 April 2002. A further three temporary agency staff were also employed on a full-time basis. 4.5 permanent full-time equivalent members of staff were in post in the Ministerial Correspondence Unit within the Cabinet Office at 1 April 2003.

  Official Records
  Norman Baker
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many records were released, broken down by Department, under the Open Government Initiative from 10 January 2002 to 31 December 2002. [119105]

  Mr. Alexander
  A breakdown by Department of the records released under the Open Government Initiative (OGI) from 10 January 2002 to 31 December 2002 is not available centrally. The requirement for periodic returns under the OGI, the last of which reflected the position as at 31 December 2001, has diminished over the years as departments have dealt with the major task of re-reviewing closed records. There are currently no plans to conduct a further updating exercise.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

  Affordable Housing
  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many affordable housing units in(a) rural districts and (b) extreme rural districts in England were (i) sold under right to buy and (ii) newly built in 2002; and what the net change was. [116845]

  Mr. McNulty
  In local authorities that are classified as rural and mixed rural, 7,508 local authority dwellings were sold under right to buy during 2001–02. New build of registered social landlord and local authority housing, in the same local authorities and during the same period, was estimated as £2,713. The resulting net change is minus £4,795, but this excludes any acquisitions of existing dwellings by registered social landlords.

  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the provision of affordable housing in the South West. [118228]

  Mr. McNulty
  In 2003–04 funding available to the South West region from the Housing Corporation's approved development programme has increased by over 30 per cent. to £81 million. This increase forms part of the overall £500 million increase in Approved Development Programme (ADP) funding to registered social landlords (RSLs) for 2003–04.
  1154W
  The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has established Regional Housing Boards in every region to advise on how housing investment should be distributed to target regional and local priorities from 2004–05. The Regional Housing Strategies will be based on the assessment of a range of evidence including need and will be consistent with economic and planning policy at the regional level.

  Housing strategies being produced by the regional housing boards should be based on a robust and transparent assessment of the different housing needs of all parts of the region so that the housing needs in rural as well as urban areas are adequately reflected.

  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the Regional Planning Guidance totals for affordable housing in the South West are; what funding is available from the Housing Corporation for 2003–04; and how many units that funding will provide. [118234]

  Mr. McNulty
  Regional Planning Guidance (RPG) for the South West (RPG10) published in September 2001 does not give precise targets for affordable housing. RPG10 advises that such targets should be identified in local authorities' development plans based on their local needs assessments. For monitoring purposes the RPG does, however, indicate that it expects the cumulative total of those local targets to be in the region of 6,000 to 10,000 dwellings of affordable housing a year.

  The Housing Corporation's Approved Development Programme (ADP) is providing £81 million to the South West in 2003–04. The estimated ADP approvals in the region for the same year are at least 1,959 dwellings. Other public investment in social housing is provided through a number of channels including central Government funding for local authorities (the Housing Investment Programme), from local authorities' own resources, and neighbourhood renewal programmes.

  Mr. Hammond
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the amount of public sector land for redevelopment sold at below market values since 1997 as a result of the inclusion of obligations to provide affordable housing on it. [118957]

  Mr. McNulty
  The market value of land for redevelopment will, among a number of factors, be affected by the applicable planning policy framework. Where planning policies seek the provision of affordable housing, this will be reflected in the market value. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has not assessed the amount of public sector land for redevelopment sold at below market values since 1997 as a result of the inclusion of obligations to provide affordable housing on it, nor is the information requested held centrally, which would allow such an assessment to be made, and it could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Compulsory Purchase
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to introduce changes in legislation further to amend compulsory purchase procedures in relation to the technical mechanisms compulsory purchase. [118299]
  1155W
  Mr. McNulty
  As I indicated during the debate on 10 June 2003 concerning the proposal to recommit the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Bill to Standing Committee [columns 566 and 574], we propose to introduce seven additional proposals to the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Bill which will help to make the compulsory purchase process simpler, quicker and fairer. These are:extending to all acquiring authorities, including the RDAs and the Urban Regeneration Agency (English Partnerships), the power to require information to be given about persons occupying, or having an interest in, land which they propose to acquire;
  redefining those who, by virtue of occupying or having an interest in land, are entitled to be regarded as statutory objectors with a right to have their objections heard at a public inquiry;
  providing a regulation-making power to facilitate the consideration of objections by means of written representations;
  providing for the confirmation of unopposed CPOs by the relevant acquiring authority;
  providing for the confirmation in stages, where appropriate, of CPOs made by all types of acquiring authorities;
  defining the dates to be used for valuation purposes; and
  providing for advance payments of compensation to be made direct to mortgagees where this is agreed by all relevant parties and irrespective of the amount outstanding on the mortgage.

  Disabled People (Housing)
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on recent developments in resuming housing adaptations for disabled people. [118542]

  Mr. McNulty
  Local housing authorities have a statutory duty to offer means tested Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) to eligible applicants who require adaptations to help them live independently in their own homes. The grant continues to be available to homeowners and tenants in both the private and social rented sector.

  The Government will also continue to meet 60 per cent. of local authority expenditure incurred on DFGs. The budget for this grant for English authorities in 2003–04 is £99 million compared with £88 million in 2002–03 and £56 million in 1997–98.

  Daventry Council's share of this national budget in 2003–04 is £97,000, compared with only £28,000 in 1997–98.

  Empty Homes
  Andrew George
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many affordable empty homes there were in(a) rural areas and (b) England, broken down by region in each of the last 10 years. [117987]

  Mr. McNulty
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for St. Ives on 5 February 2003,Official Report, column 347W.

  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the compliance of the compulsory leasing of empty properties recently announced in the Communities Plan with the Human Rights Act 1998; and if he will make a statement. [118161]
  1156W
  Mr. McNulty
  The proposal to enable local authorities to take temporary management control of some empty homes set out in the consultation paper "Empty Homes: Temporary Management, Lasting Solutions", published on 22 May, raise matters that engage aspects of the European Convention on Human Rights as it has effect by virtue of the Human Rights Act 1998. These matters are included in the issues on which the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is seeking views during the consultation period ending on 22 August.

  If, as a result of the consultation, the Government decided to introduce legislative provisions, they would need to be satisfied that such provisions were compatible with Human Rights legislation.

  Energy Efficiency
  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what action he is taking to allow local authorities to recommend in their Unitary Development Plans that all new industrial, warehousing, office and live/work units, outside conservation areas and above a threshold of 1,000 square metres, will be expected to incorporate renewable energy production equipment to provide at least 10 per cent. of predicted energy requirements; and if he will make a statement. [118341]

  Mr. McNulty
  As stated in the Energy White Paper, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is currently examining, together with other government departments, how to bring consideration of the use of renewables and energy efficiency in developments more within the scope of the planning system, in the context of the review of Planning Policy Guidance note 22 and the government's wider planning reforms, and in a way that does not impose undue burdens on developers.

  House Prices
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what estimate he has made of the ratio of house price to average earnings, broken down by region. [118236]

  Mr. McNulty
  The latest estimates, for 2002, of the ratio of average house prices to average earnings are tabled as follows:

  Region

  Ratio of average house price to average earnings, 2002

  North East

  3.72

  North West

  3.96

  Yorkshire and The Humber

  4.05

  East Midlands

  4.60

  West Midlands

  4.98

  East

  5.80

  London

  7.53

  South East

  6.61

  South West

  6.45

  England

  5.71

  Sources:

  1. Average earnings data are from the Office for National Statistics and are based on place of residence (as opposed to place of work). (New Earnings Survey, April 2002)

  2. Average house prices are from the Land Registry (calendar year 2002)

  Housing Conditions
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he will publish the results of the 2001 English House Condition Survey. [118650]

  Mr. McNulty
  The results of the 2001 English House Condition Survey will be published in July 2003.

  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will list the secondary legislation and guidance envisaged by the draft Housing Bill; which have been published; and when he will publish the remainder. [118652]

  Mr. McNulty
  The draft Housing Bill was published for consultation at the end of March 2003. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister Select Committee will carry out pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Bill during June and July 2003. We cannot at this stage specify when secondary legislation and guidance will be published., as the Bill may change as a result of responses to the consultation and Select Committee recommendations. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will, however, set out a statement of policy intent for each of the main pieces of secondary legislation and guidance when Parliament carries out detailed scrutiny of the Bill.

  Housing Corporation
  Andrew George
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the Housing Corporation's budget was in each of the last 10 years; and what amount was allocated to its(a) revenue and (b) capital programmes. [1179851

  Mr. McNulty
  The expenditure by the Housing Corporation on capital and revenue programmes for each of the last 10 years is tabled as follows. The figures do not include expenditure on the Housing Corporation's administration.

  £

  Capital

  Revenue

  Total

  1992–93

  2,506.7

  136.0

  2,642.7

  1993–94

  2,151.7

  146.1

  2,297.8

  1994–95

  1,838.5

  199.9

  2,038.4

  1995–96

  1,523.8

  198.8

  1,722.6

  1996–97

  1,390.9

  217.3

  1,608.2

  1997–98

  1,091.2

  207.6

  1,298.8

  1998–99

  1,067.7

  149.3

  1,217.0

  1999–2000

  1,146.0

  154.0

  1,300.0

  2000–01

  1,231.2

  143.0

  1,374.2

  2001–02

  1,234.3

  153.1

  1,387.4

  2002–03

  1,530.2

  182.7

  1,712.9

  Source:

  Housing Corporation Annual Accounts (Income and Expenditure Account)

  The Housing Corporation accounts for 2002–03 are due to be published shortly. A copy will made available in the Library of the House.

  Housing (Castle Point)
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what advice he has given to Castle Point borough council on the future management structure of its housing estate. [118459]
  1158W
  Mr. McNulty
  As stated in the Sustainable Communities Plan, local authorities should separate their landlord function from their strategic housing responsibilities. Best Value reports show that landlords' concerns often dominate local authorities thinking on housing when they should be considering strategies for whole local housing markets. Separation helps ensure that proper attention is given to both the strategic and landlord functions.

  Bob Spink
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assistance his Department is giving to Castle Point borough council to reduce its housing waiting lists. [118461]

  Mr. McNulty
  Castle Point covers an area of 44.75 square km and the borough council holds 4.7 per cent. of the total housing stock, some 35,700 properties.

  The borough lies within the Thames Gateway growth area, and as such, will benefit from the £446 million that the "Sustainable Communities: Building for the Future" (SCP) documents, published in February of this year, have made available for this area over the next three years. This growth area has the potential to provide a significant portion of the 200,000 additional homes, for the south-east, mentioned in the SCP.

  Further provision of social housing will be in collaboration with a number of RSLs in the area, providing housing for rent and affordable housing for ownership through shared ownership and Homebuy schemes.

  For the period 2003–04, the Housing Corporation has allocated some £1.237 billion for 20,645 new homes nationally. The east of England will receive £116.06 million, providing 3,707 homes with the challenge fund providing an additional £23.94 million and 429 homes. Castle Point itself will receive in the region of £70,000.

  The forthcoming Regional Housing Strategy, produced by the Regional Housing Forum and accepted by the Regional Housing Board, will prove instrumental in the allocation of funding to the areas of greatest housing need. This level of funding in the region coupled with the strategic priorities of the council of providing housing and housing services to the public will enable Castle Point to increase provision of affordable housing in the borough and offer vital housing services to the public, which in turn, will have effect on the numbers of households on the waiting list for accommodation.

  This Government are committed to the provision of affordable housing, and through the various mechanisms detailed in the SCP, will continue to invest in our communities.

  Bob Spink
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many people were on the Castle Point borough council housing waiting list in each category in each of the last five years for which figures exist and on 1 April 2003. [118462]

  Mr. McNulty
  The number of people on the Castle Point borough council housing waiting list in the last five years for which figures exist are tabled as follows.
  1159W

  Criteria

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  2002

  2003

  Households with or expecting children

  492

  426

  403

  244

  Not recorded

  Not recorded

  Households requiring specialised dwellings (e.g. elderly or disabled)

  37

  44

  45

  57

  Not recorded

  Not recorded

  Other households

  143

  192

  254

  180

  Not recorded

  Not recorded

  Total households

  672

  662

  702

  481

  604

  937

  Of which

  1 Households requiring up to two bedrooms

  Not recorded

  Not recorded

  Not recorded

  369

  530

  716

  2. Households requiring three bedrooms

  Not recorded

  —

  —

  66

  74

  218

  3. Households requiring more than three bedrooms

  —

  Not recorded

  Not recorded

  Not recorded

  Not recorded

  3

  Local Plans
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what measures are in place to ensure that local plans continue to be reviewed while reforms to the planning system are being implemented. [118297]

  Mr. McNulty
  The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister fully expect local authorities to continue to prepare and review local plans to ensure their policies and proposals are up to date. Transitional advice to local authorities in December 2002 has been published. Further advice to ensure that work undertaken now will be relevant under the new arrangements will be published shortly.

  Mobile Telephones
  Mr. Philip Hammond
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister pursuant to his answer of 14 April 2003,Official Report, column 502W, on mobile telephones, which ministers in his Department have a mobile telephone. [112766]

  Mr. Leslie
  The three mobile phones used by Ministers in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister belong to my Rt. Hon. Friends the Deputy Prime Minister, the Member for Greenwich and Woolwich (Mr. Raynsford) and the Member for Hornsey and Wood Green (Mrs. Roche).

  North Korea
  Bob Russell
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what recent discussions he has had with the US Defence Secretary about North Korean nuclear weapons. [118740]

  Mr. Leslie
  None.

  Planning Law
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what progress has been made with regard to(a) proposals to improve existing regulations governing section 106 agreements and planning gain and (b) the publication of new guidance to replace Circular 1/97, Planning Obligations. [118298]

  Mr. McNulty
  The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister intends to issue a consultation document on Planning Obligations in the near future. Following the consultation period, it is our intention to publish a policy document on planning obligations that will replace Circular 1/97.

  Redevelopment (Aylesbury)
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he plans to announce his decision on the application for the redevelopment of Cambridge Close and Cambridge Street, Aylesbury. [118817]
  1160W
  Mr. McNulty
  My right. hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister expects to receive the Inspector's Report of the inquiry very shortly. The decision on the application will be taken as quickly as possible, but at this stage, it is not possible to say when it will be issued.

  Rural Housing
  Andrew George
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many households were identified as being in priority need for housing in each year since 1996, in(a) all English local authorities and (b) English authorities defined as rural. [117986]

  Mr. McNulty
  I refer the hon. Member to the to the answer given on 27 January 2003,Official Report, column 624W. Estimates of households accepted by local authorities as homeless and in priority need during 2002–03 will be available later this month.

  Social Landlords
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will bring forward legislative proposals in this Session of Parliament to amend the permissible powers of registered social landlords to allow them to develop supported housing schemes for use in intermediate care. [117848]

  Mr. McNulty
  The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister intends to consult on a proposal to allow registered social landlords (RSLs) to develop supported housing schemes for use in Intermediate Care, which may lead to an amendment of the permissible purposes of RSLs.

  Bob Spink
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many registered social landlords there are in England. [118457]

  Mr. McNulty
  According to the Housing Corporation there were 2,038 registered social landlords with a registered address in England as on 9 June 2003.

  Starter Home Initiative
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many homes will be provided in the South West under the Starter Homes Initiative; and what estimate he has made of how many such homes are needed. [118235]

  Mr. McNulty
  The Starter Home Initiative aims to assist up to some 400 key workers into home ownership in the South West by March 2004. Funding for new affordable homes in the South West after this date will be informed by advice from the regional housing boards.

CABINET OFFICE

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what plans he has to reduce his Department"s underspend in 2003–04 from that of 2002–03. [112778]

  Mr. Alexander
  The Cabinet Office always strives to operate sound financial management of its resource and capital budgets. A capital underspend is expected in 2002–03 due to unavoidable one-off delays on two major capital programmes. Planned spending for 2003–04 is set out in the Cabinet Office departmental report 2003 (Cm 5926).

  Departmental Running Costs
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what the running costs in 2002 were of(a) his Ministers" private offices, separately identifying expenditure on staff, and (b) his Department. [105996]

  Mr. Alexander
  Detailed financial management information is maintained in terms of financial rather than calendar years, figures for departmental running costs for 2002–03 will be published shortly in departmental appropriation and resource accounts.

  The running costs of Ministers" Private Offices, the Cabinet Office parliamentary branch and the ministerial Correspondence and Support Team for 2001–02 are shown in the following table:

  £

  Number of private offices

  Total paybill

  Total other running costs

  Total net running costs

  2001–02

  6

  1,376,306

  797,130

  2,173,436

  Efficiency Savings
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what the target is for efficiency savings in 2003–04 expressed(a) in money terms and (b) as a percentage of the Department"s expenditure limit. [114110]

  Mr. Alexander
  The published Cabinet Office SR2000 and SR2002 Public Service Agreement (PSA) Target is to achieve a 2.5 per cent. saving per year on administrative resources.

  This target cannot be translated into an absolute monetary value, nor an overall percentage of the departmental expenditure limit. We will meet it by managing within the published administration costs limit.

  Government Websites
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what assessment has been made of Government Department websites for(a) access by disabled users, (b) content and reliability and (c) value for money. [115543]

  Mr. Alexander
  The National Audit Office has conducted an assessment of the accessibility and usability of government websites. The report is primarily focused on encouraging use of the internet by older people and is available online at http:// www.nao.gov.uk/.

  The Cabinet Office has published guidelines for government web managers covering accessibility, content, reliability and value for money. These are available online at http://www.e-envoy.gov.uk/ webguidelines.htm.

  Internet
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will make a statement on the(a) cost, (b) scope and (c) partnerships created for the latest initiative to increase internet use in the UK. [115541]

  Mr. Alexander
  In total the Cabinet Office has committed £1 million to the "Get Started" campaign which aims to drive up levels of internet access among key groups such as the elderly, disabled and unemployed. We expect the value of strong partnership activity to at least match our direct investment. As well as being used to publicise the campaign, our investment is supporting a number of voluntary sector organisations to deliver internet access projects for their users.

  "Get Started" is a national campaign which was launched on 12 May and will run until 30 June. During the campaign, throughout England, people will be encouraged to visit UK online centres offering free internet starter sessions. The Scottish Executive and Welsh Assembly are supporting the campaign by running complementary activity in Scotland and Wales.

  Key partners delivering the campaign include: Arriva, BT, BBC, Dixons Store Group, Granada Television, Age Concern, the Citizens Advice Bureau, the Council for Ethnic Minority Voluntary Organisations, the National Council for One Parent Families, the National Library for the Blind, the Prince"s Trust and the Royal National Institute for the Deaf.

  Public Service Agreements
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what steps the Office has taken to publicise its Public Service Agreement targets; and at what cost to public funds. [114458]

  Mr. Alexander
  Information on Public Service Agreement (PSA) targets is published on the Cabinet Office website and included in routine publications such as the Departmental Report, which involves no significant extra cost. No central record is maintained of other publicity costs associated with promoting PSA targets, which could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Staff Turnover
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what assessment he has made of regional variations in staff turnover in his Department. [112762]

  Mr. Alexander
  The majority of staff in the Cabinet Office, the Central Office of Information and the Government Car and Despatch Agency are located in the South East of England. Turnover is monitored in each organisation as part of the process of planning and reviewing resources.

ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

  Coffee
  John Barrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she will make to President Chirac on finding a solution to the problems in the coffee industry at the G8 summit in Evian on 1 June. [113507]

  Mr. Morley
  Coffee growers have been hit by low prices and deteriorating quality, the result of global over-supply and structural imbalances in the industry. The Government will support efforts to find solutions at the G8 summit and in follow-up work after the summit, notably for poor countries in Africa.

  There are a number of possibilities. The UK is already contributing to a sustainable coffee market by helping growers to diversify through its development programme; trying to expand the trade opportunities of commodity-dependent countries, cut tariffs and reduce the negative impact of the CAP. We are promoting foreign investment and good regulatory frameworks, increasing the aid budget to 0.40 per cent. of national income by 2005–06 and advocating more debt relief to highly indebted poor countries. A government-industry working group is currently looking at what more can be done to improve the livelihoods of poorer commodity producers in developing countries. The UK is also actively participating in the work of the International Coffee Organisation to improve the sustainability of the world coffee market.

  John Barrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) if she will provide financial support for the monitoring of the International Coffee Organisation quality scheme; [113504]

  (2) what representations she has made to the US Administration on (a) membership of the International Coffee Organisation and (b) support for the quality scheme; [113505]

  (3) if she will make a statement on the Government"s policy on (a) the reduction in supply of and (b) increasing the quality of coffee on the world market through international adherence to basic quality standards set by the International Coffee Organisation. [113503]

  Mr. Morley
  The Government shares the concern for the way that coffee growers have been hit by low prices and deteriorating quality, largely as a result of global over supply and structural imbalances in the industry.108W
  The Government"s policy on the reduction of supply of and increasing the quality of coffee on the world market is via our membership of the International Coffee Organisation (ICO) and our support for the ICO"s coffee quality scheme.

  The ICO Coffee Quality Improvement programme was approved by ICO Council Resolution 407 on 1 February 2002. The programme commenced on 1 October 2002 and requires that exports of coffee, accompanied by Certificates of Origin, shall comply with minimum standards specified in the Resolution. Exporting members are also required to develop and implement national measures to ensure that no exports of green coffee shall fail to meet the exportable standards. Discussions are currently on going about how the exports of processed coffee should be dealt with.

  Exporting members are currently in the process of implementing these measures within their countries. Members will then report to the ICO Council on the measures they have taken to implement the Resolution and inform the Council of any difficulties in this connection. The programme will be reviewed in September 2003.

  The European Union is responsible for paying the membership subscriptions of all EU member states at the ICO. The ICO Secretariat administers the Quality Coffee Scheme and part of the subscriptions of member countries is used to monitor the Scheme, primarily by gathering information from exporting members.

  In order to strengthen the Quality Initiative the ICO has invited the US, the world"s largest coffee consumer, to rejoin the Organisation. The US were Members under the 1983 Agreement, but left in 1993 mainly because at the time it did not wish to support mechanisms which could have a price-regulatory effect. The UK supports ICO"s invitation for the USA to accede to the International Coffee Agreement 2001.

  The Executive Director has met with the US Administration on behalf of the ICO to encourage them to join and inform the Administration of the ICO"s activities, including the one on the Coffee Quality Initiative.

  Dangerous Dogs
  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on further measures the Government will take to prevent attacks on children by dangerous dogs. [115891]

  Mr. Morley
  Under the Dogs Act 1871 a magistrates court may make an order for the control or destruction of a dog that is dangerous and not kept under proper control. This Act applies everywhere, including in and around a private house. The Dangerous Dogs Acts 1991 and 1997 increased the range of penalties available to the court to deal with offenders whose dog is dangerously out of control in a public place. The Dangerous Dogs Acts have also placed restrictions over the ownership of types of dogs that have the characteristics of a type bred for fighting. I have no plans to introduce additional measures.

  Animal By-products
  Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what financial cost her Department has estimated of the impact of the Animal By-Products Regulation on small(a) abattoirs, (b) slaughterhouses and (c) butchers. [114947]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 22 May 2003]A partial Regulatory Impact Assessment on the Animal By-Products Regulation is in the Library of the House, as part of the consultation on the enforcing Regulations dated 27 January 2003.

  It has been estimated that the price that slaughterhouses pay for the disposal of blood could rise from the current £16/tonne to £60–80/tonne. In addition, some slaughterhouses currently dispose of their blood direct to sewer and do not have collection tanks. As many as one third of slaughterhouses may need to install suitable facilities. The cost of complying with the Regulation will, therefore, vary depending on individual circumstances.

  Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to her answer, of 14 May,Official Report, column 264W, on the Animal By-products Regulation, (a) what steps her Department has taken to minimize the impact of the Animal By-Products Regulation on small (a) abattoirs, (b) slaughterhouses and (c) butchers; and how the schemes are being deployed within the England Rural Development Programme. [114948]

  Mr. Morley
  On 1 November 2002 we wrote to all slaughterhouse operators to obtain information on existing blood disposal routes.

  Analysis of the responses indicated that a number of red meat slaughterhouses were concerned about the arrangements they would need to put in place to change to methods of disposal permitted under the new regulations. As a result the Department has worked closely with the Meat and Livestock Commission (MLC) and other industry experts to develop guidance on simple, low cost ways in which slaughterhouses could comply with the new requirements. This guidance was issued on 21 February 2003 to (a) all red meat slaughterhouses and (b) to the trade organisations listed at Annex 1.

  In addition the MLC held two open days for slaughterhouse operators on 1 and 5 March to discuss this issue.

  Processing and Marketing Grants and Rural Enterprise Scheme funds can be made available from the England Rural Development Programme to assist small and medium slaughterhouse operators to develop the supply of specialist meat products where a regional need has been identified for such assistance and appropriate proposals have been prioritised.

  Annex 1

  List of Trade Organisations

  Association of British Abattoir Operators

  Association of Independent Meat Suppliers

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  Association of Meat Inspectors

  British Meat Federation

  British Meat Manufacturers Association

  British Pig Association

  Halal Food Authority

  Institute of Grocery Distributors

  International Meat Trade Association

  Meat industry Liaison Group

  Meat Traders Journal

  National Association of Catering Butchers

  National Council of Shechita Boards

  National Farmers" Union

  National Federation of Meat & Food Traders

  National Federation of Womens Institutes

  National Pig Association

  National Renderers Association

  National Sheep Association

  Quality Meat and Livestock Alliance

  Small Abattoir Federation

  UK Renderers Association

  University of Bristol

  Worshipful Company of Butchers

  Bovine Tuberculosis
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on progress in developing a vaccine to counteract tuberculosis in cattle; and if she will publish the report of the Vaccine Scoping Standing Sub-Committee when it is available. [114719]

  Mr. Morley
  Defra is funding research at the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA), Weybridge to produce candidate vaccines and to evaluate these in host species. The candidates include a range of live attenuated vaccines and sub-unit vaccines. Defra is also funding experimental vaccination of cattle with BCG and other vaccine candidates, development of a test to differentiate vaccinated animals from infected animals, and development and testing of vaccines against TB in badgers, in collaboration with University College, Dublin.

  The sequencing of the genome of Mycobacterium bovis (announced by Defra in March 2002) represents significant progress in vaccine research, as all genes, proteins, enzymes and antigens present in M. bovis are likely to be identified rapidly in a highly cost-effective manner. This will underpin all future Defra bovine TB research in the development of vaccines and improved diagnostic tests. Defra is funding research at the VLA in this area.

  The report of the Vaccine Scoping Standing Sub-Committee will be published in due course.

  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs why she has not met a CSR target for tuberculosis in cattle. [114887]

  Mr. Morley
  CSR targets were set in 1998 for the Comprehensive Spending Review Period (CSR). The targets which followed the CSR period are known
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  simply as PSA (Public Service Agreement) targets. Defra"s PSA is supported by Service Delivery Agreements (SDAs).

  SDA 24 commits Defra "to scale up the Tuberculosis (TB) in cattle surveillance programme to recover ground lost as a result of the FMD epidemic, and strengthen TB control in line with EU obligations and agreed GB procedures, by end 2003; and to consider and implement a revised TB control strategy, attracting consensus, in the light of the results of the Krebs trial on TB and badgers by end-2006".

  You can find the above in our SDA which can be viewed at http://defraweb/corporate/busplan/sda/sda0306.pdf.

  Defra is preparing a comprehensive and sustainable Animal Health and Welfare Strategy. The intention is to revise the relevant PSA and as necessary SDA targets in light of this strategy.

  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many confirmed cases of tuberculosis in cattle there have been in the last five years; and what has been the geographical spread of the disease. [114888]

  Mr. Morley
  The number of new confirmed bovine TB herd incidents in England, by county from 1998 to 2002 is given in the table.

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  2002

  England

  630

  741

  885

  300

  1,447

  Avon

  23

  22

  32

  12

  55

  Bedfordshire

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Berkshire

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Buckinghamshire

  —

  1

  2

  —

  1

  Cambridgeshire

  —

  1

  2

  —

  1

  Cheshire

  2

  2

  3

  —

  13

  Cornwall

  —

  131

  125

  57

  47

  254

  Cumbria

  —

  1

  1

  —

  6

  Derbyshire

  7

  19

  10

  7

  38

  Devon

  100

  134

  182

  68

  262

  Dorset

  8

  20

  10

  8

  35

  Durham

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  East Sussex

  1

  5

  2

  1

  8

  Essex

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Gloucestershire

  130

  133

  171

  32

  206

  Greater London—East

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Greater London—South East

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Greater Manchester

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Hampshire

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Hereford and Worcs

  111

  128

  145

  52

  218

  Hertfordshire

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Humberside

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  Isle of Wight

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Isles of Scilly

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Kent

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Lancashire

  3

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Leicestershire

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3

  Lincolnshire

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Merseyside

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Norfolk

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  North Yorkshire (48)

  —

  1

  —

  —

  5

  North Yorkshire (50)

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Northamptonshire

  —

  —

  1

  —

  2

  Northumberland

  2

  1

  2

  1

  10

  Nottinghamshire

  1

  —

  1

  —

  1

  Oxfordshire

  3

  1

  2

  8

  —

  Shropshire

  3

  2

  18

  8

  41

  Somerset

  36

  42

  62

  14

  78

  South Yorkshire

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  Staffordshire

  34

  36

  27

  36

  115

  Suffolk

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Surrey

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Tyne and Wear

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Warwickshire

  1

  —

  1

  1

  2

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  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  2002

  West Midlands

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  West Sussex

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  West Yorkshire

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Wiltshire

  31

  66

  54

  13

  91

  Note:

  In 2001, the TB testing and control programme was largely suspended due to the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak. Since testing resumed in 2002, resources have been concentrated on herds with overdue TB tests which would have had a longer period in which to contract the disease. Also the proportion of high risk herds being tested post-FMD is greater than that prior to the outbreak. As a result, the number of new heard incidents in 2002 is not comparable to that of previous years.

  Chewing Gum
  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the amount councils have spent in each of the last 10 years on removing chewing gum from pavements. [116003]

  Alun Michael
  We have made no specific assessment of the costs incurred by local authorities in cleaning gum in each of the last 10 years but local authorities have told us that costs are high.

  We are currently in discussions with gum manufacturers and interested parties about measures to effectively tackle the irresponsible disposal of chewing gum.

  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with the chewing gum industry to assess the feasibility of changing ingredients in gum so they are less likely to stick to pavements. [116004]

  Alun Michael
  I and my officials are in discussions with gum manufacturers and other interested parties about what to do about the irresponsible disposal of chewing gum. These discussions include reference to biodegradable chewing gum as well as practical measures to promote responsible behaviour by users.

  Conservation Board
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what public consultation will take place before a decision is taken on whether or not to establish a conservation board for the Cotswold area of outstanding natural beauty; what estimate he has made of the possible cost of such a board; what benefits he expects will result; and how local democratic accountability will be maintained if such a board is established. [114850]

  Alun Michael
  Before making an Order to establish a Conservation Board, the Secretary of State must statutorily consult the Countryside Agency and every local authority with land in the AONB for their formal consent.

  I am currently considering establishing Conservation Boards in the Cotswolds and Chilterns Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and in addition to formal requirements Defra has held a 12-week informal consultation on the draft Order, ending on 30 May. Consultees include all constituent local authorities and parishes, the Countryside Agency and

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  organisations with a direct interest in the board. The informal consultation documents are available from the Department"s website and are in the House Library.

  Where a Conservation Board is created, there will be some one-off costs, to be met by the Countryside Agency. As to on-going costs there will be swings and roundabouts. One issue is that boards will not be able to recover Value Added Tax payments. I am exploring ways in which the impact of this might be reduced.

  The Government have taken the view that a Conservation Board will be of most benefit to larger AONBs where it would be a focus for conservation and promotion activity, would provide more efficient management and would have an increased potential to attract funding.

  At least 60 per cent. of a board"s membership must be drawn from constituent local authorities and parishes. The Secretary of State, will appoint the remaining members, through open competition.

  Corporate Identity
  Norman Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the total cost has been of the introduction of a new corporate identity for her Department; and what further costs are anticipated. [114281]

  Alun Michael
  It must be remembered that these changes are consequent on a major restructuring of Government Departments. 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.

  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.

  The cost of developing the new Defra corporate identity is estimated to be £329,000. This includes costs for scoping the project, producing briefing material, undertaking staff surveys and public research and developing the logo. It also includes the commissioning of brand design consultancy.

  Replacing or introducing internal signs in Defra premises is forecast to cost a further £200,000. Further ongoing costs will include work with third parties on joint branding guidelines development.

  Guidelines for staff and external users such as suppliers and printers have been developed as well as a website redesign.

  Deer
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether it is her policy that deer found dead in parts of the country where cows have been infected with TB should be tested for that disease. [115259]
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  Mr. Morley
  TB in deer is a notifiable disease. Article 5 of the Tuberculosis (Deer) Order 1989 requires all deer carcases which are suspected of being affected with tuberculosis to be reported to the appropriate Divisional Veterinary Manager (DVM). This applies to all deer species, whether farmed, parkland or wild.

  If lesions suggestive of TB are reported in a deer carcase anywhere in GB, tissue samples are sent to the Veterinary Laboratories Agency for bacteriological culture. If the causative organism of TB is isolated from wild deer in an area of the country that does not undergo annual TB testing of cattle, the DVM may instigate TB test checks of cattle herds in surrounding areas. This has been the standard Defra policy for many years.

  Farming Diversification
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what help and advice is available in the south west region for farmers who wish to diversify their activities; and what financial assistance is in place to support these activities. [116441]

  Alun Michael
  Defra provides grants for farm diversification projects under the Rural Enterprise Scheme, which forms part of the England Rural Development Programme. Similar arrangements apply in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and other Objctive I areas through the separate Objective I programme. The Department also offers assistance in the form of free planning consultancy advice to farmers who intend to pursue an eligible diversification project through the Rural Enterprise Scheme or Objective I programme.

  The Department is also considering how to improve the provision of help and informationto farmers considering diversification of their business base. The Farm Business Advice Service, which remains available until March 2004, provides up to three days of freeadvice based around a business healthcheck and results in a business action plan. The service can help farmers decide whether or not to diversify and will direct them to other sources of support to help them see the action plan through. In addition, the delivery plan for the Strategy for Sustainable Farming and Food in the South West includes projects designed to help farms develop additional activities and to boost the skills needed to support this.

  The support provided to farmers in the South West mirrors that provided elsewhere in England.

  Dolphins
  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans there are to protect dolphins around the coast of the UK; and if she will make a statement. [114122]

  Mr. Morley
  I refer my hon. Friend to my earlier answer to the hon. Member for St. Ives (Andrew George) on 20 May 2003,Official Report, column 689W.

  Euro
  Norman Lamb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she received the Treasury documents relating to the five economic tests and the 18 background studies; what
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  discussions she has held with ministerial colleagues on the tests since receipt of the documents; when she expects to complete her analysis of the documents; and what representations (a) she and (b) departmental officials will make to other Departments before a decision is reached on the economic tests. [115390]

  Alun Michael
  The Treasury"s 18 supporting studies on EMU were sent to Cabinet Ministers on 16 May. The Prime Minister and the Chancellor are holding meetings with Cabinet Members. There was an initial discussion at Cabinet on 22 May followed by a special Cabinet meeting on 5 June. The Chancellor will make a statement to the House of Commons on 9 June.

  Game Birds
  Norman Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether game birds shot but not collected for eating purposes are subject to the regulations governing fallen stock. [114400]

  Mr. Morley
  Once game birds are released from rearing pens they are considered to be wild. The carcases, or parts of carcases, of wild birds will be exempt from the scope of the Animal By-Products Regulation unless they are thought to be diseased or are used to produce game trophies.

  Integrated Administration and Control System
  David Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many people in(a) Haltemprice and Howden and (b) the East Riding of Yorkshire are awaiting IACS payments; and what the average waiting time for payment was in the last year for which figures are available. [116761]

  Alun Michael
  There are no payments outstanding in East Yorkshire under the 2002 Arable Area Payments Scheme (AAPS). Data is not held at constituency level so there is no specific information available for Haltemprice and Howden. For 2002 main AAPS payments, the regulatory payment window ran from 16 November 2002 to 31 January 2003. 85.88 per cent. of claims by number were paid by 8 December 2002, and 98.25 per cent. by 31 January 2003.

  Livestock Markets
  Huw Irranca-Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proposals she has for the protection and promotion of small-scale local livestock markets in England and Wales. [113374]

  Mr. Morley
  We are working with the Red Meat Industry Forum to improve the competitiveness of all the players in the red meat supply chain under the Forum"s Ten Point Action Plan which includes the marketing of animals through the auction system. In recognition of the importance of auction markets in the marketing of livestock and their role in the rural economy we continue to liaise closely with industry representatives with a view to retaining a system in which operators of auction market enterprises can continue to make commercial judgments and decisions for the benefit of their businesses and the livestock industry.

  Local Food Chains
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what advice she gives to local authorities which wish to encourage local food chains by including local sourcing as part of their best value contracting. [116440]

  Alun Michael
  Defra has published guidance for public sector bodies on food procurement that covers issues such as removing obstacles to tendering by local and UK producers. This can be found on the internet at http://www.defra.gov.uk/farm/sustain/procurement/ index. htm.

  The Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA) is producing its own guidance on sustainable procurement for local authorities that I understand will reflect Defra"s guidance on food procurement. IDeA is also actively working with Defra, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and other key Departments to take forward the Government"s initiative on food procurement across the public sector in England.

  Local authorities are responsible for sourcing a significant amount of food and this has brought with it increased interest, for example, in sourcing fresh produce and promoting healthy eating through their procurement policies. This is reflected in a number of initiatives that local authorities are already taking in this area.

  MV Perintis
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of when the container of Lindane lost on 13 March 1989 in the sinking of MV Perintis will corrode; and what impact it will have on fish. [115894]

  Mr. Morley
  Annual monitoring for evidence of Lindane in the area of the English Channel where MV Perintis sunk was undertaken between 1989 and 1993. This found that Lindane concentrations in seawater were low. The conclusion was that the English Channel had not been contaminated as a result of the sinking and that the container of Lindane on MV Perintis had sunk intact.

  The Lindane (a pure, crystalline material not formulated in a carrying solvent) was packed in plastic sacks within the container. Advice from Defra"s Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science is that dissolution of the Lindane in seawater at the ambient seabed temperature, leaching from the sacks, and diffusion from within the container into the surrounding water, are all likely to be slow processes and the impact on marine life is therefore expected to be negligible.

  Packaging
  Dr. Whitehead
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what appraisal she has made of the scope for amending regulations on packaging to enable the packaging industry to minimise the packaging of goods. [113189]

  Mr. Meacher
  The Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997 (as amended) and the Packaging (Essential Requirements)
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  Regulations 1998 both include incentives for businesses to minimise packaging. However, I have asked the Advisory Committee on Packaging to consider what further measures might be needed to minimise packaging, and I expect to receive its recommendations later this year.

  Parrett Catchment Project
  Mr. Liddell-Grainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs who the chairman of the Parrett catchment project is. [115611]

  Mr. Morley
  I understand that the new chair of the Parrett Catchment Project Management Group is Mr. Nigel Farrow, who I am informed took up this post on 7 May 2003 following the resignation of the previous incumbent, Mr. Humphrey Temperley.

  Mr. Temperley resigned in order to avoid potential conflicts of interest following his appointment to the Chairmanship of the Regional Flood Defence Committee. Mr. Temperley continues to chair the Project"s stakeholder group.

  As explained in previous responses to Parliamentary Questions, the Parrett Catchment Project is an independent stakeholder forum and Defra has no role in the appointment of its officers or committee.

  Public Service Agreements
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps the Department has taken to publicise its Public Service Agreement targets; and at what cost to public funds. [114442]

  Alun Michael
  Ministers and officials take every opportunity to explain and publicise Defra"s Public Service Agreement targets and the way that Defra and its partners inside and outside Government can contribute to achieving these purposes which will contribute to sustainability and quality of life.

  General information on PSA targets is published on the Defra website (http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate—/busplan/busplan.htm) and progress towards meeting SR2002 targets can be viewed on the HM Treasury web-based reporting site (http://www.hm-treasurv.gov.uk/ performance/). Information is also included in routine publications such as departmental reports which involves no significant extra cost. Other publicity includes the Autumn Performance Report which specifically sets out progress on our PSA targets.

  Rural Economy (Sefton)
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the development of the rural economy in Sefton. [116612]

  Alun Michael
  The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs uses the agreed Office for National Statistics (ONS) definition of rural available at: http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/metadata. asp?dsno=52. Using the ONS definition, Sefton is a predominantly urban district, with only 2 of its 23 wards defined as rural. Defra does not monitor economic 118W
  performance at individual ward level but these wards benefit from the rural component of the Merseyside Objective 1 Programme.

  Sewerage
  Ms Shipley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures she intends to take to increase sewerage disposal in the South East. [116219]

  Mr. Morley
  Under section 94 of the Water Industry Act 1991, sewerage undertakers have a duty to provide, improve and extend their public sewer network. It is a matter for each sewerage company to decide on its programme of work.

  Companies are now in the process of drawing up draft business plans for 2005–10, and it is open for them to include costed proposals to extend their sewerage network. Ofwat will examine their plans, and decide the allowance for sewerage works when they set companies" price limits in 2004. Companies" draft business plans will be published in the autumn and there will be an opportunity for all interested parties to comment to Ofwat.

  Small Farms
  Albert Owen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures her Department will put in place under the CAP decoupling proposals to protect the future of(a) local authority owned and (b) other small farms following the proposal to pay a single subsidy payment to the tenant and to allow the tenant to retain the entitlement payments; and whether it is her policy that the subsidy remain with the farm rather than with the tenant. [114587]

  Mr. Morley
  The Government are not convinced of the need for such measures. In order to claim the proposed single payment, those holding entitlements would need to farm, or at least keep in good agricultural condition, an equivalent number of hectares to that which established the entitlement. This means there are likely to be many farmers, including tenants, with an entitlement who would need to find land to attach it to in order to generate payments. Consequently, our initial assessment is that, while we might expect a greater equalisation of agricultural land values, a marked change in average values seems unlikely. It follows that, while individual circumstances would vary, landowners, including local authorities and small farmers, would continue to experience a benefit from CAP subsidies. The Government supports the Commission proposal that entitlements should be allocated to active farmers, whether they be owner/occupiers or tenants.

  Tree Planting
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what tree planting programmes are in existence; and what plans she has to increase forestland in the UK. [115153]

  Mr. Morley
  Forestry is a devolved matter and the forestry strategies for each country in the UK set out the priorities for woodland planting and management. An average of 17,600 hectares of new woodland has been planted annually in the UK over the past 10 years.
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  In England, we give grants for planting new woodland under the Woodland Grant Scheme and the Farm Woodland Premium Scheme. We also provide support for initiatives such as the National Forest and the Community Forests.

  The Forestry Commission and Defra published their response to the "Policy Review of Woodland Creation in England Under the Woodland Grant Scheme and the Farm Woodland Premium Scheme" in April this year. This is available on the Forestry Commission"s website (www.forestry.gov.uk). It is planned to introduce revised measures in support of new planting in 2005. At the moment, our target is to create 30,000 hectares of new woodland over the seven year period, 2000–06, of the England Rural Development Programme.

  World Trade Organisation
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress has been made at the WTO on new agreements on agriculture. [116036]

  Mr. Morley
  There has been substantial progress at the WTO towards a new Agreement on Agriculture. Although it is disappointing that the deadline of 31 March 2003 for conclusion of modalities could not be met, all parties remain fully committed to the negotiations with a view to reaching agreement at the fifth meeting of the WTO Ministerial Conference, due to be held in Cancun, Mexico this September.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  BBC v. Prolife Alliance
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will place in the Library copies of the correspondence sent from her Department relating to the judgment in the case of the BBC v. ProLife Alliance on 10 April 2003. [109710]

  Dr. Howells
  There has been no correspondence sent from this Department relating to the recent judgment. However, at the time of the proceedings in February my Department was alerted to a possible ambiguity in the drafting of provisions in the Communications Bill which were relevant to the ProLife case and a letter was put into court making clear the Government"s policy intentions. I am arranging for that letter to be placed in the Libraries of both Houses. An amendment to the Communications Bill to ensure that the drafting more clearly reflected the Government"s intentions was tabled in the other place on 9 May 2003.

  Tourist Industry Assistance
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much has been allocated to assisting the tourist industry since September 2001; what assessment has been undertaken on the extent of recovery in the industry; and what further plans she has to attract foreign visitors to the UK. [115171]

  Dr. Howells
  Since 2001 DCMS has allocated the following funding for tourism.120W

  £ million

  2001–02

  BTA grant in aid

  35.5

  BTA tourism recovery

  14.2

  ETC grant in aid

  11.0

  ETC tourism recovery

  3.8

  ETC capital modernisation fund

  0.6

  London

  1.9

  Tourism total

  67

  2002–03

  BTA grant in aid

  35.5

  BTA Million Visitor Campaign

  19.0

  ETC grant in aid

  11.6

  ETC Million Visitor Campaign

  1.0

  ETC Invest to Save

  2.4

  ETC capital modernisation fund

  0.3

  London

  1.9

  Tourism total

  71.7

  2003–04

  Overseas promotion

  35.5

  Domestic promotion

  1 14.1

  VisitBritain Reform

  2.0

  London

  1.9

  EnglandNet: ISB

  1.2

  Tourism total

  54.7

  1 £14.1 million is the total resource available in relation to England with the exception of London. It is not all allocated to VisitBritain. At least £3.6 million will be deployed through the regional development agencies, and other partners will be allocated some of it to reflect transfer of functions.

  The industry experienced a good recovery in 2002 and in the first quarter of 2003 total inbound visitors were back to the same level as two years ago (just prior to the impact of foot and mouth disease).

  In addition, to its on-going campaigns in our key markets around the world, VisitBritain is running two partner campaigns this year: a short break campaign in the autumn in the European markets and an American campaign in the summer.

  English Heritage
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent discussions have taken place with English Heritage regarding provision of maintenance work on historic buildings. [115169]

  Dr. Howells
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, has regular discussions with the chairman and chief executive of English Heritage on its activities at a strategic level. There have been no recent discussions regarding maintenance work on historic buildings, day-to-day decisions which are the responsibility of English Heritage.

  Euro
  Norman Lamb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when she received the Treasury documents relating to the five economic tests and the 18 background studies; what discussions she has held with ministerial colleagues on the tests since receipt of the documents; when she expects to complete her analysis of the documents; and what representations(a) she and (b) departmental officials will make to other Departments before a decision is reached on the economic tests. [115394]
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  Tessa Jowell
  The Treasury"s 18 supporting studies on EMU were sent to Cabinet Ministers on 16 May. The Prime Minister and the Chancellor are holding meetings with Cabinet Members. There was an initial discussion at Cabinet on 22 May that will be followed by a special Cabinet meeting on 5 June. The Chancellor will make a statement to the House of Commons on 9 June.

  Football
  Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when football clubs will be paid the money due by the end of April to fund centres of excellence and academies for youth players; what the reasons are for the time taken to make the payments; what arrangements have been made to ensure that future payments are paid on time; and if she will make a statement. [115764]

  Mr. Caborn
  The Government are committed to making up the £6 million shortfall in funding for the Football League"s Youth Development Programme. This covers seasons 2002–03 to 2005–06, and the commitment followed the reduction in payments to the Programme from Sport England.

  The Government are working towards including the £6 million in a wider funding package for sport and the arts. The many demands from these sectors for Lottery and Exchequer funding have ensured that completing this package has not been a straightforward matter. However, I expect that the package will be finalised before the beginning of the 2003–04 season. The arrangements for payment over the period of the commitment to the Youth Programme will then be matters for the League and the relevant funding body.

  Iraq
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport pursuant to her oral answer of 19 May 2003, what action the Coalition is taking to protect the ziggurat-stepped pyramid at Ur; and if she will make a statement. [115106]

  Tessa Jowell
  [holding answer 22 May 2003]We are in the process of securing reports about the status of significant cultural and historic sites in Iraq. Coalition troops are in place to protect key sites, including the ziggurat-stepped pyramid at Ur. An official from my Department visited and inspected the ziggurat-stepped pyramid at Ur with an archaeologist on 21 May and found it to be in good order. Contrary to reports in the press, there was no evidence of graffiti.

  Leisure Facilities (Crosby)
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what actions she has taken to protect sports fields and play facilities in the Crosby constituency. [116285]

  Mr. Caborn
  We have put in place a number of strong legislative measures and checks to the planning system to ensure that playing fields can be protected throughout England, including the Crosby constituency. New planning guidance on open spaces, sport and recreation has also been published which provides robust guidelines for local planning authorities about the need to protect playing fields and open spaces and strongly emphasises 122W
  the need for local authorities to undertake rigorous needs assessments for local playing fields and sports facilities, when considering development on these sites or the creation of new facilities.

  This Department recognises the crucial importance of play and in partnership with Sure Start is conducting a review of children"s play, which will report in the summer. The review will identify how funding for children"s play can be spent most effectively. Although no action has been taken specifically to protect play facilities in the Crosby constituency, the review has identified the need to improve existing play opportunities and develop new ones.

  National Lottery
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) if she will make a statement on the future of the New Opportunities fund; [114094]

  (2) if she will make a statement on the future of the Community fund. [114095]

  Tessa Jowell
  I announced my intention to proceed with plans to merge the Community fund and New Opportunities fund in February, to create a new community Lottery distributor. The new body would set the pace for modernising delivery of Lottery funding, allowing better coordination and more efficient distribution of funding, and identify and implement programmes to transform communities. We are consulting with the voluntary sector and other interested parties, and these discussions will feed into proposals on the future of Lottery distribution which we intend to publish in the summer.

  Non-Olympic Sports
  Richard Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what safeguards she intends to put in place to ensure that the bid for the Olympics does not restrict the resources available to non-Olympic sports; and what plans she has to support such sports and promote participation in them. [114900]

  Tessa Jowell
  The Sports Councils: UK Sport and Sport England, are responsible for the distribution of exchequer and lottery funding according to their own policies and priorities. Funding is prioritised to both Olympic and non-Olympic sports to ensure the most effective use of both exchequer and lottery funds, it is not expected that the Olympic bid will affect these.

  The Sports Councils will be working to ensure funding from all sources supports grassroots development, club system, talent development and high level performance in all these sports.

  Olympic Games
  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the financial implications of a British Olympic bid for the London Borough of Havering. [115332]

  Mr. Caborn
  We have made no assessment of the financial implications for the London Borough of Havering of a British Olympic Bid. However, the Mayor has said that if a bid were successful, London"s
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  contribution towards the games from council tax will be produced from up to £20 a year for a band D property. This would start in the financial year 2006–07, after it is known whether we will host the games. As for the financial implications of the bidding process, as my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State said in her statement to the House, business, the London development agency and Government will bear the cost.

  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations she has received from the London Borough of Havering regarding the British Olympic bid. [115333]

  Mr. Caborn
  I have no record of any representations from the London Borough of Havering.

  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions she has had with Transport for London regarding the public transport infrastructure in East London in relation to the British Olympic bid. [115334]

  Mr. Caborn
  Officials from this department have held a number of discussions with Transport for London to review the transport elements of Arup"s cost benefit analysis of an Olympic bid centred on the lower Lea Valley and consider the possible cost of a robust transport solution for a London Olympics.

  These discussions also included other transport groups, for example the Strategic Rail Authority and Highways Agency as well as the Metropolitan Police and Department for Transport.

  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions she has had with the Mayor of London regarding the financial implications of a British Olympic bid for the London boroughs. [115335]

  Tessa Jowell
  The agreement reached between Government and the Mayor of London on the public funding package for a London 2012 Olympics followed extensive and detailed discussions with the Mayor for London and his advisers at official and ministerial level.

  Mr. Reed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what proportion of the lottery contribution to the cost of hosting the Olympic Games will come from existing lottery distributors. [114825]

  Tessa Jowell
  The total amount of Lottery funding required for the Olympics will depend on the eventual costs. With good management, which the Government is determined to see in place, I expect the maximum level of Lottery funding to be £1.5 billion.

  Of this contribution it is estimated that £750 million will be raised through hypothecated Olympic Games. £340 million would be sought from planned expenditure by the established Lottery sport distributors.

  The remaining contribution, if any is needed, would be derived by changing the shares of Lottery income passing to distributors after 2009.

  Mr. Reed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has made on the impact of existing sports lottery funded projects of hosting the Olympic Games in 2012; and if she will make a statement. [114826]
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  Tessa Jowell
  Preliminary assessments of the impact of Olympic Lottery Games have been provided by Camelot, and reviewed by the National Lottery Commission. There is no expectation that hosting the Olympic Games in 2012 would impact on existing sports lottery funded projects.

  Mr. Watts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether her Department has identified all the land needed for an Olympic Games bid. [116137]

  Mr. Caborn
  It will be for the Bid Company to identify its overall land requirements and the precise location of each of the sporting venues. The Bid Company will be supported in this work by the London Development Agency which is commissioning a master planning exercise for the Lower Lea Valley which encompasses the proposed Olympic zone. The master planning exercise will help to co-ordinate Olympic plans with those currently being developed locally so that the Olympics will complement and reinforce existing regeneration plans in the area.

  Mr. Watts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what her Department"s estimate is of the cost of acquiring sites needed for a London Olympic Games bid. [116138]

  Mr. Caborn
  An independent cost benefit analysis carried out by Arup for Government, the British Olympic Association and Greater London Authority estimated that costs of acquiring land for a specimen Olympic Games based primarily in the Lower Lea Valley at close to £400 million. The costs of land assembly should be recovered through the subsequent sale or rent of the land.

  The LDA has already begun assembling land in the area as part of its wider strategy for regeneration and economic development in the Thames Gateway—an area that has been identified as a priority for development by the Government and the Greater London Authority with or without a successful Olympic bid. During the bid period the LDA will only acquire land which could be used for regeneration purposes should the bid not be successful.

  Playing Fields
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will list playing field sites, by local authority, indicating which are managed by the local authority on behalf of the National Playing Field Association; and if she will make statement. [113653]

  Mr. Caborn
  The central collation of information listing playing field sites by local authority would incur disproportionate costs.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent discussions she has held with(a) the Civil Service Sports Council and (b) Civil Service Sports Council Properties Ltd. on the disposal of playing fields. [115660]

  Mr. Caborn
  Neither my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State nor I have had discussions with either organisation.

  Royal Parks
  Nick Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the budget was and how much was spent on pesticides by the Royal Parks Agency in each year since 1997. [115077]

  Dr. Howells
  [holding answer 22 May 2003]Responsibility for the subject of this question has been delegated to the Royal Parks Agency and I have asked its Chief Executive, William Weston to reply.

  Letter from William Weston to Mr. Nick Harvey, dated 3 June 2003:
  I have been asked by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to answer your Parliamentary Question about the amount spent by the Royal Parks on pesticides as this is an operational matter which is the responsibility of the Royal Parks.
  We do not budget specifically for pesticides because horticultural and other ground maintenance work in the Royal Parks has been contracted out since 1992. We specify what work we require and how we want it done. The contractors then carry the work out using whatever equipment and materials, including pesticides, are necessary in the circumstances and we pay according to a scale of charges for the work, as laid down in the contract.

  Sickness Absence
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many staff in the Department have been on long-term sick leave in each of the last two years. [115865]

  Dr. Howells
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 1 May 2003,Official Report, column 444W.

  Sport and Exercise (Participation)
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what actions she has taken to encourage adults in Crosby constituency to participate in sport and regular exercise. [116283]

  Mr. Caborn
  It is the Government"s policy to encourage greater participation in sport and physical activity in all areas of the country and among all groups. Lottery funding both through the Lottery Sports Fund and the New Opportunities Fund has been made available for the provision of new sports facilities in Crosby. Sport England has awarded three community lottery awards in the Crosby constituency totalling £519,229 towards total project costs of £703,181, and 35 awards for all grants totalling £130,481. In addition Sefton LEA"s allocation under the New Opportunities Fund PE and sport programme is £3,331,000 towards facilities that will be available to the wider community. Sport England also provided advice in the project to secure the recently opened replacement for Crosby Baths, and will be providing advice on design and planning issues for a second public pool in the Crosby constituency.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what actions she has taken to encourage school children in the Sefton LEA area to participate in sport. [116284]
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  Mr. Caborn
  The Government are committed to increasing and improving opportunities for all young people to participate in sporting activities both within and beyond the curriculum. For this reason, the joint DCMS/DfES national strategy for PE, school sport and club links is investing a total of £459 million over three years (from April 2003). Since April 2001 Sefton has been involved in the School Sport Co-ordinator programme with Chesterfield High School being designated as a Specialist Sports College and acting as a hub site for a partnership of local schools. Stanley High School is in the process of being similarly designated and all schools in Sefton will eventually be involved in the programme. In addition, the New Opportunities PE and Sport programme aims to bring about a step change in the provision of sports facilities for young people. Sefton LEA has been allocated £3,331,000 for this.

  Sport England
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on funding for Sport England. [115313]

  Mr. Caborn
  [holding answer 22 May 2003]Sport England"s planned Exchequer Funding allocation is set out in the following table.

  £ million

  2003–04

  61.575

  2004–05

  74.075

  2005–06

  80.375

  Sports Funding
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will list the projects removed from the sports funding agency programme for 2003–04. [115308]

  Mr. Caborn
  Sport England is reviewing projects as part of its Lottery reprioritisation programme. No decisions have yet been reached.

PRIVY COUNCIL

  EU Committees
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the President of the Council how many officials in the Department serve on EU committees or working parties. [116086]

  Dr. John Reid
  None.

  Euro
  Norman Lamb
  To ask the President of the Council when he received the Treasury documents relating to the five economic tests and the 18 background studies; what discussions he has held with ministerial colleagues on the tests since receipt of the documents; when he expects to complete his analysis of the documents; and what representations(a) he and (b) departmental officials will make to other Departments before a decision is reached on the economic tests. [115383]
  127W
  Dr. John Reid
  The Treasury"s eighteen supporting studies on EMU were sent to Cabinet Ministers on 16 May. The Prime Minister and the Chancellor are holding meetings with Cabinet Members. There was an initial discussion at Cabinet on 22 May and this will be followed by a special Cabinet meeting on 5 June. The Chancellor will make a statement to the House of Commons on 9 June.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Khabra
  To ask the President of the Council how many written questions were tabled in the last Parliamentary session; and at what cost to public funds. [116595]

  Dr. John Reid
  The total number of questions tabled in the House of Commons last session was 72,9051 at an estimated cost of some £9.842 million.
  1 House of Commons Sessional Returns 2001-02

  Privy Council Committees
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the President of the Council if he will list the(a) ad hoc and (b) standing committees of the Privy Council, indicating in each case their membership. [114121]

  Dr. John Reid
  The only current ad hoc Committee is one established to consider a petition of the Royal Town Planning Institute for the grant of a Supplemental Charter. Its members are the President of the Council, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Home Secretary and the Attorney General.

  The standing committees of the Privy Council and their members are:

  The Judicial Committee

  The membership consists of the Lord Chancellor, the President of the Council, former holders of those offices and Privy Counsellors who are or have been Lords of Appeal in Ordinary or who hold or have held high judicial office in the United Kingdom or in certain Commonwealth countries. A person ceases to be a member of the Judicial Committee on attaining the age of 75 unless he or she is the Lord Chancellor.

  The Scottish Universities Committee

  The President of the Council, The First Minister, Lord Justice General, Lord Justice Clerk and Lord Advocate (if Privy Counsellors), a member of the Judicial Committee and any other Privy Counsellors who may be appointed. The quorum is three, one of whom must be a member of the Judicial Committee or a Senator of the College of Justice in Scotland.

  The Committee for the Affairs of Jersey and Guernsey

  The President of the Council

  The Lord Chancellor

  The right hon. Baroness Scotland of Asthal

  The Honours Scrutiny Committee (formerly The Political Honours Scrutiny Committee)

  The right hon. Lord Thomson of Monifieth

  The right hon. Lord Hurd of Westwell

  The right hon. Baroness Dean of Thornton-le-Fylde

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  The Crown Office Act 1877 Committee

  The Lord Chancellor

  The Lord Privy Seal

  A Secretary of State

  The Universities Committee (dormant)

  The President of the Council

  The Archbishop of Canterbury

  The Lord Chancellor

  The Chancellor of the University of Oxford

  The Chancellor of the University of Cambridge

  Up to two other members of the Privy Council, at least one of whom should be a member of the Judicial Committee.

  The Baronetage Committee

  President of the Council

  Lord Chancellor (as successor to the Home Secretary)

  The Earl Marshal

  The Lord Chamberlain

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

  Age Discrimination
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Solicitor-General what steps her department is taking to address the issue of age discrimination. [109452]

  The Solicitor-General
  [holding answer 28 Apri12003]The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is currently in the process of reviewing its policy on age. The CPS Board considered and approved a paper in February 2003 that the retirement age to be extended from 60 to 65. All those in grades ranging from administrative assistants to grade six lawyers are now able to continue working up until the age of 65 should they wish. For those in higher grades, if the Cabinet Office approves the changes, the retirement age for Senior Civil Service grades will also follow suit and increase from 60 to 65 within the CPS.

  The CPS also plans to draw up a new generic equality scheme, which will encompass all aspects of race, sex, disability and age discrimination. It is hoped that this will be finalised in 2004 and take on board good practice measures in advance of the passage of legislation on age in 2006.

  The CPS ran an awareness campaign in 2001 and 2002 called "Dignity at Work". The document that accompanied the campaign established standards of behaviour for all staff and included reference to age discrimination with regards to how people are treated at work.

  In November 2002 the Serious Fraud Office"s (SFO) Management Board agreed changes to the SFO"s retirement policy for staff below the Senior Civil Service (SCS) which, in most cases, previously required individuals to retire at age 60. With effect from 1 January 2003, SFO employees below the SCS now have the option to continue working for any period up until the day prior to their 65th birthday.
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  Staff now have more flexibility when determining their retirement plans and the Department will benefit by retaining for longer the knowledge and experience of its staff.

  The Treasury Solicitor"s Department"s (which for these purposes includes the Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers) published policy on Race, Equality and Diversity commits it to ensuring equal opportunities irrespective of age. This policy covers recruitment and all other aspects of Agency life, including advancement and training. The policy also commits the Agency to ensuring that staff are provided with an inclusive working environment, free from discrimination and harassment based on age, and to having in place procedures for handling complaints. The Agency"s performance is monitored by a Diversity Group.

  HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate"s Equal Opportunities Policy Statement includes references to the organisation"s commitment to ensure that all eligible job applicants and staff shall have equal opportunity for employment and advancement on the basis of their suitability for the work, whatever their age.

  HMCPSI have also included in the Specific Duty—Employment section of our Race Equality Scheme (published May 2002) a commitment, among others, to:
  Monitor Inspectorate staff by age;
  Monitor recruitment exercises by age;
  Commence recording the provision of training to all staff by age; and
  Record the percentage of staff through age applying successfully for promotions and postings.

  Finally, two members of staff have requested and been granted, permission to extend their employment beyond their 60th birthday. No application has been refused.

  Counselling Services
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Solicitor-General what arrangements are made in her department to allow staff to access counselling services. [111950]

  The Solicitor-General
  In respect of my own department, the Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers, the majority of staff are on secondment from other departments and continue to have a right of access to the counselling services of the parent department. All staff are also able to avail themselves of the service provided by the Treasury Solicitor"s Department. In relation to the other departments for which the Law Officers are responsible, the answer is as follows:

  Crown Prosecution Service:

  All CPS staff have access to a counselling service via the CPS Counselling and Support Service (CSS). Staff who access counselling will undertake six to eight sessions as deemed necessary. If it is clear that long term counselling is required appropriate referral is recommended. Counselling is offered either face to face or via telephone, in accordance with the individual"s requirements and geographical constraints.
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  Serious Fraud Office:

  All employees are provided with a confidential Welfare Helpline number, as well as a monthly on-site surgery by the Welfare Officer. In addition, home visits may be arranged if required.

  Treasury Solicitor"s Department:

  All staff have access to a Staff Health and Welfare Service and to Familylife Solutions, a confidential telephone helpline.

  HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate:

  A significant proportion of staff in HMCPSI are on loan from other Government departments. They continue to have a right to access the counselling services of the parent department.

  Staff employed by HMCPSI also benefit from the availability of the service offered by the Treasury Solicitor"s Department.

  Crown Prosecution Service
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Solicitor-General, what assessment she has made of the effect of the proposals in the draft text prepared by the Convention on the Future of Europe on the operation of the Crown Prosecution Service. [115018]

  The Solicitor-General
  [holding answer 22 May 2003]The draft Constitutional Treaty aims to modernise and simplify the existing Treaties into a single, readable text. In most cases, there will be no change to the substance: the current Treaties already provide for police and judicial co-operation at EU level. Europol and Eurojust have already been established and are already making a significant contribution to the fight against transitional serious crime and terrorism. The draft proposals recommend the creation of a European Public prosecutor. The UK opposes this. Prosecution should remain the responsibility of the Member State.

  The UK will not sign up to anything which is not in its interest. The new Treaty can only be agreed by Heads of Government at an IGC by unanimity.

  Richard Ottaway
  To ask the Solicitor-General, if she will make a statement on the administrative efficiency of the Crown Prosecution Service in London. [115020]

  The Solicitor-General
  [holding answer 22 May 2003]The Croydon CPS Criminal Justice Unit dealt with 12,860 last year and achieved a conviction rate of 97.0 per cent. of those cases that went to trial.

  I am also aware that continuing efforts are made to improve performance and procedures if any deficiencies are found.

  Departmental Creche Facilities
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Solicitor-General what creche facilities are provided by the Attorney-General"s Office; and at what cost. [104288]

  The Solicitor-General
  [holding answer 25 March 2003]None of the Departments for which the Attorney-General holds ministerial responsibility provide creche facilities. However, the Treasury Solicitor"s Department has a contract through the Cabinet Office, with Childcare Enterprises Ltd. This company provides a
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  holiday play scheme to which Treasury Solicitor"s staff can apply at a cost, currently, of £30 per day. Half the cost is subsequently met by the Department. In the current financial year, 2002–03, seven staff have used the play scheme service, at a cost to the Department of £1,476.00.

  Fraud
  Mr. Bellingham
  To ask the Solicitor-General when she next expects to meet representatives of small firms to discuss ways of preventing fraud. [115019]

  The Solicitor-General
  [holding answer 22 May 2003]On 5 March 2003 I met with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and representatives of the SFO and CPS.

  Although no further meeting is formally scheduled, the SFO and CPS would readily assist the FSB with any queries they may have. The SFO already has good links with the FSB and following the meeting better links were developed with the CPS. I continue to work with the CPS, SFO, small business organisations and colleagues in the DTI to combat fraud on business.

  Local Criminal Justice Boards
  Mr. McCabe
  To ask the Solicitor-General, what contribution Local Criminal Justice Boards are making to the Criminal Justice System. [115017]

  The Solicitor-General
  [holding answer 22 May 2003]Local Criminal Justice Boards are taking forward at a local level the task of improving the effectiveness of the Criminal Justice System through closer co-operation between the different agencies.

  The Boards consist of the Chief Officers of Police, Probation Service, Crown Prosecution Service and Courts together with senior representatives from the Prison Service and Youth Offending teams. They were established on 1 April and have made rapid progress by establishing co-ordinated plans for bringing more cases to justice. They will also evolve plans to increase public confidence.

  Market Testing
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Solicitor-General what the estimated level of saving is to the Department from the use of market testing in 2002–03. [107773]

  The Solicitor-General
  [holding answer 9 April 2003]The Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers, Crown Prosecution Service, Serious Fraud Office, Treasury Solicitor"s Department and HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate have not conducted any formal market testing activity within the period 2002–03.

  Goods and services provided externally are normally acquired through competitive procurement. All contracts are regularly reviewed to ensure value for money in all departments.

  Mental Health
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Solicitor-General how many sick days were lost in the last year by her department through staff mental health problems. [112068]

  The Solicitor-General
  In respect of those departments for which the Attorney-General holds ministerial responsibility, the information is as follows:

  Crown Prosecution Service:

  Over the period 1 January 2002 to 31 December 2002 the number of days lost was 11,207.

  Serious Fraud Office:

  Over the period 1 January 2002 to 31 December 2002 the number of days lost was 508.

  Treasury Solicitor"s Department—including the Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers and HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate:

  Over the period 1 April 2002 to 31 March 2003 the number of days lost was 392.

  In compiling these figures the widest definition to mental health problems was adopted so as to include stress, tension, nerves, emotional upset etc.

  National Insurance
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Solicitor General what the cost will be to public funds in 2003–04 of the rise in national insurance contributions on the salary bill of her Department. [107892]

  The Solicitor-General
  [holding reply answer 10 April 2003]On the basis of current salary levels the cost to public funds, for the financial year 2003–04, due to the rise in national insurance contributions is forecast to be:

  £

  Cost to public funds in 2003–04 of rise in NI contributions on the salary bill of the Solicitor- General"s Department

  Crown Prosecution Service

  2,700,000

  Serious Fraud Office

  54,000

  Treasury Solicitor"s Department (including Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers and HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate)

  197,508

  Part-time Workers
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Solicitor General what assessment she has made of the impact of the Part-time Workers Directive on staff in the Department. [109282]

  The Solicitor-General
  [holding answer 28 April 2003]The Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers and HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate currently have no part-time staff.

  The Crown Prosecution Service complies with the Part-Time Workers Directive by ensuring that part-time workers are not treated less favourably than full-time workers, and that staff at all levels are able to apply to work part-time. In addition to part-time work, other

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  complementary schemes such as job-sharing, part-year working and compressed hours are available to staff at all levels.

  The Serious Fraud Office has a very small number of employees who work less than full-time hours—part-time staff make up less than 3 per cent. of the total number of employees. The Part-time Workers Directive has therefore had a minimal impact on this Department.

  Part-time staff enjoy the same terms and conditions of employment as their full-time equivalents. Salary, together with entitlement to annual leave and public and privilege holidays, are calculated on a pro-rata basis. Access to training, development and promotion opportunities are afforded to part-time staff in the same way as for full- time members of staff.

  As at 1 April 2003 there were 44 part-time employees in the Treasury Solicitor"s Department representing 6.8 per cent. of total staff in post.

  Jobs in the Treasury Solicitor"s Department are advertised on the basis that they will be open to part-time workers, unless otherwise stated due to the nature of the work. The impact on business terms should therefore be minimal but in terms of staff satisfaction should be beneficial.

  Press Office
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Solicitor-General how many people are employed in her Department"s press office; and how many were employed on 2 May 1997. [108406]

  The Solicitor-General
  [holding answer 14 April 2003]The Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers has one press officer who also acts as Private Secretary. This is the same number as in May 1997. The Press Officer also provides services to the Treasury Solicitor"s Department which does not have its own Press Officer and did not have one in 1997.

  There are 10 people employed in the Crown Prosecution Service Press Office. This is the same number as in May 1997.

  The Press and Information Office at the Serious Fraud Office currently has three members of staff. On 2 May 1997, it employed four members of staff.

  HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate has no dedicated Press Officer. Casework Inspectors and the Chief Inspector handle press enquiries as part of their routine duties. HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate did not exist in May 1997.

  Public Service Agreement
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Solicitor-General(a) how many and (b) what grades of officials are responsible for the monitoring of progress towards the public service agreement targets of the Department. [109461]

  The Solicitor-General
  [holding reply answer 28 April 2003]In relation to the departments for which the Attorney General holds ministerial responsibility, the answer is as follows.
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  Crown Prosecution Service

  The public service agreement (PSA) targets for the criminal justice system are overarching measures. They apply to all criminal justice agencies working together in the 42 local criminal justice boards. Delivery against the targets and local monitoring of progress towards them are the responsibilities of a wide range of managers at both a local and national level, some within the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and some working for other agencies. Their grades vary according to their respective range and level of responsibility. These diverse arrangements cannot be readily summarised, nor is any central record held of the numbers and grades of those involved.

  A new Directorate within CPS Headquarters, the Business Development Directorate (BDD), established in April 2003, has national responsibility for the Service"s response to the PSA targets. Its role includes ownership of the business processes and co-ordination of the programme of change and reform needed to support service delivery. It also provides policy and guidance on planning and performance management, together with the provision and analysis of the management information which measures and accounts for our steps towards PSA goals. None of the staff within the BDD works exclusively on monitoring PSA targets: all have other responsibilities related to supporting the 42 CPS areas in realising the Service"s demanding reform programme.

  BDD is headed by a business development director and, within his overall command, the management of performance falls to the head of resources and performance. Both posts are filled at senior civil service level. Performance information is handled within the Internal Resources and Performance Branch, headed at grade D level, by one level B3 and one level B2, both of whom also have other responsibilities.

  Serious Fraud Office

  The Serious Fraud Office does not have a public service agreement. Instead, it has a service delivery agreement which contains targets on the total number of cases undertaken and the time taken to complete those cases. Responsibility for monitoring progress against these targets rests with the Director the Serious Fraud Office.

  Treasury Solicitor"s Department

  Progress towards the public service agreement targets is monitored quarterly by the Executive and Supervisory Boards of the Treasury Solicitor"s Department.

  The Executive Board comprises six Senior Civil Servants; the Supervisory Board comprises 19 Senior Civil Servants, including the Treasury Solicitor.

  HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate

  HMCPSI does not have direct responsibility for delivering any PSA targets. However, its activities have close links to all three key PSA targets for the criminal justice system (i.e. Narrowing the Justice Gap, increasing public confidence and increasing value for money). The HMCPSI Business Plan links all activities to one or more PSA targets. However, it does not have any officials directly involved in monitoring progress.
  135W
  A number of HM inspectors employed by HMCPSI comment on the progress of CPS performance towards PSA targets. However that work is integrated to their ordinary duties and cannot be separately costed.

  Serious Fraud Office
  Hugh Bayley
  To ask the Solicitor-General, if she will make a statement about the resources for detection and investigation available to the Serious Fraud Office. (115021)

  The Solicitor-General
  [holding answer 22 May 2003]The SFO is responsible for investigating and prosecuting serious complex fraud.

  In this financial year the budget of the SFO has risen to £23.41 million. In 2004–05 it rises to £30.39 million and in 2005–06 it rises to £35.34 million.

  The SFO employs both permanent civil servants and contract staff. It also investigates in conjunction with the police and is working with the Corporation of London and the Government to explore ways of making more police resources available for investigating fraud.

  Smoking in the Workplace
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Solicitor-General what policy her Department has adopted on smoking in the workplace. [100934]

  The Solicitor-General
  [holding answer 7 March 2003]All of the Departments for which the Attorney General holds ministerial responsibility have adopted policies forbidding smoking except in designated areas.

  Sunset Clauses
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Solicitor-General if she will list the sunset clauses included in legislation from her Department since 1997. [106944]

  The Solicitor-General
  [holding answer 7 April 2003]The Departments for which the Attorney-General holds ministerial responsibility have not been responsible for any legislation containing sunset clauses since 1997.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Malins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects the first accommodation centre for asylum seekers to be operational; and if he will make a statement. [115214]

  Beverley Hughes
  Firm opening dates have yet to be finalised, and will depend upon such issues as planning consent, the nature of each site, and the design proposals.

  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his policy is on the return of failed asylum seekers to Zimbabwe; and if he will make a statement. [112213]

  Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 20 May 2003]On 15 January 2002, my right hon. Friend, the Home Secretary announced a temporary suspension on 136W
  removals of unsuccessful asylum seekers to Zimbabwe, pending the outcome of the presidential elections in March 2002. The Government have been keeping under review whether this suspension should remain and have concluded that it should be kept in place.

  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy that asylum seekers from minority groups, with particular reference to(a) the Roma, (b) people from Serbia and Montenegro and (c) people from Kosovo will not be placed in Oakington Immigration Reception Centre pending the outcome of a case filed by the European Roma Rights Centre on 9 May concerning the expulsion of a Kosovo Romani family from Denmark. [114972]

  Beverley Hughes
  The case filed by the European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC) with the European Court of Human Rights concerns the removal of a Kosovo Roma family to Kosovo. The UK does not currently enforce the removal of Roma or people from any other Kosovan ethnic minority groups to Kosovo or to other parts of Serbia and Montenegro.

  The ERRC case therefore has no bearing on our policy in relation to asylum seekers from Kosovo or other parts of Serbia and Montenegro and there are no plans to alter our arrangements for dealing with these cases.

  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps have been taken to review contracts with private landlords providing accommodation and services for asylum seekers following the report on the Landmark company in Liverpool. [115572]

  Beverley Hughes
  Current contracts with accommodation providers are subject to contract compliance monitoring. The National Asylum Support Service (NASS) also regularly reviews its contractors" performance against key performance indicators. Officials hold regular meetings with all contracted accommodation providers.

  In addition senior officials within NASS meet the senior management of contracting companies at least once a year although steps are in hand to hold these bi-annually. As it develops its strategy for procuring accommodation when current contracts expire, NASS will take account of its experience with the present contracts.

  Advertising
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the total expenditure on advertising by the Department was in(a) 2001–02 and (b) 2002–03; and what the level of planned expenditure is for (i) 2003–04 and (ii) 2004–05. [114440]

  Mr. Blunkett
  The total advertising spend for the Home Department was:

  (a) £14.4 million

  (b) £9.9 million
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  During 2002–03 we ran campaigns which supported police recruitment, a reduction in vehicle crime, the national firearms amnesty and advising parents and children on safe use of the internet.

  In 2001–02 our campaigns again focused on police recruitment, vehicle crime reduction and child protection on the internet. We also ran campaigns to support a reduction in drug misuse and the introduction of postal voting.

  Expenditure plans for (i) 2003–04 and (ii) 2004–05 have not yet been finalised.

  Ali Serir
  Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to his answer of 15 May,Official Report, column 430W, on Ali Serir, on what basis Mr. Ali Serir"s application was refused. [115704]

  Beverley Hughes
  Mr Serir"s application was refused as Mr Serir failed to meet the requirements set out under Rule 284 of the Immigration Rules, namely that an applicant must have limited leave to remain in the UK.

  British Citizens
  Mr. Matins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what regulations under subsection (1) (ba) or (bb) of the British Nationality Act 1981 have been published since the passing of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002; and if he will place copies in the Library. [115216]

  Beverley Hughes
  The subsections of the British Nationality Act referred to in the question relate to the standard of English and knowledge about life in the UK to be attained by those applying for naturalisation.

  My right hon. Friend, the Home Secretary appointed the "Life in the UK" Advisory Group chaired by Professor Sir Bernard Crick, to look at the content, conduct and implementation of programmes of study for potential citizens. It is expected to publish its final report shortly.

  Once the recommendations in the report have been considered the regulations will be drafted and published.

  Mr. Matins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons have become(a) registered and (b) naturalised as British citizens since the passing of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002. [115217]

  Beverley Hughes
  The latest available figures for registration and naturalisation as a British Citizen are for 2001, published in the Home Office statistical Bulletin "Persons Granted British Citizenship, United Kingdom, 2001". A copy has been placed in the Library.

  Figures for 2002 will be published in the next Bulletin, due in August 2003.

  Mr. Matins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons have been deprived of citizenship under the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002. [115218]
  138W
  Beverley Hughes
  The provisions of the Act came into force on 1 April 2003. There are now two possible grounds for deprivation: that the individual obtained the citizenship by deception or (provided he or she would not be left stateless) that the person has done something seriously prejucicial to the vital interests of the United Kingdom or of a British overseas territory. Notice of a decision to make a deprivation order has been made in one case.

  Children"s Rights Commissioner for London
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Office of the Children"s Rights Commissioner for London. [115523]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Government welcomes the contribution of the Office of the Children"s Rights Commissioner for London to the debate about the value of a children"s commissioner for England. We have received a copy of the final report entitled "A Legacy and a Challenge for London: Office of the Children"s Rights Commissioner for London—a Three-year Demonstration Project" (2003), and are considering with interest the report"s assessment of the work of the Office over the past three years.

  Corporate Manslaughter
  Mr. Stringer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the proposed new offence of corporate manslaughter will apply to(a) Crown properties and (b) Government departments. [115283]

  Paul Goggins
  [holding answer 22 May 2003]As we announced during the Report stage of the Criminal Justice Bill, we intend to legislate to ensure that companies where a death has occurred due to gross negligence by the organisation as a whole are liable for manslaughter under the criminal law. The legislation will be targeted at companies, not individual directors. We will announce further details of the proposals, including the position of Crown bodies in respect of the legislation, before the end of the year.

  Correctional Services
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the terms of reference of the review looking into corrections policy; and what progress is being made in producing a report. [115434]

  Paul Goggins
  A Review of Correctional Services was announced in July 2002 in the White Paper "Justice for All".

  The first phase of the review has concentrated on the short term demands on the correctional services and was carried out by the Home Office. The second phase of the review is being led independently by Patrick Carter and will consider a strategy for correctional services over the Spending Review 2004 period to meet the Government"s objectives of protecting the public, reducing crime and sustaining public confidence, in ways which are cost effective and financially sustainable. Patrick Carter is due to report his findings to Ministers in the autumn.
  139W
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the Government"s policy is towards corrective procedures; and what steps he is taking to encourage greater co-ordination between police, probation, criminal services and the legal system. [115430]

  Paul Goggins
  The White Paper "Justice for All" set out a wide-ranging programme of reform for the criminal justice system (CJS) including the correctional services in England and Wales. This Government is determined to create a criminal justice system that meets the needs of society and wins the trust of citizens by convicting the guilty, acquitting the innocent and reducing offending and re-offending.

  The Prison and Probation Services already work closely together in managing the supervision of licensed offenders and are increasingly engaged in joint work in meeting the target on reducing re-offending.

  The need for greater co-ordination between the various parts of the criminal justice system underpins the changes we have made to structures at both the national and local levels. Most critically the formation of a National Criminal Justice Board and 42 Local Criminal Justice Boards (one for each CJS area) will help to give a formal framework for the pursuit of shared aims and objectives.

  Table 4A: Registration Services Elapsed Time Service Levels

  Service Element

  Service Measure

  Service Level

  (A2) New registration

  Percentage of instances performed within five days elapsed time

  95.0

  (A3) Registration changes (including additional or replacement counter-signatory)

  Percentage of instances performed within three days elapsed time

  98.0

  Table 4B: Certificate Services Elapsed Time Service Levels

  Service Element

  Service Measure

  Service Level

  (B1) Invalid application for CCC or HLC

  Percentage of instances performed within two days elapsed time

  98.0

  (B3) Telephone Application for HLC: up to issue of application form for signature and counter-signature

  Percentage of instances performed within one day elapsed time

  99.0

  (B4) Valid application for CRC: up to dispatch of certificate

  Percentage of instances performed within three days elapsed time

  98.0

  (B5) Valid application for ECRC: up to dispatch of certificate

  Percentage of instances performed within four days elapsed time

  98.0

  Definitions:

  Elapsed time—The aggregate of the elapsed times of the Activities (or Business Processes) (for which responsibility is assigned, in Schedule 2 or otherwise, to the Contractor) performed in the provision of a Service Element, such elapsed times (a) being measured from the Service Start Point to the Service end Point and recorded on a 24 hours clock, seven days a week. Elapsed time measures expressed as a number of days shall be construed as meaning that number of days multiplied by 24 hours. For the avoidance of doubt, Elapsed time shall exclude the duration of cheque clearance processing.
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  The National Board will bring together Ministers, senior policy officials and Service Heads from all the main criminal justice departments and will give direction and drive to the delivery of the key CJS targets. Locally the Boards will consist of Chief Officers from the Police, Crown Prosecution Service, Prisons, Courts (Crown and Magistrates), Probation Service and Youth Offending Teams.

  Criminal Records Bureau
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what service levels were achieved by the Criminal Records Bureau in 2002–03; and what service levels were specified in the contract with Capita. [112033]

  Paul Goggins
  The service levels achieved by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) against their published service standards between August 2002 and March 2003 are as follows (there are no figures available prior to August 2002):Standard Disclosures—19.4 per cent issued within one week (against a target of 95 per cent)
  Enhanced Disclosures—52.4 per cent issued within three weeks (against a target of 90 per cent.)

  Turnaround times have improved as the joint service improvement plan has taken effect. Some 90 per cent of Standard Disclosures and 70 per cent of Enhanced Disclosures are now being issued within three weeks.

  The following relevant service standards are set out in the contract between the Capita and the CRB:

  Criminal Conviction Certificate (CCC)—Basic

  Disclosure (not yet available)

  Criminal Record Certificates (CRC)—Standard Disclosure

  Enhanced Criminal Record Certificate (ECRC)—Enhanced Disclosure

  Higher Level Certificate (HLC)—Standard and Enhanced Disclosures.

  The details of Capita"s performance against the above service standards are commercial in confidence and accordingly would normally come within exemption 13 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government

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  Information. However, I have concluded that in this instance it would be in the public interest not to continue to use the exemption.

  Percentages

  New Registrations (A2)

  Registration Changes (A3)

  Invalid Application (B1)

  Telephone Application (B3)

  Valid Application for Standards (B4)

  Valid Application for Enhanced (B5)

  39.0

  8.7

  6.5

  99.3

  8.0

  18.0

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much it cost to appoint an independent negotiator in respect of Capita"s Criminal Record Bureau contract; and who will bear the cost. [112035]

  Paul Goggins
  The cost of procuring an independent negotiator at the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) was approximately £2,600 arising from existing staff time and effort in the Passport and Records Agency (PRA) and the CRB. The CRB will bear this cost.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many free disclosures for volunteers the Criminal Records Bureau has issued in each month since its launch; and how much they have cost. [112036]

  Paul Goggins
  As at 31 March 2003 the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) has issued 1,442,000 disclosures. Out of this cumulative total 202,000 disclosures were issued free of charge to volunteers, which equates to 14 per cent. of all disclosures issued.

  The cost of these free disclosures will calculate to £2,424,000, which represents a considerable saving to the voluntary sector.

  There are no IT procedures at present to obtain numbers of applications from volunteers by month since launch, from the CRB database. It is expected that these enhancements will be available in subsequent system releases.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate his Department made of the unit costs in(a) 2002–03 and (b) 2003–04 of (i) standard, (ii) enhanced and (iii) basic disclosure by the Criminal Records Bureau using the (A) paper-based, (B) telephone-based and (C) electronic-based application routes; and what the actual unit costs were in 2002–03. [112041]

  Paul Goggins
  The table shows the unit costs for paper and telephone based applications for each type of disclosure.

  2002–03 estimate unit costs

  2003–04 estimate unit costs

  2002–03 actual unit costs

  Standard

  Paper

  13.6

  12.38

  36

  Telephone

  13.6

  12.38

  31

  Enhanced

  paper

  13.6

  12.38

  41

  Telephone

  13.6

  12.38

  36

  Basic

  Telephone

  13.6

  12.38

  N/a

  142W
  Capita"s performance against the contractual service standards between August 2002 and March 2003 is as follows:

  The estimates were prepared before "go live" in Winter 2001–02 and published in the Corporate Business Plan 2002–07 in April 2002 as an average across Disclosure types and application channels.

  It should be noted Basic Disclosures were only going to be available using the telephone and electronic based application routes. Electronic applications are not applicable for 2002–03. Actual costs are estimates, subject to audit and reflect lower than expected production volumes.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the system supplied by Capita for the Criminal Records Bureau is capable of extracting data concerning individual applications that have experienced delays outside the performance standards. [112042]

  Paul Goggins
  The system supplied by Capita for the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) is capable of extracting data concerning individual applications that have experienced delays outside the performance standards. The CRB database records when an application was submitted and can be interrogated to establish whether and for how long, if at all, it had been outstanding. This can be achieved when an individual or a counter-signatory contacts the CRB to establish whether an application had been delayed.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to his statement of 30 April 2003,Official Report, column 119WH, on the Criminal Records Bureau, if he will make a statement on the ways in which the system failed to meet the specification; if he will place in the Library copies of the evaluation produced from the testing prior to launch; and when the decision to accept the system was made, and by which minister. [112066]

  Paul Goggins
  Under the terms of the Contract it was for Capita to prepare and run, with the oversight and involvement of the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Agency staff, an end-to-end acceptance test. This test was designed to ensure that the system processes would run without critical failure. Through programme reporting, the CRB was assured that the technical tests, which were completely within their management domain, had been run in accordance to an agreed testing strategy, to ensure that system modules performed to specification.

  The end-to end acceptance test was run during November 2001 and the Capita Programme Director provided a joint test report to the CRB Board, which also took account of the Model Office and Pilot phases, on 4 March 2002. This report recommended that the system was ready for live operation. The report also provided assurance that a programme of enhancements

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  was in progress to deal with those functional shortfalls identified during system testing, but not considered critical for initial live operations. This included elements of Management Information Systems, performance of system at maximum loading and elements of workflow management. The Programme Board accepted this recommendation and on 6 March 2002 advised my right hon. Friend the Member for Manchester, Withington (Mr. Bradley) as the minister with responsibility for the CRB at the time.

  A copy of the evaluation produced from the testing prior to launch cannot be placed in the Library because the details are commercially sensitive and as such cannot be divulged. I refer to Section 13 of the Code of Practice to Government Information 1997 (Part II), which concerns information including commercial confidences, trade secrets or intellectual property whose unwarranted disclosure would harm the competitive position of a third party.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the (a) planned and (b) actual completion dates are for each of the stages in the planning and implementation of the electronic-based application route for criminal record checks. [112044]

  Paul Goggins
  Electronic applications to register with the Criminal Records Bureau were originally expected to be available in August 2001. However, to keep in line with high level disclosures, the implementation date was postponed until 11 March 2002. It was subsequently agreed to move the planned implementation date for electronic based applications to 30 September 2002.

  On 6 September 2002, my right hon.Friend, the Home Secretary announced the appointment of an Independent Review Team (IRT) meaning the implementation of the electronic based application route was put on hold to await their findings.

  One of the recommendations of the IRT was to introduce a Web-based application system and this features as part of the current renegotiations of the contract with Capita. It is too early to speculate what the outcome of the contract renegotiations will be and the attendant effect on the completion date of the electronic application route.

  Dangerous Driving
  Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were(a) prosecuted and (b) convicted for causing death by dangerous driving in 2002; and what the average length of the sentence imposed was. [113362]

  Paul Goggins
  Information for 2001 (latest available) is given in the table. Figures for 2002 are due to be published at the end of this year.

  Number of persons1 prosecuted at magistrates" courts and found guilty at all courts for the offence of "causing death by dangerous driving2 by result, England and Wales 2001

  Number of persons proceeded against in the magistrates" court

  272

  Total persons found guilty at all courts

  227

  Of which given immediate custody3

  193

  Average custodial sentence length (months)

  39.0

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  1 Based on principal offence only. (A defendant is recorded only once for each set of court proceedings against the principal offence involved).

  2 An offence under the Road Traffic Act 1999, sec. 1 as amended by the Road Traffic Act 1991, sec. 1.

  3 Included unsuspended imprisonment, detention in a young offender institution, detention and training orders, and at the Crown Court secs 90–92 of the powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000.

  Deportations
  Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many people of Chechen origin were deported from the UK to the Russian Federation in the last 12 months for which figures are available; to which destinations they were sent; and how many were sent to each destination; [116319]

  (2) how many people were deported from the UK to the Russian Federation in the last 12 months for which figures are available; to which destinations they were sent; and how many were sent to each destination. [116318]

  Beverley Hughes
  Information on the number of people deported from the United Kingdom to the Russian Federation, including those of Chechen origin, and on the destinations to which they were deported, is not available except by examination of individual case files which would incur disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people who have been deported from the UK in each of the last three years have returned to the UK within(a) one month and (b) one year. [116346]

  Beverley Hughes
  Information on the number of people who, having been removed from the United Kingdom, subsequently returned is not available.

  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people who are married to UK citizens have been deported from the UK in the last 12 months for which figures are available. [116347]

  Beverley Hughes
  Information on the number of people removed from the United Kingdom who are married to United Kingdom citizens is not available except by examination of individual case files, this would be at disproportionate cost.

  Deportations are a specific subset of removals alongside persons subject to administrative removal, removal due to illegal entry action or those refused entry at port and subsequently removed.

  Illegal Entrants
  Mr. Malins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will set out the steps that he has taken(a) to detect illegal entry at British ports and (b) to deter illegal entrants at French and Belgian ports in the last three years. [115316]
  145W
  Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 22 May 2003]A number of measures have been introduced over the period in question to detect and deter illegal entrants both in the UK and at ports abroad. These have included:Changing the law on people smuggling (by means of the Immigration & Asylum Act 1999), increasing the maximum penalty for facilitating illegal entry to 14 years;
  Introducing (and subsequently amending) civil penalty provisions in order to encourage road hauliers to take appropriate measures to prevent unauthorised persons travelling to the UK in their vehicles. Combined with the potential liability of sea carriers to carriers" liability charges the Civil Penalty has also encouraged port authorities and sea carriers to take measures to improve their security, including the searching of vehicles;
  Obtaining a Memorandum of Understanding with the French and Belgian authorities to further the exchange of intelligence and joint working to disrupt the flows of illegal immigrants;
  Securing a similar agreement with the French which has ensured close collaboration in the fight against cross channel organised immigration crime;
  Co-ordinating all activity against people smugglers through a multi-agency task force, which brings together the combined expertise of the National Crime Squad, National Criminal Intelligence Service, Immigration Service, police forces, the intelligence community and a range of government departments;
  Deploying new detection technology, including gamma x-ray scanners at Dover;
  Securing agreement with the French government for the deployment at Calais of new detection equipment, including thermal imaging and acoustic sensors to help detect people illegally concealed in vehicles and containers and prevent them embarking for the United Kingdom;
  Obtaining the agreement of the French authorities for the closure of the Sangatte Refugee Centre;
  Concluding agreements with the governments of France and Belgium for the deployment of the new detection technology at other ports in northern continental Europe;
  Establishing juxtaposed immigration controls operated by the UK and French authorities at Waterloo and Coquelles, later extended to Paris and Lille;
  Negotiating a Treaty with the French authorities to extend juxtaposed controls to other French ports, including Calais;
  Agreeing with the Belgian authorities and carrying out pre-clearance operations at Brussels, which have proved highly successful in denying the passage of possible illegals to the United Kingdom.

  These measures have all been implemented as part of an over-arching strategy to develop a more intelligence led control and to concentrate on intake reduction by preventing potential illegal entrants from travelling to the UK.

  Mr. Malins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he has taken to renegotiate the bilateral agreement with France concerning illegal immigrants which lapsed in 1997. [115310]

  Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 22 May 2003]The 1995 Anglo-French "Gentleman"s Agreement" continues to apply to illegal entrants who arrive from France and did not lapse in 1997. It was the agreement"s application to asylum seekers that ceased in that year, upon entry into force of the Dublin Convention, as had always been agreed by both parties.
  146W
  It is generally accepted that the Dublin Convention has not worked as well as had been hoped. However, it is to be replaced by the Dublin II Regulation in September this year. This instrument represents a notable improvement on the existing asylum transfer arrangements and encourages Member States to arrange bilateral agreements in order to facilitate the mechanism.

  Flanked by the Eurodac fingerprint database, which is already operational, the UK will be able to effect the return of a greater number of asylum seekers to the Member States most responsible for their presence on EU territory.

  Immigration and Nationality Directorate
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the responsibilities are of the Management of Detained Casework Unit within the Immigration and Nationality Directorate in Leeds; what its objectives are for the coming 12 months; and whether it processes the cases of all those detained by the Immigration Service. [115509]

  Beverley Hughes
  The Management of Detained Cases Unit (MODCU) has the following broad responsibilities:To review at 28 days, and monthly thereafter, the matter of detention in cases detained by the Immigration Service under paragraph 16 of Schedule 2 of the Immigration Act 1971.
  To complete casework actions on cases involving substantive asylum claimants who have entered long-term detention, and to progress those cases whereappeal rights have been exhausted towards removal from the United Kingdom.
  To allocate removal centre beds for family detention, and to closely monitor these cases.

  Cases may become the responsibility of MODCU at various stages in the process, but with a few exceptions MODCU is generally concerned only with those cases where removal cannot be effected quickly.

  MODCU does not process the cases of all those detained by the Immigration Service. For example, cases that can be resolved following relatively short periods of detention remain the responsibility of the ports or local enforcement offices. Cases of those foreign nationals who have been convicted by the courts after committing criminal offences are processed by the Criminal Casework Team (CCT), which is based in Croydon.

  MODCU"s objectives for the year 2003–04 are to:
  develop strategies for optimum use of the removal estate;
  prioritise cases entering long-term detention, allocate removal centre space for family removals, and manage detained family cases;
  remove barriers to removal in long-term detained asylum cases; and
  review the detention of those cases held under paragraph 16 of Schedule 2 of the Immigration Act 1971.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which port, enforcement office, casework directorate, or similar unit within the Immigration and Nationality Directorate is responsible for authorising the discharge, when appropriate, of persons subject to immigration control from(a) Her Majesty"s Prison, Liverpool and (b) prisons in general;

  147W
  and what the (i) telephone and (ii) fax numbers are that legal representatives of those detained should use in order to contact the units concerned. [115510]

  Beverley Hughes
  Foreign nationals who have been convicted of a criminal offence and who are subject to deportation action following their conviction(s) are dealt with by the Criminal Casework Team in the Immigration and Nationality Direct orate (IND). To be subject to deportation action the Secretary of State would have either acted on a court"s recommendation or decided that deportation would be conducive to the public good.

  In these cases it would be the Criminal Casework Teamin IND who would consider whether the subject should be detained under immigration powers beyond the end of the custodial sentence. When a subject is to be detained he/she is automatically sent a reasons for detention letter from the above team giving the reasons for any continued detention. This clearly states Criminal Casework Team"s address, telephone and fax number.

  Criminal Casework Team

  4th Floor (West)

  Block B

  Whitgift Centre

  CROYDON CR9 1AT

  Telephone Hotline: 020 8760 4072

  Fax: 020 8760 4290

  In cases where the subject is held in prison purely on immigration grounds either as an overstayer, illegal entrant or as a Port case who are not subject to deportation action the subject"s continued detention would be considered by the Local Enforcement Office (LEO) that detained them up to 28 days after the initial detention. The case is then normally passed to the Management of Detained Cases Unit (MODCU) who continue monitoring detention.

  MODCU

  Waterside Court

  Kirkstall Road

  LEEDS

  WEST YORKSHIRE

  LS42QB

  Telephone Number: 0113 386 5780

  Fax: 0113 386 5855

  Migrant Workers
  Mr. Norman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department under what circumstances lower skilled migrants admitted under new schemes to alleviate labour shortages in the food processing and hospitality sectors will be permitted to remain in the United Kingdom for longer than 12 months. [114935]

  Beverley Hughes
  Those entering the United Kingdom under the new Sector-Based Scheme will be permitted to stay for up to 12 months. No further extension of stay as a Sectors-Based Scheme work permit holder will be given beyond this point. Subject to meeting the relevant criteria, applicants may switch in-country into full Work Permit employment.

  Mr. Norman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures have been taken to raise awareness of the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme in countries outside the European Union. [114936]
  148W
  Beverley Hughes
  The Highly Skilled Migrant Programme guidance and application form appear on the Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND), Work Permits UK and UK Visas websites. A booklet, including the guidance and application form, has been issued to all British Missions abroad and they are generally on public display inside the Entry Clearance Offices. In addition Press Notices concerning the Programme have generated coverage in the media overseas.

  Mr. S. Al Assadi
  Mr. Goodman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when a decision about the application for naturalisation by Mr. S. Al Assadi, ref: A1078595, will be made. [116613]

  Beverley Hughes
  A decision cannot be reached until the inquiries, which are undertaken to ensure that the statutory requirements for naturalisation have been met, are completed. I am unable to say how long these inquiries are likely to take: it may, however, be some months.

  Offender Assessment
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on progress with the Offender Assessment System; and what discussions he has had with police and prosecution services on implementation. [115435]

  Paul Goggins
  We are making good progress with the implementation of the Offender Assessment System (OASys). In the National Probation Service (NPS), all areas have either implemented or are in the process of implementing OASys. The majority have already rolled out a paper based system and NPS are in the process of rolling out the IT system. The IT rollout is a stepped approach with areas about to receive release two of a four phase IT programme. The Prison Service began piloting a computer-based system in April 2003, with an 18 month rolling programme of implementation across the prison estate starting in June 2003.

  Criminal justice agencies have been kept regularly informed of the development and implementation of OASys. Probation areas have held discussions locally with criminal justice agencies, including the police and Crown Prosecution Service as part of the phased implementation.

  Passport Agency
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to his answer of 15 May,Official Report, column 436W, on the Passport Agency, if he will make it his policy for all passports posted by the Passport Agency back to the customer to be posted by recorded delivery. [115528]

  Beverley Hughes
  The UK Passport Service is currently considering options for moving towards secure delivery arrangements for all passports posted back to customers. Expressions of interest to tender for the provision of a service which meets this requirement were invited through an advertisement published in the Official Journal of the European Communities (OJEC). The closing date for responses was the end of May 2003.
  149W
  All of the responses received have now been considered and formal invitations to tender will be issued by 6 June 2003. The tenders are expected to be evaluated and a decision made on the award of a contract by mid-August 2003. It is envisage that the solution would be implemented in November 2003.

  The provision of any form of secure delivery has cost implications which cannot be met solely through the existing passport fee. It is therefore likely that the introduction of a secure delivery system will be linked to an increase in the passport fee.

  Positive Action for Young People Fund
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the Positive Action for Young People fund; and how it will benefit young people in Middlesbrough, South and Cleveland, East. [114308]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Positive Activities for Young People (PAYP) programme is designed to divert and develop those young people aged 8–19 most at risk of social exclusion and committing crime. It is being delivered across England from May 2003 to March 2006. £25 million funding is available for the first year of the programme. This funding will deliver a minimum of 22,000 full time places (this being from midday to 9 pm on each day of the school holidays). Provision will take place in all of the school holiday periods. In addition to the activities one-to-one support is available for the most at risk young people.

  In Middlesborough, South and Cleveland, East areas PAYP is being delivered by Connexions Tees Valley. They have received a funding allocation of £279,000. They are working closely with local partners to ensure that areas of greatest need have appropriate provision and are consulting young people about the types of activities to offer. They are also working closely with local agencies to identify the young people to target under the programme.

  Prisons (Drugs)
  Ms Bridget Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, (1) how many detoxifications of prisoners took place in health care centres in each of the last five years; [115749]

  (2) what the average length of time for a detoxification of a drug abuser in prison has been in the last five years; and what the (a) longest and (b) shortest times have been; [115750]

  (3) what co-ordinated prison services address the needs of prisoners with dual diagnoses; [115743]

  (4) what information he has collated on the numbers of prisoners with dual diagnoses. [115744]

  Paul Goggins
  Information on how many detoxifications of prisoners took place in health care centres in each of the last five years is not available in the form requested. Prison Service establishments reported that 41,916 drug and alcohol detoxifications were carried out between 1 April 2001 and 31 March 2002.
  150W
  "Changing the Outlook, a Strategy for Developing and Modernising Mental Health Services in Prisons" (December 2001) emphasises that service development in prisons must take account of, and link in with, other established programmes for the clinical management of substance misusers and other drug treatment or rehabilitation programmes. The planned devolution of responsibility for commissioning prison health services to Primary Care Trusts by April 2006 will enable the development of a more co-ordinated approach to the planning and delivery of health services to prisoners. This should, in turn, help support achievement of these elements of the mental health strategy.

  Information on the average length of time for the detoxification of a drug abuser in prison has been in the last five years is not available in the form requested. The current practice is to recommend nine to 10 day programmes for the clinical management of opiate withdrawal and seven-day programmes in respect of alcohol. All such recommended timescales are kept under review in the light of developments in clinical practice.

  Detailed information about the co-occurrence of substance misuse and mental disorder can be found in Chapter five of "Substance misuse among prisoners in England and Wales—further analysis of data from the Office for National Statistics survey of psychiatric morbidity among prisoners in England and Wales" carried out on behalf of the Department of Health, published by the Office for National Statistics in 1999.

  The survey indicated that 19 per cent. remanded men, 12 per cent. sentenced men, 21 per cent. remanded women and 15 per cent. sentenced women had four or more of the disorders surveyed (personality disorder, psychosis, neurosis, drug dependence and alcohol misuse).

  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what programmes are available to(a) assess and (b) treat the drug and alcohol addictions of (i) staff and (ii) inmates at each classification of prison and offenders institution in the UK; and if he will make a statement. [115545]

  Paul Goggins
  When a member of staff is recognised as having a drink or drug related problem the Prison Service will offer assistance and guidance on appropriate remedial action. We will support and encourage staff who acknowledge their problem. Our Staff Care and Welfare Service will offer basic counselling and staff will be treated through the NHS facilities where appropriate. However, staff are expected to cooperate constructively and continue with remedial action to overcome their problem.

  A comprehensive range of measures is available to prisoners to address the needs of drug misusers with the needs of alcohol users determined much more on a local basis.

  Detoxification services are available in all local prisons and remand centres for alcohol and other drugs. The Counselling Assessment, Referral, Advice and Throughcare (CARAT) service which deals also with alcohol as part of poly-drug use is available to all

  151W
  prisoners in England and Wales; and intensive rehabilitation programmes are available in 60 establishments.

  Ms Bridget Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many of those in rehabilitation and treatment completed the programmes in each of the last five years; [115747]

  (2) how many detoxified prisoners received follow-up, and of what kind, in each of the last five years; [115748]

  (3) how many CARATS initial assessments led to the full process of counselling, assessment, referral, advice and through care in each year for which figures are available. [115746]

  Paul Goggins
  Information on how many prisoners who undertook rehabilitation and treatment completed the programmes in each of the last five years is not available centrally. The Prison Service is looking to see what additional monitoring arrangements might be put in place.

  Data are not available to show which services were accessed by prisoners following their initial assessment by the Counselling Assessment, Referral, Advice and Throughcare (CARAT) service or on the follow-up services accessed by those who have been detoxified. However, a recent survey showed that 41 per cent. of prisoners who had accessed the CARAT service had received detoxification.

  Prisons
  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give a breakdown by ethnic origin of(a) prisoners of British nationality and (b) all prisoners in each prison in England and Wales for each year between 1997 and 2002. [113255]

  Paul Goggins
  The numbers of(a) prisoners of British nationality and (b) all prisoners in each prison in England and Wales, broken down by ethnic group, for each year between 1997 and 2002 has been placed in the Library.

  Public Protection Panels
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on progress towards the introduction of multi-agency public protection panels; and what relationship these panels have to youth offending trials, and crime division activities. [115433]

  Paul Goggins
  Consolidated Guidance on the further development of the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (the MAPPA) was issued under provision contained in Section 67(6) of the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act (2000). In support of this Guidance and the development it is designed to underpin, the National Probation Directorate is delivering a series of workshops with a cross-section of police and probation Areas in England and Wales this summer.

  An important part of the development of the MAPPA is strengthening the relationships with other agencies and arrangements, including local Area Child Protection Committees and the Crime and Disorder
  152W
  Partnerships. The Criminal Justice Bill will assist this development by imposing a duty to co-operate with the MAPPA on a number of agencies, including social services and youth offending teams. Once the Bill has been enacted further additions to the consolidated Guidance will be issued.

  Recidivism
  Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what incentives are given to private operators of prisons to reduce the rate of recidivism of the inmates they are responsible for. [116257]

  Paul Goggins
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave her on 6 May 2003,Official Report, column 607W.

  Resettlement System
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will establish a resettlement system for citizens of Iraq in the United Kingdom in the process of applying for asylum or leave to remain. [116252]

  Beverley Hughes
  We are consulting the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Organisation for Migration, refugee sector non-gobernmental organisations and Iraqi communities in the United Kingdom on the type of programmes that will be appropriate for an Iraqi Assisted Voluntary Return Programme. No decisions regarding the exact nature of the resettlement system that might be offered has yet been made.

  We are working actively to ensure that Iraqis can be assisted to return voluntarily to their homeland as soon as practicable. Many Iraqis in the United Kingdom have skills, which will be of value to the reconstruction of Iraq. The government is committed to helping clear the way for them to do so.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when a resettlement grant system was set up for Afghanistan; and how many Afghan citizens resident in the United Kingdom have benefitted from the grant. [116254]

  Beverley Hughes
  The Return to Afghanistan Programme, under which resettlement grants are made, commenced 20 August 2002 for six months. This has been extended and the current end date is 19 August 2003. As of 31 March 2003 38 Afghans have benefitted from the grant.

  Roma
  Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the(a) human rights and (b) equal rights of citizens of Roma ethnic minorities living in EU applicant states; and if he will make a statement. [114655]

  Beverley Hughes
  The Country Information and Policy Unit in the Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND) closely monitors the situation of the Roma minorities in the EU accession states.
  153W
  Circumstances for Roma are difficult in a number of countries in central and eastern Europe, partly for reasons of societal prejudice and partly because of discriminatory treatment in various forms and to varying degrees. Governments in the EU accession states have enacted legislation and implemented programmes to improve circumstances for their minority communities and for Roma in particular.

  Human Rights and equality issues with respect to Roma vary from country to country. This is reflected in the Country Assessments and Operational Guidance Notes produced by IND to provide guidance to those involved in decision making on asylum applications. These documents are available on the Home Office website.

  The EU accession states have all been designated under the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 as ones from which in general terms there is no serious risk of persecution. The Government is satisfied that the treatment of Roma will not in general amount to persecution and moreover that the states authorities in general provide sufficient protection.

  Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the number of citizens from the Roma ethnic minorities in applicant states to the European Union who may seek residence in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [114685]

  Beverley Hughes
  Research conducted by University College London for the Home Office, which will be published on 5 June, suggests that the numbers of people who will migrate to the UK from the new Member States after enlargement will not be significant.

  This research corroborates a number of other independent studies which have looked at the scale of migration flows after enlargement. These have been summarised in reports by the European Commission in 2000 and the former Department for Education and Employment in 1999.

  None of this research has been able to predict exact numbers expected from specific countries or ethnic groups to the UK. However, enlargement should improve the quality of life for all citizens in the new Member States as their governments must enforce human rights and minority rights, including protection against racial discrimination, to EU standards before accession and subsequently. EU accession should also improve economic prospects in the new Member States so reducing the incentive for economic migration.

  Stranraer and Cairnryan
  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions staff 154W
  from Glasgow Immigration Office have attended Stranraer and Cairnryan ports to process asylum applications made there. [115827]

  Beverley Hughes
  Immigration staff from Glasgow have not attended Stranraer or Cairnryan ports solely to process asylum seekers. At those times since January 2001, when Immigration Officers have been in attendance, they have operated in support of Police controls operated by Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary, from whom suspected immigration offenders are referred. Any person who claims asylum during such enquiries is initially processed by the Immigration Service within police accommodation at Stranraer Police Station.1 January 2000–31 December 2000 Immigration Officers attended the Port of Stranraer on 56 occasions during this period (two Officers each time).
  1 January 2001–31 December 2001 Immigration Officers attended the Port of Stranraer on 131 occasions during this period (two Officers each time).
  1 January 2002–31 December 2002 Immigration Officers attended the Port of Stranraer on 215 occasions during this period (two Officers each time).
  2003
  Immigration Officers have not attended the Port of Stranraer during this period.

  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when his Department last discussed immigration officer resources available at Stranraer and Cairnryan ports with staff from(a) the Scottish Executive and (b) Dumfries and Galloway police. [115830]

  Beverley Hughes
  As Immigration matters are a reserved issue, there is currently no official channel for discussion of Immigration Service resource allocation with the Scottish Executive. Regular contact between the Immigration Service and Dumfries and Galloway Police is maintained through representation on the Stranraer Ports Forum.

  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will reallocate resources to create a permanent immigration office in Wigtownshire to cover Stranraer and Cairnryan ports. [115828]

  Beverley Hughes
  Passenger traffic at Stranraer is within the Common Travel Area between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Therefore, it is not designated as a Port of Entry within the provisions of the Immigration Acts. When available, Immigration Service staff operate at Stranraer in support of Police controls operated by Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary, from whom suspected immigration offenders are referred. Any person so referred is initially processed by the Immigration Service within police accommodation at Stranraer Police Station. Such persons may then be granted temporary release or transferred to Dungavel House Immigration Removal Centre. As Stranraer and Cairnryan are within the Common Travel Area there is no lawful requirement for having a permanent on-entry Immigration control at Stranraer or Cairnryan.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Subutex
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the prisons in which the drug subutex is prescribed for heroin addicts; and if he will make a statement. [116007]

  Paul Goggins
  Subutex (buprenorphine) is included in the treatment protocols that have been developed in conjunction with NHS services at eight Prison Service establishments (Birmingham, Elmley, High Down, Leeds, Portland young offender institution, Rochester, Stoke Health young offender institution and Swaleside).

  The Prison Service"s Standard for Clincal Services for Substance Misusers requires every establishment that receives prisoners from court to have detoxification guidelines in place for at least one of Methadone, Lofexidine, and Dihydrocodeine. It also states that, as new evidence becomes available on the Chemical management of detoxification or abstinence, establishments should develop further treatment guidelines which are in line with those available in the NHS. Prison Health expects the use of subutes in prisons to develop at a similar pace to the growth in its use in the community.

  Training
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list(a) the number of people in training, (b) the training establishment, (c) the number of full-time equivalent posts vacant and (d) the training budgets in each probation area. [115432]

  Paul Goggins
  The information requested is as follows:

  The total number of trainee probation officers currently stands at 1,470, which is based on Cohort intakes four and five, currently in training. The planned capacity for Cohort six starting this year is 1,100.

  The training establishment is 72, posted within nine separate regional training consortia across England and Wales. They are responsible for the recruitment and the delivery of the Diploma in Probation Studies.

  Figures for the number of full-time equivalent posts vacant within consortia are not available at present, but the number would be insignificant.

  The training budgets for each probation area is shown in the table. This shows the budgets for the total training programme (Cohorts 4–6).

  £000

  South East

  Hampshire

  1,549.0

  Kent

  1,275.0

  Surrey

  673.0

  Sussex

  910.0

  Thames Valley

  1,204.0

  Total

  5,611.0

  156W

  £000

  East Of England

  Bedfordshire

  528.0

  Cambridgeshire

  537.0

  Essex

  1,304.0

  Hertfordshire

  989.0

  Norfolk

  596.0

  Suffolk

  679.0

  Total

  4,633.0

  South West

  Avon and Somerset

  1,178.0

  Devon and Cornwall

  1,121.0

  Dorset

  462.0

  Gloucestershire

  403.0

  Wiltshire

  443.0

  Total

  3,607.0

  West Midlands

  West Mercia

  1,174.0

  West Midlands

  3,865.0

  Staffordshire

  998.0

  Warwickshire

  467.0

  Total

  6,504.0

  East Midlands

  Derbyshire

  957.0

  Lincolnshire

  649.0

  Nottinghamshire

  1,273.0

  Leicestershire

  1,137.0

  Northamptonshire

  630.0

  Total

  4,646.0

  North East

  Durham

  732.0

  Northumbria

  2,042.0

  Teeside

  912.0

  Total

  3,686.0

  North West

  Cumbria

  568.0

  Lancashire

  1,929.0

  Cheshire

  1,053.0

  Greater Manchester

  3,023.0

  Merseyside

  2,131.0

  Total

  8,704.0

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  West Yorkshire

  2,896.0

  Humberside

  1,175.0

  North Yorkshire

  738.0

  South Yorkshire

  1,821.0

  Total

  6,630.0

  Wales

  Dyfed-Powys

  408.0

  Gwent

  607.0

  North Wales

  814.0

  South Wales

  2,013.0

  Total

  3,842.0

  London

  Greater London

  9,380.0

  Grand Total

  57,243.0

  Visa Applications
  Mr. Malins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the forms of visa available to persons who wish to come to the UK; and how many, broken down by category, have been granted in each of the last four years. [115227]

  Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 22 May 2003]Data are not available for each of the last four years on the number of visas that have been issued to persons wishing to come to the United Kingdom in each of the categories allowed for in the Immigration Rules. It is not possible to obtain this information, except at disproportionate cost.

  The table summarises the number of entry clearance applications to the United Kingdom which have been granted for temporary purposes, such as tourists and students and for settlement, between 1997 and 2000.

  Year

  Granted for temporary purposes

  Granted for settlement

  1997

  1,243,450

  40,320

  1998

  1,255,915

  47,540

  1999

  1,313,120

  46,000

  2000

  1,424,880

  54,505

  More recent data on entry clearance applications are not yet available. Entry clearance is an inclusive term which covers entry certificates (for non visa nationals) and family permits (for EEA nationals), as well as visas (for visa nationals).

  Voluntary Organisations
  Mr. Hendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what funding programmes are operated by his Department to support voluntary organizations working with young people; and what the level of support has been over the last three years. [116494]

  Beverley Hughes
  Our funding programmes do not specifically target support for voluntary organisations working with young people. The Active Community Unit funds a number of national/voluntary and community umbrella bodies many of which will support organisations that work with young people. We do not, however, routinely collect information on the level of funding for such work.

  The programmes listed in the table are open to all voluntary and community organisations but include substantial support for those involved in youth projects.

  £000

  Programme

  2000–01

  2001–02

  2002–03

  Drugs Strategy

  —

  —

  507

  Positive Futures

  897

  897

  1,423

  Youth Justice

  —

  350

  2,770

  Work Permits
  Mr. Malins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many work permits to enter and work in the UK have been applied for in each of the last 24 months; and how many have been granted in each of the last 24 months. [113600]
  158W
  Beverley Hughes
  Between 1 April 2001 and 31 March 2003 Work Permits considered a total of 331,277 applications for work permits, of which 297,331 were approved. The following table provides a monthly breakdown of the number of work permits approved and refused during that period:

  Month

  Approved

  Refused

  Total Number of Applications

  2001

  April

  10,595

  673

  11,268

  May

  12,453

  669

  13,122

  June

  12,674

  696

  13,370

  July

  12,682

  832

  13,514

  August

  12,439

  1,005

  13,444

  September

  10,701

  933

  11,634

  October

  12,288

  1,012

  13,300

  November

  10,865

  797

  11,662

  December

  9,014

  831

  9,845

  January

  12,493

  1,178

  13,671

  February

  10,917

  1,287

  12,204

  March

  12,452

  1,527

  13,979

  2002

  April

  13,627

  1,560

  15,187

  May

  14,301

  1,363

  15,664

  June

  12,223

  1,068

  13,291

  July

  15,499

  1,466

  16,965

  August

  13,860

  1,431

  15,291

  September

  13,239

  1,639

  14,878

  October

  13,439

  2,351

  15,790

  November

  11,778

  2,093

  13,871

  December

  10,615

  1,728

  12,343

  January

  13,117

  2,543

  15,660

  February

  11,818

  2,730

  14,548

  March

  14,242

  2,534

  16,776

  Total

  297,331

  33,946

  331,277

  Young Offenders
  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many young offenders in England and Wales, subject to supervision orders, are in residential institutions in Scotland. [115825]

  Paul Goggins
  The supervision order is a community sentence available in England and Wales which places the offender under the supervision of a youth offending team, and can also require offenders to live in local authority accommodation or undergo treatment in a mental health institution. We do not hold information centrally on how many offenders made subject to these requirements are resident in institutions in Scotland. This could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

TRANSPORT

  Airport Capacity
  Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures have been taken to ensure that proposals for the expansion of airports in the south east take into account the findings of his Department"s multi-modal studies for the eastern region. [116323]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Recommendations on the multi-modal studies in the East of England will be submitted to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport, shortly after the airports consultation closes on 30 June.
  159W
  This will allow consideration of these recommendations before final decisions on airport capacity issues are taken. These will be set out in the air transport White Paper which we plan to publish later this year.

  Mr. David Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many responses he has received on his consultative document on the future of air transport in the United Kingdom; and when he expects to publish conclusions following the end of the consulting process. [116175]

  Mr. Jamieson
  We have already received over 100,000 responses to the consultation from across the UK, and we expect to receive many more by 30 June. We shall take careful account of the responses, together with the appraisals we have published, in deciding on the policies to be set out in the White Paper.

  Consultation on "The Future Development of Air Transport in the United Kingdom" ends on 30 June. The Government plan to issue a White Paper by the end of the year which will provide a strategic policy framework for future airport development.

  Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which airports were excluded from the consultation on additional capacity and for what reasons. [116304]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Studies supporting the on-going "Future Development of Air Transport" national consultation considered a wide range of possible airport development options at existing airports and potential new sites. Options were selected using the appraisal criteria established for the process. Reports relating to this process have been published.

  Runway options for Gatwick airport, which had not been included in the July consultation, were subsequently presented in a second edition of the South East consultation document, published in February, following a High Court judgment in November 2002.

  It is open to consultees to submit alternative ideas for consideration.

  Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether an assessment of the(a) environmental and (b) health impact of the expansion of an existing airport will be undertaken before that airport is identified for expansion in any forthcoming White Paper following the current consultation. [116305]

  Mr. Jamieson
  I refer the hon. Member to the written answer I gave to the hon. Member for Bath (Mr. Foster) on 22 May 2003,Official Report, column 938W. A full range of environmental impacts have been examined and will be taken into account before decisions are reached.

  Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures have been taken to ensure that the review of airport capacity across the UK takes into account the economic development goals of each region. [116307]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The compatibility of airport development options with published regional strategies was considered in the studies informing "The Future Development of Air Transport in the United Kingdom" consultation.
  160W
  This analysis will be further informed by responses to the consultation. All responses will be considered carefully before final decisions are taken. These will be set out in the air transport White Paper which we plan to publish later this year.

  Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what account will be taken of the recent downturn in the airline industry when considering future policy on airport capacity. [116308]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Future policy on the provision of airport capacity will be informed by our published forecasts of demand for air transport services. These forecasts are long-term in nature and necessarily consider the aviation industry in the round. Some parts of the industry have been adversely affected recently by a downturn in global demand. Other sectors, such as the no-frills carriers, have performed well over the same period. Demand will always be subject to short-term fluctuations, but overall we remain confident that our forecasts for the next 30 years are robust.

  Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what assessment his Department has made of the cost of the extra infrastructure to meet the volume of road and rail traffic generated by his proposals for the expansion of airport capacity in the South East; [116309]

  (2) what research has been carried out into the capabilities to cope with increased volumes of traffic of existing road and rail infrastructure serving each airport identified for expansion in the current review of airport capacity. [116306]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The South East and East of England Regional Air Services Study (SERAS) included a costed appraisal of the road and rail infrastructure that would be needed for different airport development options. This included an assessment of the type and scale of improvements that might be required on the strategic network.

  The results are summarised for each of the options in "The Future Development of Air Transport in the United Kingdom: South East (second edition)" main consultation document. Further details are contained in the SERAS stage two appraisal findings report and supporting documents. Copies of all reports are available in the House Libraries.

  British Airports Authority
  Laura Moffatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the impact of the recent European Court of Justice ruling on takeovers on the British Airports Authority. [115684]

  Mr. Jamieson
  We are examining the Court"s judgment carefully to assess the implications for the special share that the Government hold in BAA plc.

  10-year Transport Plan
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress his Department has made towards meeting the goals set out within the 10-year transport plan. [116073]
  161W
  Mr. Jamieson
  I refer the hon. Member to the progress report, "Delivering Better Transport: Progress Report", published in December, which set out in detail what has been achieved since the plan came into effect in April 2001. Some more recent information is also included in the Department"s Annual Report 2003. published in May.

  A27 Lewes Bypass
  Norman Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will require an assessment to be made by the Highways Agency of noise pollution in Lewes emanating from the A27 Lewes bypass. [115795]

  Mr. Jamieson
  A detailed noise study of the A27 Lewes Bypass has been carried out and there is no need for a further noise study. The answers previously given on 20 June 2002,Official Report, column 506W and 8 January 2003, Official Report, column 218W still apply.

  A46 Laceby Bypass
  Shona Mclsaac
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many road traffic accidents there have been on the A46 Laceby bypass in each of the past 10 years; and how many resulted in fatalities. [116592]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The table shows the number of accidents, by severity, over the last 10 years for the A46 at Laceby (between the junction of the A18 and the B 1444):

  Year

  Fatal

  Serious

  Slight

  1991

  0

  2

  5

  1992

  0

  2

  8

  1993

  0

  4

  2

  1994

  0

  3

  4

  1995

  0

  3

  10

  1996

  2

  7

  5

  1997

  0

  4

  3

  1998

  0

  2

  3

  1999

  1

  1

  6

  2000

  1

  4

  6

  2001

  2

  4

  12

  Air Transport
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what account has been taken of the protection of tranquility in the countryside in the consultation on the Future Development of Air Transport in the UK. [115724]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The environmental appraisal supporting the consultation took account of the impacts on tranquillity of any future airport development. Closely related environmental impacts, including noise and air quality impacts, were also appraised. The consultation documents, together with supporting background documents, explain the environmental appraisal and key impacts. The consultation documents also invite views on measures for managing environmental impacts. All consultation responses will be considered carefully before final decisions are made in the air transport White paper, which we aim to publish later this year.

  Animal Road Deaths
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what record is kept of animal road kills. [115787]

  Mr. Jamieson
  No central record is kept of animals killed on the roads.

  Bridgwater Station
  Mr. Liddell-Grainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had on the future of Bridgwater station. [115603]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Strategic Rail Authority is responsible for promoting and securing the development of the rail network, including stations. The SRA has not had any discussions about the future of Bridgwater railway station.

  Buses
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on changes in bus reliability, quality and passenger satisfaction since 1997. [116072]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Department has been publishing a quarterly statistical Bulletin on Bus Quality Indicators since 2000. The Bulletin monitors progress in meeting commitments made at the Bus Summit in November 1999, where the Deputy Prime Minister and bus industry representatives agreed a number of quality targets to be met by bus operators. The publication is available on the Department"s web site at: http: //www.transtat.dft.gov.uk/qbullets/qbus.htm. It is also held in the Library.

  Cloned Cars
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many cloned cars have been found in each police authority region in each of the last five years; and what steps his Department is taking to tackle cloned cars. [116858]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Statistics on the number of vehicles reported to police forces as having been cloned in each of the last five years are not available.

  Evidence from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency"s Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems suggests that cloning is being used by a small minority of motorists to evade fines and charges. In order to combat the problem and prevent people obtaining number plates to which they are not entitled, we have introduced measures to tighten up on the supply of plates. Since 1 January, all suppliers of number plates have been required to register with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and to keep records of sales. Purchasers of plates are required to produce evidence of their identity as well as the vehicle"s registration document.

  We are now working on measures to make number plates more secure and to ensure that they can be clearly and visibly linked to the vehicle on which they are displayed. A consultation paper on number plate security will be issued shortly.

  Cycling
  Mr. Liddell-Grainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to assist councils to encourage the use of bicycles in rural areas. [115609]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The English Regions Cycling Development Team, funded by the Department, is shortly to report on the progress being made by all highway authorities in England to provide facilities for cycling. Their report will identify areas where action is needed to remove barriers to increasing levels of cycling, taking account of the local context, whether rural or urban.

  The Department is also supporting a conference at Nottingham University in September this year on "Promoting Cycling in Rural Areas". The Department has jointly funded work with the Countryside Agency for a number of years to promote bike and rail journeys, particularly in areas that are not well served by public transport.

  Mr. Truswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received regarding the fitting of(a) bells and (b) other warning devices to all bicycles by (i) owners and (ii) manufacturers and suppliers; and if he will make a statement. [115622]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Department for Transport carried out a public consultation last year into proposed changes to legislation controlling the sale of adult pedal cycles, including making it a requirement for a bell to be fitted prior to sale. Those responding included individual cycle owners, suppliers and manufacturers as well as the Bicycle Association of Great Britain, which represents cycle manufacturers and importers, the Association of Cycle Traders, which represents independent dealers, and the Cyclists" Touring Club which is a national organisation of cyclists.

  As bells have a strong association with bicycles, the consultation did not address the fitting of other warning devices.

  The Pedal Bicycles (Safety) Regulations 2003 were laid before Parliament on 15 April this year.

  Jane Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the costs and benefits of(a) his Department"s campaign to promote helmet-wearing for teenage cyclists and (b) other strategies and campaigns to promote cycle use. [115841]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Our Road Safety Strategy described the range of activity we are undertaking to make cycling safer, and that does not differentiate between them on grounds of cost and benefit. They all have value and a role to play in helping to reduce cyclist casualties. The strategy addresses the improvement of conditions and infrastructure, driver education, and the measures cyclists can take to protect themselves. As part of that package we said that we would encourage helmet wearing, recognising the evidence that helmets can reduce the severity of head injuries.

  We are principally addressing adolescent boys. That is because the rate of deaths and serious injury for boys is about five times that of girls, and the 12 to 15-year age group accounts for about 60 per cent. of deaths and serious injury among boys. We also know that the early
  164W
  indications from the 2002 wearing rate survey is that while generally rates have gone up from 16 per cent. in 1994 to 25 per cent. in 2002, for boys, the rate has decreased from 16 per cent. to 12 per cent. So we need to draw their attention to the potential safety benefits of cycle helmets, and the publicity material has been tested with the teenage audience to ensure that they will be receptive to it.

  Jane Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the possibility of increased injury risk to cyclists wearing helmets as a result of diffuse axonal injury or subdural haematoma caused by rotational rather than linear impacts to the head. [115842]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Department has made no assessment of these specific injury mechanisms. When accident data were collected by the Transport Research Laboratory in the early 1990"s those cyclists wearing helmets did not have any head injuries. Those that did sustain a brain injury were not wearing helmets.

  A recent independent review of the literature, commissioned by my Department, critically assessed a number of studies to consider the effect of bicycle helmets on head, brain, facial and neck injuries to cyclists. The report concluded that—"Bicycle helmets have been found to be effective at reducing the incidence and severity of head, brain and upper facial injuries. Bicycle helmets have been found to be effective in reducing injury for users of all ages, though particularly for children." Results of this review are available on the Department for Transport website.

  Jane Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the relative involvement rate, per kilometre cycled, of(a) helmeted and (b) unhelmeted cyclists in accidents which result in head injuries in the last three years. [115843]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Our current data do not record information on whether or not cyclists were wearing helmets and therefore do not allow an assessment of this nature. However, the Bicycle Helmet Initiative Trust has been running a cycle helmet promotion scheme in Reading since 1992. Their data show that during that time cycle helmet use by children has trebled and there has been a 45 per cent. reduction in the number of hospital treated head injuries, although no data on changes in cycling levels were recorded.

  Deep Vein Thrombosis
  Mr. John Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to encourage international airlines to contribute towards the World Health Organisation"s funding of research into deep vein thrombosis and air travel. [116590]

  Mr. Jamieson
  When planning the research the World Health Organisation decided not to seek funding from the airline industry to avoid any possible conflict of interest.

  Departmental Budget
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will estimate his departmental underspend in the financial year 2002–03, broken down
  165W
  by (a) resource and (b) capital expenditure and consumption of resource type; and where this underspend has been or will be allocated. [115832]

  Mr. Jamieson
  My Department"s estimated outturn relative to final provision for Resource and Capital DELs is shown in Tables 2.4 and 2.5 of Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses 2003 (Cm 5901).

  I expect the Department"s final outturn to be very close to budget. No decisions have yet been taken on the allocation of any underspend from 2002–03.

  Departmental Contracts
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made(a) of the environmental impact and (b) against sustainable development criteria of the bids made for (i) contracts and (ii) grants awarded by his Department; who makes such assessment; and whether these assessments are published. [115731]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The standard conditions of contract used by my Department require contractors to provide goods and services in accordance with the Department"s environmental policy. Where relevant, contractors" compliance with this requirement is assessed as part of the tender evaluation process, and subsequently as part of the contract management process. Details of the assessment of individual tenders against environmental requirements are not normally published.

  In the case of grants, all requests for capital grants are subject to assessment by the Department which encompasses the principles of sustainable development. These assessments are not normally published.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many staff were employed in his and his predecessor"s Department on functions relating to transport(a) full time and (b) part time, broken down by (i) units and (ii) divisions in each year since 1997. [115709]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Department for Transport has only been in existence since May 2002.

  The following table shows the breakdown of staff for Department for Transport (excluding Agencies).

  The bold highlights are the Unit names and the divisions are listed under each unit.

  Unit

  Full time

  Part time

  Head count

  Driver Vehicle Operator

  13

  0

  13

  Marine Accidents Investigation

  23

  1

  24

  Air Accidents Investigation

  42

  1

  43

  Mobility & Inclusion Unit

  30

  4

  34

  Business Delivery Services

  236

  25

  261

  Legal

  50

  9

  59

  Private Office

  43

  0

  43

  Total

  437

  40

  477

  Railways, Aviation, Logistics, Maritime & Transport Group

  Aviation

  91

  5

  96

  Logistics & Maritime

  167

  13

  180

  Railways

  68

  5

  73

  Transport Security

  87

  4

  91

  Total

  413

  27

  440

  166W

  Unit

  Full time

  Part time

  Head count

  Strategy, Finance & Delivery Group

  Strategy & Delivery

  84

  5

  89

  Technology & Planning

  10

  0

  10

  Communication

  58

  4

  62

  Finance

  53

  2

  55

  Transport Analysis & Economics

  53

  6

  59

  Total

  258

  17

  275

  Roads, Regional & Local Transport Group

  Integrated & Local Transport

  101

  8

  109

  Regional Transport

  16

  2

  18

  Road Transport

  152

  9

  161

  Total

  269

  19

  288

  Grand Totals

  1,377

  103

  1,480

  Drink Driving
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of drink driving laws; and what plans he has to amend them. [116587]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The number of people killed and seriously injured in drink-related collisions has fallen significantly since the introduction of drink-driving laws in the 1960s. The effectiveness of these controls is monitored regularly.

  The Government consider that enforcement of the law is a key priority for reducing drink-driving casualties. To that end, we are planning to strengthen the police"s powers to enable them to carry out evidential breath testing at the roadside. We have also announced our intention to increase penalties for those found guilty of causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs and for repeat drink-drive offenders.

  Driving Licences
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to his answer of 14 May 2003,Official Report, column 245W, on driving licences, how many claims he received in each of the last five years for driving licences lost in the post having been sent by the DVLA. [115499]

  Mr. Jamieson
  DVLA does not meet any financial claims for lost licences. However, when notified that a driving licence has not been delivered safely, DVLA will issue a free replacement, provided this is within three months of despatch. Beyond this timescale an application for a duplicate is appropriate.

  During the financial year 2001–02, 175 free replacement driving licences were provided.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to his Written Ministerial Statement of 7 May 2003, Official Report, columns 31–32WS, on driving licences, what estimates he has made of the number of people who will be eligible to reclaim for(a) car licence applications and (b) lorry and bus licence applications. [115848]
  167W
  Mr. Jamieson
  The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) estimates that there are approximately 200,000 drivers overall who may be eligible for a refund. Of these approximately 125,000 will be car licence holders and approximately 75,000 will be lorry and bus licence holders.

  Euro
  Norman Lamb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he received the Treasury documents relating to the five economic tests and the 18 background studies; what discussions he has held with ministerial colleagues on the tests since receipt of the documents; when he expects to complete his analysis of the documents; and what representations(a) he and (b) departmental officials will make to other Departments before a decision is reached on the economic tests. [115395]

  Mr. Darling
  The Treasury"s 18 supporting studies on EMU were sent to Cabinet Ministers on 16 May. The Prime Minister and the Chancellor are holding meetings with Cabinet Members. There was an initial discussion at Cabinet on 22 May followed by a special Cabinet meeting on 5 June. The Chancellor will make a statement to the House of Commons on 9 June.

  Highway Maintenance Funding in England between 1997–98 and 2003–04

  (£ million cash)

  Year

  Motorways and Trunk Capital

  Motorways and Trunk Revenue

  Motorway and Trunk Road Totals

  Local Roads Revenue

  Local Roads Capital

  London Local Roads Capital

  Transfer to TfL for former Trunk Roads

  Local Road Totals

  TOTALS

  1997–98

  410

  172

  582

  1,658

  200

  1,858

  2,440

  1998–99

  425

  216

  641

  1,721

  247

  1,968

  2,609

  1999–2000

  449

  252

  701

  1,763

  309

  2,072

  2,773

  2000–01

  435

  237

  672

  1,859

  301

  2,160

  2,832

  2001–02

  421

  244

  665

  1,905

  545

  32

  73

  2,555

  3,220

  2002–03

  426

  242

  668

  1,955

  560

  n/a

  73

  2,588

  3,256

  2003–04

  426

  296

  722

  2,005

  610

  n/a

  73

  2,688

  3,410

  Notes:

  1. Local road revenue figures include London throughout.

  2. Other London figures shown separately from 2001–02.

  Hovercraft
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions have taken place with private companies regarding reintroducing, a hovercraft link across the Channel. [116237]

  Mr. Jamieson
  None. Reintroducing cross-Channel services would be a matter for the judgment of the companies concerned, within the safety and related requirements of the Merchant Shipping Acts.

  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the benefits of hovercraft travel; and if he will provide assistance to transport companies and allocate funds for the development of hovercraft transport routes. [116238]

  Mr. Jamieson
  No recent assessment has been made of the benefits of hovercraft travel, which would be a matter for the commercial judgement of shipping companies. Hovercraft are regulated for safety and related purposes by the Merchant Shipping Acts.

  Hard Shoulder
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans his Department has to make use of hard shoulders on motorways and dual carriageways during peak traffic hours; and if he will make a statement. [115631]

  Mr. Jamieson
  A pilot of Active Traffic Management measures between junctions 3A and 7 of the M42 will start in summer 2004. The controlled use of the hard shoulder as a running lane for traffic at peak periods or when there has been an incident will start in summer 2006. We believe that this will help to reduce congestion on this section of the motorway network. Motoring organisations and emergency services have been consulted as part of the preparations.

  Highway Maintenance
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the cost of highway maintenance on Britain"s road network in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement. [116588]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Funding for trunk and local road maintenance in England from 1997–98 to 2003–04 is shown in the table. Highway maintenance in Scotland and Wales is a matter for the Scottish Executive and the National Assembly for Wales respectively.

  Integrated Transport Policy
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures his Department has taken to introduce Integrated Policy Appraisal into policy making. [115727]

  Mr. Jamieson
  My Department has, for some time, been involved in the development of integrated policy appraisal. A tool for carrying out such appraisal—the Integrated Policy Appraisal Tool (IPA)—was developed in the former DETR and forms part of the guidance to policy makers in my Department on better policy making. The tool was used to produce a sustainability assessment to accompany our Spending Round 2002 bid.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what monitoring the Department has undertaken to examine the impact of the Single Capital Pot on the allocation of funding for integrated transport measures. [115720]
  169W
  Mr. Jamieson
  Block allocations to local authorities for smaller (less than £5 million) integrated transport and highway maintenance schemes have been made through the Single Capital Pot since its introduction for 2002–03. Audited local authority expenditure data for that year will not be available until August this year, so there is as yet no firm evidence of its possible impact on authorities" allocation decisions.

  Officials continue to monitor the delivery of local transport objectives through the system of annual progress reports on authorities" Local Transport Plans. The next such reports are to be submitted by the end of July.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment has been made of the change in local authority transport priorities in relation to major capital projects since the introduction of the Single Capital Pot; and what conclusions have been reached. [115721]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Major transport schemes are not funded through the Single Capital Pot. They are funded through separate ear-marked resources.

  KPMG
  Mr. Kilfoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many contracts his Department has awarded to KPMG since 1997. [113690]

  Mr. Jamieson
  My Department came into being in May 2002. Since that time the following contracts1 been awarded to KPMG:
  Advice on Network Rail business plans and solvency during Railtrack administration. This was a joint award with the Strategic Rail Authority.
  Framework agreement for major projects consultancy services. This was a joint award with several other companies.

  Leeds Supertram
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment his Department has made of extending the Leeds Supertram route from Leeds through Leeds, West to Bradford Interchange; and if he will make a statement. [115929]

  Mr. Jamieson
  There are no proposals for such an extension currently before the Department, so no assessment has been made.

  Local Authority Funding
  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what grants have been made by his Department to local authorities for 2003–04 in England broken down by local authority; and whether the grant is(a) ring fenced, (b) a specific formula grant, (c) within aggregate external finance and (d) outside aggregate external finance. [114913]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The information requested has been placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Mersey Tunnel Toll
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the financial information on tunnel operations provided in the consultation on Mersey Tunnel toll rises. [116212]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The financial information provided by the Merseyside Passenger Transport Authority in relation to its application to revise the toll charges at the Mersey Tunnels is still being considered; it is, therefore, too early to make an assessment on the adequacy of the information.

  It is likely that the toll revision application will be considered at a public inquiry which will consider all information put before them.

  Ministerial Correspondence Unit
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many staff have been employed in the Ministerial Correspondence Unit of the Department in each of the last two years. [115884]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Department for Transport was formed on 29 May 2002. The Ministerial Correspondence Unit has been staffed by 8.5 permanent civil servants. This figure excludes any temporary agency staff that may have worked in the unit over this period.

  Motor Vehicle Registration
  Mr. Greg Knight
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will review the new arrangements in place relating to the supply of vehicle number plates; and if he will make a statement. [115688]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The regulatory impact assessment that accompanied the regulations states that"the effectiveness of tile scheme and the extent of the burden on small businesses will be reviewed two years from the date of the commencement order."

  A review of the operation of the new arrangements will accordingly be completed by January 2005. The results of the review and any recommendations for change will be made public.

  Mr. Greg Knight
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many representations he has received and from whom in respect of the new restrictions imposed this year on the sale and supply of vehicle number plates. [115689]

  Mr. Spellar
  Since the commencement of the register in January this year, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency has received telephone inquiries on a daily basis. Most are from number plate suppliers about the detailed operation of the scheme.

  In addition, written representations seeking exemptions from the scheme have been received from the Federation of British Vehicle Clubs and owners of historic vehicles, trailer retailers and distance sellers of number plates. To permit these exemptions would undermine the scheme by providing loopholes for criminals to exploit.
  171W
  Mr. Greg Knight
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will exempt pre-1973 motor vehicles from the new rules imposed on the sale and supply of number plates. [R] [115690]

  Mr. Spellar
  This issue was carefully considered prior to the making of the relevant regulations. The theft of historic vehicles is a specialised but lucrative activity. To grant the suggested exemption would deny the protection against vehicle theft that this scheme brings to other motorists.

  Motoring Offences
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what record is kept of motoring offences overseas by holders of driving licences of the United Kingdom; and if he will place a copy of the most recent set of such statistics in the Library; [115713]

  (2) what steps (a) have taken place and (b) are planned to reduce the incidences of motoring offences by holders of United Kingdom driving licences while overseas. [115714]

  Mr. Jamieson
  No records are currently kept in this country of motoring offences committed overseas by holders of UK driving licences.

  Motoring laws can vary widely between countries and they are also subject to changes. It would therefore be impractical for the Government to provide definitive and comprehensive advice on compliance for UK licence holders visiting each country.

  In the context of the European Union, the UK actively co-operates with other member states on road safety to promote higher standards and to reduce the risk of accidents due to bad driving. In addition, the Crime (International Co-operation) Bill, which received its second reading in this House on 1 April 2003, includes measures to enable the ratification of the EU Convention on Driving Disqualifications.

  Under the Convention, drivers normally resident in one member state who are disqualified from driving in another member state will also be disqualified in their state of residence. This will tackle the most serious driving offence cases and should act as a significant deterrent to bad driving. DVLA will administer the process in the UK and will have records of UK licence holders disqualified in member states which have ratified the Convention and with whom a bi-lateral agreement has been reached, as well as of non-UK licence holders disqualified in this country.

  Motorways
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the function of motorway hard shoulders as defined by(a) departmental guidance and (b) legislation. [115705]

  Mr. Jamieson
  There is no departmental guidance on the function of motorway hard shoulders. The Highway Code (Para. 238) states that"you must not drive on the hard shoulder except in an emergency or if directed to do so by signs".
  172W
  The legislation covering the use of the hard shoulder is the Motorways Traffic (England and Wales) Regulations 1982. These do not set out the function of the hard shoulder but describe what it is and under what circumstances it may be used, which are as set out in the Highway Code.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research has been conducted and commissioned(a) by his Department and (b) by the Highways Agency on the effect of hard shoulders on the (i) numbers and (ii) severity of accidents; and what main conclusions were reached by these studies. [115706]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Neither the Department for Transport nor the Highways Agency has conducted or commissioned research on the effect of hard shoulders on the numbers and severity of accidents. However, the Highways Agency has carried out research on hard shoulder discontinuities such as pinch points near bridges resulting from motorway widening schemes. This research has shown that there is no statistically significant difference in accident rates at hard shoulder discontinuities.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport for what reasons the motorway hard shoulder running trial will be extended to other motorways prior to the completion of the trial on the M42. [115711]

  Mr. Jamieson
  No decisions have been taken on extending active traffic management to sections of the motorway network beyond the pilot study announced for the M42. But as the motoring organisations have argued further trials at other sites would be required before hard shoulder running could be applied more generally. Such trials could be run in parallel with the M42 study.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consultation(a) has taken place and (b) is planned relating to hard shoulder running on motorways; and if he will make a statement. [115799]

  Mr. Jamieson
  No statutory consultation is required. But in developing the M42 Active Traffic Management study, which will include part-time use of the hard shoulder as a running lane under carefully controlled conditions, ongoing consultation is taking place with stakeholders including motoring organisations and the emergency services.

  National Travel Survey
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the average(a) number and (b) distance per annum of trips as calculated by the National Travel Survey was by (i) car driver, (ii) car passenger, (iii) bus, (iv) walking and (v) other modes of transport broken down by (A) commuting, (B) business, (C) education, (D) escort education, (E) shopping and (F) other reasons, and by sex, and those (1) under 17-years-old, (2) 17 to 29-year-old, (3) 30 to 49-years-old, (4) 50 to 59-years-old and (5) over 60-years-old, in (w) 1975–76, (x) 1985–86, (y) 1992–94 and (z) 1999–2001. [115710]

  Mr. Jamieson
  This information is very detailed and will be placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Network Rail (Railway Clearing)
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations his Department has received regarding the decision by Network Rail to cut back vegetation and fell trees along railway lines; and if he will make a statement. [114957]

  Mr. Jamieson
  A number of such representations have been received by my Department. This is an operational matter for Network Rail, who have a duty to maintain the trackside and embankments in such a way as to ensure safety is not compromised.

  Park-and-ride Schemes
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the Park and Ride schemes which have been given approval since 1 January 1997, in each

  Authority

  Scheme

  Expected start date

  Bradford

  South Bradford Integrated Transport Improvements

  November 2001

  Cheshire

  Chester-Deeside Transport Scheme

  May 2004

  Doncaster

  A638 Great North Road Quality Bus Corridor

  April 2002

  Durham

  Belmont Interchange

  October 2003

  Tyne & Wear PTA

  Four Lanes End Interchange

  April 2002

  Wiltshire

  Salisbury Integrated Transport Measures

  April 2002

  The provision of parking facilities, including Park and Ride, is a matter for the local highway authority and rail operators. In addition to the major schemes, a number of smaller schemes have been proposed/ implemented by the local authorities as part of the local transport strategy. These have included proposals for extension of existing sites or new sites for both bus-based and rail-based schemes. These are summarised in the following table. Details of the smaller schemes, including proposed timetables, are not kept centrally.

  Type of scheme

  2001

  2002

  Bus-based P&R—new

  7

  11

  Bus-based P&R—extension

  6

  7

  Rail-based P&R—new

  4

  6

  Rail-based P&R—extension

  7

  8

  Partnerships UK
  Mr. Goodman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what partnerships to fund transport which include local authorities have been established with the assistance of Partnerships UK in each of the last three years. [116804]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Partnerships UK have participated in partnerships with local authorities for the procurement of the following transport projects:Leeds Supertram
  South Hampshire Rapid Transit
  Staffordshire Street Lighting Scheme.

  They have also offered advice through their helpdesk facility on a number of other local transport projects.

  They have not however provided any funding for such projects.
  174W
  case stating (a) whether it was (i) a new scheme and (ii) an extension to an existing one, (b) whether the site was located in Green Belt land and (c) how many additional parking spaces were included. [115718]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The highway authorities in consultation with the appropriate planning authorities develop Park and Ride schemes. The information requested, covering Park and Ride schemes that have been authorised since 1997, is not held centrally. However, the following information was made available for the schemes over the last two years in response to an earlier request for information on Park and Ride.

  The following major local public transport projects, which contain proposals for Park and Ride within them, have been approved or provisionally approved. The expected start dates are those provided by the authorities as part of the Local Transport Plans" Annual Progress Reports submitted in July 2001.

  Pillion Passengers
  Mr. Cawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the minimum age is for a person to be a pillion passenger on a motorcycle; what regulations relate to the safety of motorcycle pillion passengers; and what plans he has to improve the safety of motorcycle pillion passengers. [116299]

  Mr. Jamieson
  There is no minimum age for a person to be a pillion passenger on a motorcycle.

  There are a number of regulations relevant to the safety of pillion passengers. The key legislative requirements are:
  The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999 require that only motorcyclists who have passed a motorcycle test can carry passengers.
  Section 23 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 requires that no more than one passenger may be carried and passengers must be capable of sitting astride a proper seat securely fixed to the motorcycle.
  Section 102 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 requires that the machine must be equipped with suitable supports or rests for the feet of the pillion passenger.
  The Motor Cycles (Protective Helmets) Regulations 1998 require that passengers must wear a safety helmet.
  Section 100 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 requires that passengers must be carried in a manner so that no danger is caused, or likely to be caused, to any person on the vehicle or on the road.
  Section 8 of the Road Traffic Act 1991 makes it an offence to use a vehicle when the number of passengers, or the manner in which they are carrited, is such that it involves a danger of injury to any person.

  As part of its Road Safety Strategy the Government have embarked on a package of measures to improve the safety of all motorcyclists. These include improvements to testing and training; making drivers more aware of

  175W
  the vulnerability of motorcyclists; and promoting improvements in technical standards. The Government recently launched a safety publicity campaign aimed at urban motorcycling and is working on further safety publicity aimed at those who ride big bikes. These initiatives will improve the safety of pillion passengers as well as riders.

  Private Railway (West Somerset)
  Mr. Liddell-Grainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what Government assistance is available to a local private railway in West Somerset to help encourage people to use the service. [115606]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Government assistance to a local private railway could be considered only if it were to provide scheduled passenger services under a franchise agreement.

  Procurement Programme
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether his Department"s procurement programme includes timber for use in departmental building projects; and if he will make a statement. [115753]

  Mr. Jamieson
  My Department"s procurement programmes include timber for use in building projects and refurbishment schemes.

  My Department"s Greening Operations Policy Statement includes a commitment to purchase only timber and timber products from sustainable and legal sources. Purchasers within the Department are reminded regularly of this commitment and provided with advice to assist them in purchasing sustainable timber, including the Office of Government Commerce Information Note 9/2002.

  Public Service Agreements
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps the Department has taken to publicise its Public Service Agreement targets; and at what cost to public funds. [114452]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Information on PSA targets is published on the Department for Transport website and included in routine publications such as departmental reports, which involves no significant extra cost.

  Railways
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to improve consultation with passengers groups and local authorities on proposed cuts in rail services; and if he will make a statement. [115464]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Strategic Rail Authority currently engages closely with the Rail Passengers Committees (RPCs), which represent the interests and voice of passengers. The Authority plan to improve links with the RPCs through more regular meetings. The Authority have also established a Regional Planning Team, and will shortly appoint Regional Planning 176W
  Managers, who will be responsible for liaison with regional planning bodies and local authorities, and for co-ordinating the SRA"s rail planning activities in the regions. The recent timetable changes were driven by the need to improve performance urgently in the interests of passengers.

  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what improvements are planned for Lime Street Station, Liverpool. [115465]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Network Rail advises that it is planning to add Liverpool Lime Street to its portfolio of "Major Stations" (stations owned and managed directly by Network Rail, rather than by train operating companies). Until negotiations are complete regarding this process, details of planned improvements are unavailable.

  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment was made of the economic regeneration impact of the SRA"s recent decision to cut cross country services to Liverpool in the 2003 summer and autumn timetable. [115466]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The timetable changes were driven by the need to improve performance urgently in the interests of passengers. The principal passenger flows to and from Liverpool, from which principal economic benefits are derived, will continue to be served by through trains with improving reliability.

  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the London-Liverpool Intercity Pendolino trains will be operational. [115467]

  Mr. Jamieson
  I refer my hon. Friend to my answer of 19 May 2003,Official Report, column 548W, to the hon. Member for Shrewsbury and Atcham (Mr. Paul Marsden).

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to his answer of 12 May 2003,Official Report, column 128W, on railways, how many train operating companies have (a) sought permission, (b) obtained permission and (c) been denied permission from (i) Network Rail and (ii) the Strategic Rail Authority to exceed the prescribed journey times in each of the last two years; and on which routes. [115570]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The information requested can be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on changes in staffing levels within the railway industry since 1992. [115586]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The following table shows staff employed in the railways for each year since 1992. The apparently steep fall, especially pronounced after 1995, is due primarily to staff from parts of the former British Rail being reclassified to other sectors such as telecommunications, construction, manufacturing and business services. A 2001 report by the Rail Industry Training Council estimated the number of staff employed in the industry as a whole at that time at between 140,000 and 150,000, broadly comparable with the figure for 1992.
  177W

  Thousand

  Year

  Number

  1992

  142

  1993

  135

  1994

  128

  1995

  113

  1996

  85

  1997

  55

  1998

  46

  1999

  49

  2000

  49

  2001

  48

  2002

  50

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which companies have been rejected by the Strategic Rail Authority from prequalification in the current franchise replacement programme, and what reasons in each case were given by the Strategic Rail Authority under the terms of the Cabinet Office guidance for non-departmental public bodies. [115707]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The companies that have failed to pre-qualify for franchises, and the reasons for their failure, are not made public in the interests of commercial confidentiality and maintaining a competitive procurement process. Potential bidders are given confidential feedback. In all cases the aim is to ensure a strong competition that delivers a value for money franchise.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport for what reasons companies may be rejected by the Strategic Rail Authority from prequalification in the franchise replacement programme; and what(a) guidance and (b) legislation covers this process. [115708]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Franchising is a matter for the Strategic Rail Authority under the provisions of the Transport Act 2000. Neither the Act nor the Directions and Guidance to the Authority issued by the Secretary of State under the Act address the pre-qualification process. To pre-qualify prospective bidders must complete questionnaires which the Authority then evaluates and ranks in order of merit. On the basis of that evaluation, the Authority selects not less than three and not more than five bidders to receive Invitations to Tender.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many Travelsafe officers and equivalent operate on the railways, broken down by Train Operating Company. [115716]

  Mr. Jamieson
  South West Trains is the only train operating company that employs Travelsafe officers. They currently have 27 Travelsafe officers deployed in Clapham, Guildford, Portsmouth and Richmond.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many compensation claims have been made for delays on the railways by passengers in each year since 1997 using (i) claim form RSP25805/24 and (ii) other claim forms; and what their total value was. [115717]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The information is not held centrally.
  178W
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what legislation governs the(a) activities and (b) powers of Travelsafe officers operating on South West Trains; and if he will make a statement. [115754]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Travelsafe Officers are civilian employees of South West Trains. They are governed by the same legislation that applies to other employees of this company. They have no specific powers but, as with other employees, they are able to use the national Railway Bylaws made by South West Trains to regulate the behaviour of passengers on the railways.

  Red Diesel
  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the levels of on-road use of red diesel by(a) farmers, (b) plant hirers, (c) builders, (d) agricultural contractors and (e) tractor dealers. [115893]

  John Healey
  I have been asked to reply.

  There are no estimates of the levels of on-road use of red diesel by user type, however, most vehicles permitted to use red diesel use it off-road. Because there are specific conditions attached to vehicles allowed to use red diesel, the amount of red diesel used on-road will be very small.

  Registration Plates
  Mr. Watson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research his Department has undertaken into the cloning of car registration plates. [116023]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Evidence from Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems suggests that cloning is being used by a small minority of motorists to evade fines and charges.

  In order to combat the problem and prevent people obtaining number plates to which they are not entitled, we have introduced measures to tighten up on the supply of plates. Since 1 January, all suppliers of number plates have been required to register with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and to keep records of sales. Purchasers of plates are required to produce evidence of their identity as well as the vehicle"s registration document.

  We are now working on measures to make number plates more secure and to ensure that they can be clearly and visibly linked to the vehicle on which they are displayed. A consultation paper on number plate security will be issued shortly.

  Mr. Watson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many car registration plates were reported to police forces as having been cloned in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement. [116026]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Statistics on the number of vehicles reported to police forces as having been cloned in each of the last three years are not available.

  Road Accidents
  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what percentage of new cars have ABS
  179W
  brakes fitted; what assessment he has made of the effect of ABS brakes on the number of road accidents; and what his policy is on making the fitting of ABS brakes compulsory on all new cars. [115733]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The major European, Japanese and Korean car manufacturers have made a commitment to fit ABS to all new cars sold from 1 July 2004. Only certain sports car and specialist vehicle manufacturers are not bound by this commitment. These represent a very small proportion of vehicles. entering the vehicle fleet.

  The Department for Transport commissioned the Transport Research Laboratory to carry out research into the effectiveness of ABS in reducing accidents. The results indicated a 3 per cent. overall reduction in accidents. The report concluded that, although ABS had the potential to reduce the number of accidents, this had not yet been fully realised, in part because many drivers had little or no knowledge of how ABS can help in an emergency. The Department"s Driving Standards Agency is considering how driver understanding of ABS can be improved.

  Copies of the TRL report, "A Survey of the Effectiveness of ABS in Reducing Accidents" have been placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Given the almost total coverage achieved by the industry commitment, the Department will not be seeking the compulsory fitting of ABS in new cars.

  Road Haulage Fund
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) how much of the Road Haulage Modernisation Fund was spent in 2001–02 and 2002–03; how much will be spent in 2003–04; and to what purpose any balance will be put;–[114087]

  (2) if he will make it the policy of his Department to invest the unspent balance of the Road Haulage Modernisation Fund in training for drivers; and if he will make a statement. [114086]

  Mr. Jamieson
  [holding answer 16 May 2003]I refer the hon. Member to the answer I have given him today ref. [114072].

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the projects which the Road Haulage Modernisation Fund has supported; and the expenditure on each. [114072]

  Mr. Jamieson
  DfT has spent the following on the Road Haulage Modernisation Fund (RHMF) in England:

  2001–02: £6.07 million

  2002–03: £8.61 million

  Just as in 2001–02 and 2002–03, spend in the final year of the fund in England (2003–04) will be determined by industry demand for fund schemes. Demand has been disappointingly low. The road haulage modernisation fund in England requires a shift by industry towards better business practices. It is therefore reliant on industry taking up what is on offer. All schemes in
  180W
  England have been worked up with the industry through the Road Haulage Forum and its subgroups. The projects supported so far include:

  Clean Up haulage: £3.93 million

  Enforcement in GB: £5.9 million

  Fuel Economy Advisers: £2.53 million

  Modernising Operator Scheme (pilot): £0.19 million

  Training Schemes: £2.13 million (made up of Young Drivers Scheme, Modern Apprenticeships, Investment in Training, Training simulator, driver shortage survey)

  In addition to the projects above other projects are coming on stream this year, and are supported by the fund in England. They include:

  Driver Development Scheme

  Driver Simulator Project

  Respect for People Scheme

  Careers Website

  Modernising Operator Scheme (main scheme)

  These schemes are extant and can be applied for by industry operators now.

  The RHMF was announced as a 3-year, ring-fenced fund and subject to take-up by the industry. As such there is no balance available for reallocation. However, all schemes under the RHMF will be evaluated and decisions taken on whether there is justification to extend any of them separately. The Department continues to discuss with the industry on how best to promote modernisation within the industry.

  Separate funds for road haulage modernisation exist in the Devolved Administrations.

  Road Schemes (Public Inquiries)
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which road schemes promoted by the Highways Agency went to public inquiry in 2002; and in respect of which ones decisions have been announced. [116790]

  Mr. Jamieson
  I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Tim Matthews, to reply to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Tim Matthews to Mr. Christopher Chope, dated 3 June 2003:
  I have been asked by the Transport Minister, David Jamieson, to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about road schemes that went to public inquiry in 2002; and in respect of which ones have decisions been announced.
  The A500 City Road & Stoke Road Junction Improvement and the A1 Stannington Junction both went to public inquiry in 2002 and decisions have been announced. The A63 Melton Grade Separated Junction also went to public inquiry in 2002 and a decision has not yet been announced.
  In addition to this, the A1(M) Wetherby-Walshford and the A21 Lamberhurst Bypass went to public inquiry in 2002 to examine modifications to the original proposals and in both cases the decisions have been announced.
  If you require any further information, please contact Martin Steward. He can be contacted at the Agency"s office at Broadway, Broad Street, Birmingham, B15 1BL or by telephone on 0121 678 8324.

  Road Traffic Accidents
  Mr. Watson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will provide rest areas on motorways. [115921]

  Mr. Jamieson
  My officials are working up proposals to take forward a pilot scheme under which we will provide a purpose-built rest area directly accessed from the motorway network. If successful, such rest areas will be in addition to rest facilities provided by existing motorway service areas, which are available at approximately 30-mile intervals on most of the motorway network in England.

  Mr. Watson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many road traffic accidents occurred in the last three years for which figures are available because of(a) motorists and (b) cyclists ignoring red traffic lights. [115922]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The information requested is not available.

  Mr. Watson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many road traffic accidents were caused by litter on the roads in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement. [115923]

  Mr. Jamieson
  This information is not held centrally.

  Mr. Watson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many motorists were(a) killed and (b) seriously injured in sleep-related road traffic accidents in each of the last five years. [116022]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The information requested is not available. Research has established that tiredness is a principle factor in around 10 per cent. of car driver accidents and about 15–20 per cent. of all accidents on motorways and other similar roads

  Mr. Watson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps his Department is taking to prevent road traffic accidents caused by motorists and cyclists ignoring red traffic light signals. [116027]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Red light enforcement cameras have proved to be highly effective at reducing redlight jumping by motorists and accident casualties have fallen as a result. More are now being deployed within the Safety Camera Netting-off Scheme that allows some fine revenue from fixed penalties to be re-invested in camera activity.

  The minority of cyclists who irresponsibly ignore red traffic light signals, putting themselves and other road users at risk are liable to prosecution and the offences of careless and dangerous cycling currently carry maximum fines of £1,000 and £2,500 respectively. Enforcement of the law is of course a matter for the police.

  Mr. Watson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much rubbish was removed from motorways in England in the last 12 months for which figures are available. [116235]

  Mr. Jamieson
  I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Tim Matthews, to reply to my hon. Friend.
  182W
  Letter from Tim Matthews to Mr. Tom Watson dated 3 June 2003:
  The Transport Minister, David Jamieson, has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the amount of rubbish removed from the motorway network.
  The information you asked for is not available. Our Managing Agent Contractors clear litter from the motorway network as part of their routine maintenance work but they are not required to record how much they collect. It would not be practical to record the information because collection methods differ widely. Some Contractors pick by hand, others use machines.

  Roads Improvement Programme
  Mr. Liddell-Grainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to upgrade main roads in West Somerset. [115608]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Secretary of State has no plans to upgrade main roads in West Somerset district, as it is the responsibility of Somerset county council as the highway authority.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the roads in the Targeted Programme of Improvements, in each case stating whether an Environmental Impact Assessment has been conducted in accordance with Directives 85/337/ EEC and 97/11/EU prior to its inclusion in the programme. [115719]

  Mr. Jamieson
  I have asked the chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Tim Matthews, to reply to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Tim Matthews to Mr. Don Foster, dated 3 June 2003:
  I have been asked by David Jamieson to reply to your parliamentary question asking the Secretary of State to list the road schemes in the Targeted Programme of Improvements and to state whether an Environmental Impact Assessment was conducted prior to inclusion in the programme.
  The schemes in the TPI are listed in the attached annex. Please note that schemes that have been opened to traffic are excluded from the list. Prior to entry in the TPI, options are assessed using the New Approach to Appraisal (NATA) to ensure that decisions are based on a balanced view of the economic, environmental, safety, accessibility and integration implications.
  We have identified the schemes where an Environmental Impact Assessment was carried out prior to TPI entry. When the TPI was introduced, these schemes were in the former roads programme and had already reached the stage in their development at which these assessments are carried out.
  If you require any further information about this, Martin Steward in the Agency"s Birmingham office would be pleased to help you. His telephone number is 0121 678 8324.

  Targeted programme of improvements (TPI) excludes schemes already open to trafic

  Environmental impact assessment (ElA) conducted in accordance with directives 85/337/EEC and 97/11/EU prior to its inclusion in the programme (YES/NO)

  A1(M) Ferrybridge—Hook Moor

  YES

  A1(M) Wetherby—Walshford

  YES

  A2 Bean—Cobham Phase 1 Bean—Tollgate

  NO

  A2 Bean—Cobham Phase 2 Tollgate—Cobham

  NO

  A2/A282 Dartford Improvement

  YES

  A5 Weeford—Fazeiey Improvement

  NO

  A6 Rushden and Higham Ferrers Bypass

  YES

  183W

  Targeted programme of improvements (TPI) excludes schemes already open to traffic

  Environmental impact assessment (ElA) conducted in accordance with directives 85/337/EEC and 97/11/EU prior to its inclusion in the programme (YES/NO)

  A6 Rothwell—Desborough Bypass

  YES

  A6 Alvaston Bypass

  YES

  A10 Wadesmill Colliers End

  YES

  A14 Rookery Crossroads Grade Separated Junction

  NO

  A21 Lamberhurst Bypass

  YES

  A34 Chieveley/M4 J13 Improvement

  NO

  A41 Aston Clinton Bypass

  YES

  A46 Newark—Lincoln Improvement

  YES

  A63 Selby Bypass

  YES

  A120 Stansted—Braintree Improvement

  YES

  A249 Iwade—Queenborough Improvement

  YES

  A303 Stonehenge

  NO

  A421 Great Barford Bypass

  NO

  A500 City Road and Stoke Junction Improvement

  NO

  A500 Basford, Hough, Shavington Bypass

  YES

  A650 Bingley Relief Road

  YES

  A1033 Hedon Road Improvement

  YES

  M25 J12–15 Widening

  YES

  M60 J5–8 Widening

  YES

  A11 Attleborough Bypass

  NO

  A11 Fiveways—Thetford Improvement

  NO

  A47 Thomey Bypass

  NO

  M6 Carlisle to Guardsmill extension

  YES

  A63 Melton Grade Separated Junction

  NO

  A14 Haughley New St—Stowmarket Improvement

  NO

  A3 Hindhead Improvement

  NO

  A38 Dobwalls Bypass

  NO

  A595 Parton—Lillyhall Improvement

  YES

  Al Peterborough—Blvth GSJ

  NO

  M62 Junction 6 Improvement

  NO

  A46 Newark—Widmerpool Improvement

  NO

  A30 Bodmin Indian Queens

  NO

  A483 Pant- Llanymynech Bypass

  NO

  A5117/A550 Deeside Park Junctions Improvement

  NO

  A419 Blunsdon Bypass

  NO

  A66 Temple Sowerby and Improvement at Winderwath

  NO

  A1 Dishforth to Leerrung

  YES

  A1 Bramham—Wetherby (including Wetherby Bypass)

  YES

  A1 Leeming to Barton

  YES

  A64 Rillington Bypass

  NO

  M40/A404 Handy Cross Junction Improvement

  NO

  A47 Blofield to North Burlingham Dualling

  NO

  A66 Greta Bridge to Stephen Bank Improvement

  NO

  A66 Carkin Moor to Scotch Corner Improvement

  NO

  A428 Caxton Common to Hardwick Improvement

  NO

  £ million

  Rural bus subsidy grant Resource

  Rural bus challenge

  Countryside agency rural transport programmes Resource

  Total

  Revenue

  Capital

  Resource

  Capital

  1998–99

  24.1

  1.6—no split available

  2.3

  28.0—no split available

  1999–2000

  30.5

  0.3

  5.0

  3.3

  34.1

  5.0

  2000–01

  31.7

  1.8

  7.7

  4.8

  38.3

  7.7

  2001–02

  40.4

  3.9

  8.1

  7.4

  51.7

  8.1

  2002–03

  46.8

  9.9

  9.3

  14.0

  70.7

  9.3

  Local transport authorities are also free to use their Revenue Support Grant and Local Transport Plan block capital allocations for rural transport projects and initiatives, although neither the Department for Transport nor the Office of Deputy Prime Minister break down this public expenditure by rural area. Private expenditure on rural transport is not monitored.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment has been made of the impact of expenditure on rural transport since 1998–99; and if he will make a statement. [115723]184W

  Targeted programme of improvements (TPI) excludes schemes already open to traffic

  Environmental impact assessment (ElA) conducted in accordance with directives 85/337/EEC and 97/11/EU prior to its inclusion in the programme (YES/NO)

  A30/A382 Merrymeet Junction

  NO

  A66 Long Newton Junction

  NO

  A1 Stannington Junction

  NO

  A69 Haydon Bridge Bypass

  NO

  A419 Commonhead Junction

  NO

  M4 Junction 18 Eastbound Diverge

  NO

  M5 Junctions 17–18 Northbound Climbing Lane

  NO

  M5 Junctions 19–20 Southbound Climbing Lane

  NO

  M5 Junctions 19–20 Northbound Climbing Lane

  NO

  M1 Junction 19

  NO

  A14 Ellington—Fen Ditton Improvement

  NO

  A57/A628 Mottram in Longdendale, Hollingworth and

  Tintwistle Bypass

  NO

  A45/A46 Tollbar End Improvement

  NO

  Roads Management
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures the Department is taking to ensure that(a) commercial in-car route management systems and (b) the Highways Agency"s variable message signs do not divert motorists onto unsuitable local roads. [115728]

  Mr. Jamieson
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 3 February 2003,Official Report, column 40W.

  Rural Transport
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the(a) resource and (b) capital expenditure on rural transport in each year since 1998–99, broken down by (i) public and (ii) private expenditure. [115722]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Annual public expenditure on the Government"s dedicated rural transport programmes since 1998–99 is set out in the following table:

  Mr. Jamieson
  Funding for rural transport services has been available since 1998–1999 through my Department"s Rural Bus Subsidy Grant and Rural Bus Challenge and the Countryside Agency"s rural transport schemes. The Rural Bus Subsidy Grant is supporting 1,900 new or improved routes in England on which about 21 million passenger journeys were made in 2001–02, improving access to services and facilities for those living in many rural areas. The Rural Bus Challenge supports innovative rural bus projects and 259 projects have been awarded grants since 1998. These projects have provided many new flexible demand responsive and community transport services throughout England. My Department
  185W
  has commissioned research on the impact of the Rural Bus Subsidy Grant and the Rural Bus Challenge scheme and will publish a report shortly.

  The Countryside Agency administers the Rural Transport Partnership Scheme and since April 2001 the Parish Transport Grant. These schemes are supporting small scale transport projects developed locally by rural communities and parishes to improve accessibility for socially excluded groups. 466 projects, ranging from community transport schemes, wheels-to-work initiatives, public transport information to local walking and cycling improvements, have been supported in 2002–03. The Agency is currently carrying out a study of the impact and effectiveness of the Rural Transport Partnership Scheme, the results of which will be published in Spring 2004.

  Secondments
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many employees have been seconded from Capita to the Department and its predecessors since 1997; how long they worked in the Department; and what positions they held. [115623]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Department for Transport has only been in existence since May 2002. In the financial year 2002–03 there were no secondments from Capita to this Department.

  Service Delivery Agreements
  Mr. Horam
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which United Kingdom commitments arising from the World Summit on Sustainable Development(a) have been incorporated into the Department"s existing delivery plan for Service Delivery Agreements and (b) will be incorporated in its delivery plan for Service Delivery Agreements in advance of the 2004 Spending Review. [113877]

  Mr. Jamieson
  My Department will take account of all of the Government"s international commitments on sustainable development in its delivery and business planning processes.

  Sickness Absence
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many staff in the Department have been on long-term sick leave in each of the last two years. [115864]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Department for Transport was established following machinery of Government changes on 29 May 2002. In the period to 30 April 2003, 79 staff had absences lasting 30 days or more in the centre of the Department for Transport.

  There is no central definition of what constitutes "long-term sick leave". For the Department"s six Agencies, using absences of 21 days or more as an indicator (apart from the Driving Standards Agency, which uses absences of 30 days or more as a measure), 1,366 staff had such absences in 2001 and 1,121 staff had absences in 2002.
  186W
  I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 23 January 2003, Official Report, column 518W, where it states the Department is committed to managing sick absence effectively.

  Staff Numbers
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to his answer of 22 May,Official Report, column 942W, if he will list the specialist posts for which external recruitment was required. [116793]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The specialist posts for which external recruitment is required is aviation, maritime and rail security staff and financial experts.

  Sustainable Development
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the departmental strategy for sustainable development was published; and if he will make a statement on the steps being taken to take forward the actions outlined. [115729]

  Mr. Jamieson
  My Department is committed to the objectives set out in the Government"s overall strategy for sustainable development "A Better Quality of Life" (Cm 4345) published in May 1999. Our strategy for delivery is set out in the Integrated Transport White Paper (Cm 3950) and associated policy statements such as the 10-Year-Plan for Transport. The Department"s annual publication "Transport Trends", provides details of performance against key sustainable development indicators.

  Ticket Barriers
  Martin Linton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will publish his guidance on the installation of ticket barriers at railway stations that do not have gates; and who is responsible for(a) preparing the business case for ticket barriers and (b) their purchase and installation; [116101]

  (2) what estimate he has made of the cost of installing ticket gates at stations in the London region following the renewal of train operating franchises which no longer contain commitments to improve station infrastructure. [116053]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The installation of ticket barriers at railway stations is a matter for individual train operating companies. Ticket barriers can be used by train operating companies as part of their revenue protection measures to protect their fare-box income where they believe there is a business case. Train operators fund the purchase and installation of ticket barriers accordingly.

  Transport (South-East)
  Ms Shipley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has entered into with the private sector to provide increased transport in the south-east. [116221]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Secretary of State has regular discussions with a wide range of groups about a variety of matters related to transport, including transport in the south-east.
  187W
  Ms Shipley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to increase public transport in the south-east. [116264]

  Mr. Jamieson
  I refer my hon. Friend to the progress report on the 10 year plan for transport, "Delivering better transport", a copy of which was placed in the library of the House on 17 December 2002. Page 166 of the report sets out the public transport improvements that have been delivered and which are in the pipeline for the south-east.

  We are also currently considering the final reports and recommendations from the Orbit, Thames Valley and South Coast Corridor Multi Modal Studies, in the light of the comments received from the respective Regional Planning Bodies and other interested parties. Each recommends significant infrastructure proposals. We hope to make an announcement in due course.

  Transport Links
  Mr. Walter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the modes of transport available to people living in socially and economically deprived areas and the effects on their work and leisure opportunities. [116042]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Local authorities write five-year Local Transport Plans (LTPs), and report annually on progress made against those plans. The Government"s guidance on LTPs (DETR 2000) stated that authorities would need to promote social inclusion and tackle the transport needs of people on low incomes. Authorities" subsequent progress reports have identified a wide range of local solutions designed to address these concerns.

  The publication in February this year of the Social Exclusion Unit"s report on transport, "Making the connections", presented new policies to improve people"s access to jobs and key services. Particularly, authorities preparing second LTPs (due in 2005) will be asked to conduct accessibility planning. Accessibility planning will aim to identify barriers that prevent those who rely on public transport from accessing jobs and key services. Transport planners will then have to work in partnership with colleagues in other sectors, to agree and then implement action plans that make appropriate improvements.

  Trunk Roads
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to his answer of 22 May 2003,Official Report, column 946W, when he expects equivalent data to become available for (a) 2001 and (b) 2002. [116794]

  Mr. Jamieson
  It is not intended to produce equivalent figures for 2001 or 2002, as the information required is not available every year. An estimate of trunk road congestion in 2003 should be available in spring 2004.

  Vehicle Licences
  Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures are taken by the Driver and 188W
  Vehicle Licensing Agency to recover unpaid licence fees from vehicle owners; and if he will make a statement. [116316]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Agency relies heavily on police and traffic wardens to submit reports of unlicensed vehicles being used or kept on a public road. The Agency has a number of wheelclamping units and Automatic Number Plate Reader (ANPR) units which also identify unlicensed vehicles.

  From 22 May, a telephone hotline has been established to allow members of the public to report unlicensed vehicles. This is currently operating in the London area and will be rolled out nationwide in a phased programme.

  From June this year, 23 police forces will also trial the use of ANPR cameras to detect unlicensed vehicles on the road.

  With effect from January 2004, a new scheme of Continuous Registration will be introduced which will require a vehicle to be licensed or have a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) declaration in force at all times. Where this is not the case, enforcement action will be taken directly from the DVLA vehicle record.

  All offenders reported to DVLA are either offered the opportunity to settle the matter out of court (which contains a penalty based to the amount of duty evaded) or face prosecution in which case, the court will order the outstanding duty to be paid on conviction.

  Virgin West Coast Railways
  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to his answer of 21 May, to question ref. 113775, on the Virgin West Coast Railways franchise, when he expects the level of subsidy to be determined. [116195]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Strategic Rail Authority aim to conclude negotiations at the earliest opportunity: no specific date has been set.

TREASURY

  Agency Workers
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many agency workers have been employed by the Department in each of the last two years; and at what cost to public funds. [115207]

  John Healey
  The total cost of agency services for the last two financial years is as follows:2001–02: £1,012,776
  2002–03: £926,517

  Records of the numbers of workers are not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Banknotes
  Mrs. Humble
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what consultation there was with organizations
  189W
  representing blind and visually handicapped people about measures to differentiate paper currency notes of different values. [116452]

  John Healey
  The Bank of England consults with the Royal National Institute of the Blind when designing new banknotes, to ensure that the different denominations are readily distinguishable from each other.

  Benefit Take-up
  Mrs Claire Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what assessment he has made to determine the number of eligible individuals who have failed to apply for(a) working tax credit, (b) minimum income guarantee and (c) child tax credit within the Crosby constituency; [116280]

  (2) how many individuals have benefited from (a) working tax credit and (b) child tax credit in the Crosby constituency. [116281]

  John Healey
  It is estimated that 750,000 families in the North West and Merseyside are expected to receive the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and that 210,000 are expected to receive the Working Tax Credit (WTC), including some who are also expected to receive the CTC.

  Estimates of the number of families expected to receive these tax credits, or the minimum income guarantee, are not available at constituency level.

  Statistics on awards of the WTC and CTC will be published in August.

  Capita
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many employees have been seconded from Capita to Her Majesty"s Treasury since 1997; for how long they worked in the Department; and what positions they held. [115626]

  John Healey
  No employees have been seconded from Capita to HM Treasury since 1997.

  Corporation Tax
  Mr. Howard
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the methodology used to calculate Treasury corporation tax forecasts. [R] [115305]

  John Healey
  Corporation tax is forecast using a microsimulation model on a sample of company tax assessments. The main tax determinants, such as trading profits, of the sample cases are projected forwards based on economic assumptions; annual tax liabilities and losses are assessed; and the results scaled up to give forecasts of total corporation tax liability. Estimates of receipts and repayments in each financial year are then compiled. Any changes in liabilities arising from Budget and other changes are allowed for. A separate model is used to produce forecasts of corporation tax on North Sea oil and gas.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he intends to reply to the letter dated 11 April from the hon. Member for Banff and Buchan regarding his constituent Mr. A. Geddes of Rosehearty. [116478]

  John Healey
  I did so on 19 May.

  Employer-supported Child Care
  Vera Baird
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many employees he estimates will benefit from the proposal to extend tax and national insurance contributions exemption to all forms of employer-supported child care and will pay(a) less than £50 a week and (b) £50 per week or more in respect of such child care; [116001]

  (2) in which (a) occupations and (b) sectors employees who benefit from the tax and national insurance contributions exemptions for employer-supported child care are found; and what the average size of the employer organisation is; [116014]

  (3) what estimate he has made of the cost to Government of the proposal to extend tax and national insurance contributions exemption to all forms of employer-supported formal child care as outlined in the consultation document, "Employer Supported Childcare: Improving the Tax and National Insurance Exemptions"; [116000]

  (4) what estimate he has made of the cost to public funds of the proposed tax and national insurance contributions exemptions for employer-supported child care. [116016]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The take up and cost of the proposed new tax and national insurance exemptions for employer-supported child care will depend on the qualification rules adopted which will be informed by the responses to the consultation exercise that closed on 31 May 2003.

  Information on the occupations and industry sectors where employers assist with child care and the average size of these employers is not available. The cost of the reform will depend on the final shape of the proposals, and the cost of the current exemption for work place nurseries is not accurately known as this information is not required from employers in order to minimise the administrative burden on them.

  Energy Conservation
  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the UK is preparing to link the European Commission"s forthcoming proposals to modify the rules on taxation of energy products and the agreement on community-wide emissions trading as part of its approach towards achieving carbon savings and energy conservation. [116337]

  John Healey
  The minimum rates of duty in the Energy Products Directive will not affect the UK"s rates of climate change levy and hydrocarbon oils duties and the UK"s right to exempt domestic and charity non-business use of energy from the climate change levy will be preserved.
  191W
  The Government will consider further the relationship between tax and tradable permit schemes as it prepares proposals for allocating emissions targets to installations covered by the EU trading scheme. The Government will aim to ensure that environmental costs can be internalised as efficiently as possible, irrespective of whether the instruments are international or domestic, seeking to ensure a smooth transition to the new arrangements with minimum compliance costs for business. The potential impacts of combined measures on business competitiveness and fuel poverty will also be taken into account. The Government envisages that the EU trading scheme will play an important role in delivering the emissions reduction ambition set out in the Energy White Paper. Having gained valuable experience from the operation of the UK scheme, UK industry and the City of London will be well placed to take advantage of a wider emissions trading market.

  Enterprise Zones
  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to designate new enterprise zones; and if he will make a statement. [116173]

  John Healey
  Since the introduction of the Enterprise Zone scheme, a wide range of alternative schemes has been developed to promote regeneration and growth. These provide for better targeting of resources and can be implemented more rapidly than the Enterprise Zone scheme which, in part as a result of EC state aid requirements, can take up to three years to designate. The Government believe that the best way forward is not to use subsidy based approaches that will displace businesses from elsewhere, but to target attention at the issues which constrain economic development and enterprise within our most disadvantaged communities.

  The Government are currently undertaking research to draw lessons from the Enterprise Zone programme, which will help pinpoint the elements of the programme that produced most benefit and will help inform future policy development.

  The Government have introduced a number of policies to support enterprise in disadvantaged areas. The 2002 pre-Budget report designated 2,000 Enterprise Areas, covering the most deprived areas in the UK, in which measures to boost enterprise, such as the exemption from stamp duty for non-residential property transactions and the community investment tax relief, are being concentrated. Budget 2003 announced additional steps to support enterprise in these areas, including the accreditation of the first 11 community development finance institutions to offer community investment tax relief to investors.

  The Inland Revenue website contains a postcode search tool for the Enterprise Areas at www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/so/pcode_search.htm.

  Epilepsy Deaths
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many sudden unexpected deaths from epilepsy there were in(a)Leeds West, (b) City of Leeds and (c) West Yorkshire in each of the last five years for which figures are available. [116183]
  192W
  John Healey
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from John Pullinger to Mr. John Battle dated 3 June 2003:
  The National Statistician has been asked to reply to your recent question concerning how many sudden unexpected deaths from epilepsy there were in (a) Leeds West, (b) City of Leeds and (c) West Yorkshire in each of the last five years for which figures are available. am replying in his absence. (116183)
  Figures for Leeds are only readily available for Leeds Metropolitan District. These figures, and those for West Yorkshire, are given in the attached table. The total numbers of deaths with an underlying cause of epilepsy are also provided as context for the numbers that are "sudden unexpected deaths".

  Number of deaths with an underlying cause of epilepsy1 and among those where "sudden unexpected death in epilepsy"2 was mentioned on the death certificate, West Yorkshire Metropolitan County and Leeds Metropolitan District,3 1997 to 20014

  Number of deaths

  West Yorkshire

  Leeds

  All

  Sudden unexpected

  All

  Sudden unexpected

  1997

  30

  5

  6

  —

  1998

  37

  —

  16

  —

  1999

  35

  5

  12

  —

  2000

  39

  5

  12

  5

  2001

  48

  5

  8

  —

  1 Cause of death selected using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) code 345 for the years 1997 to 2000, and, for the year 2001, the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes G40 and G4L. The introduction of ICD-10 for coding cause of death in 2001 means that data for epilepsy in this year are not comparable with data for earlier years. The introduction of ICD-10 has led to an apparent increase of 1 per cent. for males and 23 per cent. for females in the number of deaths coded to epilepsy. While the effect of the change to ICD-10 may have led to an overall increase in the number of deaths with an underlying cause of epilepsy in 2001, it is not possible to determine the effect on "sudden unexpected deaths in epilepsy".

  2 Deaths where "sudden unexpected death in epilepsy" or similar wording (e.g. "sudden unexplained death in epilepsy") was written on the death certificate.

  3 Figures relate to deaths of usual residents of these areas.

  4 Figures are for deaths which occurred in these years.

  5 Fewer than 5 deaths.

  -Zero deaths

  EU Savings Tax Directive
  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will make a statement on the decision-making process regarding who will decide whether overseas and dependent territories should implement the EU Savings Tax Directive; [115336]

  (2) whether Bermuda will be excluded from the EU Savings Tax Directive. [115318]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to my reply to the hon. Member for Ribble Valley (Mr. Evans) on 12 December 2002,Official Report, column 475W.

  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans the Treasury has to undertake an assessment on the impact of the EU Savings Tax Directive on the UK"s Overseas Territories. [115337]
  193W
  Dawn Primarolo
  The Government keep under review the impact of all international developments on the Overseas Territories.

  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the agreements the EU has made with Switzerland in exchange for her signing up to the EU Savings Tax Directive. [115338]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Formal links between the EU and Switzerland are governed by separate agreements. 73 such agreements have been signed since 1956. There are currently negotiations at different stages of progress on 10 agreements, one of which concerns the taxation of savings.

  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which overseas territories have expressed a position to the Treasury on the EU Savings Tax Directive; and what those positions are. [115339]

  Dawn Primarolo
  All overseas territories covered by the Feira agreement have expressed a position to the Treasury on the EU Directive on the Taxation of Savings. Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, Montserrat, and Turks and Caicos Islands have all made commitments to introduce automatic exchange of information. The Cayman Islands Government has not made such a commitment.

  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact of the introduction of the EU"s Savings Tax Directive on the competitiveness of Britain"s Overseas Territories. [115664]

  John Healey
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply my right hon. Friend the Paymaster General gave to the hon. Member for Ribble Valley (Mr. Evans) on 12 December 2002,Official Report, column 475W.

  Foster Carers
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on Government plans to ease the tax burden on foster carers. [116806]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Clause 175 and Schedule 36 of the Finance Bill 2003 provide for a income tax relief for foster carers from April 2003. Foster carers will be exempt from income tax if their total receipts from foster care do not exceed an individual amount. The individual amount will consist of £10,000 per residence plus an additional amount per week per child of £200 a week for each child aged under eleven and £250 a week for each child aged eleven or over. This will ensure that benefits for these carers are applied consistently across the UK, and that they are not unfairly taxed upon the legitimate expenses they incur.

  Free School Meals
  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many children he estimates benefit from free school meals in Brent as a result of the child tax credit. [111449]
  194W
  Dawn Primarolo
  It is estimated that 40,000 children in London will be expected to benefit from free school meals as the result of receiving Child Tax Credit, and meeting other conditions for eligibility.

  Garages and Lock-ups
  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether VAT is levied on(a) the rental of garages and lock-ups by homeowners and (b) council tenants whose house includes a garage or lock-up. [115820]

  John Healey
  Rental charges for garages or lock-ups separate from a house are subject to VAT at the standard rate. Charges levied by private landlords for the letting of houses combined with a garage or lock-up are considered a single supply exempt from VAT, while similar charges levied by councils as part of their statutory obligation are non-business activities, outside the scope of VAT. In either case, no VAT is charged.

  Higher Rate Taxpayers
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many higher rate taxpayers there were in(a) the Twickenham constituency, (b) the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and (c) London as a proportion of the total tax-paying population in each area in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [105548]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Estimates of the number of higher rate taxpayers as a proportion of the total tax-paying population in(a) Twickenham constituency, (b) the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and (c) London are shown as follows.

  Number of higher rate taxpayers as a percentage of the total tax- paying population for the respective geographical areas

  Percentage

  Twickenham1

  Richmond upon Thames

  London2

  1995–96

  —

  25.3

  12.4

  1996–97

  —

  21.2

  12.3

  1997–98

  —

  —

  12.2

  1998–99

  —

  —

  13.0

  1999–2000

  —

  —

  —

  2000–01

  29.3

  29.8

  15.7

  1 Parliamentary constituency.

  2 Government office region.

  Estimates are based on the Survey of Personal Incomes (SPI). Constituency level estimates were not compiled before 1998–99, and sub-regional estimates are not available for 1997–98 and 1998–99. Statistics based on the 1999–2000 SPI have been withdrawn temporarily following concerns over the reliability of this survey. Revised estimates will be available as soon as the re-compilation of the 1999–2000 SPI has been completed. These will follow the release of results based on the 2001–02 SPI in October 2003.

  Honours
  Mr. Pope
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many officials in his Department have received honours; and how many honours are held by his officials, broken down by category of honour. [111493]
  195W
  John Healey
  Our records show that 14 Treasury officials have received awards. It should be noted, as follows:1

  Number

  K

  2

  CB

  3

  CMG

  1

  CBE

  3

  OBE

  4

  MBE

  1

  1 Records are maintained only of awards relating to official duties and do not include any awards held by staff before joining the Department. The figures also exclude retired Treasury officials.

  Illegal Meat Imports
  Matthew Green
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent changes have been made to the Port Inspection System to combat the illegal import of meat. [116218]

  John Healey
  From 11 April Customs took over responsibility for anti-smuggling controls at the frontier for meat and animal products arriving directly from third countries. This implements one of the recommendations of a Cabinet Office Office Study, whose conclusions were announced in the House of Commons by Margaret Beckett in November 2002, into the organisation of controls on products of animal origin, fish, plants and forestry products commissioned following the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in 2001.

  The Government have provided £25 million for the years 2003–06 to tackle illegal imports of meat, other animal products, plants and plant products, and foodstuffs. From the £6 million allocated for 2003–04 Customs will receive £4 million. This will be used by Customs to help fund:
  Four new mobile anti-smuggling teams;
  An expansion of the detector dog programme from the existing two dogs transferred to Customs from Defra, to six;
  Extra intelligence activity;
  A publicity campaign at ports and airports in the UK and overseas.

  Responsibility for veterinary and health checks on products of animal origin (or animals) at designated Border Inspection Posts and for illicit products detected inland remains the responsibility of local authorities, Defra and the Devolved Administrations.

  Iraq
  Adam Price
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with his counterparts in the US Administration on the restoration of the US dollar as Iraq"s oil currency. [115897]

  John Healey
  Several currencies currently circulate in Iraq, including the US dollar. The UK Government has been in close contact with the US Government on a range of issues related to Iraqi reconstruction. There are no plans to make the US dollar the currency of Iraq.

  Low Incomes (Cars)
  Mr. Walter
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of household income is spent on running a car by those in the lowest income decile. [116274]

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

  Letter from Karen Dunnell to Mr. Robert Walter, dated 3 June 2003:
  The National Statistician has been asked to reply to your recent question on the percentage of household income spent on running a car by those in the lowest income decile. I am replying in his absence.(116274)
  Estimates have been provided for the lowest income quintile because of the relatively small sample size for the lowest decile and data quality problems because income and expenditure data recorded in the EFS are not fully compatible because they are recorded in different ways. Households were ranked by equivalised disposable income.
  The percentage of gross household income spent on purchasing a car or van on average by households in the lowest income quintile was 5 per cent. and on running a vehicle was 10 per cent. Separate figures, for purchasing a car or a van and for running a vehicle, have been supplied because it is not possible to supply estimates solely on the money spent on running a car. In particular, expenditure on petrol, diesel and other motor oils cannot be estimated solely for cars.
  The estimates given are based on the analysis "The effects of taxes and benefits on household income 2001–02" which was produced by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and published on the ONS website on 11 April 2003 and in Economic Trends in the May 2003 edition. They are based on data from the Expenditure and Food Survey (EFS).

  National Insurance
  Mr. Howard
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 16 May 2003,Official Report, columns 26–28WS, on National Insurance Contributions Deficiency Notices, how many National Insurance payers are affected; who is heading the inquiry; what remit has been given to the inquiry; and how the inquiry report will be presented to Parliament. [115429]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I refer the right hon. and learned Gentleman to my written statement of 16 May 2003,Official Report, columns 26–28WS.

  Overseas Territories
  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the constitutional convention that governs the relationship between the UK and its Overseas Territories on matters relating to finance policy. [115319]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Overseas Territories pass their own legislation on a wide range of areas. However, the United Kingdom retains the power to legislate for the Overseas Territories.

  Paraffin
  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what estimate he has made of the number of businesses that have ceased the resale of paraffin and paraffin products since 6 April; [115823]
  197W
  (2) how many businesses are registered to sell paraffin; [115821]

  (3) how many businesses applied to register for the resale of paraffin (a) before 14 February, (b) between 14 February and 5 April and (c) after 5 April. [115822]

  John Healey
  Businesses approved as Registered Dealers in Controlled Oil are entitled to deal in both rebated gas oil (red diesel) and rebated kerosene/paraffin. No distinction has been made between those businesses dealing solely in paraffin and those dealing in rebated gas oil. Data concerning those businesses that deal solely in paraffin cannot be obtained except at disproportionate cost.

  The number of businesses that applied for approval as Registered Dealers in Controlled Oil (a) before 14 February was 957, (b) between 14 February and 5 April was 2,330, and (c) after 5 April (and up to 21 May) was 771.

  As at 21 May 2003 Customs and Excise had approved 3,421 businesses as Registered Dealers in Controlled Oil, and refused 12 applications. Beyond that, no estimate has been made of the number of businesses that may have voluntarily ceased reselling controlled oils since 6 April.

  Public Employees
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people and what percentage of the total work

  Workforce Jobs by Sector

  Thousands, headcount, mid year

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  Total workforce jobs of which

  28,135

  28,498

  28,890

  29,218

  29,424

  Central government

  870

  868

  869

  860

  874

  percentage of total

  3.1

  3.0

  3.0

  2.9

  3.0

  Local government

  2,593

  2,579

  2,641

  2,682

  2,732

  Percentage of total

  9.2

  9.0

  9.7

  9.2

  9.3

  National Health Service

  1,199

  1,200

  1,207

  1,224

  1,269

  Percentage of total

  4.3

  4.2

  4.2

  4.2

  4.3

  Other public non-financial corporations

  370

  374

  377

  385

  363

  Percentage of total

  1.3

  1.3

  1.3

  7.3

  7.2

  Public sector

  4,954

  4,944

  5,018

  5,072

  5,163

  Percentage of total

  77.6

  77.3

  17.4

  17.4

  77.5

  Source:

  Economic Trends, June 2002 issue, ONS

  Public Sector Workers
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the change in the number of public sector workers in each year from 2003–04 to 2005–06, broken down by(a) Department and (b) region. [115933]

  Mr. Boateng
  The total number of public sector workers in 2001 was 5.259 million. Departments have estimated that public sector employment will increase by over 200,000 between 2003 and 2006 as a result of 2002 Spending Review commitments. This implies an average increase of approximately 70,000 per year. It is for Departments to provide individual workforce projections by region, because they are responsible for their own work force planning.
  198W
  force in the UK were employed in the public sector in each of the last five years, broken down by (a)central Government, (b) local government, (c) non-executive agencies and (d) the NHS. [114857]

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

  Letter, from John Pullinger to Mr. Anthony Steen dated 3 June 2003:
  The National Statistician has been asked to reply to your recent question on how manypeople, and what percentage of the total workforce in the UK were employed in the publicsector in each of the last five years, broken down by (a) central government, (b) local government (c) non-executive agencies and (d) the NHS. I am replying in his absence.(114857)
  The latest information is given in the attached table.
  Estimates of workforce jobs are based on the results of regular sample surveys of employers which count the number of employee jobs. Full information on public sector employment is published once a year; data for 2002 is expected to be published on the Office for National Statistics website shortly.
  Cabinet Office collect and publish data on Civil Service staffing levels twice-yearly. The latest data, for October 2002, was published by press notice in February this year. An annual publication, "Civil Service Statistics", contains more detailed analyses based on the April data collection of each year. The current edition, based on data from April 2001, is due to be updated in the summer of this year. A separate Cabinet Office publication, "Public Bodies 2002" gives details of employment in Non-Departmental Public Bodies. Copies of both these publications and the press notices are available from the House of Commons Library.

  Rural Proofing
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he last met the Chairman of the Countryside Agency to discuss rural proofing. [115583]

  John Healey
  As with previous Administrations, and in line with exemption 7 of the "Code of Practice on Access to Government Information", it is not this Government"s normal practice to release details of specific meetings or their content, as some of these discussions may have taken place on a confidential basis. All such contacts are conducted in accordance with the rules set out in the "Ministerial Code", the "Civil Service Code", and "Guidance for Civil Servants: Contacts with Lobbyists". Copies of these documents are available in the Libraries of the House

  Sickness Absence
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many staff in the Department have been on long-term sick leave in each of the last two years. [115853]

  John Healey
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary gave to him on 30 April 2003,Official Report, column 376W.

  Small Businesses
  Caroline Flint
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what measures were put in place to prepare small and medium sized businesses for increases in national insurance contributions. [116574]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The increase in National Insurance Contributions was announced in Budget 2002, a year before it came into force. An Employer"s Bulletin was issued to all employers in May 2002 which explained the changes to both employer"s and employee"s contributions. Detailed guidance was also issued to payroll software developers to enable amendments to payroll software to be made in advance of the changes.

  Spirits Taxation
  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will issue a re-assessment of price-elasticity in the market for Scotch whisky, following introduction of the new Treasury model for spirits taxation. [115824]

  John Healey
  A Government Economic Service Working Paper "Econometric Models of Alcohol Demand in the United Kingdom" was published 23 May and is available in the Library of the House.

  It is accessible from the Customs and Excise website at www.hmce.gov.uk/recent/index. The paper contains updated estimates of the price elasticities of demand for beer, wine and spirits. The relevant trade bodies have been sent copies and given an opportunity to discuss the paper with Customs and Excise.

  Stamp Duty
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much additional duty he estimates will be raised from the proposal to change stamp duty on leases in each of the next five years; how many additional property transactions he estimates will come within the provision in each of the next five years; and what estimate he has made of(a) the compliance cost and (b) the number of additional staff required to implement the measures in each of the next five years. [115847]

  John Healey
  The estimated additional duty from the proposed reform of lease duty was published in table A2.1 of the Budget report.

  Under the proposals, the revised charge on leases will value the rent payable over the term of the lease at its net present value (NPV) and there will be a single rate of 1 per cent. of the NPV of rental payments, where the NPV exceeds the zero rate band threshold of £60,000 (for residential property) or £150,000 (for nonresidential property).
  200W
  As a result of the introduction of zero rate thresholds it is expected that, in fact, fewer transactions will be within the scope of the charge once stamp duty land tax is introduced than are currently within the scope of charge. It is estimated that over 90 per cent. of residential leases and around 60 per cent. of commercial leases will be exempt from lease duty.

  Estimates of compliance costs, and other implementation costs, will be included in a full Regulatory Impact Assessment which will be published when stamp duty land tax is implemented.

  It is not anticipated that the number of staff in the Stamp Office will increase as a result of the proposed reform of lease duty.

  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how the amount of stamp duty will be calculated in the sale of long leasehold residential property. [R] [115913]

  John Healey
  Where a person who owns a residential property on a long lease sells that property, stamp duty is due on the amount paid for the assignment of the lease at the following rates:

  Amount paid

  Rate (percentage)

  Not exceeding £60,000

  0

  More than £60,000 but not exceeding £250,000

  1

  More than £250,000 but not exceeding £500,000

  3

  More than £500,000

  4

  This is subject to the availability of reliefs (such as that for purchases in disadvantaged areas).

  Where a new long lease is granted on a residential property rather than the existing lease being assigned, a premium is normally paid. This will be charged at the above rates except where rent of more than £600 is also payable, in which case any premium not exceeding £250,000 is charged at 1 per cent.

  Duty on rents payable under new leases is currently charged at between 1 per cent. and 24 per cent. of annual rent, depending on the length of the lease.

  A different lease duty structure is proposed in the current Finance Bill for the rental element of leases under stamp duty land tax. This will not affect the charge on new lease premiums or on the assignment of existing leases.

  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make regulations under clause 50 of the Finance Bill to ensure that enhanced stamp duty is not paid on account of VAT increasing the consideration amount. [R] [115920]

  John Healey
  Paragraph 2 of schedule 4 of the Finance Bill sets out the Government"s position on whether VAT should be included as consideration for the purposes of stamp duty land tax.

  Where VAT is actually paid then it should be treated as consideration. Broadly, where VAT is not charged at the time the transaction takes place, but there is a possibility that it might be charged at a later stage, then VAT will not count as consideration.
  201W
  This is particularly relevant for the grant of new leases. Where an election to charge VAT has been made before the effective date for the lease, lease duty will be charged on the VAT element of the lease rent. But where such an election has not been made, no such charge will apply even if an election is made later. This is a relaxation of the position under the current stamp duty regime where consideration is treated as including VAT unless the lease specifically prohibits it being charged, regardless of whether an election has in fact been made. The Government do not intend to make regulations to alter the position described above.

  Tax Credits
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people have had payments delayed due to the delays experienced by applicants using the Tax Credit helpline; and if he will make a statement. [115911]

  Dawn Primarolo
  No reliable estimate can be made, as it is not possible to link the individuals who have attempted to call the helplines with claims subsequently received or payments made.

  Mr. Tynan
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether efforts to resolve the problems with the processing of claims for childrens and working tax credits have had consequential implications for the handling of, and response times in respect of other inquiries to the Inland Revenue. [113754]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Inland Revenue is a very large organisation that is structured so as to respond flexibly to the demands of different work areas.

  Mrs. Dean
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action he has taken to advise those with disabilities of the greater benefits available to them through the working tax credit than through the disabled persons tax credit, with regard to the changes in the capital rules. [113859]

  Dawn Primarolo
  All recipients of disabled persons tax credit (DPTC) were sent claim forms and guidance on the new tax credits. Messages about the changes have been targeted at recipients of DPTC and potential claimants of the relevant element of working tax credit as part of the mainstream tax credits publicity campaign. This has included the use of direct mail, advertising and the placing of editorial material in relevant publications, including those in alternative formats of video and audio (such as Open Eye) and on websites which may be seen by this group. The tax credits introductory leaflet is available in large print, and can be obtained in Braille or audio on request. Information has been provided to over 6,000 intermediaries including those who might represent disabled groups.

  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many applications have been(a) received, (b) processed and (c) completed for the (i) working tax credit and (ii) child tax credit, or equivalents, in each of the last three years from people resident in (A) Middlesbrough, South and Cleveland, East constituency, (B) each Government office region and (C) in the UK; and if he will make a statement. [115544]
  202W
  John Healey
  There is a single claim form for child tax credit and working tax credit. Over 4 million claims have been received and around 3.6 million families are already in payment. No breakdown of these figures is available below the national level. Statistics on awards of these tax credits will be published from August.

  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what additional staff resources he has made available to deal with resolving outstanding tax credit queries. [115808]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the statement I made to the House on 28 April 2003,Official Report, column 53, when I explained that the Inland Revenue had moved an additional 700 staff onto handling callers to the tax credit helpline. In addition to the helpline, extra staff have been deployed on processing claims and getting awards into payment and dealing with personal callers at Inland Revenue Enquiry Centres.

  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with the Scottish Executive on the effects on its social justice agenda of delays in making tax credit assessments. [115809]

  Dawn Primarolo
  None. All claims for tax credits received by 25 April are in payment other than where more information is needed from the claimant, or further checks are required. Claims received after that date are being processed as quickly as possible. Around 3.6 million tax credit awards are already in payment.

  Mrs. Humble
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many individuals have benefited from(a) working tax credit and (b) child tax credit in the Blackpool North and Fleetwood constituency. [116453]

  John Healey
  Statistics on awards of these tax credits will be published from August 2003.

  Vacant Government Buildings
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to his answer of 16 May 2003,Official Report, column 494W, on vacant Government buildings, if he will list the vacant Government-owned buildings as held by the Office of Government Commerce. [115702]

  Mr. Boateng
  Detailed information on recorded vacant space in holdings owned by UK Departments in England, Scotland and Wales has been placed in the Library. This excludes accommodation that is the responsibility of the Scottish Executive.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

  Health Education
  Harry Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment he has made of the availability of(a) human expertise and (b) modern IT techniques and equipment for the effective imparting of health education to schools; what plans he has to increase availability; and if he will make a statement. [115470]

  Mr. Miliband
  Education about health is included in the curriculum through the framework of Personal Social and Health Education (PSHE). Headteachers
  203W
  and governors make decisions about the programmes and resources to use to deliver PSHE including the best use of modern ICT systems. There are a range of health professionals, school nurses for example, who support teachers.

  To improve expertise we are rolling out a professional development programme which recognises effective teaching of PSHE. Over 700 teachers will participate in the programme this year. A similar programme for school nurses is being piloted. We have also established a PSHE website for teachers which provides information about a wide range of resources, many of them IT based. Websites such as Wiredforhealth provide health information for teaching across all four key stages.

  Excellence in Schools
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on his Departments strategy for promoting research and development in schools of the future, as set out in the Excellence in Schools White Paper. [116114]

  Mr. Miliband
  In 1998 we commissioned a review of educational research and in 1999 published our response to the recommendations. These included the setting up of a National Educational Research Forum to develop a research strategy, developing systematic reviews of research evidence and commissioning dedicated research centres. All these have been done and are reflected in the very positive conclusions of the review of educational research and development in England published by OECD in September 2002.

  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what innovative approaches to pupil grouping, as set out in the Excellence in Schools White Paper, have been developed since 1997. [116115]

  Mr. Miliband
  It is for schools to develop and determine for themselves, the best form of pupil grouping to meet the needs of all their pupils. In 1999, research published by the Department on Innovative Pupil Grouping Practices provided case studies of flexible forms of pupil grouping that had achieved positive outcomes in secondary schools.

  A-Levels
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on the future of A-levels; and what assessment he has made of the implications of the A-level results of 2002. [116069]

  Mr. Miliband
  We remain committed to the principles underlying the reformed A-levels, which are valuable awards. Following the reports by Mike Tomlinson on A-levels last year, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority and the awarding bodies have put in place the measures he recommended to ensure consistent grading standards. The Governments policy document, 14–19: organisation and excellence, announced in January that a group led by Mike Tomlinson will advise next year on the future direction of qualifications for 14 to 19-year-olds.

  Advertising
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the total expenditure on advertising by the Department was in(a) 2001–02 and (b) 2002–03; and what the level of planned expenditure is for (i) 2003–04 and (ii) 2004–05. [114425]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  The expenditure on advertising by the Department for the period 2001–02 was £20.5 million and £11.3 million for the period 2002–03 (subject to final audit).

  Planned expenditure for 2003–04 is estimated at £16.6 million. Plans for advertising in 2004–05 have not yet been developed, therefore estimated expenditure is not available.

  Mr. Hurst
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment he has made of the cost to state schools of advertising for staff. [115192]

  Mr. Miliband
  Such costs are not collected centrally. Recent figures from this years 618g survey show that teacher vacancies in maintained schools were 3,400 on the survey date in January, down by 1,140 from last year, giving a vacancy rate of 0.9 per cent. compared to 1.2 per cent. in 2002. These figures reflect sustained Government investment and progress in the recruitment of teachers, which rose by 4,300, and support staff, up 8,300 in the same period, which should lead to efficiencies in advertising generally.

  Age Discrimination
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps his Department is taking to address the issue of age discrimination. [109455]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  Tackling the issue of age discrimination is an important part of the Departments approach to equality of opportunity, both in the way it delivers its policies and as regards its own staff.

  Our lifelong learning policies, which seek to encourage and enable adults to learn, improve their skills and enrich their lives are central to tackling the issues of age discrimination.

  For its own staff, my Department will comply with new legislation when it comes into force in 2006. In the meantime, action has continued to be taken to tackle negative attitudes towards older staff through training on valuing diversity and through the monitoring of recruitment, selection and appraisal processes. Recommendations in the Performance and Innovation Unit Report Winning the Generation Game have been implemented and, since 1999, all staff outside the Senior Civil Service can choose when they retire between age 60–65, subject to normal fitness and efficiency rules. In addition, all our vacancy opportunities, internal and external secondments and rewards are open to people of all ages.

  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on his Departments policy on age discrimination. [115402]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  My Department has integrated age into all its equal opportunities policies and is committed to eliminating unfair discrimination on the basis of age.
  205W
  It enthusiastically applies the Governments core principles on involving children and young people to ensure that our policies and services respond to the needs and aspirations of our younger customers. For example, it has just hosted a third consultation day for young people. Over 300 young people have had the opportunity to comment directly on the policies and services that affect them, and they are at the heart of the creative process of designing ways to communicate directly with my Department.

  Action has continued to be taken to tackle any negative attitudes towards older staff through training on valuing diversity and through the monitoring of recruitment, selection and appraisal processes. Recommendations in the Performance and Innovation Unit Report Winning the Generation Game have been implemented and, since 1999, all staff outside the Senior Civil Service can choose when they retire between age 60–65, subject to normal fitness and efficiency rules. In addition, all our vacancy opportunities, internal and external secondments and rewards are open to people of all ages. My Department is currently considering the age issues in the European Employment Directive 2000/78/EC with a view to complying with the new legislation on age discrimination when it comes into force in 2006.

  Agency Workers
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many agency workers have been employed by the Department in each of the last two years; and at what cost to public funds. [115209]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The following table gives the figures for the number of agency staff used and the related cost for the past two years.

  2002

  2003

  Number of agency staff

  1,614

  1,746

  Financial year

  2001–02

  2002–03

  Agency spend for the financial year (£)

  1,780,629.70

  2,688,149.33

  Bologna Process
  Ms Stuart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans the Government have to identify and address the impact on the development of educational programmes in United Kingdom universities of the proposals emerging from the Bologna process and subsequent initiatives. [113864]

  Margaret Hodge
  The UK higher education sector is taking forward work on elements of the Bologna process of European higher education reform, including credit transfer and progress files to ensure that qualifications are easily comparable. We continue to work closely with our UK higher education partners and the devolved administrations to assess the impact on UK higher education and to influence the debate on the way forward.

  Capita
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many employees have been 206W
  seconded from Capita to his Department since 1997; for how long they worked in the Department; and what positions they held. [115629]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  No Capita employees were seconded to my Department during this period.

  Careers Service
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what careers services are available to pupils in school before they leave education; what plans he has to improve links between schools and local businesses; and if he will make a statement on support for pupils looking for career opportunities at the ages of 15 and 16. [115126]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  The responsibility for providing careers education and guidance to young people in England is shared between schools and the Connexions Service. Schools are responsible for delivering a curriculum-led programme of careers education to all students in Years 9 to 11. A new, non-statutory framework for careers education and guidance—which includes recommended learning outcomes from careers education programmes—was issued to all schools, colleges and work-based training providers in March 2003. We have also signalled our intention to extend the current duty on schools to deliver a planned programme of careers education in Years 9 to 11, down to Years 7 and 8. The work of schools is complemented and strengthened by the Connexions Service, which provides access to information advice and guidance on a wide range of issues—including on learning and career opportunities—to all 13 to 19-year-olds in England. The level and type of support provided is differentiated on the basis of individual need.

  The Department makes available £25 million a year, through the local Learning and Skills Councils contracting with education/business links organisations, to promote closer links between schools and business. We are working with them on ways of improving employer engagement with schools, in areas such as work experience placements, mentoring, enterprise activities and work-related learning generally.

  Responsibility for careers education and guidance in Scotland rests with the Scottish Parliament.

  Child Minding and Day Care (Suspension of Registration) England Regulations
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what representations he has received about the Child Minding and Day Care (Suspension of Registration) (England) Regulations. [109439]

  Maria Eagle
  No Minister in either the Department for Work and Pensions or the Department for Education and Skills has received any representations about the Child Minding and Day Care (Suspension of Registration) (England) Regulations since they were laid before Parliament on 24 February 2003.

  Class Sizes
  Mr. Lepper
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many children were in classes
  207W
  of 31 or more in infant schools or infant classes in primary schools in Brighton and Hove in each year since 1996–97. [114698]

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

  Maintained primary schools: Key Stage 1 class sizes taught by one teacher—Position in January each year

  Year

  Number of pupils in classes of 31 or more

  19971

  10,130

  19982

  3,422

  19992

  2,811

  20002

  2,262

  20012

  408

  20022

  0

  20032,3

  0

  1Before Local Government Re-organisation. Prior to 1998 Brighton and Hove was included with East Sussex.

  2 After Local Government Re-organisation. Figures from 1998 onwards are not directly comparable to those for 1997.

  3 Provisional. Final figures will be published in September 2003.

  Source:

  Annual Schools Census

  Departmental Report
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the cost was of the publication of the 2001 Departmental Report. [112809]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  While the Department pays for some production costs of its annual report, these only cover the design and typesetting. The costs of printing are met directly by the publisher, The Stationery Office (ISO) and do not fall to the Department. The Department also buys in copies from the ISO to distribute internally and to our partners.

  The costs for the Department for Education and Employment 2001 Report was:

  £

  Typesetting and design

  33,813

  Buying in copies from ISO

  18,600

  Total

  52,413

  Other costs of printing and publication are met directly by the publisher, The Stationery Office Limited (TSO), and do not fall to government.

  Depression
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what arrangements there are for educating schoolchildren in how better to deal with(a) depression and (b) related emotional help and wellbeing problems. [114744]

  Mr. Miliband
  Many schools actively adopt a variety of methods to help address the emotional needs of their pupils, including dealing with depression. Some adopt whole-school approaches, working to create a school environment with features designed to promote pupils emotional well-being. Other schools choose actively to promote emotional well-being through the curriculum by using specific programmes designed to teach emotional, social and behavioural skills. Where 208W
  individual pupils could benefit from more intensive support, schools may decide to involve them in individual or group work, such as nurture groups, anger-management training or bereavement support groups, to help address their particular problems. Many schools use a combination of these approaches.

  Schools within the Behaviour Improvement Project (BIP) are encouraged and advised on how to respond to the emotional needs of their pupils. In addition, the BIP funds the provision of multi-agency teams who help in the identification and support of those with, or at risk of developing social, emotional and behavioural problems including depression. Known as Behaviour and Education Support Teams (BESTs) they work in targeted primary and secondary schools, and in the community, alongside a range of other support structures and services. The BIP is fully operational in 34 LEAs and will apply to selected schools in a further 27 LEAs, which will be operational from September 2003. The Department is also looking at other ways of extending the spread of this work across schools, primarily through training and guidance.

  In June 2001, the DfES issued guidance, Promoting Childrens Mental Health within Early Years and School Settings. This is designed to help teachers and others, working alongside mental health professionals, to promote childrens mental health and to intervene effectively with those children experiencing problems. There is a section in the guidance on the interventions teachers might use to address specific mental health disorders including depression. Schools are also encouraged to work closely with the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). Research on effective joint working between schools and CAMHS is given in the DfES Research Report 412, published in April 2003.

  Disabled Students
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans he has to require the Office for Fair Access in Education to consider the access to higher education of students with disabilities in its remit. [114191]

  Margaret Hodge
  Students with disabilities are protected against discrimination in higher education, including admission, by the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001. Universities may also wish to include an ambition in their access agreement to widen participation to those with disabilities where appropriate. Access agreements must be approved by the Office for Fair Access.

  Early Years Education
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what percentage of children living in the Greater London area receive education at three or four years of age. [114855]

  Mr. Miliband
  In January 2002, 89 per cent. of three or four-year-old children in Greater London received education in a private, voluntary, independent, special or maintained establishment.
  209W
  In every local education authority area there is an early education place for every four-year-old whose parents want one in either the maintained, private or voluntary sector. We have made the commitment that by April 2004, six months ahead of our original target, all three-year-olds whose parents want one, will have access to a free, part-time early education place.

  The latest local authority figures on early years provision in England were published in the Departments Statistical Bulletin 08/2002, Provision for Children Under Five Years of Age in England: January 2002, in December 2002. An electronic copy of which is available in the Library and on the DfES website: www.dfes.gov.uk/statistics

  Education Action Zones
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many education action zones there are; what qualifies an area to be classified as a zone; and what action has been taken in these zones since they were established to improve education. [115124]

  Mr. Miliband
  There are currently 72 statutory zones (EAZs) made up of over 1,300 schools throughout the country. In Round One, 25 statutory zones were set up between September 1998 and January 1999. A further 48 zones were established between September 1999 and April 2000 in Round Two.

  All zones were initially set up for a limited statutory term of three years. All Round One zones and many of the Round Two zones have had their terms extended to the maximum statutory period of five years. Preston EAZ transformed into an Excellence Cluster in December 2002 and was the pilot for our transformation strategy. EAZs have been set up in areas where there is a mixture of social and economic disadvantage where schools are tending to achieve levels of educational performance well below the national average.. They are in both urban and rural areas, wherever groups of schools want to take up the challenge of raising their educational standards.

  EAZs have given local partnerships the freedom and resources to propose innovative strategies that would be difficult to put into practise at the level of the individual schools. Partnerships typically comprise a mix of parents, early years providers, businesses, the LEA, community organisations, the Learning Skills Council, careers services, colleges, other statutory agencies (such as health authorities, the youth service and the police) and others.

  Zone initiatives generally focus on six main themes: improving the quality of teaching, improving the quality of learning, social inclusion, providing support to families, providing support to pupils and working with business and other organisations.

  As a result of these initiatives the following successes have been recorded:
  From 1999–2002 the percentage of pupils gaining 5+ A*-C GCSEs improved at a greater rate than the national average (4.7 per cent. compared to 3.6 per cent.);
  210W
  From 1999–2002 the percentage of pupils gaining L5+ at KS3 improved at a greater rate than the national average for maths (6 per cent. compared to 5 per cent.) and science (13 per cent. compared to 12 per cent.) and at the same rate for English (3 per cent.);
  From 1999–2002 the percentage of pupils gaining L4+ at KS2 improved at a greater rate than the national average in English (5 per cent. compared to 4 per cent.), maths (6 per cent. compared to 4 per cent.) and science (13 per cent. compared to 8 per cent.);
  From 1999–2002 the percentage of pupils gaining L2+ at KS 1 improved at twice the national rate in reading (4 per cent. compared to 2 per cent.) and at a greater rate than the national average for writing and maths (both 5 per cent. compared to 3 per cent.).
  Participation of over 1000 businesses across the zone programme, bringing in extra resources, new skills and management expertise to improve the delivery of education; Over £65 million private sector cash and in-kind sponsorship raised by zones;
  A significant reduction in the number of EAZ schools on special measures;
  Her Majestys Chief Inspectors (HMCI) Annual Report, published by OFSTED in February 2002 described most of the first round EAZs inspected as making reasonable progress, and said that almost four-fifths of the major individual initiatives covered in detail were beginning to offer good value at the time of the inspections.

  Our Transformation Strategy on the future of EAZs, announced in November 2001, aims to continue to support ex-EAZ schools through the Excellence in Cities (EiC) initiative. When zones come to the end of their five-year statutory period, they will transform either to an EiC Action Zone in an EiC area, or an Excellence Cluster outside of an EiC area. The ethos of the Transformation Strategy is to rationalise our area-based programmes for under performing schools, to target resources where they are most needed and to reduce the burden and bureaucracy on these struggling schools.

  Education Funding (Wandsworth)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what discussion he has had with the London Borough of Wandsworth on education funding for the borough for the year 2003–04; and if he will make a statement. [116713]

  Mr. Miliband
  I met Councillors and officers from London Borough of Wandsworth on 4 March 2003 to discuss the councils proposed schools budget. The Department wrote to Wandsworth LEA on 2 May about their schools budget and received a reply on 12 May.

  Education Spending Formulae
  John Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what recent representations he has received from London local authorities on education formula spending shares and the addition of the Standard Fund Grant; and if he will make a statement. [116578]

  Mr. Miliband
  My right hon. Friend has received a number of representations from London education authorities about school funding issues. He made a statement to the House on 15 May 2003,Official Report, column 13WS.

  Employee Development Schemes
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what discussions he has had with the Treasury relating to the tax-exempt status of educational benefits received through employee development schemes; and if he will make a statement. [115118]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  We have had no specific discussions with the Treasury concerning the tax status of employee development schemes.

  Examinations
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what proportion of students achieved(a) one, (b) one to three and (c) more than three A to E grade A Levels (i) in England, (ii) in Teesside, and (iii) at schools and colleges in the Middlesbrough, South and Cleveland, East constituency in the last year for which figures are available. [114502]

  Mr. Miliband
  The percentage of students achieving(a) one and (b) one to three A to E grades and (c) more than three A to E grades at GCE/VCE A Level in England, Teesside and Middlesbrough, South and Cleveland, East in 2001/02:

  Percentage

  Number of A Levels achieved

  One

  One to three

  Four or more

  England

  20.6

  75.0

  20.1

  Teesside

  28.0

  72.9

  21.6

  Middlesbrough, South and Cleveland, East

  20.6

  64.2

  29.9

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans he has to alter the administration of examinations. [115588]

  Mr. Miliband
  Following Mike Tomlinsons report into A Level Standards, the QCA has significantly amended the Code of Practice governing examinations and provided clear guidance on the standards for AS and A Level examinations. We, QCA and the awarding bodies are considering Mike Tomlinsons longer term recommendations to remove unnecessary differences in the administrative process; raise the professional status of examining; and increase the use of ICT in examinations and assessment.

  From September 2003, under the terms of the School Workforce Agreement, the way in which exams are administered in schools will change. Teachers will no longer be routinely required to administer public and external examinations. From September 2005, this will include the invigilation of external and public examinations.

  Further/Higher Education
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans he has in conjunction with the Learning and Skills Council to introduce standing arrangements to reduce bureaucracy in the further education sector. [115082]
  212W
  Margaret Hodge
  The DfES and the LSC are committed to reducing the burden of bureaucracy for providers across the whole of the learning and skills sector. We will establish an independent gatekeeper group to reduce bureaucracy. The group will assess the bureaucratic impact of new and existing policies and practices on providers in the sector. It will challenge the Department and the LSC to change these, and advise on how this can best be done. The group will begin its work this summer.

  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what percentage of 16 to 18-year-olds in the Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland constituency have gone on to(a) further and (b) higher education in each of the last five years; what percentage these figures represent of the total number of 16 to 18-year-olds in the area; and what the average is in England for such persons. [115536]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  Data on the percentage of students participating in post-compulsory education are not calculated for areas smaller than LEAs as reliable estimates cannot be made. Participation rates at sub-national level are available only for 16 and 17-year-olds.

  Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland constituency is divided between Redcar and Cleveland LEA and Middlesbrough LEA. The percentage of 16 and 17-year-olds participating in full-time further education for these two LEAs and England in each of the last five years, for which data are available, are set out in the following table.

  Participation in full-time further education

  Percentage of age group

  End 1996

  End 1997

  End 1998

  End 1999

  End 2000

  16-year-olds

  Middlesbrough LEA

  61

  59

  58

  68

  68

  Redcar & Cleveland LEA

  60

  59

  61

  64

  62

  England

  70

  70

  70

  71

  71

  17-year-olds

  Middlesbrough LEA

  46

  45

  48

  50

  55

  Redcar & Cleveland LEA

  51

  46

  49

  51

  51

  England

  57

  57

  57

  58

  58

  Note:

  Population data do not include any revisions following the 2001 census

  Source:

  DfES Statistical Bulletin, published 16 December 2002

  Participation rates by LEA for 16 and 17-year-olds are published in an annual statistical bulletin, Participation in Education and Training by 16 and 17-Year-Olds in Each Local Area in England. This bulletin is available on the departmental website www. dfes.gov.uk/statistics

  Figures for the number of students who enter higher education are not collated centrally on a constituency basis. Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland constituency is divided between Redcar and Cleveland LEA and Middlesbrough LEA. The proportion of students domiciled in these two LEAs and England, aged 18 and accepted through UCAS to full-time undergraduate courses in the UK is given in the following table.
  213W

  Autumn Entry

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  2002

  Middlesbrough LEA

  17 year-old-population

  2,100

  2,100

  2,000

  2,100

  2,100

  18 year-olds accepted to HE

  314

  325

  340

  406

  379

  Proportion entering Higher Education1

  14.6

  15.6

  16.9

  19.4

  18.4

  Redcar and Cleveland LEA

  17-year-old population

  2,000

  1,900

  1,900

  1,800

  1,900

  18-year-olds accepted to HE

  328

  341

  302

  353

  334

  Proportion entering Higher Education1

  16.4

  17.8

  16.0

  19.4

  17.1

  England

  17-year-old population

  619,700

  612,100

  601,000

  610,900

  613,600

  18-year-olds accepted to HE

  124,533

  123,441

  123,708

  131,322

  134,840

  Proportion entering Higher Education1

  20.1

  20.2

  20.6

  21 5

  22.0

  1Percentage

  Note:

  Participation rates have been calculated using the 17-year-old population from the previous year to reduce the distortion caused to LEA population by the migration of students to their place of study. England figures include a very small number of accepted applicants of unknown English domicile. Population figures relate to persons aged 17 at 31 August in the year prior to entry, counts taken at the following 1 January; accepted applicants are aged 18 at 30 September in the year of entry.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on(a) plans for merger and (b) recent closures of further and higher education institutions, with particular reference to proposals that affect Hampshire. [116348]

  Margaret Hodge
  I am not aware of plans to merge or close any further or higher education institution in Hampshire. There are always a number of potential changes being discussed locally; the majority of which do not result in a formal proposal to the Secretary of State. More further and higher education institutions are entering into strategic alliances to increase collaboration both within each sector and across sectors. However, one school sixth form in the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Learning and Skills Council Area has recently decided to close due to falling numbers of students in an area well provided with high quality colleges.

  Mr. Damian Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) how many students were admitted to higher education from each socio-economic group in each academic year since 1997; [110104]

  UK domiciled applicants and accepted applicants via UCAS to full-time and sandwich undergraduate courses in the UK from 1996 to 2001

  Thousand

  Year of entry:

  Applicants

  1996

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  Professional

  49.9

  48.4

  47.0

  46.5

  45.8

  45.8

  Intermediate

  139.0

  150.3

  147.3

  144.8

  144.7

  144.8

  Skilled non-manual

  43.0

  49.6

  47.1

  47.1

  48.1

  48.1

  Skilled manual

  58.2

  60.7

  58.9

  58.5

  57.2

  60.6

  Partly skilled

  28.3

  32.2

  31.0

  30.8

  31.7

  29.5

  Unskilled

  7.0

  7.9

  7.3

  7.5

  7.3

  7.1

  Unknown

  39.4

  49.2

  51.0

  53.5

  54.3

  63.6

  Total

  364.9

  398.3

  389.6

  388.7

  389.1

  399.6

  Accepted applicants

  Professional

  39.3

  39.6

  38.5

  38.9

  38.8

  39.7

  Intermediate

  105.0

  117.4

  115.6

  115.7

  117.7

  120.8

  Skilled non-manual

  31.3

  37.3

  35.6

  36.3

  37.8

  38.8

  Skilled manual

  40.9

  44.8

  44.2

  44.5

  44.4

  48.4

  Partly skilled

  19.9

  23.5

  22.7

  23.1

  24.2

  23.1

  Unskilled

  4.9

  5.6

  5.3

  5.5

  5.5

  5.6

  Unknown

  27.1

  35.0

  36.6

  39.1

  40.3

  49.0

  Total

  268.3

  303.3

  298.2

  303.1

  308.7

  325.5

  214W
  (2) how many applicants to higher education were from each socio-economic group, in each academic year since 1997. [110105]

  Margaret Hodge
  The available information, as given in the table, covers only those who apply to full-time and sandwich undergraduate courses through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS); data on the family background of students applying to part-time courses are not held centrally. In 2002 UCAS moved to recording social class using the National Statistics Socio-Economic Classification (NS-SEC) measure. There is no method of converting between the two measures of social class. As a result, the figures for 2002 entry are given in a separate table. There was an increase in entrants in 1997/98 related partly to changes in the funding arrangements for higher education, with students choosing to enter HE in that year rather than wait until 1998/99. There was a corresponding reduction in 1998/99 before entrants started to increase again in 1999/00.

  The Government are committed to raising the participation rates for people from less affluent backgrounds, and has introduced the Aimhigher programme, which is targeted at raising attainment and aspirations among young people who traditionally would not consider going to university.

  215W

  UK domiciled applicants and accepted applicants via UCAS to full-time and sandwich undergraduate courses in the UK in 2002

  Thousand

  Applicants

  2002 entry

  Higher managerial and professional occupations

  71.1

  Lower managerial and professional occupations

  99.4

  Intermediate occupations

  51.0

  Small employers and own account workers

  24.5

  Lower supervisory and technical occupations

  15.6

  Semi-routine occupations

  43.5

  Routine occupations

  19.9

  Unknown

  76.9

  Total

  401.9

  Acceptances

  Higher managerial and professional occupations

  61.4

  Lower managerial and professional occupations

  83.5

  Intermediate occupations

  42.1

  Small employers and own account workers

  20.1

  Lower supervisory and technical occupations

  12.8

  Semi-routine occupations

  34.6

  Routine occupations

  15.9

  Unknown

  61.3

  Total

  331.7

  Mr. Damian Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many and what proportion of undergraduates failed to complete a course at a higher education institution, broken down by institution and course title, in each year since 1997. [110136]

  Margaret Hodge
  The available information on non-completion rates is contained in Performance Indicators in Higher Education, published by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), copies of which are available from the House Library. The figures cover full-time first degree courses only, and show, for each individual HE institution in the UK, the proportion of entrants who failed to complete their course. Copies of the HEFCE publication are available for students starting courses in 1996–97, 1997–98, 1998–99 and 1999–2000. The next edition, covering students starting courses in 2000/01, is scheduled for publication in autumn 2003.

  Nationally, the non-completion rate has remained broadly the same at 17–18 per cent. since 1991–92, a period of considerable expansion of student numbers.

  Figures published in 2002 by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) show that the UK has one of the lowest non-completion rates among OECD countries.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment his Department has made of the impact of its higher education proposals on the UK economy. [115591]

  Margaret Hodge
  The Governments White Paper, The future of higher education, sets out in broad terms the economic case for expanding and improving higher education.

  Officials in my Department are currently developing a Regulatory Impact Assessment which will consider in more detail the costs and benefits of our higher education proposals on business and the sector.

  ICT
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what changes have been made to 216W
  IT lessons in schools since 1997; what advanced courses are available to students who are particularly proficient; and if he will make a statement on levels of computer provision. [115128]

  Mr. Miliband
  ICT is a priority for this Government and is compulsory for all pupils aged five to 16. We have put in place the infrastructure to enable schools to use ICT in teaching and learning across the curriculum by equipping schools with modern ICT facilities; creating a National Grid for Learning that provides a rich source of classroom materials and providing training for teachers through the New Opportunities Fund. Our Key Stage 3 strategy for 11 to 14-year-olds has a specific focus on teaching and learning using ICT. Our Key Stage 4 proposals for 14 to 16-year-olds include greater development of ICT skills through other subjects and greater opportunity for pupils to gain qualifications which recognise their ICT capability. Ofsted reports show ICT teaching is good in over three primary schools in five and is generally sound in secondary schools.

  There is a range of courses designed to allow students to demonstrate their proficiency in ICT. For students who wish to develop their skills as advanced ICT users, the GCE A level is available. Alternatively, the GCE A level in computing is appropriate for proficient students with aspirations of becoming ICT specialists.

  In 2002 there was an average of one computer for every 9.7 pupils in primary schools and one for every six pupils in secondary schools. This compares with one for every 17.6 pupils in primary and one per 8.7 pupils in secondary schools in 1998. Over 100,000 teachers have received a computer through centrally-funded initiatives such as the Laptops for Teachers scheme.

  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on his Departments strategy for developing information and communications technology in schools. [115250]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Proposals for a cross-sector strategy for e-learning will be published later this year. However, Fulfilling the Potential, a document clarifying the directions we would like schools to travel with information and communications technologies, and the outcome we seek, was published on 21 May 2003. Copies of this have been placed in the Library.

  Learning and Skills Council
  Paul Holmes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when it will be possible to refer complaints about the Learning and Skills Council to the Parliamentary Ombudsman; and if he will make a statement. [114465]

  Margaret Hodge
  The Learning and Skills Council will be brought under the jurisdiction of the Ombudsman in the near future. I will write to the hon. Member when this occurs. In the meantime the Learning and Skills Council does have systems in place for handling complaints and the overwhelming majority are dealt with effectively.

  Local Education Authority Funding
  Mr. Greg Knight
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the average funding per pupil
  217W
  for local education authorities in England and Wales was in each of the last two years; and what the funding per pupil for the East Riding of Yorkshire was in each year. [115912]

  Mr. Miliband
  My Department is not responsible for funding in Wales. The information requested for England and East Riding of Yorkshire is contained in the following table:

  Total funding per pupil aged 4 to 19

  2001–02

  2002–03

  England

  3,390

  3,500

  East Riding of Yorkshire

  3,060

  3,150

  Notes:

  1. Figures reflect education SSA settlement figures (all sub-blocks, excluding, where relevant, the funding for four-year-olds at private, voluntary and independent institutions) plus all revenue grants in DfESs departmental expenditure limits relevant to pupils aged 4 to 19 (excluding EMA and a handful of others where it is not possible to get figures on a comparable basis over time).

  2. The pupil numbers used to convert £ million figures to £ per pupil are the maintained pupils underlying the SSA settlement calculations.

  3. 2002–03 SSA figures are net LSC i.e. do not include the element for LSC allocations in respect of sixth forms. LSC is treated as grant.

  4. Figures are as reported by LEAs and are taken from the 2002–03 section 52 budget statements.

  5. Real terms, 2001–02 prices, based on GDP deflators as at April 2003.

  6. Figures are rounded to the nearest £10. Totals may not sum due to rounding.

  Mental Health
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many sick days were lost over the last year by his Department through staff mental health problems. [112001]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  My Department is committed to managing sickness absence effectively and to maintain its efforts to try and meet the 2003 target for reduced sickness absence as set out in its Service Delivery Agreement.

  In line with its legal obligation, the Department aims to provide a safe working environment for all its employees and remains committed to meeting the targets for reducing the number of working days lost due to work related injuries and illness set out in the Governments Revitalising Health and Safety initiative. These have been incorporated into the Departmental Health and Safety Policy statement.

  In the calendar year 2002, 9473 days in DfES were lost because of sick leave due to anxiety, depression, stress and other mental illness.

  Micro Schools Initiative
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on the Micro Schools Initiative in London. [114215]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  There is no Micro Schools Initiative as such in London. In our recent document The London Challenge: Transforming London Secondary Schools, we say that as part of the London Challenge programme, we will support the development 218W
  of innovations which have been successfully tried in other urban schools. We give as an example the small schools model, which breaks large schools into more manageable and personal units, and which has been successfully tried in some parts of the United States of America.

  Music
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many(a) peripatetic and (b) staff musical instrument teachers work in state schools in Leeds; how many full-time equivalent staff there are; and what the average number of hours worked per week was in the latest period for which figures are available. [116184]

  Mr. Miliband
  In January 2002 there were 6,080 full-time equivalent regular teachers in the maintained sector in Leeds, 60 of whom were peripatetic. The number of musical instrument teachers in the maintained schools sector is not collected centrally.

  The average number of hours worked for all full-time teachers in the maintained schools sector in England in March 2000 was 52.8 hours per week during term time. Figures are not available at local authority level.

  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) what provisions are available for assisting talented musicians from Leeds West in state schools to achieve excellence as musicians; [116185]

  (2) how many pupils in each year group (a) had access to and (b) took up musical instrument lessons at schools in the Leeds West constituency in the latest year for which figures are available; [116186]

  (3) what percentage of state-educated pupils in the Leeds West constituency (a) had access to and (b) took up musical instrument lessons at schools in the latest year for which figures are available. [116187]

  Mr. Miliband
  The Department does not collect this information centrally, either by year group or at constituency level.

  However, as a result of last years national survey we do now have data on the overall music provision for schools provided by LEA Music Services. LEAs returned this data on a confidential basis and so figures for individual LEAs cannot be released. I can, however, offer a national estimate of the number of pupils learning a musical instrument. According to the survey returns:

  in England, 253,000 pupils at Key Stage 2 are currently receiving regular instrumental or vocal tuition provided by LEA Music Services (around 10.3 per cent of all Key Stage two pupils on average) 454,600 pupils in Key Stages 1–4 are receiving instrumental or vocal tuition provided by LEA Music Services (around 8 per cent of pupils on average).

  Further data from the survey, at national level, are available in the form of a published report. The report can be found on the DfES Music Services website at www.dfes.gov.uk/musicservices. Hard copies have been placed in the House Library.
  219W
  The Department is strongly committed to music education and we have a number of projects underway to identify and nurture talented young musicians. Talented Leeds pupils will have access to Junior Conservatoires such as the Leeds College of Music and the National Youth Orchestra as well as the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.

  Music Standards Fund
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement about the(a) money allocated under and (b) students benefiting from the Music Standards Fund and the Music and Dance Scheme in (i) the Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland constituency, (ii) Teesside and (iii) the Government Office north east region. [115535]

  Mr. Miliband
  The information requested relating to the Music and Dance Scheme (MDS) is not available centrally. MDS provision in the north east is known to be weak, which is why the Department is helping to pilot a new weekend music school at The Sage, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear to benefit talented children in the region.

  The Music Standards Fund can be spent in any way which enhances opportunities for pupils to access musical education of high quality, so potentially all students in an area benefit from its provision. The funds allocated to each area requested are as follows.

  LEA/ Area/Region

  MSF Allocation 2003–04

  Redcar and Cleveland LEA

  11,336,700

  Middlesbrough LEA

  11,366,700

  Teeside Area

  1,513,700

  Government Office North East

  4,287,016

  1 Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland constituency covers both Redcar and Cleveland and Middlesbrough LEAs. Redcar and Cleveland, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool and Stockton on Tees LEAs submitted a joint MSF bid as the Tees Valley Music Project and this allocation covers all four LEAs.

  National Professional Qualification for Headship
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what percentage of new entrants to the NPQH leadership qualifications are(a) from ethnic minorities, (b) have disabilities and (c) are women; and what the percentages are in the workforce as a whole. [115590]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  63 per cent. of new entrants to the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) are women. Information about ethnicity and disability is provided on a voluntary basis, but of those who supplied this information, 3 per cent. are from ethnic minorities and 1 per cent. consider themselves disabled within the terms of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

  In the workforce as a whole, 68.7 per cent. of teachers are women. Data on ethnic minorities and disabilities are not held centrally.

  Office of Fair Access
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the milestones for assessing progress in widening participation referred to on 220W
  page 19 of Widening Participation in Higher Education are which he intends to set out in guidance to the Office of Fair Access for it to apply to individual universities; and whether admissions from (a) type of schools and (b) family social class are to play a part in such milestones. [115686]

  Margaret Hodge
  The milestones used in the access agreement will be determined by each institution and not by my RHF. It will be for each institution to decide on the milestones that are appropriate to its circumstances. As we have explained in Widening Participation in Higher Education, no single indicator can give a rounded view of progress towards widening participation and the institution will be able to draw on a range of data.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans he has to assess the compatibility of the statement of principles of the Office of Fair Access with the European Convention on Human Rights, with special reference to the right to education. [115687]

  Margaret Hodge
  My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State is confident that the proposal to create the Office for Fair Access is compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights.

  Ofsted
  Paul Holmes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what recent discussions have taken place between his Department and Ofsted concerning media releases by Ofsted prior to their issue; whether his Department approves Ofsted media releases prior to issue; and if he will make a statement. [114463]

  Mr. Miliband
  Ofsted does not clear media releases with the Department. The Department is often consulted about the timing of media events but not for the purposes of clearance. Ofsted is a separate non-Ministerial department and decisions about those releases are therefore a matter for HM Chief Inspector.

  Paul Holmes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what discussions have taken place between his Department and Ofsted concerning the report by the Adult Learning Inspectorate on College and Area Wide Inspections; whether his Department approved the report prior to publication; and if he will make a statement. [114464]

  Margaret Hodge
  The College and Area-wide Inspections Report is a joint report from Ofsted and the Adult Learning Inspectorate. Ofsted informed my Department of the content of the report prior to publication. Ofsted and the Adult Learning Inspectorate reports are independent and not subject to the approval of my Department.

  There is a considerable amount of useful detail in the report, much of which is in line with previous reports from Ofsted and the Adult Learning Inspectorate.

  The report recognises there is much good provision in colleges, 90 per cent. of lessons are assessed as satisfactory or better. It also highlights important areas where performance needs to improve.
  221W
  This information has been used in the design of our reform programme set out in the document Success for All published in November 2002. These reforms are backed by substantial additional funding for colleges. The Success for All priorities are: improving the responsiveness and quality of provision, promoting excellence in teaching and learning, developing leaders, teachers, trainers and support staff and developing a new framework for quality and success.

  Part-time Students
  Dr. Francis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) what steps he is taking to ensure parity of access to leading research-intensive higher education institutions between part-time students and undergraduates and postgraduates; [113215]

  (2) what action he is taking to ensure that part-time students have access to the full range of academic programmes available to their full-time equivalents. [113459]

  Margaret Hodge
  The distribution of places between full and part-time study is not planned centrally. We encourage flexible and part-time provision, and have introduced the foundation degree, which is designed to be flexible, and which has had very good take-up among part-time students. In the White Paper we set out proposals to improve the financial support for part-time students including providing fee support for those on low incomes, a new means tested grant to help with the costs faced by the students and support for childcare costs. We have also introduced a range of measures to encourage wider participation more generally, including at postgraduate level.

  Dr. Francis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what guidance he will give to the proposed Office for Fair Access to ensure that part-time students are not disadvantaged in access to higher education. [113228]

  Margaret Hodge
  The remit of the Office for Fair Access (OFFA) will be restricted to matters relating to those students whose fees are subject to statutory limits. Part-time students will therefore fall outside the remit of OFFA. However, we strongly encourage institutions to widen access and it will be open to universities to include in the access agreements they submit to OFFA measures which particularly address the needs of part-time students.

  Dr. Francis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how he will monitor the relative effects of his proposals for higher education reform upon(a) part-time students and (b) full-time students, with particular reference to (i) entitlement and access to welfare and (ii) support services while on their courses. [113230]

  Margaret Hodge
  We will continue to monitor the effect of changes in student support policy on students entitlement to welfare benefits including discussions at official level with the Department for Work and Pensions. However, only a minority of students are eligible for benefits. We do not expect major changes in benefit levels for the minority of part-time students currently eligible as a result of our improved package of support for part-time students from 2004–05. We will 222W
  monitor the impact of the Higher Education Grant for the small numbers of full-time students, largely lone parents and the disabled, who receive housing benefit and, in some cases, income support.

  It is important that student services in higher education institutions develop in order to support a more diverse student population as we widen access. Institutions are however responsible for deciding what services they need to provide and how best to deliver them in light of their circumstances and those of their students. One measure of their success is the rate of student retention. HEFCE will be monitoring the performance of individual institutions in this area through the continued publication of performance indicators and will be working with institutions to bear down on non-completion.

  Physics
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps he has taken to encourage young women to take up physics A Level. [116616]

  Mr. Miliband
  We are working closely with our colleagues in the Promoting SET for Women Unit at the DTI to take forward recommendations made in Baroness Greenfields report, SET Fair. From September 2003, a new science GCSE, Science in the 21st Century, will be piloted in 50 schools. The aim is to provide a sound and stimulating science education for all students whether they become consumers, users or producers of science. We are currently consulting on the programme of study for science at Key Stage 4, following a review by the QCA. In partnership with the Wellcome Trust, we are creating a national network of science learning centres that will provide innovative training for science teachers and technicians, aiming to bring the excitement of science into the classroom, including encouraging more young women to continue studying science post-16. We are also developing innovative materials and teacher training to improve the teaching and learning of A Level biology, chemistry and physics. We also fund specific initiatives that aim to promote physics to young people including the British Physics Olympiad.

  Positive Activities for Young People
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on the relationship between Positive Activities for Young People and the Schools Behaviour Improvement Programme. [114198]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  Behaviour Improvement Programme schools (BIPs) are key partners in the Positive Activities for Young People programme (PAYP). One of the delivery requirements of PAYP is the full consultation and involvement of schools in Behaviour Improvement Programme areas so that young people at risk of truancy are identified.

  It is expected that a significant percentage of the cohort targeted by Lead Delivery Agents will be from Behaviour Improvement Programme schools. It is also envisaged that the relationship between school-based key workers (such as Learning Mentors, Behaviour and

  223W
  Educational Support Teams) and the additional Connexions Personal Adviser Key Workers recruited for PAYP will be crucial in ensuring continuity of support for targeted young people. LEA involvement in the Positive Activities for Young People programme will help determine how schemes fit in with existing activities carried out through BIPs.

  It is expected that both programmes (in areas where they co-exist), will form continuous support for vulnerable young people in and out of school.

  Primary School League Tables
  Stephen Hesford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans he has for primary school league tables. [115068]

  Mr. Miliband
  Our plans for primary schools performance tables are discussed in detail in two recent publications: Consultation on Publication of School and College Performance Tables in 2003 and Excellence and Enjoyment—A Strategy for Primary Schools. Immediate changes which we intend to introduce this year (subject to consultation) are:the addition of a Key Stage 1 (KS1) to Key Stage 2 (KS2) value added (VA) measure which will show progress schools help pupils make relative to their different starting points; and
  the separate reporting of the percentage of pupils achieving Level 5 in KS2 English, maths, and science, showing the extent to which schools help pupils reach above the level expected by the end of KS2.

  But we recognise that more needs to be done in terms of improving and refining the information in the tables and are exploring further possible changes for the future. Views on some proposals on how the tables might better reflect a schools performance are sought and discussed in the primary document and include:
  extending and refining the coverage of VA calculations to include the use of P Scales so as to include the achievements of pupils working below the level assessed by the National Curriculum tests;
  the possibility of omitting certain defined categories of pupils with special educational needs from the tables—such as those with severe or profound and multiple learning difficulties;
  a means of reflecting the breadth and richness of schools curriculum, or the extent to which they are inclusive, for example, by publishing the headline judgements from recent Ofsted reports on schools; and
  exploring the possibility of offering more information allowing comparisons against schools in similar circumstances.

  Public Service Agreements
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps the Department has taken to publicise its Public Service Agreement targets; and at what cost to public funds. [114444]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  Information on PSA targets is published on the DfES website and included in routine publications such as departmental reports and autumn performance reports, which involve no significant extra cost. Other publicity includes the strategic framework document Education and Skills: Delivering Results, A Strategy to 2006, which sets out the Departments key objectives and how they will be delivered, including PSA targets. The cost of this document, which is used by both 224W
  staff and a variety of external audiences, was £19,514.25; this includes design, typesetting and both the first and second print runs.

  Public-Private Partnerships
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many PPP bids were received to provide schools in Northamptonshire in the recent bid process; and if he will make a statement. [115950]

  Mr. Miliband
  56 bids were submitted by Local Education Authorities with a total value in excess of £4 billion. None of the bids was to provide schools in Northamptonshire. Details of the projects prioritised can be found in the Press Notice 2003/0055 issued by the Department on 31 March 2003, copies of which are available in the Library of the House.

  Qualifications
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the percentage was of those completing statutory school with no recognised qualifications in(a) 1973, (b) 1980, (c) 1985, (d) 1990, (e) 1995, (f) 2000 and (g) for the latest year for which information is available. [115113]

  Mr. Miliband
  [holding answer 22 May 2003]: The percentage of 15-year-old pupils that failed to achieve a GCE O-level, CSE grade 1–5, GCSE grade A*-G or the GNVQ equivalent are:

  Academic year

  Percentage

  1972/731

  7.3

  1979/801

  12.3

  1984/851

  9.7

  1989/90

  7.3

  1994/95

  8.1

  1999/2000

  5.6

  2001/02

  5.4

  1 Figures are based on school leavers of any age

  Religious Schools
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many religious schools there are; what Government funding is provided to these schools; what proposals he has to create state-funded religious schools; and what assessment he has made on the effects of religious segregation in state education. [115127]

  Mr. Miliband
  There are 6,938 state funded schools with a religious character in England.

  Schools with a religious character, often called faith schools or religious schools, are funded by local education authorities for their recurrent costs on the same basis as other maintained schools of the same type, ie primary or secondary. Government grants, for example, Standards Fund grant, are also payable on the same basis as for other maintained schools of the same type.

  Voluntary Aided (VA) schools, irrespective of whether or not they are faith schools, are eligible for capital funding by grant from my Department. VA schools are paid on a similar basis to other categories of schools, but the governing body must usually pay at least 10 per cent. of the costs of capital work.
  225W
  Capital funding for schools not in the voluntary aided sector, irrespective of whether or not they are faith schools, is provided on the same basis for all categories of the same type of maintained schools, including the allocation of direct capital funding on the basis of a national formula, and access to local education authority formulaic funding in line with the priorities of the local asset management plan.

  It is for promoters to put forward proposals to establish a school. Any new faith school must have the agreement of parents and the local community. Most decisions about whether or not a new faith school should open in England will be made locally—by the School Organisation Committee for the area, following local consultation, or by the Schools Adjudicator if the Committee cannot agree. In the case where a local education authority identifies a need for an additional secondary school, new procedures from 1 June will require them to hold a competition to run it and the Secretary of State will make the decision, after receiving comments from the School Organisation Committee.

  At present there is no right of appeal against unanimous rejection by the School Organisation Committee: in future promoters who are not represented on the School Organisation Committee, including those from minority faiths, will be able to appeal to the Schools Adjudicator.

  We have not made an assessment of the effects of religious segregation in state education. That is because we remain committed to ensuring that inclusiveness is at the heart of faith school policy, as recommended by the report Building Cohesive Communities produced by the interdepartmental Ministerial Group on Public Order and Community Cohesion in December 2001.

  School Budget Deficit (Shropshire)
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the budget deficit is for schools in Shropshire in financial year 2003–04. [115030]

  Mr. Miliband
  The information requested by the hon. Member is not collected by my Department. This information should be available from the local education authority.

  School Catering
  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on the(a) quantity, (b) quality and (c) source of non-UK produced eggs used in school catering. [115759]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  The Department for Education and Skills does not hold any information on the quality, quantity or source of non-UK produced eggs used in school catering. It is the responsibility of the LEA or schools with delegated budgets to decide on the products they use in the preparation of school meals.

  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the average amount spent on a school meal by children is in(a) primary and
  (b) secondary schools in each local education authority area. [115260]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  Information on the average amount spent on school meals is not collected centrally.
  226W
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many children in each local education authority area are entitled to free school meals. [115261]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  The information requested has been placed in the House of Commons Library.

  School Inspection
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what percentage of(a) Year 7, (b) Year 8, (c) Year 9, (d) Year 10 and (e) Year 11 lessons seen by Ofsted in each year from 1995 to 2001 were recorded as set. [115573]

  Mr. Miliband
  This is a matter for Ofsted. The HM Chief Inspector, David Bell, will write to the hon. Member and a copy of his letter will he placed in the Library.

  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what percentage of Key Stage 1 classes inspected in 2001–02 contained 30 pupils or over. [115574]

  Mr. Miliband
  This is a matter for Ofsted. The HM Chief Inspector, David Bell, will write to the hon. Member and a copy of his letter will be placed in the Library.

  School Software
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what action his Department is taking to increase the confidence of schools in the use of open source software. [116659]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The British Educational Communications and Technology Agency (Becta), which is the Governments lead agency for ICT in education, has published a number of documents on its ICT Advice website that provide information about open source software. They are:

  What is open source software?

  http://www.ictadvice.org.uk/index.php?section=te&cat=00a&rid=1798

  Using open source software

  http://www.ictadvice.org.uk/index.php?section=ap&cat=004006&rid=1858

  How to choose between software licenses

  http://ictadvice.org.uk/index.php?section=

  ap&pagenum=1&NextStart=1&rid=1005&rr=1

  Licensing electronic materials: advice and issues for schools

  http://www.ictadvice.org.uk/downloads/guidance_doc/licensing_electronic.doc

  These articles put open source in the context of other licensing options, making schools aware that there are choices.

  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many schools have signed a Microsoft Schools Agreement contract. [116660]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Government do not collect this information. Schools are free to make their own arrangements about what software to use and how to pay for it. The British Educational Communications and Technology Agency (Becta), which is the
  227W
  Governments lead agency for ICT in education, has published a number of documents on its ICT Advice website that help schools to make informed choices. They include:

  How to choose between software licenses

  http://ictadvice.org.uk/index.php?section=ap&pagenum=1&NextStart=1&rid=1005&rr=1

  How to upgrade software

  http://www.ictadvice.org.uk/index.php?section=ap&cat=004006&rid=1006

  Microsofts own licensing information can be found at:

  http://www.microsoft.com/uk/education/microsoft-licensing/

  Schools Budgets
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on schools budgets in 2003–04 in relation to teaching staff. [114868]

  Mr. Miliband
  I refer the hon. Member to the statement made to the House on 15 May 2003 by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State. It is now for local authorities and schools to consider the implications for school budgets including teaching staff.

  Mr. Lepper
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the funding was per pupil in the Brighton and Hove LEA in each year since 1996–97. [114697]

  Mr. Miliband
  The table shows total funding per pupil in Brighton and Hove since 1997–98. The local government reorganisation means that data for 1996–97 does not conform to current boundaries so comparable figures are not available.

  Brighton and Hove LEA

  £

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  2002–03

  2003–04

  2,630

  2,750

  2,920

  3,190

  3,420

  3,610

  3,770

  Notes:

  1. Figures reflect education SSA/EFS settlement (all sub-blocks) plus revenue grants in DfES departmental Expenditure Limits relevant to EPS pupils aged 3 to 19.

  2. Figures exclude EMAs and grants not allocated at LEA level for all years and the pensions transfer to EFS and LSC for 2003–04.

  3. The pupil numbers used are those underlying the SSA/EFS settlement calculations plus PLASC 3 yos maintained pupils and estimated 3–4 yos funded through state support in maintained and other educational institutions where these are not included in the SSA pupil numbers.

  4. 1997–98 figures for LEAs subject to local government reorganisation in that year have been estimated, pro-rata to their post LGR figures.

  5. 2003–04 figures are forecasts.

  6. Figures are in cash term and rounded to the nearest £10.

  Mr. Truswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment he has made of the impact on secondary school budgets of the new system of funding sixth forms via learning and skills councils; and if he will make a statement. [115438]

  Margaret Hodge
  For the academic year 2003/03, the LSC has allocated £1.418 billion to LEAs for school sixth form and post-16 Special Education Needs 228W
  provision within agreed timescales. In this, the first year of LSC funding, 67 per cent. of all sixth forms are on the new LSC formula at funding rates higher than historical levels of funding. The remaining schools, previously on more generous levels of funding, are protected by our Real Terms Guarantee to ensure funding is maintained in real terms at historic levels, provided pupil numbers are maintained. The LSC has been responsive to the higher than expected growth in pupil numbers and higher than expected pupil retention in school sixth forms in 2002/03. The figure above includes additional sums to those originally planned, which the LSC has now allocated to school sixth form funding for 2002/03. Our assessment of the impact of the new LSC funding system on secondary schools with sixth forms is that it has been beneficial in ensuring that funding levels are protected or increased in real terms, and that successful school sixth forms are rewarded.

  Sickness Absence
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many staff in the Department have been on long-term sick leave in each of the last two years. [115852]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  My Department is committed to managing sickness absence effectively and is maintaining its efforts to meet the 2003 target for reduced sickness absence as set out in its Service Delivery Agreement.

  The number of staff who took periods of sick leave in excess of 21 days in each of the last two calendar years was:

  2002: 358

  2001: 341

  Standards Fund
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) if he will make a statement on the future of the Standards Fund for Teaching Assistants and School Support Staff; [115560]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the consultation that took place prior to the proposal for the withdrawal of the Standards Fund for Teaching Assistants and School Support Staff; and which organisations were consulted prior to the proposal. [115561]

  Mr. Miliband
  For 2003–04 the previous Teaching Assistants Grant and Small Schools Fund were merged to form the Support Staff Grant, which contributes towards the salary costs of support staff in schools. The Government will work in partnership with local authorities and schools to identify changes that need to be made to the education funding system for 2004 05, so that all schools can expect to receive a reasonable per pupil settlement in that year. This will include determining the right balance between support through general grant and through ring-fenced and targeted grant, including the grants currently within the Standards Fund, such as the School Support Staff Grant. The Government will ensure that changes are in place in good time to allow LEAs and schools to plan for 2004–05 and so provide increased predictability and stability in school funding.
  229W
  The Education Funding Strategy Group, which met between February 2001 and April 2002, included representatives from local government, the unions representing teachers and support staff, schools governors organisations and the churches. The Groups Report stated that there was general agreement that the scale of specific and special grants should be significantly reduced, including the Standards Fund. This conclusion informed decisions made about the future of specific grants following the 2002 Spending Review, which included a proposal to end the Standards Fund grants for School Support Staff from 2004–05.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment he has made of the impact of the discontinuation of major Standards Funds. [115562]

  Mr. Miliband
  The Government has ended some Standards Fund grants in 2003–04 in order to allow other priorities to be supported from the Fund, without increasing the overall proportion of ring-fenced funding for local authorities and schools. The Government recognises that this has resulted in a greater variation of winners and losers between local education authorities and between individual schools than would be expected in a normal year.

  The Government will continue work in partnership with local authorities and schools to identify changes that need to be made to the education funding system for 2004–05, so that all schools can expect to receive a reasonable per pupil settlement in that year. This will include determining the right balance between support through general grant and through ring-fenced and targeted grant, including the Standards Fund. The Government will ensure that changes are in place in good time to allow LEAs and schools to plan for 2004–05 and so provide increased predictability and stability in school funding.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans he has to alter the boundaries in the School Standards Grant. [115563]

  Mr. Miliband
  The amounts of School Standards Grant for 2004–05 and 2005–06 were announced in December 2002. However, we review annually the basis on which grant is paid, including the various thresholds used to determine amounts payable to each school. Any changes to the levels already announced will be notified to local education authorities and schools later in 2003.

  1999/2000

  2000/01

  2001/02

  2002/03

  Places

  Recruits

  Places

  Recruits

  Places

  Recruits

  Places

  Recruits

  Primary

  12,000

  12,096

  13,100

  13,173

  12,500

  13,109

  14,000

  14,451

  Secondary

  Mathematics

  1,680

  1,302

  1,850

  1,290

  1,940

  1,553

  1,940

  1,673

  English and drama

  2,160

  2,030

  2,160

  2,029

  2,160

  2,224

  2.350

  2,479

  Science

  2,390

  2,362

  2,690

  2,413

  2,810

  2,594

  2,850

  2,701

  Modern Foreign Languages

  2,200

  1,469

  2,050

  1,635

  2,050

  1,705

  2,050

  1,732

  Technology1

  2,860

  1,702

  2,000

  1,855

  2,150

  2,160

  2,500

  2,404

  History

  790

  816

  900

  913

  900

  922

  950

  985

  230W
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what additional resources are available to relieve the shortages of funding for education services in Coventry City Council. [116150]

  Mr. Miliband
  Coventry City Council received a 6.5 per cent. increase in Education Formula Spending Share for 2003–04. It passed on 106 per cent. of the increase in schools funding to its schools budget resulting in an 8.3 per cent. increase. It is for the local education authority, in consultation with its schools forum to decide how to use this to meet the needs of Coventrys schools.

  Student Finance
  Mr. Simon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what measures his Department is taking to simplify the procedure of providing student support. [112998]

  Margaret Hodge
  We are modernising the delivery of statutory student support so that for the academic year 2004/05 students will need to complete fewer application forms, the burden on students to provide information and evidence will be reduced and students will be able to apply for and obtain information about student support via the internet. We are also moving towards paying all students electronically directly into their bank accounts.

  We have also reduced the number of targeted grants and bursaries for students from 14 to just six.

  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the cost was of collecting university tuition fees from students in the London Borough of Havering in the latest year for which figures are available. [115342]

  Margaret Hodge
  Higher education institutions themselves, not local authorities, bear the cost of collecting student contributions to tuition fees. We do not have centrally-held data on the cost to institutions, but an element of institutional funding covers the cost of administration in collecting the fee contributions.

  Teacher Training
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will list the subjects which have missed targets for teacher training recruitment, with the extent of undershoot in each case; and if he will make a statement on(a) the consequences for schools and colleges and (b) his strategy for improving the situation. [115589]

  Mr. Miliband
  The table shows the number of places available on, and recruits to, courses of initial teacher training in England since 1999/2000.
  231W

  1999/2000

  2000/01

  2001/02

  2002/03

  Places

  Recruits

  Places

  Recruits

  Places

  Recruits

  Places

  Recruits

  Geography

  1,030

  872

  1,090

  899

  1,175

  1,025

  1,100

  946

  Physical Education

  1,040

  1,190

  1,200

  1,205

  1,200

  1,330

  1,200

  1,325

  Art

  940

  799

  850

  851

  850

  843

  850

  885

  Music

  570

  518

  630

  560

  705

  654

  700

  596

  Religious Education

  600

  528

  665

  573

  650

  588

  700

  576

  Citizenship2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  200

  185

  Other

  350

  283

  330

  319

  450

  378

  300

  174

  Secondary Reserve

  —

  —

  200

  —

  350

  —

  100

  —

  Total secondary

  16,610

  13,871

  16,615

  14,542

  17,390

  15,976

  17,790

  16,661

  Overall Total

  28,610

  25,967

  29,715

  27,715

  29,890

  29,085

  31,790

  31,112

  Fast Track

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  109

  —

  117

  Total (including Fast Track)

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  29,194

  —

  31,229

  1 Technology includes design and technology, business studies and information technology.

  2 2001/02 was the first year for recruitment to citizenship, and was included in other subjects along with economics and social studies. In 2002/03 places allocated to citizenship were separated out and shown separately.

  Note:

  The number of Fast Track recruits are shown separately because Fast Track places are not part of the TTAs number of allocated places.

  Source:

  TTA

  The figures do not include 10,887 recruits to employment-based teacher training programmes over this period, including 6,884 training to teach secondary subjects and 1,932 in mathematics and science alone. These programmes were designed to attract career-changers and, in tapping a new source of recruits, have more than bridged any shortfalls in conventional recruitment.

  Recruitment to courses of initial teacher training in England fell for eight years in succession from 1992/93. Since the introduction of teacher training bursaries in September 2000, numbers of new entrants to teacher training have risen year on year. There have been 20 per cent. more new entrants to conventional teacher training courses in the current academic year than in 1999/2000. Figures published by the Graduate Teacher Training Registry on 7 May showed that there have been 38,118 applications for Postgraduate Certificate in Education courses so far this year, over 5,500 more than at the same point in 2002.

  The increase in the numbers of entrants to teacher training that the Governments policies has secured has been accompanied by rising numbers of qualified teachers working in schools. National statistics published by my Department on 29 April show that these now stand at their highest level for 19 years.

  Teaching Vacancies
  Mr. Damian Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many vacant teacher posts there were in(a) primary schools, (b) secondary schools, (c) special schools and (d) all schools, as a percentage of the total number of teachers, in each year since 1997, broken down by local education authority. [110132]

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

  The table shows the number of teacher vacancies as a percentage of teachers in service in maintained nursery/ primary, secondary, special schools and all maintained schools by local education authority in January of each year since 1997.
  232W
  The most recent data available at local authority level is for January 2002. Recently published provisional vacancy information at national level shows that vacancies in maintained schools decreased from 4,540 in 2002 to 3,400 in 2003. The vacancy rate reduced from 1.2 per cent. in 2002 to 0.9 per cent. in 2003.

  Vacancies are recorded for posts which have been advertised for full-time appointments of at least one terms duration, that exist on the 618G survey date of the third Thursday in January. These are posts, which the local education authority/school intends to fill, including those for which they have unsuccessfully attempted to make an appointment, or for which an appointment has been made, but the appointee has not taken up the post. A post which has been filled by a temporary appointment of less than one term, pending the finding of a more permanent appointee, is regarded as a vacancy. A post would not be recorded as a vacancy if someone appointed to that post on a full-time contract of one term or more has filled the post.

  Vacancy rates are the number of vacancies as a percentage of full-time regular teachers (or those on secondment) in service.

  Mr. Damian Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many vacant(a) head teacher posts, (b) deputy head teacher and (c) teacher posts there were in (i) primary schools, (ii) secondary schools and (iii) special schools in each year since 1997, broken down by local education authority. [110133]

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

  The table shows deputy head teacher, head teacher and classroom teacher vacancies in maintained nursery/ primary, secondary and special schools by local education authority in January of each year since 1997.

  The most recent data available at local authority level are for January 2002. Recently published provisional vacancy information at national level shows that vacancies in maintained schools decreased from 4,540 in 2002 to 3,400 in 2003. The vacancy rate reduced from 1.2 per cent. in 2002 to 0.9 per cent. in 2003.
  233W
  Vacancies are recorded for posts which have been advertised for full-time appointments of at least one terms duration, that exist on the 618G survey date of the third Thursday in January. These are posts, which the local education authority/school intends to fill, including those for which they have unsuccessfully attempted to make an appointment, or for which an appointment has been made but the appointee has not taken up the post. A post which has been filled by a temporary appointment of less that one term, pending the finding of a more permanent appointee, is regarded as a vacancy. A post would not be recorded as a vacancy if someone appointed to that post on a full-time contract of one term or more has filled the post.

  Mr. Damian Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many vacant deputy head teacher posts there were in(a) primary schools, (b) secondary schools, (c) special schools and (d) all schools as a percentage of the total number of deputy head teachers, in each year since 1997, broken down by local education authority. [110147]

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

  The table shows the number of deputy head teacher vacancies as a percentage of teachers in service in maintained nursery/primary, secondary and all maintained schools by local education authority in January of each year since 1997. Rates have not been provided for special schools because of the very small numbers involved (there were 30 deputy head vacancies in England in 2002).

  The most recent data available at local authority level is for January 2002. Recently published provisional vacancy information at national level shows that vacancies in maintained schools decreased from 4,540 in 2002 to 3,400 in 2003. The vacancy rate reduced from 1.2 per cent. in 2002 to 0.9 per cent. in 2003.

  Vacancies are recorded for posts which have been advertised for full-time appointments of at least one terms duration, that exist on the 618G survey date of the third Thursday in January. These are posts which the local education authority/school intends to fill, including those for which they have unsuccessfully attempted to make an appointment, or for which an appointment has been made but the appointee has not taken up the post. A post which has been filled by a temporary appointment of less than one term, pending the finding of a more permanent appointee, is regarded as a vacancy. A post would not be recorded as a vacancy if someone appointed to that post on a full-time contract of one term or more has filled the post.

  Vacancy rates are the number of vacancies as a percentage of full-time regular teachers (or those on secondment) in service.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many vacancies there are in secondary schools for(a) physics, (b) chemistry, (c) mathematics and (d) IT teachers at (i) GCSE and (ii) A Level; and what recent steps he has taken to attract people into teaching science and technology-related subjects. [116617]
  234W
  Mr. Miliband
  The information is not available in the form requested.

  National statistics published by my Department on 29 April 2003 included provisional numbers of full-time teacher vacancies by secondary subject at January 2003. These showed that there were 40 vacancies for teachers of physics; 40 for teachers of chemistry; 320 for teachers of mathematics; and 110 for teachers of information technology. The total number of vacancies for classroom teachers in maintained secondary schools in England fell by 410 between January 2002 and January 2003.

  In September 2000, the Government introduced £6,000 bursaries for postgraduate trainee teachers and £4,000 Golden Hellos for those going on to teach the priority subjects of mathematics, science, modern languages, technology and English. From September 2002, these incentives are being reinforced by a scheme to repay. over time, the student loans of new teachers of the priority subjects. These incentives have helped to ensure that recruitment to initial teacher training is higher than its 1999/2000 level by 29 per cent. in mathematics; 14 per cent. in science; and 41 per cent. in technology. Figures published by the Graduate Teacher Training Registry on 7 May 2003 show that applications for postgraduate teacher training courses for 2003/04 are currently running above last years level by 36 per cent. in mathematics; by 14 per cent. in science; and by 44 per cent. in technology.

  Teachers
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many teaching staff are still in employment after the age of 60 in each local authority; and what percentage of the total teaching work force this accounts for. [114940]

  Mr. Miliband
  [holding answer 21 May 2003]: A table showing showing full and part-time regular qualified teachers aged 60 or over who were in service in the maintained schools sector and the percentage of the total workforce they represent as at March 2001 has been placed in the Library.

  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the average rate of increase paid to classroom teachers was for each of the last 10 years. [114951]

  Mr. Miliband
  [holding answer 21 May 2003]: The following table shows the average salary and the percentage increase in the average salary for full-time regular classroom teachers in the maintained schools sector in England and Wales as at 31 March in each of the years shown. The average salary includes all allowances paid.

  £

  Average salary

  Percentage increase1

  1990

  14,800

  —

  1991

  16,400

  10.7

  1992

  18,400

  12.0

  1993

  19,800

  7.9

  1994

  20,100

  1.3

  1995

  20,600

  2.4

  1996

  21,100

  2.3

  235W

  £

  Average salary

  Percentage increase1

  1997

  21,700

  3.3

  1998

  22,300

  2.7

  1999

  23,200

  3.8

  2000

  24,000

  3.5

  20012,3

  25,500

  6.5

  1 Based on unrounded figures.

  2 Data for 2001 are provisional and are the latest available.

  3 The 2001 average salary figures include threshold pay increases that were made before March 2001. However, they do not include threshold pay increases relating to people who passed the threshold in September 2000 and had not received their payment by March 2001. This money was backdated after March 2001 and therefore the average salary for March 2001 will be understated.

  Source:

  Database of teacher records

  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many peripatetic music teachers there are per 1,000 school pupils. [115024]

  Mr. Miliband
  This information is not collected centrally.

  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on the level of support a teachers pension provides for retirement; and what plans he has to increase teachers pensions levels of support. [115125]

  Mr. Miliband
  The Teachers Pension Scheme is a final salary scheme that provides retirement benefits based on 1/80 of salary for each year of pensionable service. The normal pension age is currently 60. Pensions in payment are up-rated each year in line with movements in the Retail Prices index. In addition a tax free lump sum equivalent to three years pension is payable on retirement. Arrangements also exist for the early payment of benefits on the grounds of permanent ill health. Teachers pay a contribution of 6 per cent. of salary and their employers contribute a further 13.5 per cent. of salary towards the cost of the Teachers Pension Scheme.

  The provisions of the Teachers Pension Scheme are currently under review in the light of the proposals contained in the Pensions Green Paper Security, Simplicity and Choice and the Inland Revenue consultation on simplifying the taxation of pensions. Any changes to the scheme will be subject to full consultation with representatives of teacher and employer associations and other interested parties.

  Teachers Pay
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills by how much average teacher salaries in Worcestershire have increased since 1999; and if he will reconsider the application of the area cost adjustment to the countys education settlement. [115475]

  Mr. Miliband
  The following table shows the average salary and the percentage increase in the average salary for full-time regular teachers in the maintained schools sector in Worcestershire as at 31 March in each of the years shown in. The average salary includes all allowances paid.236W

  Worcestershire (£)

  Percentage increase1

  1999

  24,100

  —

  2000

  25,100

  4.2

  20012,3

  27,000

  7.5

  1 Based on unrounded figures.

  2 Data for 2001 are provisional and are the latest available.

  3The 2001 average salary figures include threshold pay increases that were made before March 2001. However, they do not include threshold pay increases relating to people who passed the threshold in September 2000 and had not received their payment by March 2001. This money was backdated after March 2001 and therefore the average salary for March 2001 will be understated.

  Source:

  Database of teacher records

  The area cost adjustment reflects the actual salary costs recorded in the New Earnings Survey by both public and private sector employers in each area, weighted for the different types of employee. Teachers salaries are therefore already included.

  Truancy
  Mr. Watson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) how many parenting orders have been issued as a result of truanting children in the last 12 months, broken down by local authority; [115175]

  (2) how many parents have been jailed for refusing to deal with their truanting children in the last 12 months. [115176]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  Information about parenting orders for truancy is collected nationally and not broken down by local education authority. Data are published every six months. 266 parenting orders were issued between July 2001 and June 2002 and 101 between July 2002 and December 2002.

  Information about the number of parents imprisoned following a prosecution for truancy is not collected centrally.

  UKEU Project
  David Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many students are signed up to courses developed via the UKEU structure. [114135]

  Margaret Hodge
  Currently UK eUniversities Worldwide (UKeU) are running two pilot courses in advance of a full launch this autumn. The number of students enrolled is commercially sensitive, but so far the students are from twenty-four different countries.

  David Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what UK higher education funding schemes sponsored by his Department UKEU are able to apply for. [114138]

  Margaret Hodge
  As UK eUniversities Worldwide (UKeU) is not a designated higher education institution, it is not eligible to be funded in the normal way to provide education and research via the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE). However, it does receive a grant from HEFCE for the provision of services connected with higher education.
  237W
  David Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many UK higher education institutions have signed contracts to produce courses for UKEU. [114136]

  Margaret Hodge
  Following a call for proposals in April 2002, UK eUniversities Worldwide (UKeU) received sixty-nine submissions from UK higher education institutions. To date, contracts have been signed with thirteen institutions for a total of fourteen programmes, with some institutions working in consortia, and some offering more than one programme. Courses are being developed in conjunction with a further thirteen institutions, with contract negotiations at an advanced stage. It is expected that ten to twelve new programmes will be commissioned each year.

  Universities (Companies)
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many companies have been established from(a) Liverpool University, (b) John Moores University, (c) Liverpool Hope and (d) Edge Hill University college in each year since 1997; what percentage of those companies were established by women; and how many survived (i) one year, (ii) two years and (iii) more than two years. [116615]

  Margaret Hodge
  This information is not collected centrally in this form. However, the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) has published aggregate information on the number of companies set up by higher education institutions. The results of the two Higher Education Business Interaction Surveys, covering the period 1999–2000 and 2000–01 can be accessed at: http://www.hefce.ac.uk/pubs/hefce/2001/01 68.htm and http://www.hefce.ac.uk/pubs/hefce/2003/03 11.htm

  University Teachers
  Mr. Damian Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many(a) male and (b) female university teachers are aged (i) 20 to 25, (ii) 25 to 30, (iii) 31 to 35, (iv) 36 to 40, (v) 41 to 44, (vi) 45 to 49, (vii) 50 to 54, (viii) 55 to 59, (ix) 60 to 65, (x) 66 to 70 and (xi) 71 years and over. [110100]

  Margaret Hodge
  The latest available data are given in the following table.

  Academic Staff in UK Higher Education Institutions 2001–02

  Age

  Female

  Male

  Total

  20:24

  2,040

  1,820

  3,860

  25:30

  9,580

  11,550

  21,130

  31:35

  9,180

  13,450

  22,630

  36:40

  8,660

  13,220

  21,880

  41:44

  6,270

  9,200

  15,470

  45:49

  7,340

  11,040

  18,380

  50:54

  6,320

  12,770

  19,090

  55:59

  3,390

  9,920

  13,310

  60:65

  1,050

  5,560

  6,610

  66:70

  70

  490

  560

  711

  60

  150

  210

  Total

  53,950

  89,180

  143,130

  Source:

  Higher Education Statistics Agencys Staff Record. Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10 pence constituent parts may not sum to totals.

  Ursuline School
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when he will reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Crosby concerning Ursuline School, Blundellsands, Liverpool. [116881]

  Mr. Miliband
  I replied to the hon. Members letter on 26 May 2003.

  Wivelsfield School
  Norman Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what recent communications he has received from East Sussex county council regarding the need for a replacement school at Wivelsfield; and if he will make a statement. [115794]

  Mr. Miliband
  The Department has not received any formal communication from East Sussex local education authority regarding Wivelsfield Primary School. Most capital funding for schools is now allocated by formula, allowing local education authorities greater opportunity to plan and invest their resources, in accordance with the priorities identified through their Asset Management planning process.

  Work Placements
  Mr. McCabe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans he has to(a) introduce central co-ordination for work placements and (b) link work placements more closely to NVQ and GNVQ qualifications. [107925]

  Margaret Hodge
  [holding answer 8 April 2003]: Overall responsibility for work placement arrangements rests with the local education authority or school governing body on its behalf. The Department provides £25 million a year, via the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), for school/business links activities. Around £10 million goes towards the costs of the work experience programme. Central guidance and advice is provided by the Department and LSC to help local partners provide high quality placements. This guidance emphasises the importance of ensuring placements are properly integrated within pupils programmes of study, but we recognise the need for improvements in practice. As I said in my answer to the hon. Member on 8 April, we are taking steps to promote improvements in the context of our wider plans for work related learning.

  For learners to gain a full NVQ they must complete a significant amount of learning in the workplace. Placements are usually arranged by the learning provider. At the start of the placement a training plan is agreed which sets out the learning required to gain specific units of the NVQ.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Afghanistan
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion of the opium poppy fields in Afghanistan have been destroyed; and what area this covers. [116416]
  239W
  Mr. Mike OBrien
  In April 2002 President Karzai announced an eradication programme to tackle the 2002 opium poppy crop. The Afghan authorities tell us that they succeeded in destroying 17,300 hectares of opium poppies. In light of the UN estimate that 74,000 hectares were cultivated in 2002 this amounted to approximately 23 per cent. of the total crop.

  The Afghan Government are also carrying out eradication operations to combat the 2003 opium poppy crop. It has not yet produced figures for how much of this years harvest it has managed to destroy. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime is conducting a survey into the 2003 Afghan opium poppy crop. The results should be published in the autumn.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much opium has been(a) impounded and (b) destroyed by the Afghan Transitional Administration in each month since January 2002. [116417]

  Mr. Mike OBrien
  The Afghan Interim and Transitional Administrations have not produced figures for the amount of illicit drugs seized since coming into office. Press reports of seizures throughout Afghanistan since the middle of 2002 have not been verified either by the central authorities or international organisations. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime compiles annual seizure statistics globally but has no reliable figures for Afghanistan.

  Mrs. Esther Anwar
  Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects to process the visa application from Mrs.Esther Anwar, the wife of a constituent; and if he will make a statement on his Departments handling of this case. [116502]

  Mr. Rammell
  I am withholding the information requested under exemption 5 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  It is not our practice to disclose details of individual entry clearance cases in a public forum. However, I will write to the hon. Member with regard to this matter.

  Zimbabwe
  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions took place between the Government and the England and Wales Cricket Board on the humanitarian situation and human rights abuses in Zimbabwe in relation to the tour of the Zimbabwean cricket team. [115441]

  Mr. Rammell
  Government officials last discussed the cricket world cup with the England Cricket Board (ECB) on 23 January. They discussed the situation in Zimbabwe, including humanitarian and human rights issues.

  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Tessa Jowell) made clear in her letter of 24 March to Tim Lamb of the ECB that the Government has no objection to the Zimbabwe Cricket team and its management and supporters coming to this country, provided individuals subject to the EU travel ban are not part of that touring party.
  240W
  Whilst we did not support the England team going to Zimbabwe during the World Cup because of the propaganda opportunities that could have afforded the Mugabe regime, we do not wish to stand in the way of Zimbabwean teams competing here. Indeed that has been a stance backed and endorsed by Henry Olonga, one of the Zimbabwe cricketers who protested against Mugabes regime during the world cup.

  Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Zimbabwe over the expulsion from Zimbabwe of Mr. Andrew Meldrum. [115150]

  Mr. Rammell
  As Mr. Meldrum is an American citizen, the Government do not have formal grounds for making consular representations on his behalf. However, the High Commissioner in Harare raised Mr. Meldrums case with the acting Secretary (most senior official) at Zimbabwes Ministry of Foreign Affairs ahead of Andrew Meldrums deportation on 16 May 2003. He urged compliance with court orders barring deportation, and stressed that denying US consular officials access to Mr. Meldrum was unacceptable. High Commission staff have also kept in close touch with Mr. Meldrum in recent weeks, as well as attending the High Court hearings into his case and assisting Guardian staff when they visited Harare earlier this month.

  Advertising
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the total expenditure on advertising by the Department was in(a) 2001–02 and (b) 2002–03; and what the level of planned expenditure is for (i) 2003–04 and (ii) 2004–05. [114434]

  Mr. Rammell
  In the year 2002–03 the Foreign and Commonwealth Offices separately identifiable expenditure on advertising totalled £602,670. The bulk of this comprised of media spend for consular publicity campaigns, which are aimed at encouraging UK travellers to be better prepared before going overseas, and advertising for recruitment purposes.

  In the year 2003–04 planned separately identifiable expenditure on advertising totals £317,000.

  Plans for expenditure on advertising in 2004–05 have yet to be made.

  There was in 2002–03, and is likely to be in 2003–04, additional expenditure in the UK and overseas that, under FCO accounting procedures, cannot be separately identified as advertising; to attempt to disaggregate this would incur disproportionate costs.

  All figures provided represent the expenditure of the FCO and not of Wilton Park, our only agency, or our 10 non-departmental public bodies; these details are not held centrally and cannot therefore be compiled without incurring disproportionate costs.

  The Government are committed to using only cost effective channels to deliver the publicity necessary to support policy implementation. Paid advertising is only resorted to after careful consideration of the cost-benefits.

  Botswana
  Ms Atherton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the forced evacuation of Gana and Trivi bushmen from their land because of diamond mining in Botswana; and if he will make a statement. [116067]

  Mr. Rammell
  The Government of Botswana have assured us that diamond mining is not in any way linked to their decision to stop essential services to those living in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve.

  British Overseas Territories
  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the EU on British Overseas Territories. [115663]

  Mr. MacShane
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has had no recent discussions with the EU on British Overseas Territories. There are regular discussions between UK and EU officials on areas of particular interest to our Overseas Territories.

  Convention on the Future of Europe
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the United Kingdom plans to repatriate powers in the new constitution for the EU. [116160]

  Mr. MacShane
  I refer the honourable Member to the answer I gave him on 11 March 2003,Official Report, column 157W.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his interpretation is of the statement that the Member States shall support the Unions external and security policy actively and unreservedly in a spirit of loyalty and mutual solidarity, in the EU treaties and draft constitution. [116165]

  Mr. MacShane
  Article 11.2 of the existing Treaty on European Union commits Member States to support the Unions external and security policy actively and unreservedly in a spirit of loyalty and mutual solidarity.
  This means that where Member States have agreed a policy on a particular external or security issue, Member States will support that policy wholeheartedly and loyally.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what constitutes an action contrary to the interests of the Union, in the CFSP Article 3 of the draft EU constitution. [116166]

  Mr. MacShane
  Draft Article 3 of Part III of the draft EU Constitution reproduces language in the existing Treaty on European Union (TEU). Article 11.2 TEU states that the member states shall work together to enhance and develop their mutual political solidarity. They shall refrain from any action which is contrary to the interests of the Union or likely to impair its effectiveness as a cohesive force in international relations.
  242W
  This means that where Member States have made a commitment to respect an agreed EU position on a particular issue, they will not act to undermine that agreed position.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many staff have been employed in the Ministerial Correspondence Unit of the Department in each of the last two years. [115882]

  Mr. Rammell
  The Foreign and Commonwealth Office does not have a separate Ministerial Correspondence Unit. There are however Correspondence Clerks in each of the Ministerial offices as follows:My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretarys office: 3.
  My hon. Friend the Minister for Europes office (Mr. MacShane): 2.
  My right hon. and Noble Friend the Minister of States office (Baroness Symons): 1.
  My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under Secretary of States office (Mr OBrien): 2.
  My office, 2 (One of whom wrorks specifically on correspondence relating to UK Visas issues).
  The then Parliamentary Under Secretary of States office (Baroness Amos): 1.5.

  Democratic Republic of the Congo
  Norman Lamb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to his Answer of 3 February 2003,Official Report, column 7W, on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, whether he has received the further information requested from the UN Expert Panel. [116213]

  Mr. Rammell
  The UK Government have not received any of the requested information from the UN Expert Panel on the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

  Since 3 February, the UK Government have made several further requests to the Panel for information. On 11 March the UKs Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN asked for specific information relating UK linked companies and individuals to the exploitation of natural resources in the DRC. The UKs National Contact Point for the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has asked the Panel on several occasions, including at the OECDs conference in Paris on 11 April, for details of communications with UK linked companies alleged to have breached OECD guidelines. Officials at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office wrote to the Chair of the Panel on 29 May asking for evidence supporting the allegations against UK linked companies and individuals.

  Mr. Leigh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when a decision will be made on whether to provide British troops for a United Nations military force tasked with restoring peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo. [116471]

  Mr. Rammell
  We can confirm that the UN has asked the UK and others to participate in an Interim Emergency Multinational Force (IEMF) to stabilise the
  243W
  situation in Bunia (Ituri region of north-eastern Democratic Republic of Congo). We think it important to contribute to this force, to support the UN and the DRC peace process. The UK will therefore participate in the IEMF. We are in consultation with those involved about the most appropriate and effective contribution the UK can make.

  Drugs/Piracy
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with governments in the Far East regarding(a) drug crime and (b) piracy; and if he will make a statement on the threat of crime in the region. [115166]

  Mr. Mike OBrien
  There have been no recent ministerial discussions on drug crime or piracy with Far Eastern Governments.

  The Government are concerned at the level of piracy reported from the region and have participated in initiatives to raise the profile of this problem. In 2002, the UK and Philippine Governments took the lead in organising an EU-ASEAN Experts meeting on piracy and crimes at sea. Last year, the FCO sponsored delegations from the region to attend an international seminar on maritime violence. The UK continues to press the European Commission and EU Partners to follow up initiatives against this form of crime.

  We monitor the regional threat to UK interests from other forms of organised crime. In response, we have concluded an agreement with the Chinese Government to post a Liaison Officer from the National Crime Squad to our embassy in Beijing. In addition, the remit of the regional Drugs Liaison Officer based in Hong Kong is being widened. He will in future cover serious crimes such as money laundering, the criminal facilitation of illegal immigration, the export of precursor chemicals for the production of class A drugs, the activities of paedophiles and the production and smuggling of counterfeit cigarettes.

  East Africa
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Ethio-Eritrea Border Commission about the drawing of the border near Badme; and if he will make a statement. [116136]

  Mr. Rammell
  None. The Boundary Commission is an independent judicial body. It made its decision on the position of the border between Ethiopia and Eritrea in April 2002. We have called on both Ethiopia and Eritrea to implement fully the Algiers Peace Agreements and to accept the Boundary Commissions decisions as final and binding.

  Efficiency Savings
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the target is for efficiency savings in 2003–04 expressed(a) in money terms and (b) as a percentage of the Departments expenditure limit. [114116]
  244W
  Mr. Rammell
  Efficiency targets for 2003–04 were set in Spending Review 2000. For 2003–04, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has an efficiency target of 3 per cent. which was calculated to be £29.53 million in money terms, based on the funding baseline before that Spending Review.

  Eritrea
  John Barrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Government of Eritrea regarding the release of political prisoners held since September 2001; and if he will make a statement. [115738]

  Mr. Rammell
  We remain concerned at the human rights situation in Eritrea. Our Ambassador in Asmara raises the issue of detainees regularly with the government of Eritrea, both bilaterally and with EU Partners. My noble Friend the Baroness Amos, then Minister for Africa, met the Eritrean Ambassador on 19 March and highlighted these concerns. Officials also discussed the issue of detainees with the new Eritrean Ambassador on 21 May. We will continue to press the Eritrean government on this issue.

  EU Initiatives
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much money from(a) mainstream EU programmes and (b) special EU initiatives has been allocated to (i) Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, (ii) Teesside and (iii) the Government Office of the North East region in each year since 1997. [114399]

  Alan Johnson
  I have been asked to reply.

  Three sets of data are shown in the table that provide the information requested. The data has been assembled from a number of programme management databases and give an accurate as possible assessment of the funding provided to Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, Teesside and Government Office of the North East.

  Area/Year

  Mainstream

  Special

  Total

  Middlesbrough and SE Cleveland

  1997

  36,373

  11,051

  —

  1998

  61,918

  —

  —

  1999

  82,375

  —

  —

  2000

  —

  —

  —

  2001

  —

  —

  —

  2002

  61,810

  —

  —

  2003

  116,812

  —

  —

  Total

  359,288

  11,051

  370,339

  Teesside

  1997

  2,276,778

  111,854

  —

  1998

  7,651,128

  1,286,108

  —

  1999

  40,390,876

  2,915,741

  —

  2000

  1,660,482

  0

  —

  2001

  1,423,307

  218,061

  —

  2002

  16,635,030

  42,300

  —

  2003

  9,353,423

  —

  —

  Total

  79,391,024

  4,574,064

  83,965,068

  Government Office NE

  1997

  14,767,470

  4,029,911

  —

  1998

  37,587,355

  5,303,382

  —

  1999

  197,687,891

  14,779,607

  —

  2000

  19,186,198

  1,976,164

  —

  245W

  Area/Year

  Mainstream

  Special

  Total

  2001

  14,692,127

  772,676

  —

  2002

  76,824,399

  773,368

  —

  2003

  37,520,817

  7,017,064

  —

  Total

  398,266,257

  34,652,172

  432,918,429

  European Union
  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the cost was of the design, production, printing and distribution to each school in the United Kingdom of the poster, Did You Know the EU is Expanding. [115669]

  Mr. MacShane
  The total cost for the complete production process and distribution of the poster Did you know the EU is Expanding. to all UK secondary schools was £3,525.24, including VAT. This is equivalent to 58p per poster, produced and delivered.

  Export Licences
  Mr. Ancram
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to his Answer of 13 May 2003,Official Report, column 161W, on export licences, from which United States agencies the British Embassy sought advice on a possible sale of British aircraft to Iran; what reply was received; and to whom advice was passed outside his Department. [116295]

  Mr. Straw
  The British Embassy in Washington did not seek advice from any United States agencies on a possible sale of British aircraft to Iran.

  Mr. Ancram
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to his Answer of 13 May 2003,Official Report, column 161W, on export licences, which Minister from his Department contacted the UK Embassy in Washington in July 2002 for advice on the US sanctions on Iran regarding the sale of aircraft; and what advice was sought. [116296]

  Mr. Straw
  No FCO Minister contacted the British Embassy in Washington in July 2002 for advice on US Sanctions on Iran regarding the sale of aircraft.

  Iraq
  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has held with the European Commission regarding aid to Iraq. [113479]

  Mr. Mike OBrien
  We have discussed Iraq regularly with EU colleagues, including representatives of the Commission at the General Affairs and External Relations Council, and most recently at the informal meeting of Foreign Ministers in Rhodes on 2–3 May 2003. These discussions covered the whole range of issues relating to Iraq, including provision of aid.

  Mr. Tynan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to his answer of 29 April 2003,Official Report, column 327W, whether an Iraqi chargé daffaires remains accredited to the European Union; and when the United Kingdom requested the status of Iraqi diplomatic personnel to the European Union be reviewed. [113846]
  246W
  Mr. Mike OBrien
  We are now, as part of a wider exercise, reviewing the position of all Iraqi diplomats that may remain accredited to International organisations. In the light of UNSCR 1483 on post conflict Iraq, EU officials in Brussels are confirming the precise status of the accreditation of the Iraqi chargé daffaires.

  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action will be taken to ensure that those responsible for human rights abuses in Iraq are brought to justice. [114340]

  Mr. Mike OBrien
  British Government policy is that war criminals and those responsible for crimes against humanity should be brought to justice. Where possible, British forces have been tasked with securing and protecting evidence of such crimes so they may hand it over to the relevant prosecuting authority at the appropriate time.

  The Iraqi people should be able to bring to justice those who have committed crimes against them, with suitable international help. A coalition team, including British forensic experts with the Office for Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance (ORHA), is assessing the situation on the ground and will make recommendations for future action.

  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he had with other sponsors of the Draft Resolution on post-conflict Iraq as put before the United Nations Security Council on 9 May 2003, on including a renewed mandate to UNMOVIC to verify weapons of mass destruction and their manufacturing infrastructure in Iraq. [114410]

  Mr. Rammell
  Security Council Resolution 1438, adopted on 22 May, reiterates the importance of disarming Iraq of all prohibited weapons programmes and of eventual confirmation of disarmament. It makes clear that the occupying powers have a responsibility in this regard and invites them to keep the Security Council informed of progress.

  We believe that international verification has an important role to play in confirming that the process has been completed. In this context, we agreed with the cosponsors of the resolution and the other members of the Security Council that the resolution should refer to the need to revisit the mandates of UNMOVIC and IAEA under previous Security Council resolutions.

  Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals he has for the use of surplus funds within the proposed Iraqi assistance fund for disarmament of Iraq. [114558]

  Mr. Mike OBrien
  The UK, US and Spain have tabled a draft resolution before the United Nations Security Council, a key element of which is the proposed establishment of a Development Fund for Iraq (previously known as the Iraq Assistance Fund). The aim of the fund is to meet costs associated with meeting the humanitarian needs of the Iraqi people, reconstruction and the establishment of a representative Government in Iraq. An integral part of this process will
  247W
  be the continuation of the disarmament of Iraq, and we propose that this is one of the tasks which the Development Fund for Iraq would cover.

  Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the proposed UN special co-ordinator will co-ordinate proposals for the reconstruction of Iraq(a) validated by the UN and (b) imposed by the Office of Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance. [114562]

  Mr. Rammell
  The UN Special Representative, as proposed in the draft Resolution tabled by the UK, US and Spain, would be responsible for coordinating UN and international agencies work in humanitarian assistance and reconstruction activities in Iraq. The Representative would be specifically tasked with facilitating the reconstruction of key infrastructure and promoting economic reconstruction.

  The draft Resolution would require the Special Representative to coordinate with the Occupying Powers, including the Office for Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance, in carrying out this mandate.

  Negotiations on the draft Resolution continue in the Security Council.

  Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to his answer of 16 May,Official Report, column 497W, how many ICRC outlets there in (a) Baghdad and (b) Iraq for people to send safe and well messages; and whether the UK Government is assisting the ICRC in the provision and advertisement of its message service. [115701]

  Mr. Rammell
  The ICRC presently has Restoring Family Links (RFL) facilities in five centres in Iraq: Baghdad, Erbil, Dohuk, Sulymaniah and Basra. In addition, mobile tracing units have been set up at seven other sites: Mosul, Kirkuk, Nasiriyah, Amarah, Najaf, Kerbala and Samawa. More mobile units will be deployed following a forthcoming increase in capacity.

  British forces are assisting the ICRC in its provision of RFL services by providing ICRC delegates with relevant field security information, thus allowing them to gain access to potential beneficiaries.

  Members of the public contacting the Consular Directorate of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on the question of safe and well messages from relatives in Iraq are routinely referred to the ICRCs RFL service.

  Mrs. Ann Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to support the early return by the United Nations Weapons Inspectors to Iraq. [115741]

  Mr. Mike OBrien
  We recognise the need for validation of any WMD discoveries by the Coalition. UNMOVIC and the IAEA would be an option to provide such validation.

  UN Security Council Resolution 1483, adopted unopposed, explicitly refers to the need for the UN Security Council to revisit the inspectors mandates.

  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 14 May 2003,Official Report, column 287W, on Iraq, what the evidential basis was for his statement that
  248W
  organised groups had access to the Baghdad museum and had planned the looting well in advance of military attacks. [115757]

  Mr. Mike OBrien
  I am told that the Research Director at the Iraq Museum in Baghdad has indicated to British officials that it appears that organised groups may have planned the looting inadvance. I am also told that the nature of missing items also suggests that key artefacts were specifically targeted.

  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with his counterparts in the US administration on the restoration of the US dollar as Iraqs oil currency. [115895]

  Mr. MacShane
  None.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action has been taken to ensure the deployment of UN human rights monitors in Iraq. [116037]

  Mr. Rammell
  The fall of Saddam Husseins regime brought to an end a long period of violations of the Iraqi peoples human rights. As requested in UN Security Council Resolution 1483, put forward by the UK, US and Spain and adopted on 22 May, the UN Secretary-General has appointed a Special Representative whose responsibilities include the promotion of human rights. The UN, including the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, is examining how to take this forward. This might include the deployment of UN human rights monitors. We aim to work closely with the Special Representative. In addition, working to support the people of Iraq in moving toward the establishment of representative government based on the rule of law and affording equal rights and justice to all Iraqi citizens is the best means to ensure that their human rights are protected.

  Ms Bridget Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to what extent UK forces and aid workers have restored(a) electrical power and (b) water resources to homes in Basra; and if he will make a statement. [115347]

  Mr. Mike OBrien
  Power, water and sewerage systems in Basra were in a poor state before the recent conflict. Royal Engineers are playing a vital role in repairing and restoring Iraqi power supplies. 80 per cent. of Basra now has power and access to running water, which is substantially better than before the conflict. UK forces and NGOs are working to replenish water treatment chemicals and 75 per cent. of the city is covered by a sewerage system.

  Forces have been working to secure conditions for UN agencies and NGOs to take over responsibility for humanitarian relief. UNICEF is planning to fund the repair of the water pipeline between Umm Qasr and Basra. Coalition engineers are working with Powergen to re-establish the national grid.

  Montserrat
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Montserrat; and what developments have taken place since the volcanic activity in 1997. [115164]
  249W
  Mr. MacShane
  Since the volcanic crisis of 1995–97, one of the main priorities for Montserrat has been a return to self-sufficiency. Substantial redevelopment of the habitable part of Montserrat has been achieved, mainly through support (totalling £180 million to date) provided by the Department for International Development (DFID). To support Montserrats return to self-sufficiency, a further £45.6 million in DFID support has been earmarked for the period 2002–03 to 2005–06.

  Another major concern is the continuing safety of the people on the island. The volcano is still active and constantly monitored. The dome of the volcano continues to grow and is the largest it has ever been and all the evidence indicates that the level of hazard is increasing as the dome grows. For public safety, around two-thirds of the southern part of the island remains an exclusion zone. The exclusion zone is reviewed regularly and was extended last October after careful consideration of scientific advice.

  Morocco
  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many Ministers have visited Morocco since May 1997; and if he will make a statement on UK-Morocco relations. [115665]

  Mr. Mike OBrien
  Nine Ministers have visited Morocco in an official capacity since May 1997:Derek Fatchett, Minister of State, FCO, May 1998
  Dawn Primarolo, Minister for Customs and Excise, July 1998
  Robin Cook, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, (with His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales) July 1999 (to attend King Hassan II of Moroccos funeral)
  Peter Hain, Minister of State, FCO, Dec 1999
  Richard Caborn, Minister of Trade, May 2000
  Ben Bradshaw, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, FCO, September 2001
  Margaret Beckett and Michael Meacher, Department of the Environment, Oct-Nov2001
  Clare Short, Secretary of State, Department for International Development, September 2002.

  UK Morocco relations are strong as indicated by the meeting of my hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs with Mohammed Benaissa, the Moroccan Foreign Minister in London on 20 May 2003. After the meeting they both referred positively to relations between Morocco and the UK.

  North Korea
  Mr. David Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his assessment is of the risk to international security posed by North Korea; and what progress is being made in reintroducing arms inspectors to the country. [116177]

  Mr. Rammell
  We have long had concerns about North Koreas nuclear programmes. These concerns have been heightened by recent actions and statements by the North Korean government.
  250W
  We, and our allies, will continue to take every opportunity to urge North Korea to allow the return of inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency, and to reinstate the freeze on nuclear activities.

  Rwanda
  John Barrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Rwanda following its decision to endorse the banning of the opposition Mouvement Democratique Republicain party. [115736]

  Mr. Rammell
  We will continue to urge the Government of Rwanda to set out publicly how they plan to open up political space and ensure inclusive elections later this year; and how they can reassure the international community of their commitment to due process and transparency in dealing with the dissolution of the Mouvement Democratique Republicain and actions against individuals.

  Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to support UK citizens of Chinese origin and their relatives overseas following concern over the SARS issue; and if he will make a statement. [111783]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 7 May 2003]: I have been asked to reply.

  The Department of Health has issued updated information and advice to all travellers from the United Kingdom about severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) on a regular basis; the last of which was issued on 21 May. We have also secured agreement with some of the major airlines to distribute leaflets in English, Mandarin and Cantonese for those leaving SARS affected areas.

  We will shortly be issuing a public leaflet about SARS, which will be made available in Cantonese and Mandarin.

  Strategic Priorities Review
  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the outcome was of the work commissioned on long-term strategic priorities for British foreign policy; and if he will place a copy of the report in the library. [116798]

  Mr. Straw
  Work on long term priorities for British Foreign policy is being taken forward by the FCO in consultation with other Government Departments. I plan to make the results public in the Autumn.

  Trade Promotion
  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much of the Departments budget was spent in the latest 12 months for which figures are available on the promotion overseas of trade with the UK; and if he will break down spending in each(a) embassy and (b) high commission. [115968]
  251W
  Mr. Rammell
  The latest figures for funding for Trade Partners UK, the trade development arm of British Trade International, is as follows.

  £ millions

  2001–02 Outturn

  Programme

  60

  Administration Costs

  DTI

  28

  FCO

  123

  Capital

  DTI

  0

  FCO

  1

  The information is not available broken down by Embassy and High Commission, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many of his Departments staff at each(a) embassy and (b) high commission have responsibilities which are primarily the promotion of trade with the UK. [115969]

  Mr. Rammell
  The number of staff (expressed in full time equivalents) whose responsibilities are the achievement of BTI objectives in overseas markets is as follows:

  Country

  Total (full time equivalent)

  Africa

  Angola

  4

  Botswana

  1

  Cameroon

  1

  Cote Dlvore

  2

  Ethiopia

  2

  Ghana

  6

  Kenya

  6

  Madagascar

  1

  Malawi

  1

  Mali

  1

  Mauritius

  2

  Mozambique

  3

  Namibia

  1

  Nigeria

  19

  Rwanda

  1

  Senegal

  2

  Seychelles

  1

  Sierra Leone

  1

  South Africa

  32

  Tanzania

  5

  Uganda

  3

  Zambia

  1

  Zimbabwe

  3

  Americas

  Antigua

  1

  Argentina

  8

  Bahamas

  1

  Barbados

  4

  Belize

  1

  Bolivia

  2

  Brazil

  54

  Canada

  36

  Chile

  8

  Colombia

  7

  Costa Rica

  3

  Cuba

  3

  Dominican Republic

  2

  Ecuador

  4

  El Salvador

  2

  252W

  Country

  Total (full time equivalent)

  Guatemala

  2

  Guyana

  2

  Honduras

  1

  Jamaica

  4

  Mexico

  23

  Nicaragua

  1

  Panama

  2

  Paraguay

  3

  Peru

  7

  St. Lucia

  1

  Trinidad

  5

  Uruguay

  2

  USA

  145

  Venezuela

  8

  North Asia/Pacific

  Australia

  33

  China

  60

  Fiji

  2

  Hong Kong

  22

  Japan

  68

  Mongolia

  1

  New Zealand

  10

  South Korea

  20

  Taiwan

  21

  Europe

  Albania

  1

  Armenia

  3

  Austria

  7

  Azerbaijan

  4

  Belarus

  1

  Belgium and Luxembourg

  17

  Bosnia

  3

  Bulgaria

  5

  Croatia

  4

  Cyprus

  5

  Cz. Republic

  12

  Denmark

  13

  Estonia

  3

  Finland

  12

  France

  50

  Georgia

  3

  Germany

  63

  Greece

  12

  Hungary

  14

  Iceland

  3

  Ireland

  13

  Italy

  33

  Kazakhstan

  4

  Latvia

  4

  Lithuania

  3

  Macedonia

  2

  Malta

  3

  Netherlands

  11

  Norway

  16

  Poland

  20

  Portugal

  15

  Romania

  9

  Russia

  15

  Slovakia

  4

  Slovenia

  5

  Spain

  32

  Sweden

  19

  Switzerland

  15

  Turkey

  19

  Turkmenistan

  3

  Ukraine

  4

  Uzbekistan

  2

  Yugoslavia

  5

  Middle East and North Africa

  Algiers

  1

  Bahrain

  5

  253W

  Country

  Total (full time equivalent)

  Egypt

  15

  Iran

  8

  Israel

  8

  Jerusalem

  2

  Jordan

  7

  Kuwait

  7

  Lebanon

  4

  Libya

  7

  Morocco

  8

  Oman

  6

  Qatar

  8

  Saudi Arabia

  22

  Sudan

  2

  Syria

  8

  Tunisia

  4

  UAE

  22

  Yemen

  4

  South and South East Asia

  Bangladesh

  8

  Brunei

  2

  Cambodia

  1

  India

  79

  Indonesia

  13

  Laos

  1

  Malaysia

  21

  Nepal

  1

  Pakistan

  15

  Papua New Guinea

  1

  Philippines

  11

  Singapore

  20

  Sri Lanka

  7

  Thailand

  15

  Vietnam

  12

  Grand total

  1,524

  British Trade Internationals remit covers both trade development and promotion and inward investment, and it is riot possible to separate fully the two strands.

  The information was current at April 2003.

  The data include FCO UK-based staff and local staff recruited in-market. Distribution of staff numbers across the network changes over time to reflect the requirements of UK business.

  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what changes there have been in the priorities for promoting trade at UK embassies and high commissions since 1997. [115970]

  Mr. Rammell
  Improving business competitiveness through international trade and investment is an important element of the FCOs work, reflected in its Public Service Agreement Objectives. British Trade International was established in 1999 to bring together the trade promotion activities of the Department of Trade and Industry and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Its priorities and activities are reported annually in its Departmental Report, the latest of which was published on 16 May 2003, Cm 5915.

PRIME MINISTER

  Convention on the Future of Europe
  Llew Smith
  To ask the Prime Minister what matters were discussed, and what papers were considered, at his meeting with Mr. Giscard dEstaing on 19 May. [115668]
  254W
  The Prime Minister
  Our meeting focused on the work of the Convention on the Future of Europe. As mandated, the Convention is due to present its conclusions to the European Council at Thessaloniki, 20–21 June.

  Iraq
  Adam Price
  To ask the Prime Minister what discussions he has had with the US Administration on the restoration of the US dollar as Iraqs oil currency. [115896]

  The Prime Minister
  None.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Afghanistan
  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development if he will make a statement on the security situation in Afghanistan and its effect on humanitarian and reconstruction work. [115403]

  Hilary Benn
  The security situation continues to cause concern, and is hampering the operations of NGOs and UN agencies in the south and eastern provinces of Afghanistan. Reconstruction projects are continuing, however, although a lack of security may affect efforts to refurbish roads in some parts of the south and east.

  The deployment of Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) is designed to facilitate improved security in the regions and extend the authority of the Afghan Transitional Administration. The US have already deployed three PRTs to Gardez, Bamiyan and Kunduz provinces. The UK has recently announced its intention to lead a PRT in Mazaar-l-Shariff in the north of Afghanistan.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development which non-governmental organisations have recently left Afghanistan citing security as their reason for evacuation. [115620]

  Hilary Benn
  I am not aware of any nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) which have left Afghanistan due to the deteriorating security situation in parts of the south. In southern Afghanistan, particularly following the killing of an international ICRC worker in March 2003, some NGOs temporarily suspended their operations in the more remote areas and withdrew, either back to the regional centre at Kandahar, or to the capital, Kabul. Most of these, such as Mercy Corps International (MCI), Oxfam, Tear Fund, Action Contre La Faim (ACF) and Medicins Sans Frontieres (MSF), do, however, continue to operate. The major change as result of insecurity has been in their mode of operation, forcing them to concentrate on more secure areas around Kandahar.

  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development which British non governmental organisations are working on reconstruction in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement. [115927]
  255W
  Hilary Benn
  The following non-governmental organisations are registered in the United Kingdom and working on Afghanistan reconstruction:

  CARE;

  CAFOD—through CARITAS member agencies with offices in Afghanistan supporting local NGOs;

  Actionaid;

  Afghanaid;

  Islamic Relief;

  Joint Development Associates Ltd;

  Tearfund;

  Focus;

  Hope Worldwide;

  Ockenden;

  Mercy Corps;

  Muslim Hands;

  Oxfam;

  Aga Khan Foundation; and

  Christian Aid.

  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development how much money promised by the Government to help rebuild Afghanistan has yet to be donated; and if he will make a statement. [116132]

  Agency workers

  Financial year

  Agency staff numbers in DFID London

  Agency staff spend in DFID London £

  Agency staff numbers in DFID East Kilbride

  Agency staff spend in East Kilbride £

  Total of agency staff for both locations

  Total spend on agency staff for both locations £

  2001–02

  210

  752,780

  6

  36,957

  216

  789,737

  2002–03

  131

  827,166

  49

  277,642

  180

  1,104,808

  Aid (Overseas Territories)
  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development how much aid has been given to Overseas Territories since 1993. [115340]

  Hilary Benn
  The Department for International Developments bilateral assistance to Overseas Territories for each of the UK financial years from 1993–94 to 2001–02 is shown in the following table. Figures for 2002–03 are not yet available but are expected to be published next month. These figures do not include any assistance which may have been allocated over the period under the EU Overseas Countries and Territories Decision.

  £000

  Country

  Total DFID programme

  Anguilla

  1993–94

  3,271

  1994–95

  2,142

  1995–96

  1,226

  1996–97

  1,362

  1997–98

  2,520

  1998–99

  1,977

  1999–00

  2,058

  2000–01

  2,234

  2001–02

  1,847

  256W
  Hilary Benn
  US $4.5 billion was pledged by donors at the Tokyo conference in January 2002 over a period of between one and five years, depending on the donor. US $1.8 billion was disbursed last year to Afghanistan. A similar amount has been pledged for the current financial year. Donors such as the US, who had only made one-year pledges at the Tokyo conference, used the Afghan Development Forum held in March 2003 to make new pledges. The total pledged now stands at US $5.2 billion.

  Agency Workers
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development how many agency workers have been employed by the Department in each of the last two years; and at what cost to public funds. [115206]

  Hilary Benn
  DFID does not maintain a central record of agency workers employed in our headquarters offices in London and East Kilbride. We have obtained information directly from the various agencies we use, although not all agencies hold records for all the data requested.

  The information set out in the following table is therefore incomplete, but does provide a reasonable approximation of the numbers and costs.

  £000

  Country

  Total DFID programme

  British Virgin Islands

  1993–94

  1,515

  1994–95

  308

  1995–96

  592

  1996–97

  1,085

  1997–98

  604

  1998–99

  622

  1999–00

  517

  2000–01

  186

  2001–02

  89

  Cayman Islands

  1993–94

  3

  1994–95

  86

  1995–96

  21

  1996–97

  0

  1997–98

  0

  1998–99

  23

  1999–00

  18

  2000–01

  20

  2001–02

  3

  Montserrat

  1993–94

  5,689

  1994–95

  5,766

  1995–96

  6,554

  1996–97

  14,441

  1997–98

  37,866

  1998–99

  31,096

  1999–00

  22,640

  2000–01

  20,811

  2001–02

  24,417

  257W

  £000

  Country

  Total DFID programme

  Pitcairn Islands

  1993–94

  108

  1994–95

  180

  1995–96

  203

  1996–97

  160

  1997–98

  76

  1998–99

  148

  1999–00

  99

  2000–01

  18

  2001–02

  26

  St. Helena

  1993–94

  9,057

  1994–95

  8,161

  1995–96

  9,267

  1996–97

  7,990

  1997–98

  8,765

  1998–99

  8,805

  1999–00

  9,363

  2000–01

  10,116

  2001–02

  10,106

  Turks and Caicos Islands

  1993–94

  10,049

  1994–95

  4,387

  1995–96

  2,674

  1996–97

  3,031

  1997–98

  2,569

  1998–99

  3,808

  1999–00

  4,044

  2000–01

  2,848

  2001–02

  2,754

  Bermuda

  1993–94

  24

  1994–95

  37

  1995–96

  30

  1996–97

  57

  1997–98

  30

  1998–99

  0

  1999–00

  13

  2000–01

  4

  2001–02

  0

  Falkland Islands and Deps

  1993–94

  12

  1994–95

  88

  1995–96

  19

  1996–97

  4

  1997–98

  0

  1998–99

  0

  1999–00

  0

  2000–01

  0

  2001–02

  0

  Gibraltar

  1993–94

  142

  1994–95

  179

  1995–96

  77

  1996–97

  118

  1997–98

  54

  1998–99

  28

  1999–00

  23

  2000–01

  27

  2001–02

  23

  Bilateral Aid
  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development which countries receive direct budget support from the Department; how much; and how much total bilateral aid each of these countries receives. [116774]
  258W
  Hilary Benn
  The amount and forms of total bilateral assistance that DFID has given to individual countries is shown in tables 7.1 to 7.5 in the DFID publication, Statistics on International Development. The 2002 edition contains figures relating to the years 1997–98 to 2001–02, the latest for which data are available. A copy can be found in the House of Commons Library, or alternately, on DFIDs website at: http:// www.dfid.gov.uk/Pubs/files/SID2002 main.pdf

  In these tables, the column headed Programme Aid is non-project financing that benefits the Central Government budget. In the same set of tables, the column titled Total DFID Programme shows the total bilateral assistance given to a country in that year by DFID. In some cases, budget support is given to a particular sector as part of a sector-wide initiative. These figures are included in the Project or Sector Aid column, but the element supporting sector budgets is not separately recorded.

  Botswana
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development (1) what recent discussions she has had with the Government of Botswana regarding the bushmen of the Kalahari desert; and if she will make a statement; [115618]

  (2) what recent discussions the Secretary of State has had with the Government of Botswana regarding the bushmen of the Kalahari; and if he will make a statement. [116034]

  Hilary Benn
  The Secretary of State visited Botswana on 1–2 April 2003 as Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister for Africa. During her visit she discussed with the Government of Botswana the issue of the relocation of the bushmen from the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Her discussion was the latest in a continuing dialogue between the two Governments about the bushmen and about wider poverty issues in Botswana.

  Burma
  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development how much direct aid the Department has given to Burma(a) to help the internally displaced peoples on the eastern border of Burma and (b) for environmental projects in the last year for which figures are available. [115442]

  Hilary Benn
  DFID did not provide funding for programmes specifically focused on internally displaced people in Burma in 2002–03. However, internally displaced people are likely to be among the beneficiaries of a UNICEF-led immunisation programme in Burma for which DFID provided £567,000 in 2002–03. In addition, part of DFIDs £1.5 million support for work in Burma by the International Committee of the Red Cross in 2002–03 contributed to meeting water and sanitation needs in areas with internally displaced people. DFID did not provide funds for environmental projects in Burma in 2002–03.

  Burundi
  John Barrett
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what representations he has made to the Government of Burundi regarding the priority placed on the supply of anti-retroviral drugs to HIV/AIDS sufferers in that country. [116716]

  Hilary Benn
  The Department for International Development is supporting the National AIDS Council in Burundi through the International Partnership against AIDS in Africa (IPAA), with a contribution for Burundi of £4.15 million over the three years to March 2005. Burundi has been successful in obtaining significant resources for Anti-Retroviral Treatment (ART) from the Global Fund (to which DFID has contributed $200 million) and the World bank.

  CDC Capital Partners
  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development if he will make a statement on the progress of CDC Capital Partners managed investment funds within the last 12 months. [115349]

  Hilary Benn
  Since the strategic review of CDC in 2002, the organisation has yet to launch any new dedicated managed investment funds.

  CDC currently manages and continues to invest our three existing managed funds, Commonwealth Africa Investment Fund; South Asia Regional Fund; and Nandi Investments. CDCs joint venture, Aureos Capital, has already raised funds from third party investors for a Central American SME fund and is in the process of raising funds for three regional African SME funds.

  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development if he will make a statement on the privatisation of CDC Capital Partners. [115351]

  Hilary Benn
  CDC Capital Partners, the trading name of CDC Group plc, a company wholly owned by the government, was established in 1999 as a result of the Commonwealth Development Corporation Act. We have no plans to privatise this company. We are however currently in the process of preparing for its reorganisation. The purpose and format of this reorganisation were set out in a Written Statement tabled by the Secretary of State for International Development on 27 November 2002,Official Report, column 37WS. It was also described in evidence given by Ministers, officials and CDC management to the Select Committee on International Development in December 2002.

  Since then, preparations have been proceeding on the lines described and it is hoped to reach agreement with a view to implementing the plans by the end of the year. I plan to table a further Written Statement in due course.

  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development if he will make a statement on CDC Capital Partners investment strategy in sub-Saharan Africa; and whether it has changed in the last 12 months. [115352]
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  Hilary Benn
  Following a strategic review in 2002, it was concluded that CDC would narrow its focus and concentrate on making investments in defined geographies and sectors—primarily, Africa and South Asia and the SME and power sectors. It is intended that CDC will raise third party funds for Africa later this year.

  Over the past 12 months, CDC has made some significant new investments within the power, agribusiness and consumer business sectors in Africa. Its joint venture, Aureos Capital, is in the process of raising funds for three regional African SME funds. CDC remains committed to growing sustainable businesses in Africa.

  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what plans there are to attract private capital investors in CDC Capital Partners. [115353]

  Hilary Benn
  There are no plans to attract private capital investors in CDC Capital Partners as such.

  However, the mobilisation of private capital for the benefit of poorer developing countries is the fundamental objective of the proposed reorganisation of CDC. As part of this re-organisation, it is planned that CDCs investments will be made through specialised funds, dealing with specific sectors or geographical areas. Private sector co-investment into these funds will be actively sought and it is expected that fund raising will start later this year.

  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development if he will make a statement on the progress of CDC Capital Partners in attracting private sector co-investment. [115354]

  Hilary Benn
  In August 2002, it was announced that, from 2003, CDC would organise its investment activities through specialised funds. This reorganisation is progressing well and it is intended that fund raising, which will include attracting private sector co-investment, will start later this year.

  CDCs joint venture, Aureos Capital, has already raised funds from third party investors for a Central American SME fund and is in the process of raising funds for three regional African SME funds.

  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development if he will list(a) the countries in which CDC Capital Partners has opened offices since July 2002, (b) the location of those offices and (c) the staff assigned to each office. [115358]

  Hilary Benn
  No new offices have been opened since July 2002.

  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what rate of return has been achieved on each CDC Capital Partners investment by(a) sector and (b) country since 1997. [115360]

  Hilary Benn
  The cost involved in gathering all the data requested would be disproportionate.

  However, CDCs annual overall portfolio performance before costs since 1997 has been as follows.

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  Per cent.

  1998

  -5.3

  1999

  +7.9

  2000

  -0.1

  2001

  -10.3

  2002

  +6.4

  CDC Capital Partners—Balance Sheet Analysis

  £ million

  March 2002

  June 2002

  September 2002

  December 2002

  March 2003

  Total Assets Under Management

  861.8

  827.6

  806.7

  805.1

  801.6

  Fixed Assets

  26.0

  25.8

  25.6

  25.4

  25.0

  Short Term Deposits and Cash

  191.5

  219.6

  270.3

  256.3

  258.2

  Other Net Current Assets

  -44.1

  -26.2

  -33.1

  -51.0

  -38.0

  Amounts Falling Due After More Than One Year

  -28.6

  -29.6

  -29.8

  -25.4

  -25.4

  Total Assets Less Total Liabilities

  1,006.6

  1,017.2

  1,039.7

  1,010.4

  1,021.4

  Loans From Government

  -755.0

  -755.0

  -755.0

  -755.0

  -755.0

  Net Assets

  251.6

  262.2

  284.7

  255.4

  266.4

  Share Capital

  10.0

  10.0

  10.0

  10.0

  10.0

  Reserves

  241.6

  252.2

  274.7

  245.4

  256.4

  Total Capital and Reserves

  251.6

  262.2

  284.7

  255.4

  266.4

  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development if he will list CDC Capital Partners(a) investments and (b) disposals by (i) sector, (ii) size and (iii) country since July 2002. [115365]

  Hilary Benn
  I have placed spreadsheets in the Library, entitled CDC Capital Partners Investments which give the relevant information.

  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what level of debts has been accrued by CDC Capital Partners in the form of government loans allocated by the Department. [115366]

  Hilary Benn
  CDC Capital Partners took over £755 million in interest-free loans made to the former Commonwealth Development Corporation by DFID. No new loans have been made to CDC Capital Partners since then.

  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development how many Commonwealth nationals employed by CDC Capital Partners have been made redundant since July 2002. [115367]

  Hilary Benn
  16 Commonwealth (including UK) nationals have been made redundant since July 2002. This is mainly due to office closures or the fact that certain CDC-employed Commonwealth nationals have bought out a business from CDC or have stayed with the new owners of a business that CDC has sold.

  Since July 2002, CDC has taken on in employment 31 Commonwealth nationals. CDCs total staff levels have increased by one since July 2002, rising from 303 to 304.

  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development if he will list CDC Capital Partners agricultural(a) investments and (b) disposals (i) by country and (ii) by sector since July 2002. [115368]
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  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development if he will list the(a) assets, (b) liabilities, (c) equity and retained earnings and (d) net income of CDC Capital Partners in each of the last five quarters. [115364]

  Hilary Benn
  The information requested is as follows:

  Hilary Benn
  Since July 2002, the following new agricultural/agribusiness investments have been made:

  Company

  Country

  Sector

  Flamingo Holdings

  Kenya

  Integrated horticultural business

  During this period, CDC also provided further finance for Sulmac, Big Falls and ACI (all mentioned in the following table). CDC also invested further in Del Oro (Costa Rica), an orange juice production company in Costa Rica.

  The following disposals have been made:

  Company

  Country

  Sector

  Del Oro

  Belize

  Orange juice production

  Sulmac

  Kenya

  Horticultural business

  Lake Harvest Fish Farm

  Zimbabwe

  Fish farming

  Aquacorporacion International

  Costa Rica

  Fish farming

  Big Falls Plantation

  Belize

  Orange growing

  Chad/Cameroon Pipeline
  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what(a) the estimated cost and (b) the actual cost of the Chad/Cameroon pipeline project was; and if he will make a statement on the sustainability of the project. [115423]

  Hilary Benn
  The cost of this project is estimated at US $3.7 billion, the majority of which is being provided by the private sector. The project is still under implementation. We therefore do not have figures for the actual cost, nor have we made any projections. The World bank group undertook careful assessment of financial and environmental sustainability issues when the project was first designed and continue to monitor such questions.

  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development, which accounting standards are(a) applicable and (b) are in place for the Chad/Cameroon pipeline project. [115424]
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  Hilary Benn
  DFID is not directly involved in funding or implementing this project. The World Bank and International Finance Corporation who are providing financing expect commercial organisations which receive funds to prepare audited financial reports on the basis of internationally recognised accounting standards.

  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what the status is of the design change order for the Chad/Cameroon pipeline project. [115425]

  Hilary Benn
  DFID is not providing direct financial support to this project. We therefore do not have first-hand information on detailed implementation issues such as design change orders. We have raised this issue with IFC staff who inform us that on a large project such as this, one might expect many design change orders and that as long as they do not affect the projects compliance with environmental and social safety guidelines, there should be no need for concern. There is a process in the World bank group for monitoring the projects compliance with the terms of agreements.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development how many staff have been employed in the Ministerial Correspondence Unit of the Department in each of the last two years. [115874]

  Hilary Benn
  Five permanent staff in each year.

  Debt Relief
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development from which departmental budget the money provided to ECGD by the Department for debt relief comes. [115101]

  Hilary Benn
  While DFID is implementing the Governments 100 per cent. bilateral debt relief policy, the cost of financing this policy is being met by HM Treasury. At the time of the Chancellors announcement in December 1999, he made it clear that the money paid to ECGD for the countries qualifying for HIPC debt relief would be additional to the international development budget.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development if he will list the payments made by the Department to the ECGD for debt relief, and the dates on which they were made; and if he will list the payments made by the Treasury to his Department in order to cover this debt relief, and the dates on which such payments were made. [115103]

  Hilary Benn
  To date, DFID has paid £42,359,392 to ECGD in respect of claims made under the Governments 100 per cent. bilateral debt relief policy. I attach a list of payments, including the dates they fell due, to ECGD. Of this amount, HM Treasury transferred £37,004,492 to DFID in the Spring Supplementary Estimates for 2001–02 (covering payments in 2000–01 and 2001–02) and 2002–03. DFID also received £6.5 million for 2002–03 and a further £6.5 million for 2003–04 in the Spending Review 2002 264W
  (SR2000). Any additional costs for the current financial year will be reclaimed in the Spring Supplementary Estimates for 2003–04.

  100 per cent. bilateral debt relief policy: payments to ECGD

  £

  Countries/Date Payments Due

  Amount paid

  Benin

  24 October 2000

  28,402.78

  24 April 2001

  27,238.73

  24 October 2001

  23,584.45

  24 April 2002

  19,672.42

  24 October 2002

  19,780.51

  Bolivia

  30 June 2000 and 1 July 2000

  406,101.20

  15 August 2000

  2,232.31

  31 December 2000 and 1 January 2001

  463,529.11

  30 June 2001

  409,427.62

  Cameroon

  31 December 2000

  232,214.16

  30 June 2001

  299,238.01

  31 December 2001

  63,663.06

  30 June 2002

  54,104.34

  31 December 2002

  63,879.35

  Chad

  August 2001

  157,796.56

  Ethiopia

  30 June 2002

  25,001.34

  30 September 2002

  7,784.56

  31 March 2003

  5,944.70

  Ghana

  22 January 2003

  124,516.62

  Guinea

  31 December 2001

  12,305.85

  30 June 2002

  6,275.50

  31 December 2002

  7,765.07

  Guyana

  23 December 2000

  2,458,122.98

  23 May 2001

  1,227,938.39

  Malawi

  August 2001

  3,648,338.03

  February 2003

  758.99

  Mali

  20 November 2000

  53,792.10

  20 May 2001

  50,094.71

  20 November 2001

  44,478.62

  20 May 2002

  14,619.07

  29 January 2003

  18,203.72

  08 April 2003

  4,051.16

  Mauritania

  31 December 2000

  5,128.92

  30 June 2001

  4,014.71

  31 December 2001

  4,520.37

  30 June 2002

  4,117.83

  Mozambique

  13 February 2003

  6,998,632.39

  Niger

  30 June 2002

  95,042.56

  31 December 2002

  31,105.97

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  100 per cent. bilateral debt relief policy: payments to ECGD

  £

  Countries/Date Payments Due

  Amount paid

  Senegal

  17 December 2000

  11,380.38

  15,17,30 June 2001

  15,803.01

  01 June 2001

  144,902.70

  23 August 2001

  17,342.23

  15,17,31 December 2001

  15,139.39

  15,17,30 June 2002

  12,793.22

  Tanzania

  01 June 2001

  237,236.29

  14 August 2001

  879.82

  01 December 2001

  148,505.12

  01 June 2002

  97,653.28

  01 December 2002

  120,565.18

  February 2003

  18,419,160.39

  Uganda

  1 April 2000

  187,973.06

  1 September 2000

  176,886.96

  Yemen

  1 August 2001

  94,524.86

  September 2001

  662.32

  1 February 2002

  90,503.53

  1 August 2002

  71,609.74

  August 2002

  3,092,538.47

  Zambia

  August 2001

  1,718,589.93

  November 2002 and February 2003

  561,323.53

  Total amount paid to ECGD

  42,359,392.18

  Note:

  Payments are made as near as possible to the dates they are due.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development by what amount the Departments budget has changed in the last three years in order to pay the ECGD for debt relief to highly indebted poor countries; and if he will make a statement. [115105]

  Hilary Benn
  The budget for the Department for International Development has been increased by £43.5 million over the last three financial years (2000–01 to 2002–03) to finance the 100 per cent. bilateral debt relief policy. To date, DFID has paid some £42.4 million to ECGD in respect of claims under this policy.

  Democratic Republic of the Congo
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what assessment the Department has made of the cholera epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; what the Departments response has been to the appeal for funds to deal with the problem; and if he will make a statement. [116623]

  Hilary Benn
  The first outbreak of the current epidemic dates back to September 2001. According to Medicins sans Frontieres (MSF)/Relief Web reporting in February 2003, since September 2001 there have been 19,000 cholera patients with more than 1,200 deaths. During the last months of 2002 the epidemic spread from Katanga to East Kasai province where MSF teams have treated more than 3,800 patients, of which 209 died. Since January 2003, local health authorities and 266W
  MSF have seen an increase in cholera patients in Katanga province with some 300 cholera patients a week in the whole of the province. In East Kasai province the epidemic does not show any signs of stabilising with an average of 250 new patients a week. The health care system in the DRC lies largely in ruins. Cholera is becoming a reality in the two provinces.

  In 2002–03 DFID spent £10.89 million on humanitarian assistance, including emergency health needs. We remain ready to respond to urgent humanitarian requests. We continue to work alongside our international partners to help change the situation through our support to the peace process in DRC. Only in this way will improved public health be made possible on a sustainable basis.

  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what recent discussions the Department has had with the Governments of(a) Uganda and (b) Rwanda about the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. [116694]

  Hilary Benn
  DFID regularly discusses the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with the governments of Uganda and Rwanda. This covers both establishing the Transitional National Government in Kinshasa and also the political and humanitarian crises in eastern DRC, at the moment, particularly in Ituri. We are encouraging both Governments to play a constructive role and to avoid tensions between themselves being played out in the DRC.

  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what action the Department is taking to prevent ethnic conflict in the north-east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. [116695]

  Hilary Benn
  The French government has agreed to the request from the UN Secretary General to lead an Interim Emergency Multinational Force (IEMF) to stabilise the situation in Bunia, in Ituri region. Given the importance of supporting the UNs initiative and the DRC peace process, the UK will be participating in the IEMF. We are in consultation with those involved, including the UN and French Defence Ministry, about the most appropriate and effective contribution we can make.

  DFID has recently provided £1 million through the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs for emergency humanitarian interventions in the DRC including Ituri. We are in regular contact with a number of international NGOs working in Ituri, and we stand ready to respond to their requests for further assistance to address urgent humanitarian needs in the region.

  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what action the Department is taking to support UN Security Council Resolution 1445 on the Democratic Republic of the Congo. [116696]

  Hilary Benn
  The UK has been working with our African, EU and UN partners to promote a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the DRC. There has been progress towards the formation of a transitional
  267W
  national government (TNG) since agreement on its establishment was reached on 2 April in Sun City (South Africa). Most candidates for the TNG have now been selected, although there is presently a disagreement between the parties on the command structure for the new national Army which needs to be resolved urgently. We will continue to play an active part in the International Committee for Support to the Transition, in the DRC.

  In addition:
  we have committed US$25 million to the US$330 million World Bank Multi-Country Demobilisation and Reintegration Programme (MDRP) for the Great Lakes region;
  we are assisting the UNs peacekeeping interventions through support to Radio Okapi, the MONUC linked radio station in the DRC;
  we have agreed to contribute to the proposed Interim Emergency Multinational Force for Ituri;
  we are funding a number of international agencies such as CAFOD, Christian Aid, International Alert and the Life and Peace Institute which are promoting community-based dialogue and womens involvement in the peace and reconciliation process;
  we are supporting UNICEFs role in developing a child demobilisation programme; and
  we closely monitor the humanitarian situation. Our total funding to DRC has increased in recent years. In 2001–02 our total funding was £5.56 million of which £5.18 million was in respect of humanitarian assistance; in 2002–03 our total funding was £12.9 million of which £10.89 million was in respect of humanitarian assistance. We stand ready to respond to urgent humanitarian needs.

  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what estimate the Department has made of the number of deaths due to ethnic conflict in the north-east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. [116697]

  Hilary Benn
  There are no accurate figures for the number of deaths due to the conflict in north-east DRC. Red Cross teams have recovered over 300 bodies in Bunia town after the most recent outbreak in fighting there. This is almost certainly only a small fraction of the total number of deaths that have occurred.

  The latest reliable figures quoted by the United Nations are for 2002, and for eastern DRC as a whole. These showed a mortality rate of 3.5 per 1000 per month.

  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what support the Department provides to Congolese refugees in Uganda. [116702]

  Hilary Benn
  DFID is monitoring the situation of Congolese refugees in Uganda very closely. Information from the border areas indicates that at present the number of refugees is less than originally reported. But we are in close contact with the Red Cross, UN agencies and non-governmental organisations in Uganda who are currently undertaking more detailed assessments of the needs.

  Departmental Report
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what the cost was of the publication of the 2001 departmental report. [112807]
  268W
  Hilary Benn
  The total cost of publication of the 2001 departmental report was £81,576.59.

  Departmental Underspending
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to reduce her Departments underspend in 2003–04 from that of 2002–03. [112774]

  Hilary Benn
  Accounts for 2002–3 are still under preparation but any underspend is expected to be small and not to create a need for corrective management action in 2003–4.

  Efficiency Savings
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what the target is for efficiency savings in 2003–04 expressed(a) in money terms and (b) as a percentage of the Departments expenditure limit. [114109]

  Hilary Benn
  DFID now promotes efficiency through annually reviewed Service Level Agreements for the main administrative overhead functions and by periodic reviews for other areas, rather than through a single efficiency target. The ratio of administrative overheads to the total programme is expected be 1.36 per cent in 2003–04 compared to 1.42 per cent. in 2002–03. Had the ratio remained constant, it would have implied administrative overheads some £2 million higher in 2003–04 than is now planned; this is 1 per cent. of the departmental expenditure limit for Administration costs.

  Ethiopia
  John Barrett
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development if he will make a statement on the humanitarian situation in the Bidre resettlement site in Ethiopia; and what action his Department is taking to improve the(a) accommodation facilities, (b) food relief and (c) access to water within the camp. [115734]

  Hilary Benn
  We have not had direct involvement with the Bidre resettlement site. However, we have engaged with the Ethiopian Government and other donors, both through dialogue and joint field visits, to assess the overall impact of the resettlement programme. While some resettlement sites have positive potential, the speed of this programme and limited resources have also resulted in problems. Accommodation, food and water are critical in some sites and must be addressed as a matter of urgency. At the same time, we will work with the Ethiopian Government to help them learn lessons from these early experiences before expanding the programme further.

  In addition, the Ethiopian Government have been providing food and non-food humanitarian assistance to address humanitarian issues, such as food and water, on resettlement sites. We have been playing a significant role in responding to the overall humanitarian situation in Ethiopia, with more than £48 million of humanitarian assistance being provided since the beginning of 2002.
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  John Barrett
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what action he is taking to assist people who have suffered from the flooding in southern Ethiopia. [115739]

  Hilary Benn
  The rains in Ethiopia have brought flooding to parts of the Somali region in Ethiopia. It is reported that about 119 people have died and some 110,000 have been forced from their homes.

  A large relief operation is under way, although the UN report that lack of access to affected areas has hampered operations. The Ethiopian Government have used cargo planes to bring in emergency supplies and high-energy food for the victims in the region, and have provided a helicopter. UNICEF, ICRC and the regional government have also been transporting emergency medical kits, water treatment facilities, shelter material and jerry cans. WFP have warned that food aid needs may have to be reassessed because of the flooding.

  Of the over £48 million of humanitarian assistance that DFID has provided for Ethiopia since the beginning of 2002, a substantial proportion has been for the work of ICRC, UNICEF and WFP.

  John Barrett
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development if he will make a statement on recent levels of malaria in the Somali region of Ethiopia. [115740]

  Hilary Benn
  Following a recent visit by the World Health Organisations (WHO) Ethiopia country office to the flood affected Somali region, the WHOs Communicable Disease Control Centre in Geneva confirm there is no Malaria epidemic. However, the WHO will continue to monitor the situation given the unstable and seasonal nature of Malaria transmission in the country.

  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development how much of the food aid promised by the Government to Ethiopia has been delivered; and if he will make a statement. [116133]

  Hilary Benn
  Since September 2002, Government contributions for cereal food aid have been as follows:

  In October 2002 we provided over £1.4 million Save Children (UK) for the purchase of 6,400 metric tonnes of cereal, which has been delivered.

  We made a contribution of £15 million to the World Food Programme (WFP) in December 2002 and a further £2million in March 2003. Of this 86,335 metric tonnes of cereal, 78.000 metric tonnes was distributed in February and March 2003. The balance is being transported for distribution in areas that will not be accessible during the rainy season. We are in the process of making another payment of £8 million to the WFP, which WFP expect to quickly deliver as food aid by drawing down cereals from the Ethiopian Food Security Reserve.

  Along with other donors, we provided £2 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross Emergency Appeal this February. At the end of April 2003, 13,500 metric tonnes of food aid and 1,700 metric tonnes of seeds had been provided from the Appeal.

  Euro
  Norman Lamb
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development, when the Secretary of State received the Treasury documents relating to the five economic tests and the 18 background studies; what discussions she has held with ministerial colleagues on the tests since receipt of the documents; when she expects to complete her analysis of the documents; and what representations(a) she and (b) departmental officials will make to other Departments before a decision is reached on the economic tests. [115386]

  Hilary Benn
  The Treasurys 18 supporting studies on EMU were sent to Cabinet Ministers on 16 May. The Prime Minister and the Chancellor are holding meetings with Cabinet Members. There will be an initial discussion at Cabinet on 22 May followed by a special Cabinet meeting on 5 June. The Chancellor will make a statement to the House of Commons on 9 June.

  Export Control
  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development whether the Department made a submission to the DTI consultation on Export Control. [115023]

  Hilary Benn
  No.

  Ghana
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what progress has been made in the tendering process for the management and supply of water in Accra, Ghana; and if he will make a statement. [116403]

  Hilary Benn
  Private sector participation in the management and supply of water supplies in all the urban centres of Ghana is still under consideration by the Government of Ghana. No invitations to tender have been issued.

  HIV/AIDS
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what assessment he has made of the availability of retroviral drugs for pregnant women with AIDS in(a) Malawi, (b) Kenya and (c) South Africa. [116405]

  Hilary Benn
  Following a constitutional court ruling in 2002, the South African Government agreed to make Nevirapine available to all pregnant women for the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV. The Government have begun rolling out the provision of Nevirapine, although availability varies between the countrys nine Provinces and is not yet universal.

  There are a number of pilot programmes for antiretroviral therapy (ART) and prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT). The Malawi Global Fund proposal for $198 million over five years, approved in August 2002, includes substantial financial allocations for ART and PMTCT. Clinical guidelines are being developed, but there has been limited progress in addressing equity and targeting issues to date.
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  In Kenya, availability of ART is limited to several small pilot projects. However, Kenyas application to the global fund has been approved in principle; it includes $36 million for HIV including the provision for ART for pregnant women. The plan is to cover 10 per cent. of those pregnant women in need of ART in the first year increasing to 60 per cent. by year 4. In making this decision on coverage they took into consideration the support systems required to deliver ART to pregnant women, such as voluntary counselling and testing and adequate medical staff. DFID spends £6.5 million a year on HIV/AIDS in Kenya and is helping the Ministry of Health to develop a comprehensive strategy to deliver ART effectively.

  Iraq
  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development in which ways gender and womens rights are being taken into account in the post-conflict reconstruction of Iraq; and what importance will be given to them in the new constitution of Iraq. [115404]

  Hilary Benn
  DFID, within the influence available to us, will strive to ensure women are included in all phases and levels of reconstruction in Iraq. We must help Iraqi women to ensure that womens rights are a central part of post-war Iraq. We recognise the importance of, and support the demands of Iraqi women for, a Womens meeting before the proposed National Conference in Baghdad, which will consider the political future of Iraq. We are discussing these issues with our partners, including UNIFEM.

  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development if he will make a statement on the humanitarian situation in Iraq. [115405]

  Hilary Benn
  The humanitarian situation in Iraq is improving, but significant challenges remain.

  While progress has been made on restoring law and order, insecurity continues to be a constraint to humanitarian relief work, particularly in and around Baghdad. A more stable environment has been secured around Basra, but risks remain there too.

  The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) did invaluable work in Iraq throughout the conflict to maintain and repair water supply systems and to support hospitals. With the end of major combat operations, international UN staff and NGOs have begun to return to the country. The UN has set up five regional teams to coordinate humanitarian assistance, including one in Basra. In the South, 22 NGOs have established a presence. These include the Mines Advisory Group (MAG), GOAL and War Child which are supported by DFID.

  In many areas water and power services are almost back to pre-conflict levels. The ICRC and UK military are working well together in restoring and maintaining clean water supplies in the South. The situation in other parts of the country, including Kirkuk and Mosul, is also continuing to improve. In Baghdad, some 80 per cent. of the population now have access to water services for some part of the day.
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  There is no food crisis at present. Food stocks in the pipeline for June are good, although there are shortages of some commodities which DFID is helping to address by funding the purchase by the World Food Programme (WFP) of pulses and cooking oil. Plans are in hand to purchase local Iraqi crops in the coming weeks.

  The Iraqi health system has suffered from looting, staff being afraid to return to work and unpaid salaries. Coalition forces are now providing security to a number of hospitals to protect staff and prevent further looting, and the ICRC has helped to replace missing equipment. Arrangements are now being made to pay regular salaries to hospital staff and other public sector workers. The World Health Organisation (WHO) report no overall shortage of medical supplies, though localised shortages of some specialist drugs exist. ICRC assesses that there is no need for new or temporary hospitals, and no chronic bed shortages. In Basra, the seasonal cholera outbreak appears to be under control. DFID has donated cholera kits to WHO in case they are needed.

  Accidents caused by mines and unexploded ordinance increased substantially during and since the conflict. The situation is made worse by abandoned Iraqi munitions dumps, some dating back to the Iran-Iraq war and the 1991 conflict. The UNs Mine Action Service (UNMAS), with DFID financial support, is coordinating work to address the problem, but it will be a major long term task.

  DFID has committed 115m to support the work of the Red Cross, UN agencies and international non-governmental organisations in the current crisis. A further £95 million has been set aside for further needs as they emerge.

  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what recent assessment he has made of the availability of medical supplies in Iraq. [115406]

  Hilary Benn
  The World Health Organisation is monitoring medical supplies. Its latest assessment is that there is not an overall shortage of medical supplies in Iraq, though there are shortages of drugs for a few specific conditions.

  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Minister of State. Department for International Development what recent assessment he has made of the supply of(a) clean water, (b) sanitation and (c) electricity throughout Iraq. [115407]

  Hilary Benn
  A number of agencies have now taken part in initial post-conflict assessment missions to determine the state of essential services and to prioritise emergency responses. Most agency assessments and future plans are available from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)website at: www.agoodplacetostart.org

  Maintaining clean water supplies has been an immediate concern. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and others, including the UK military, have done good work to repair water and sanitation facilities, and to supply water by alternative means while supplies are disrupted.
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  International agencies, including the ICRC and the UN Development Programme (UNDP), are now supporting local municipality and electricity board work teams to improve the mains power supply in Iraq.

  The situation in many parts of the country is now improving: in Basra the quantity of water supplied now exceeds pre-conflict levels; In Baghdad power and water are now reaching 80 per cent. of the urban population but on an intermittent basis.

  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what recent discussions he has had with NGOs concerning the post-conflict reconstruction of Iraq. [115408]

  Hilary Benn
  DFID officials and UK NGOs have been meeting weekly since mid-February to discuss latest developments, needs and priorities in Iraq.

  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what measures are in place to restore and maintain security in Iraq to enable the provision of humanitarian aid. [115409]

  Hilary Benn
  The maintenance of public order in Iraq is a Coalition obligation. In response to continued insecurity Coalition forces are increasing their patrols in Baghdad, in some cases jointly with Iraqi police. The Government is consulting with the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) on possible next steps. It is vital that a secure environment is established in all areas so that humanitarian agencies can continue to enter Iraq and provide assistance where it is most needed.

  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development which local Iraqi non-governmental organisations his Department is working with. [115410]

  Hilary Benn
  DFID has continuing programmes of support in the north of Iraq, through Save the Children UK, HelpAge International, Christian Aid, Response Relief Resettlement and Rehabilitation (4Rs), A Community Oriented Rehabilitation Network (ACORN); and also with Care in the centre and south of Iraq. These NGOs work extensively with local Iraqi people and local NGOs in the implementation of their programmes. DFID officials hope to meet local Iraqi NGOs once the security situation in Iraq has improved.

  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what steps his Government is taking to protect the aid agencies warehouses containing stockpiles of humanitarian aid in Iraq. [115411]

  Hilary Benn
  As part of their obligations under the Geneva Convention and Hague Regulations UK forces are working to protect storage facilities containing humanitarian supplies.

  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what measures are in place to help return refugees and internally displaced people to their homes in Iraq. [115413]

  Hilary Benn
  The UN Office of Project Services reports that the majority of newly displaced people have returned to their homes in the north of the country. They are currently surveying groups displaced prior to the conflict and working on plans to assist them 274W
  in returning home. In addition, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is planning for the return of up to half a million refugees from outside the country, primarily from Iran. DFID has provided £1.75 million to UNHCR since the start of the conflict to assist with their work in Iraq and neighbouring countries.

  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development pursuant to the answer of 15 May 2003,Official Report, column 394W, on Iraq, what assessment the Department has made of whether there is sufficient infrastructure in place in Iraq to be able to distribute the harvest. [116032]

  Hilary Benn
  The World Food Programme (WFP) and the Iraqi Ministry of Trade (MoT) are assessing the urgent repairs needed to the food distribution infrastructure in Iraq. The Coalition Provisional Authority has said it will provide US $50,000 to each governorate in Iraq to strengthen distribution networks by improving security of sites, making emergency repairs, re-equipping offices and paying transport costs. The Iraqi Public Distribution System for food resumed on 1 June 2003.

  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development (1) pursuant to her answer of 15 May 2003,Official Report, column 394W, if he will make a statement on the discussions as soon as they are concluded; [116033]

  (2) pursuant to the answer of 15 May 2003, Official Report, columns 394–95W, on Iraq, what steps the Department will take should the food stocks run out.[116066]

  Hilary Benn
  Food stocks are not expected to run out in Iraq. The World Food Programme (WFP) is making arrangements to enable it to purchase wheat from Iraqs 2003 harvest. WFP also report that food is entering Iraq from neighbouring countries at a significantly increased rate. The first post-war distribution of food stocks began on 1 June 2003. DFID has provided £33 million to WFP to support their work in Iraq.

  Mr. Weir
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development pursuant to his answer of 15 May 2003,Official Report, column 394W, what drugs shortages there are in Iraq; and what the Department is doing to end these shortages. [116107]

  Hilary Benn
  The World Health Organisation is monitoring medical supplies. Its latest assessment is that, while there is no general shortfall in the availability of most drugs, there is a shortage of drugs for some chronic illnesses such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease. DFID is supporting the Iraqi Ministry of Health through WHO and other humanitarian agencies to reactivate the former drug distribution system to address these shortages.

  Mr. Walter
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what assessment he has made of changes in cancer rates among children in Southern Iraq since 1991. [116168]

  Hilary Benn
  DFID is not aware that any assessment has been made of changes in cancer rates among children in Southern Iraq since 1991, although the previous regime had collected some information on the
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  incidence of cancer in the country. Current work on assessing childrens health in Iraq is focused on establishing immediate humanitarian needs.

  Most assessments are available from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) website at: www.agoodplacetostart.org

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development when he expects a full survey of child malnutrition in Iraq to be undertaken. [116413]

  Hilary Benn
  A full and detailed national nutritional survey is not immediately feasible because security conditions in many parts of Iraq are preventing humanitarian agencies access to households. However, a few agencies, including UNICEF, have undertaken local rapid nutritional assessments in order to gain rough indicators of malnutrition levels. These are currently judged to be moderate, but not alarming. The results from these surveys will be used to prioritise areas for more thorough investigation, and possible provision of assistance, as and when security permits.

  Most agency assessments are available from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) website at: www.agoodplacetostart.org

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what assessment his Department has made of the impact of ethnic violence on the humanitarian aid effort in Iraq. [116415]

  Hilary Benn
  We are aware of the incidence of ethnic strife in some areas resulting from the previous regimes policy of Arabisation, which forced many Kurds, Turkomans and Assyrians from their homes in Kirkuk and other towns in the north of Iraq. UN agency missions to Kirkuk are currently limited to day visits, but the provision of humanitarian assistance continues through UN and humanitarian agencies. DFID is monitoring the situation closely.

  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development if he will make a statement on the impact of the war in Iraq on the level of malnutrition among children under five. [116698]

  Hilary Benn
  Accurate data on the impact of the war in Iraq on child malnutrition are not available. Poor nutrition levels among children in Iraq have been a longterm problem that preceded the conflict. Current disruptions to health, water and sanitation services, and a proliferation of diarrhoeal diseases in many urban centres, have increased the risk.

  DFID has provided £9 million to support UNICEFs work in Iraq.

  Ivory Coast
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development, what assessment the Department has made of the World Food Programme report on the food situation in Côte dIvoire. [116628]

  Hilary Benn
  We monitor reports on the humanitarian situation in Cote dIvoire closely, including those produced by the World Food Programme. The situation continues to give cause for concern particularly in the west of the country. We have already provided around 276W
  £1 million towards appeals from international agencies and NGOs working in Cote dIvoire, and are considering whether to make a further contribution in the light of the latest UN Consolidated Appeal.

  Liberia
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Minister of State. Department for International Development what assessment the Department has made of recent refugee movements in Liberia; what resources are available to them; and if he will make a statement. [116624]

  Hilary Benn
  Our information on refugee movements, as well as those of internally displaced citizens in Liberia derives from reports of the United Nations Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), in Monrovia. HMG does not have a permanent representation there. The reports, and those of other agencies, are generally available on the Relief website. Continuing war in Liberia has led to increased refugee flows into surrounding countries. Latest estimates from the UN (as at April 2003) indicate that some 225,000 Liberians were officially registered as refugees in neighbouring countries. This figure was swelled during the last week (to 28 May 2003), when more than 15,000 crossed the eastern border into Cote DIvoire.

  DFIDS most recent commitment to the crisis in Liberia was in March 2003 in the form of a grant to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for £550,000 for humanitarian assistance and funding for MSF (Belgium) for health service provision for the Redemption Hospital in Monrovia and the outreach services that it provides for outlying areas. We have also made substantial contributions this year towards programmes of the UN High Commission for Refugees, the UN Childrens Fund and the ICRC in Guinea (£1.6 million), Sierra Leone (£1.4 million) and Cote DIvoire (£1 million).

  Madagascar
  John Barrett
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what response he will make to the United Nations Development Programme appeal of 19 May following the destruction caused by cyclone Manou in eastern Madagascar. [115737]

  Hilary Benn
  Our assessment of the situation in eastern Madagascar is that while the cyclone was serious, the national structures in place are currently proving sufficient in providing appropriate assistance. We continue to monitor the situation closely.

  Relief to Madagascar is presently being provided by a number of donors including the UN agencies of UNICEF, WFP and OCHA, which the UK supports through its Institutional Strategic Partnership programme.

  Should the situation worsen, or continue for any length of time, DFID would then consider providing further support to the response.

  Malawi
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what discussions he has had with the Government of Malawi concerning prevention of HIV and AIDS in prisons. [116404]
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  Hilary Benn
  None. The Malawi Government Health Policy, endorsed by the Ministry of Justice and the Prison Department, advocates treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) for prisoners to help control the AIDS epidemic. DFIDs Safety, Security and Access to Justice (MaSSAJ) programme supports the National Council for Safety and Justice (NCSJ), which has endorsed implementation of a Health in Prison Programme. As part of this, a local NGO, Banja La Mtsogolo, is conducting STI treatment and HIV/AIDS and STI prevention information programmes in all Malawi Prisons. The Head of DFID (Malawi) is a full member of NCSJ.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what discussions he has had with the Malawi Government regarding the emigration of(a) doctors and (b) nurses from Malawi [116409]

  Hilary Benn
  None. However we are concerned about recruitment of trained medical personnel from developing countries. The Department of Health (DoH) introduced a Code of Practice in 2001 designed to prevent such recruitment. The DoH has listed particular countries from which active recruitment should be avoided. Malawi is one of these. DFID is working with DoH to ensure the Code is effective. However the Code of Practice is only applicable to NHS recruitment. Anecdotal evidence shows that UK private recruitment agencies continue to recruit from Malawi, and other countries on the DoH list. DFID is gathering evidence on the exact nature and scale of such recruitment to determine if action can be taken to reduce its impact.

  Mozambique
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what assessment the Department has made of the recent cholera outbreaks in Mozambique; and if he will make a statement. [116621]

  Hilary Benn
  Cholera is endemic in Mozambique and outbreaks occur annually and may sometimes develop into severe epidemics. DFID supports the Ministry of Health through planning and budgeting mechanisms and the annual plan contains a budget line for emergencies of this kind.

  The Ministry of Health, together with its partners—DFID included—have developed an established and relatively efficient response to cholera and other epidemics. Over the last few years, the Ministry of Health has become well equipped and capable of managing outbreaks with less and less support from cooperating partners.

  DFID is providing specific support to a research project in the Ministry of Health to establish a predictive model for cholera epidemics using simple environmental and social indicators, based on which it will be easier to support cost effective prevention of cholera through action on environmental health interventions, improved community responses to epidemics, and vaccine delivery.

  North Korea
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Minister of State. Department for International Development what aid 278W
  the Department for International Development has provided for North Korea in the last three years; and if he will make a statement. [114678]

  Hilary Benn
  The UKs policy towards engagement with the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) has resulted in limited humanitarian contributions. There are many constraints to humanitarian agencies operating in North Korea, including problems of access.

  DFID contributed £500,000 for humanitarian assistance projects in 2000–01. In 2001–02, we contributed just over £2 million to UNICEF for essential drugs, immunisation and water and sanitation and to the British Red Cross for disaster preparedness and flood relief. There were no contributions in 2002 due to the problems of access. We continue to assess the situation for possible funding for 2003.

  DFID is also providing support through the European Communitys programme. In each of the years 2000 and 2001, the European Community allocated approximately 3 million euros to the DPRK. In 2003, the ECs contribution has been 7.5 million euros so far. These contributions have been to target primary health care and food security. DFID contributes approximately 19 per cent. of the European Communitys funding.

  Office Closures
  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what the cost to the Department of office closures was in the last 12 months. [115355]

  Hilary Benn
  Seven offices in East Europe (Czech Republic, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Slovak Republic and Slovenia) closed at the end of 2002–03 financial year; this was due to the winding down of DFID programmes as a result of impending membership of the EC. These closures have generated a net saving in 2003–4 of £280,000, excluding the cost of UK staff redeployed to other programmes.

  In a few cases, other DFID offices were temporarily affected by security concerns. The closures were only for a few days and any financial costs would have been minimal. Certain other offices were temporarily scaled down, incurring additional costs for temporary repatriation; the main example was New Delhi, resulting from a heightening of tensions in South Asia. These costs are not separately accounted for and could only he provided at disproportionate cost.

  Oil for Food Programme
  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development if he will make a statement on the provision of food aid through the Oil for Food Programme. [115412]

  Hilary Benn
  It will be important to get a food distribution programme fully re-established as soon as possible. 16 million Iraqis depended on the Oil for Food Programme (OFF) before the conflict. The World Food Programme (WFP) is aiming to build up supplies similar to those provided then (480,000 tonnes of food per month) as soon as possible. We are working with the UNs Office of the Iraq Programme (OIP), WFP, the
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  Coalitions Office of Reconstruction and Humanitarian Affairs (ORHA) and the Iraqi Ministry of Trade to achieve this. WFP has sufficient stocks of most food commodities for June, although there are still some shortages of milk powder, salt and pulses. DFID has contributed £33 million to WFP since the start of the crisis.

  The OIP has recently agreed to the use of OFF funds for the purchase of wheat and barley from this years harvest in Iraq. Buying crops locally will assist in meeting requirements projected by WFP for August and September, at the same time as injecting cash into Iraqs rural economy.

  UN Security Council Resolution 1483, adopted 22 May, extended the OFF for a final six months. Responsibility for the provision of food aid after that passes to the Authority established by the Coalition.

  Palestine
  Richard Burden
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development pursuant to his answer of 19 May 2003,Official Report, column 523W if he will make a statement on the responses received from the Israeli Government to (a) UK and (b) EU representations on the impact of Israeli military action on Palestinian infrastructure and water supplies; and what indication the Israeli Government have given of a change in their policy. [115567]

  Hilary Benn
  The UK has not received any specific response from the Government of Israel to the representations we made about the impact of military action on Palestinian infrastructure and water supplies. Neither has the EU. The Government of Israel have not given any indication of an intention to change their policy. We will continue to press Israel to undertake confidence-building measures to support implementation of the Roadmap, and to meet its obligations under international humanitarian law.

  Public Service Agreements
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what steps the Department has taken to publicise its Public Service Agreement targets; and at what cost to public funds. [114459]

  Hilary Benn
  Information on DFIDs PSA targets is published on the DFID website, on HMTs website and in the SR2002 White Paper. DFID publishes information on progress towards the targets twice a year, in the Departmental Report and in the Autumn Performance Report. In addition. the Treasury now publishes progress towards all the Governments PSA targets on its website. None of this publicity involves significant extra cost to the Department.

  The NAOs April 2002 report on DFIDs performance management highlighted that DFIDs performance management framework complies with good practice in many respects. However, it also noted that many staff were not aware of DFIDs Public Service Agreement targets or did not view them as an important influence on their activity. To address this, DFID instituted a wide ranging communication programme including videos, explanatory booklets, and presentations by Heads of
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  Department. The total cost of the contract with the production company that produced the videos and other materials was approximately £72,000. This includes materials which we will use over the next three years for induction and training.

  Redundancies
  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development how many redundancies there have been within DFID by(a) Department, (b) specialist area and (c) seniority since July 2002. [115356]

  Hilary Benn
  Sixteen members of DFID staff have left the Department under voluntary early departure arrangements since July 2002. Of these two have been members of the Senior Civil Service and 14 had been in management grades.

  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development how many projected redundancies there are within the Department, broken down by(a) internal department, (b) specialist area and (c) seniority. [115357]

  Hilary Benn
  Eight members of DFID civil service staff have accepted offers of voluntary early departure and are due to leave the Department between 22 May and 31 December 2003. All are in management grades. There are no current projections for further redundancies.

  Sickness Absence
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development how many staff in the Department have been on long-term sick leave in each of the last two years. [115854]

  Hilary Benn
  The number of staff on long-term sick absence was as follows:

  1 April 2001–31 March 2002: 39

  1 April 2002–31 March 2003: 39

  DFID classifies sick absence of three months or more as long term. DFID is working towards a reduction of 23.8 per cent. in sick absence rates from 8.4 days per staff year in 1998 to 6.4 in 2003.

  Somalia
  John Barrett
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development if he will make a statement on the levels of food security in southern Somalia following the flooding of the Juba and Shabelle river basins. [115735]

  Hilary Benn
  There has been localised flooding in the Juba and Shabelle river basins in Somalia, particularly in the Jowhar, Jamame, Bualle and Jilib districts. The risk of flooding has been compounded by farmers opening up river-banks to facilitate flood cultivation.

  However, the general food security situation in Somalia is relatively good. The main sorghum and maize harvest of 2002 was up by as much as 40 per cent. from average years and 80 per cent. up on the 2001 harvest. The January 2003 (and secondary) harvest was also good and this rainy season (April/May), although late, has been above average.
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  The UK is assisting efforts at political resolution of the conflict in Somalia, as well as continuing a humanitarian programme (with some £3 million per year), supporting agencies such as UNICEF, ICRC and MSF Spain in the Juba and Shabelle valleys. If the situation should worsen, or continue for any length of time, DFID would then consider providing further support.

  John Barrett
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what assessment he has made of the impact the closure of Al-Haramyn aid agency will have on humanitarian efforts in Somalia. [116715]

  Hilary Benn
  While the departure of any NGO providing humanitarian assistance in Somalia is unfortunate, the withdrawal of Al Haramayns small Saudi team will not have a significant impact on the large international assistance programme to the country. It is still unclear what will happen to the children who benefited from Al Haramayns support to orphanages and schools. We and other members of the international community are making inquiries.

  Sri Lanka
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what assessment the Department has made of the humanitarian consequences of recent monsoon floods in Sri Lanka; and if he will make a statement. [116622]

  Hilary Benn
  Following the disastrous floods in Sri Lanka and discussions with the government, DFID is providing £270,000 for immediate humanitarian relief. These funds are being channelled through UNHCR, OXFAM and the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC). DFID representatives visited Ratnapura last week to assess the situation and monitor distribution of non-food items.

  Sudan
  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what recent assessment he has made of the humanitarian situation in Southern Sudan. [115419]

  Hilary Benn
  Urgent humanitarian needs remain in Sudan, including in south Sudan. High rates of malnutrition, epidemic levels of disease, and destitution caused by forced movement of people mean that a continuing humanitarian response will be necessary. DFID has so far in 2003 funded £7.7 million worth of humanitarian support.

  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what recent discussions he has had with non-governmental organisations working in Sudan. [115418]

  Hilary Benn
  DFID staff regularly meet NGOs working in north and south Sudan, both here and in Sudan, on a bilateral and group basis. International and Sudanese NGOs took part in a recent conference in the Netherlands on priority setting for development when peace comes; NGOs will have a key role to play when it does. It will be important for NGOs to focus on poverty-reduction to deliver real benefits to the Sudanese people.
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  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what assessment he has made of the fighting and humanitarian situation in Dafur. [115420]

  Hilary Benn
  We are concerned about the escalation of fighting in Darfur. The situation is unpredictable in EI-Fashir and Geneina, and tense in Nyala. Movement of people and goods will remain difficult while the fighting persists. There is a need to expand humanitarian access to drought affected people in west and north Darfur and vulnerable people in south Darfur. The Government of Sudan is concerned for the safety of humanitarian aid workers but hopes to improve humanitarian access in the near future.

  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what assessment he has made of human rights violations in(a) Sudan and (b) Dafur, Sudan. [115421]

  Hilary Benn
  The protection of human rights for all in Sudan, including in Darfur, is a high priority in our contacts with the Sudanese authorities, both bilaterally (through the embassy) and through the continuing EU dialogue with both the Government of Sudan and the SPLM. The embassy in Khartoum will arrange to visit Darfur as soon as the security situation permits, and we will continue to press for improvements in human rights.

  EU Heads of Mission raised Darfur in their meeting with Dr. Mutrif, Permanent Under Secretary equivalent, at the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 22 May.

  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development if he will take steps to send an independent international commission of inquiry to Dafur. [115422]

  Hilary Benn
  We are, of course, concerned about the situation in Darfur, including human rights and raise it regularly with the Sudanese authorities. My right hon. Friend, the Member for Birmingham Ladywood raised it with the First Vice-President of Sudan last month.

  There are still problems of access to Darfur, but the Embassy in Khartoum will arrange a visit as soon as the security situation permits.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what progress is being made in southern Sudan on the control of Guinea worm. [116402]

  Hilary Benn
  The number of cases of Guinea worm (Dracunculiasis) worldwide has dropped 98 per cent. from 3.5 million to 50,000, in only a little more than 10 years. Results have been so promising that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has targeted Guinea worm as only the second disease, after smallpox, to be eradicated. Sudan is home to nearly 80 per cent. of the worlds remaining cases (and of these as many as 99 per cent. are in the south), and therefore, clearly a target for continuing eradication efforts.

  The WHO considers Guinea worm is a promising candidate for successful eradication for a number of reasons: diagnosis is easy; the vector (Cyclops) is not very mobile; the Guinea worm has a short incubation

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  period in the vector and in humans; interventions are effective, cheap and simple; the disease has a limited geographic distribution and is seasonal; success has been demonstrated in several countries in Asia and the Middle East; and there is no known animal reservoir.

  Although there has been progress in Sudan, notably through the efforts of the Carter Center (a US-based NGO), a genuine and sustained peace will make eradication a real possibility. We will continue to offer the Government of Sudan and the Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement and mediators our full support and to remain actively involved in helping them reach a comprehensive peace agreement in 2003.

  Tanzania
  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what assessment he has made of the current food shortages in(a) Tanzania and (b) the Singida region of Tanzania. [116699]

  Hilary Benn
  The Government of Tanzania carried out an initial food crop assessment in May. Plans are also under way for the Food Security and Information Team (a joint donor, NGO and government working group) to undertake an assessment in July to identify particular areas of vulnerability. These assessments are normally conducted on a countrywide basis. DFID is ready to consider any request which the Government of Tanzania may make as a result of these assessments.

  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development how much aid the Department is giving to Tanzania to deal with the current food shortages. [116700]

  Hilary Benn
  During 2003–04 DFID will provide £80,000,000 to Tanzania to support the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS). Agriculture and food security is a priority sector in the PRS and therefore a proportion of our support is used by the Government of Tanzania to address issues of vulnerability and food insecurity throughout the country. The Government of Tanzania is currently undertaking assessments of food shortages. DFID is ready to consider any request which the Government may make as a result of these assessments.

  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development whether there have been early warning system forecasts on the food shortages in Tanzania. [116701]

  Hilary Benn
  It was anticipated that the exceptionally low rainfall so far this year could potentially threaten food security in Tanzania. This led the government of Tanzania to carry out an initial food and crop survey in May. A further assessment is anticipated in July to identify particularly vulnerable areas following the June harvest.

  UNESCO
  Lembit Öpik
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development for what reasons his Department decided to end funding for the UNESCO UK Commission at the end of March 2003; and if he will make a statement. [115992]
  284W
  Hilary Benn
  I refer the hon. Member to the written statement made on 6 May 2003 by the previous Secretary of State for International Development,Official Report, column 27WS.

  Uzbekistan
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what assessment he has made of child labour used in cotton picking in Uzbekistan. [115630]

  Hilary Benn
  Although DFID has not made an assessment of child labour used in cotton picking in Uzbekistan, the Department is committed to tackling child labour as part of its work on eliminating poverty and promote human rights and social justice. We are working towards long-lasting changes, tackling the underlying poverty and discrimination that force children into harmful work. In addition we are supporting the work of the International Labour Organisation and its International Programme for the Elimination of Child Labour (IPEC). This includes addressing the problem of child labour through our basic education projects, through support to the programmes of civil society organisations such as Save the Children and by working with socially responsible business through the Ethical Trading Initiative.

  Zimbabwe
  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what recent assessment he has made of the humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe. [115426]

  Hilary Benn
  Zimbabwe is still facing an acute humanitarian crisis. Although there is likely to be a modest increase in the maize crop, many Zimbabweans will remain vulnerable due to a poorly managed and funded Government food distribution programme; dramatic economic decline—particularly rising inflation and unemployment; and chronic illness (particularly AIDS).

  People in the south and west, where there has been little or no crop, are particularly vulnerable, as are approximately 200,000 farm workers—perhaps 1 million people with their families—who lost livelihoods after the fast track land programme. DFID is awaiting more details on the numbers and the location of populations at risk from the national vulnerability assessment, FAO/WFP crop survey and the national nutrition survey, which will give more precise information on the scale of the humanitarian crisis.

  DFID support for the humanitarian crisis will continue in 2003–4 through NGOs and UN feeding programmes. At this stage we envisage the DFID response will be on similar scale to last year.

  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development how much food aid is reaching the people of Zimbabwe. [115440]

  Hilary Benn
  In the last year, the Government of Zimbabwe has imported 700,000 tonnes of maize, though the targeting and distribution of this food has not been transparent and has been criticised by Zimbabweans as erratic and biased. Many areas have received no
  285W
  distribution from Government sources for up to six months. Donors have imported and distributed around 300,000 tonnes of maize. This has been distributed to vulnerable people according to humanitarian principles and has been monitored closely.

  The national nutrition and health survey is expected to confirm that, overall, the aid effort in the last year has been successful, although there are areas with raised levels of malnutrition, unmet needs and continuing dependence on food aid. The prospects for the coming year remain dismal. The Government of Zimbabwe have yet to release a revised crop forecast or the results of a vulnerability assessment and the afore-mentioned national health and nutrition survey. They have no public plans to address the situation, and it seems likely that despite a higher maize harvest, the need for humanitarian assistance may be as high or even greater than last year as the collapsing economy limits the Governments capacity to import food.

DEFENCE

  Agency Workers
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many agency workers have been employed by the Department in each of the last two years; and at what cost to public funds. [115194]

  Mr. Hoon
  The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Temporary staff are generally used as an interim measure to fill posts that cannot be filled conventionally in the required timescale or to cover short term peaks in workload.

  Antonovs
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his Answer to the hon. Member for North Norfolk (Norman Lamb) of 16 May 2003,Official Report, column 442W, in which locations chartered Antonovs were used in (a) 2001, (b) 2002 and (c) 2003; what the total cost of chartering the Antonovs has been since October 2001; how many Antonovs are under charter; and if he will make a statement. [116052]

  Mr. Ingram:
  Chartered Antonovs have been used in the locations set out as follows:

  2001

  2002

  2003

  Afghanistan

  Afghanistan

  Afghanistan

  Kenya

  Falkland Islands

  Bahrain

  Oman

  Kenya

  Cyprus

  —

  Oman

  Jordan

  —

  Trinidad

  Kuwait

  286W

  2001

  2002

  2003

  —

  USA

  Qatar

  —

  —

  Saudi Arabia

  —

  —

  Sierra Leone

  —

  —

  United Arab Emirates

  The total cost of Antonov charters since October 2001 has been some £48.5 million. This figure is provisional and subject to final audit. There are no Antonov aircraft currently on charter but a requirement may arise at any time for such commercial airlift, to supplement the RAF Air Transport Force, in time of crisis or high tasking. The Antonov AN-124 is used in a heavy-lift role and is primarily utilized for the movement of out-sized or wheeled loads which exceed the capacity of RAF aircraft. Such large capacity can enable the more rapid deployment of equipment in support of UK operations overseas.

  Armed Forces (Academic Lessons)
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what non-operational academic lessons are given in training to officers in all branches of the armed forces; what(a) history, (b) military history and (c) political lessons are provided; what links there are to civilian educational establishments; and if he will make a statement on the value of such education to professional soldiers. [115161]

  Dr. Moonie
  The training and education provided to military officers is designed to underpin operational capability and to develop a skills base for our people. The courses in the areas raised vary across the three Services. I will write to my hon. Friend with details of the courses available and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what provision is made to teach naval history to Royal Navy(a) officers and (b) crew; whether visits to historical naval sites are made available; and if he will make a statement on the purpose of teaching British naval history to the Royal Navy. [115163]

  Dr. Moonie
  The teaching of naval history is an integral element of initial and through-career training and education of RN officers. Specific teaching is delivered at Britannia Royal Naval College (itself a significant historical site) for new entry RN officers and at the Commando Training Centre for Royal Marine officers. At key points of an officers career further naval history is taught.

  Naval ratings receive, as part of their initial training, periods of instruction under the title of Naval General Training which is fundamental to the inculcation of the naval ethos and includes defence and political studies. Royal Marine other ranks receive lessons in naval history and amphibious operations.

  Visits are undertaken routinely to the historic dockyard at Portsmouth housing the Royal Naval Museum, HMS Victory, Warrior and the Mary Rose, as well as to the Royal Navy Submarine Museum in Gosport.
  287W
  Naval history thus continues to form a key part of naval thinking and ethos. In addition to engendering a sense of esprit de corps, tradition and a pride in past achievements among those serving in the Royal Navy, current debates on the future role of maritime forces are being informed by Naval Historical Branch staff. The Ministry of Defence also contributes some £2.6 million per annum towards the running costs of the Royal Naval, Royal Marines, Submarine and Fleet Air Arm Museums.

  Armed Forces Accommodation
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what service housing is available to military personnel; how much has been(a) sold, (b) built and (c) improved since 1997; what plans he has to integrate military families with surrounding civilian families; and what support is available to military personnel with families unable to find suitable accommodation. [115162]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Defence Housing Executive (DHE) maintains about 50,000 family properties for allocation to Service personnel in mainland United Kingdom.

  About 16,000 surplus properties have been disposed of since 1997, mainly by release to Annington Homes Ltd. to whom most of the family housing stock (other than in Scotland) had already been sold in 1996 under a sale and leaseback agreement.

  Since its formation in 1995, the DHE has acquired about 2,380 new build houses for Service families in locations where existing housing was insufficient or required rebuilding.

  The overall condition of the housing stock has been improved substantially. Since the formation of DHE in 1995, the number of properties at Standard 1 for Condition has risen from about 1,000 to about 21,000. This has been achieved partly through upgrade and improvement work and partly by disposal and selective rebuilding.

  Service families are not left unable to find suitable accommodation. Normally DHE keeps houses waiting for people, not people waiting for houses. In the event that DHE locally has insufficient properties for entitled Service families, arrangements are made to rent additional properties from the private sector.

  The substantial disposal programme for surplus MOD housing has contributed significantly to the integration of military and civilian families. Although available for the population generally, a significant minority of ex-MOD houses are believed to have been bought by Service or ex-Service personnel.

  Armed Forces Personnel (Records)
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence where and in what form files of(a) personnel, (b) medical and (c) disciplinary records of members of Her Majesty's armed forces are stored after their death; how long these files are retained; and what access is available for interested parties. [115790]

  Dr. Moonie
  The locations and formats of the personnel records, including medical and disciplinary records, of members of Her Majesty's Armed Forces who have died vary according to their Service and the 288W
  age of the records. Service personnel records are now normally held by the Ministry of Defence for 100 years from date of birth for administrative purposes, with those records over 30 years old being retained with the authority of the Lord Chancellor.

  The surviving personnel records of those who served up to the early part of the last century are now publicly available in the National Archives at Kew, though the exact dates of the records available vary according to Service.

  Information from the records of deceased personnel still held by the MOD is normally only disclosed to the next of kin or to those authorities with a legitimate reason to receive the information, such as HM Coroner or the Police. Otherwise it is Departmental policy to obtain the consent of the next of kin as part of the consideration for a request for disclosure. Access to the medical records of deceased service personnel is normally governed by the Access to Medical Health Records Act 1990. Outside this, medical information is not normally disclosed without the consent of the personal representative or the next of kin.

  Cadet Forces
  Mr. Liddell-Grainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assistance is given to local areas to raise(a) the level of and (b) finance available to cadet forces. [115616]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Army Cadets and the Air Training Corps are voluntary youth organisations sponsored by the Ministry of Defence and are funded appropriate to the way they are organised. The MOD provides support to both the Army Cadet Force (ACF) and the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) in the form of financial assistance, material and limited regular Army manpower resources. The Air Cadet Organisation is funded in a similar way. Efforts at a local level to raise the profile of, and finance available to, cadet forces must be conducted within the finite resources allocated.

  The Sea Cadet Corps (SCC), unlike the Cadet Corps of the other two services who receive the majority of their funding from the MOD, is an independent youth movement administered by the Sea Cadet Association (SCA), which is a registered charity. The MOD support for the SCC is defined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the SCA agreed in July 2001. Under the MOU we provide annual funding that helps to provide for the HQ for the SCA and covers the cost of a number of personnel. Due to their independent, charitable status, SCC units are responsible for their own affairs such as raising their public profile and funding.

  Democratic Republic of Congo
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the size and nature of military forces required to restore peace and security in the Congo; and if he will make a statement. [116230]

  Mr. Ingram
  The situation in and around Bunia remains complicated and volatile. The United Kingdom is concerned and calls on all parties to honour their commitments under the relevant peace agreements.
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  In response to a request from the UN, the UK has agreed to provide a small contribution to a multinational force to stabilise Bunia, pending the deployment of additional forces by the UN. We are actively discussing with France and the UN what precisely our contribution might be and have authorised a reconnaissance to inform our decision on the size, scope and nature of this contribution.

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions have taken place at NATO regarding the situation in the Congo region. [116232]

  Mr. Ingram
  The French Ambassador to the North Atlantic Council (NAC) informed other NATO colleagues on 28 May 2003 about the security situation in the Congo. He also confirmed that the UN had officially requested French assistance. The NAC went onto to discuss whether the operation would be under a UN or ESDP leadership. No decision has yet been made.

  We understand that the Interim Emergency Multinational Force for Bunia (north-eastern DRC), mandated by UN Security Council Resolution 1484 (30 May 2003), might be discussed at a NATO-EU ministerial meeting today.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what resources the Government will provide in response to the UN Secretary-Generals call for the deployment of a rapid reaction force to the Democratic Republic of Congo. [116412]

  Mr. Ingram
  In response to a request from the UN, the United Kingdom has agreed to provide a small contribution to a multi-national force to stabilise Bunia. We are actively discussing with France and the UN what precisely our contribution might be and have authorised a reconnaissance to inform our decision on the size, scope and nature of this contribution.

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what discussions he has had with(a) the UN, (b) the US, (c) the EU and (d) France regarding the situation

  Group

  Requirement

  Strength

  Shortfall%

  Warfare Branch Lieutenants (Submarines)

  165

  95

  -40

  Category B Nuclear Watch Keepers—Chief Petty Officers

  371

  280

  -24.5

  Weapons Engineering Artificers (Submarines)—Chief Petty Officers

  313

  256

  -18.3

  Warfare Branch Leading Hands

  2,334

  1,994

  -8.2

  Weapons Engineering Artificers (General Service)—Chief Petty Officers and Petty Officers

  878

  806

  -6

  Death-in-service Benefits
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on proposed changes to death-in-service benefits. [116144]

  Dr. Moonie
  The proposals for a new Armed Forces Pension Scheme, published for consultation in March 2001, included a number of improvements to current death-in-service arrangements; one of these was an increase to the death-in-service gratuity to three times pensionable salary. I expect to announce our final decision on the design of the new scheme before the Summer recess, taking account of responses to our consultation document.
  290W
  in the Congo north-eastern Ituri province; and what requests he has received for military assistance concerning this matter; [116229]

  (2) what discussions took place between the EU Defence Ministers on 19 May 2003 concerning the situation in the Congo; and what conclusions were reached. [116231]

  Mr. Ingram
  At the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council on 19 May 2003 the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo was discussed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence and his French counterpart.

  In response to a request from the UN, the United Kingdom has agreed to provide a small contribution to a multi-national force to stabilise Bunia. We are actively discussing with France and the UN what precisely our contribution might be.

  There have been no discussions between my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence and his United States counterpart.

  Correspondence
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to send the letter promised on 28 April in response to Parliamentary Questions tabled by the hon. Member for Hull, North (Mr. McNamara) on 11 April concerning the prisoner of war camp at Umm Qasr. [116372]

  Mr. Ingram
  I replied to the hon. Member on 22 May.

  Critical Manning Groups
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what critical manning groups have been identified in the Royal Navy; and in each case what is its strength against establishment. [115328]

  Dr. Moonie
  As at 1 May 2003, the five most critical manning groups in the Royal Navy, in terms of their impact on Operational Capability, are:

  Defence Estate Catering
  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the(a) quantity, (b) quality and (c) source of non-UK produced eggs used in catering facilities on the defence estate. [115761]

  Mr. Ingram
  A total of 470,000 dozen non-United Kingdom produced eggs are purchased annually from various sources dependent upon the country in which the armed forces are operating annually at a cost of £347,000. Eggs supplied to units in Germany and the Balkans are sourced from Germany, eggs for Gibraltar are sourced from Spain and Cyprus source local eggs. All eggs and egg producers meet EU quality standards.

  Departmental Report
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost was of the publication of the 2001 Departmental Report. [112815]

  Mr. Ingram
  The cost of publishing the Ministry of Defences annual Performance Report 2000–01 (Cm 5290) was largely borne by The Stationery Office, with whom the contract for producing Command Papers is held. The Stationery Office recoups these costs on a commercial basis through sales of the Reports.

  The total cost to the Ministry of Defence was made up of two main elements: the number of copies purchased from TSO for our own use (e.g. internal distribution, MOD libraries), plus any additional printing/ publication costs not covered by the TSO contract (e.g. overtime, special finishes or colours). For the 2000–01 Departmental Performance Report, the MOD paid The Stationery Office £12,610.

  MOD staff costs associated with producing this Report cannot be accurately assessed without incurring disproportionate expense.

  Departmental Underspending
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to reduce his Departments underspend in 2003–04 from that of 2002–03. [112768]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Ministry of Defence is currently estimating financial outturn to be less than 1 per cent. below total DEL provision. Planned spending for 2003–04 is set out in the Ministry of Defences Departmental Report published in May 2003 (CM 5912) and the Department will continue to manage the delivery of Defence outputs within Departmental Expenditure Limits.

  Depleted Uranium
  Mr. Walter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment has been made of post-war health and environmental issues arising as a result of the employment of depleted uranium weapons in the recent conflict with Iraq. [116040]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Ministry of Defence welcomed the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) desk study on Iraq which commented on the use of depleted uranium weapons. The next step is for UNEP to conduct an in-depth survey of health and environmental issues. We look forward to this study and will do whatever we can to facilitate it.

  Mr. Walter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) to what extent the recent conflict with Iraq has affected efforts to make safe and remove the remains of depleted uranium weapons employed in that region during the first Gulf War; [116041]

  (2) what steps have been taken to remove and make safe depleted uranium weapons employed in the recent conflict with Iraq. [116039]

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

  Drummore Harbour
  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the plans to change the ownership of Drummore Harbour. [115816]

  Dr. Moonie
  Drummore Harbour is being considered as part of a wider review of associated facilities in the area. In the event that it becomes surplus to Ministry of Defence requirements, it will be sold in accordance with Government Accounting Regulations. As part of this process, all legal ownership matters, and any extant legal agreements for the use of the harbour, will be fully investigated and validated.

  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many test-firing targets are stored at Drummore Harbour. [115817]

  Dr. Moonie
  None.

  Efficiency Savings
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the target is for efficiency savings in 2003–04 expressed(a) in money terms and (b) as a percentage of the Departments expenditure limit. [114128]

  Mr. Ingram
  The efficiency target set for the Department in its 2002 Public Service Agreement is to increase value for money by making improvements in the efficiency and effectiveness of the key processes supporting the delivery of military capability, such as training, equipment acquisition, and logistics. In percentage terms, the Department aims to achieve output efficiency averaging 2.5 per cent. per annum over the period from 2002–03 to 2005–06.

  Because this target is set in terms of output efficiency, and because it applies to the processes supporting the delivery of military capability, and not to the overall Defence budget, it cannot be meaningfully expressed as savings in money terms or as a percentage of the Departments expenditure limit.

  Field Hospitals (Gulf)
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many patients on average are being treated daily by TA medical services in field hospitals in the Gulf. [113899]

  Dr. Moonie
  The majority of Territorial Army medical personnel are now serving with 202 Volunteer Field Hospital at Shaibah Airfield, Iraq. Between 19 and 22 May, an average of 79 patients were treated daily by this unit.

  Heathrow
  Mr. Randall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the impact on military flights at Northolt of a third runway at Heathrow. [115980]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Department for Transport has consulted the Ministry of Defence about the proposed third runway at London Heathrow. We believe that a third runway would preclude flying activity at RAF Northolt.

  Iraq
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many injured servicemen have been returned from the Gulf to the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement on(a) medical and (b) convalescence treatment available to them. [113662]

  Dr. Moonie
  Between 14 February and 21 May, 1,241 United Kingdom Service personnel were aeromedically evacuated from the Gulf, as a result of injury (including non-battle injuries) or for other medical reasons.

  Medical treatment was available to UK Service personnel through the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Ministry of Defence Hospital units within NHS Hospitals, NHS Hospitals and the Royal Hospital, Haslar. The Defence Medical Services Rehabilitation Unit, Headley Court provides convalescence treatment for UK Service personnel.

  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects that adequate supplies of Paludrine will be available for use by British forces serving in(a) Northern Iraq and (b) Basra. [109396]

  Dr. Moonie
  Adequate supplies of Paludrine are available for use by United Kingdom armed forces serving in Iraq.

  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what instructions have been given to military personnel on duty in Iraq to safeguard sites and collections of archaeological importance. [109932]

  Mr. Ingram
  The United Kingdom is committed to the protection of cultural property during any military conflict regardless of the Campaign. UK Service personnel are provided with briefings on the significance of sites of archaeological interest and museums, and are also informed of their responsibilities when conducting operations near such sites, in accordance with additional protocols to the Geneva Convention.

  Harry Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what reports he has received of civilian casualties in Iraq as a consequence of the dropping of cluster bombs; and if he will make a statement. [110261]

  Mr. Hoon
  We are aware of no proven reports of civilian casualties caused by UK cluster weapons.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what factors underlay the decision to give responsibility for the hunt for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq to the US. [110349]

  Mr. Hoon
  No such decision has been made. Operations to uncover evidence of programmes to develop weapons of mass destruction in Iraq are currently being conducted by coalition forces. Coalition forces include both United States and United Kingdom personnel, in an integrated command structure.

  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures he is taking to(a) prevent further looting of cultural artefacts and antiquities in Iraq and (b) ensure the security of museums and other repositories of works of art and cultural value. [110599]
  294W
  Mr. Ingram
  Since the liberation of Iraq, Coalition forces have been working to restore security through a number of different means including mobile patrols and vehicle checkpoints. In addition, certain key sites, which are assessed to remain at risk are currently being guarded, including the Iraqi National Museum in Baghdad. However, in general the provision of static guards is not an effective means of providing a safe and secure environment.

  Our approach is to re-establish local police and guard forces to undertake this task, initially trained and overseen by Coalition forces.

  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures were taken by Coalition forces to protect the contents of museums in Baghdad and other Iraqi cities during the recent conflict. [110603]

  Mr. Ingram
  Throughout the military campaign, Coalition forces have taken tremendous care to ensure that damage to museums and other sites of historic, archaeological or cultural importance has been minimised. Great care was taken to ensure that such sites were not targeted by Coalition aircraft. Ground troops were briefed on the need to be especially careful while conducting operations in the vicinity of these sites.

  Some looting was reported as Iraq was being liberated, during which time Coalition forces were engaged in other high priority tasks, including war-fighting operations.

  Nick Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Coalition troops, broken down by country,(a) were in place on 10 April 2003 and (b) are currently in place outside Iraqi (i) museums, (ii) libraries, (iii) archives, (iv) monuments and (v) sites; and what proportion of total Coalition troops these figures represent, broken down by country. [110849]

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

  Whilst combat operations were under way, Coalition forces were not tasked to guard specific sites, as this would have meant that they would have presented themselves as targets, and prevented them from carrying out other high priority tasks. However, exceptions were made for key facilities, such as some hospitals.

  Coalition forces are now guarding some buildings such as Ministries and also the Iraqi National Museum in Baghdad. However, the preference is to conduct routine patrols that project an unpredictable presence over a wide area.

  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what efforts the armed forces are making to secure former Iraqi government buildings; and if he will make a statement on the discovery by journalists of Iraqi government documents. [110877]

  Mr. Ingram
  Since the liberation of Iraq, United Kingdom forces have been working to restore security through a number of different means including patrols, vehicle check points and static guarding. Certain sites are currently being guarded by UK forces including key government buildings and public record offices. Overall,
  295W
  our approach is to re-establish local police and guard forces that will initially be trained and overseen by UK forces.

  We are aware of reports that journalists have discovered Iraqi government documents in a building in Baghdad. However, this is an area under the control of United States forces and the decision on which buildings to guard is a matter for them.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to assess the exposure of Iraqi civilians to depleted uranium. [111281]

  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) pursuant to his response of 12 May 2003,Official Report, column 38W, on depleted uranium, whether his Department will make (a) radio and (b) television public announcements in Iraq to alert the Iraqi people to the safety precautions needed with depleted uranium; [116214]

  (2) pursuant to his answer of 12 May 2003, Official Report, column 38W, on depleted uranium, whether his Department will disseminate this information to Iraqis; [116217]

  (3) what action he has taken with non-governmental organisations to develop a strategy to deal with public awareness of the localised dangers caused by depleted uranium used in munitions in Iraq. [115994]

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

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which Ministry of Defence Hospital Units have been used for the treatment of casualties from hostilities in the Gulf. [112084]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Ministry of Defence hospital units that have received casualties from the Gulf requiring inpatient treatment are the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine in Birmingham, and the MOD hospital units at Frimley Park hospital, Friarage hospital at Northallerton and the Royal hospital Haslar. The MOD hospital unit at the Derriford hospital at Plymouth has treated returned patients but on an out-patient basis only.

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many British military personnel are performing guarding duties at prisoner of war camps. [112080]

  Mr. Ingram
  Under the terms of an agreement reached between the governments of the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia at the outset of the conflict, prisoners of war captured by UK forces were held for an initial period by UK personnel before being transferred into the custody of the US. At present, therefore, only US personnel are carrying out guarding duties for prisoners of war held in Iraq. UK personnel have full access to prisoners captured by UK forces and the UK retains primary right of jurisdiction over all prisoners transferred from UK to US forces in respect of acts committed prior to their transfer.

  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish the sources of the knowledge assembled on the Iraqi programme of weapons of mass destruction. [113537]
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  Mr. Hoon
  Sources of information on Iraqi programmes to develop weapons of mass destruction would include sensitive sources covered by Exemptions 1, 4 or 14 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. We will aim to release information concerning evidence of Iraqi WMD programmes when and where appropriate, as we did before the conflict began.

  Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what evidence has been found following the conflict that Iraq had continued to develop weapons of mass destruction programmes, in defiance of UN resolutions. [114513]

  Mr. Hoon
  [holding answer 19 May 2003]Coalition forces have identified materials which may be related to Iraqi programmes to develop weapons of mass destruction, including vehicles which appear to match descriptions of mobile biological agent production facilities in the document "Iraq's Weapons of Mass Destruction published on 24 September 2002, and as presented to the Union Nations Security Council by the United States Secretary of State. We currently assess that these vehicles are military, are transportable systems designed for producing micro-organisms, and as such should have been declared by Iraq under United Nations Security Council resolution 1441, but were not. Our investigations continue. We expect that the gathering and collating of evidence from various sources of Iraqi programmes to develop weapons of mass destruction to be a long and complex task.

  Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence where the sites were from which Iraqi weapons of mass destruction could have been launched in 45 minutes; and whether they have been destroyed. [114515]

  Mr. Hoon
  [holding answer 19 May 2003]We are aware of a large number of sites in Iraq which may he related to the development, storage or use of weapons of mass destruction. Investigations into these sites, their status and other potential sources of evidence concerning Iraqi weapons of mass destruction, such as mobile facilities, are underway.

  Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his answer of 12 March 2003,Official Report, column 15, in what circumstances it would be inappropriate to publicise the identification of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. [114518]

  Mr. Hoon
  [holding answer 19 May 2003]We will aim to release information concerning evidence of Iraqi weapons of mass destruction programmes when and where appropriate, as we did before the conflict began. In some circumstances it may be inappropriate to release certain elements of such evidence, for example details of sensitive sources covered by Exemptions 1, 4 or 14 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with his US counterpart about the establishment of a UK base in Iraq. [114810]

  Mr. Hoon
  I have regular discussions with my United States counterpart on matters relating to Iraq. As we have stated on many occasions, Coalition forces will
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  remain in Iraq only as long as necessary to help the Iraqi people to build their own political institutions and reconstruct their country.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many arrests have been made in Iraq of suspected al-Qaeda(a) operatives and (b) sympathisers since the fall of Saddam Hussein. [116401]

  Mr. Ingram
  I am unaware of any evidence to suggest that persons detained by the United Kingdom Armed Forces in Iraq have taken part in al-Qaeda operations, or that they have directly assisted or supported such operations.

  Whether our coalition partners have such evidence in respect of persons they have detained is a matter for them.

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assistance his Department is providing to members of the Territorial Army and Reserves who have lost their employment after being called up for Operation Telic; and how many such cases have been notified to his Department. [115322]

  Dr. Moonie
  All Reservists benefit from employment protection under the Reserve Forces (Safeguard of Employment) Act 1985. Under the Act, an employer has an obligation to reinstate a Reservist his former job following demobilisation. If this is not reasonable or practicable, the Reservist must be reinstated on the most favourable terms of service available.

  The Reservists' call-out pack includes information which reservists are required to give to their employer. This sets out the employers statutory obligations under the Act. Reservists also receive information about their rights under the Act with their call-out notice. Furthermore, during the process of demobilisation, they are given further advice regarding how to apply for reinstatement.

  To date, we are not aware of any Reservists who have been demobilised from Operation TELIC failing to be reinstated. Nor have there been any approaches to the Reinstatement Committees that are set up to rule on disputes between employers and returning reservists. We are aware of four Reservists who have lost their jobs while mobilised; however, in all these cases the employers are aware of their legal obligations and have given undertakings to discharge these.

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many service personnel serving on Operation Telic have received(a) LOA and (b) LSSA payments. [115326]

  Dr. Moonie
  This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Dr. Pugh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether(a) the Amariyah Sera and Vaccine Plant, (b) the Al Dawrah Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccine Institute, (c) Project Baiji at Al Shargat and (laid before the House on 24th d) the Ibn Sia plant at Tarmizah, referred to in the document Iraqs Weapons of Mass Destruction September 2002, have been inspected subsequent to the conflict. [112479]
  298W
  Mr. Hoon
  Investigations have begun into sites in Iraq which may be connected to programmes to develop weapons of mass destruction, including those referred to in the document Iraqs Weapons of Mass Destruction published on 24 September 2002. We do not plan to give details of investigations conducted at individual sites until investigations are complete, as investigations may require more than one visit and there is a potential for evidence to be disturbed. We will aim to release information concerning evidence of Iraqi WMD programmes when and where appropriate, as we did before the conflict began.

  Ms Bridget Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what(a) support and (b) guidance the Government has provided to the Iraq Medical Aid Organisation since that organisations first meeting on 27 April. [115348]

  Dr. Moonie
  I am not aware of any Government support or guidance provided to the Iraq Medical Aid Organisation.

  Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when NHS staff deployed as reservists in Iraq will return to this country. [115679]

  Dr. Moonie
  As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence announced in a written statement on 30 April 2003 Official Report, columns 15–16WS, we will continue to withdraw assets and personnel from the region where possible, but we will maintain an appropriate military presence for as long as is necessary. Therefore, while some Reservists will be demobilised now, others who have a role to play in the stabilisation and rebuilding of Iraq will remain in theatre to complete a six month deployment. As at 20 May 2003 some 1,149 Reservists serving on Operation TELIC had been demobilised. Specific figures for NHS employees are not available.

  Nuclear Deterrence
  Mrs. Ann Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the defence policy of the UK is in relation to the maintenance of minimum nuclear deterrent against aggressors. [115752]

  Mr. Hoon
  The United Kingdoms nuclear weapons policy was set out in the Strategic Defence Review published in 1998. I refer my hon. Friend to Chapter Four and Supporting Essay Five in particular. Copies of the SDR are available in the Library of the House.

  Officer Training Costs
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost of training(a) an RAF officer, (b) an RN officer, (c) an Army officer and (d) an officer in the Royal Marines was in 2001–02; if he will break down the total cost into component parts; what estimate he has made of training costs in each case in 2002–03; and if he will make a statement. [115659]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Defence Training Review estimated the total annual resource cost of individual training for all services at some £4.2 billion. However, the Ministry of Defence currently has no system for costing the components of individual training Following the Defence Training Review, the recently appointed
  299W
  Director General Training and Education is developing a consistent methodology for costing training outputs across Defence to provide a common baseline from which to assess the resource costs consumed in delivering training.

  Pay Scales
  Patrick Mercer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what change there has been in the pay scales of(a) reservists and (b) regular service personnel since 1997. [115530]

  Dr. Moonie
  The pay scales for reservist and regular Service personnel have been uplifted each year since 1997 in accordance with the recommendations contained in the annual reports of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body, copies of which may be found in the Libraries of both Houses. In addition, in April 2001 the Ministry of Defence introduced Pay 2000, a new incremental pay system designed to better meet the needs of Service personnel in the 21st century. With the exception of Service Medical and Dental Officers, who will remain on a separate discrete system, the last categories of reservist and regular Service personnel will have transferred to Pay 2000 by 1 October 2003.

  Pilots
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the(a) requirement and (b) strength of pilots for (i) the Sea Harrier and (ii) the GR7 is; and what his strategy is for meeting the requirement. [115100]

  Dr. Moonie
  The position as at 21 May 2003 is set out in the following table:

  Aircraft

  Requirement

  Strength

  Sea harrier

  172

  52

  Harrier GR7

  269

  61

  1 The Sea Harrier pilot requirement includes cockpit and career broadening appointments in the Royal Navy, plus an appropriate training margin. Both front line squadrons are fully manned and are forecast to remain so for the foreseeable future.

  2 The Harrier GR7 requirement comprises all wing commander, squadron leader and junior officer posts on front line squadrons, operational conversion units, operational evaluation units and wing appointments. In addition to established flying posts, fast jet pilots are required for instructional duties within the RAFs flying training system, overseas exchange posts, the RAF Aerobatics Team and a number of ground duties shared by the Flying Branch.

  The number of qualified RAF and RN pilots is expected to increase through successful training and positive retention incentives for existing aircrew including Financial Retention Incentives and the introduction of the Professional Aviator Pay spine. All front line fast jet squadrons are fully manned with gaps borne in training units.

  Public Service Agreements
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps the Department has taken to publicise its Public Service Agreement targets; and at what cost to public funds. [114449]

  Mr. Ingram
  Information on the Ministry of Defences Public Service Agreement (PSA) targets is published on the Departments website. Information is 300W
  also included in our annual Departmental Report and the Governments Expenditure Plans for Defence, which are widely available including in the Library of the House and on the Departments website.

  PSA targets are just one element of the information provided through these means and it is impossible to attribute a discrete cost for such publicity.

  Redundancy Notices
  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many redundancy notices have been issued to staff at West Freugh. [115831]

  Dr. Moonie
  QinetiQ has issued 100 compulsory redundancy notices to staff working at the West Freugh site; 13 of these staff have since been re-employed by QinetiQ to work in new roles at the site. In addition, 33 voluntary redundancy notices have been issued.

  Royal Artillery AS90 Regiment
  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the planned in-service date is for the first Royal Artillery AS90 regiment to be fully modernised and trained. [115482]

  Mr. Ingram
  The AS90 self-propelled artillery system entered service in 1993 and is planned to be in-service until 2023. Over the next few years it will be the subject of a range of measures that will improve the systems reliability and sustainability and maintain its capability.

  Royal Irish Regiment
  Mr. Dodds
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what action he has taken to apply the Part Time Workers (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations (NI) 2000 to part-time Royal Irish Regiment soldiers. [115998]

  Dr. Moonie
  Members of the R Irish Regiment (Home Service Part Time) have lodged applications with the Belfast industrial tribunal concerning the applicability of the Part Time Workers (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations (NI) 2000 to their Terms of Service. It would be inappropriate for me to comment further until the tribunal has arrived at its judgment.

  SARS
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what guidance he has given to service personnel on(a) HMS Liverpool and (b) other Royal Navy ships sailing to Singapore in relation to the SARS virus; and if he will make a statement; [110469]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the risk to British Service personnel visiting Singapore and other areas in the Far East in relation to the SARS virus; and if he will make a statement. [110470]

  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what precautions are being taken to ensure the safety of members of Her Majesty's armed forces serving(a) on vessels and (b) at bases near outbreaks of SARS. [111001]
  301W
  Dr. Moonie
  All travel by the Ministry of Defence and Service personnel to areas where there is thought to be a risk of transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is being undertaken in accordance with current World Health Organisation and Department of Health advice. The risk of Service personnel contracting SARS during planned visits to Singapore and other areas in the Far East is currently assessed as very low. Guidance on SARS has been issued to all Service medical centres, and to all deployed formations and ships. This includes information on the symptoms of the disease, patient management and treatment, and preventative occupational health advice. Further measures are being put in place to reduce the risk.

  Sea Cadet Groups
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his answer of 20 May 2003,Official Report, column 678W, on Trafalgar Day, by what means local sea cadet groups can obtain money his Department provides to the SCA. [116745]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Ministry of Defence provides funds to pay for adult Sea Cadet staff, and their travelling expenses to undertake and deliver training. It also funds Sea Cadet Association (SCA) payment of a cash capitation grant to each unit, part of which covers SCA subscription. Individual units and cadets benefit from MOD funding through their use of the national training facility.

  Service Personnel (Gulf)
  Vera Baird
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements have been put in place to provide support to the Service personnel who return from the Gulf suffering from(a) physical and (b) mental injury; and if he will make a statement. [110417]

  Dr. Moonie
  Armed forces personnel who return from the Gulf with physical or mental injury would receive appropriate medical treatment from within the Defence Medical Services or the NHS. Welfare support to injured personnel would be provided by the armed forces as necessary.

  I also refer the hon. Member to my written statement of 7 May 2003, Official Report, column 34WS, announcing plans for research into the physical and psychological health of personnel who deployed to the Gulf. Currently, there is no evidence of any health problems following this deployment, but research is being set in hand now, in the light of experience gained from the 1990–91 Gulf conflict, in case health concerns arise. I also announced that personnel who deployed
  302W
  and are concerned about possible exposure to depleted uranium, are entitled to a urine test, and that those who deployed and have concerns about their health generally, will be able to attend the Medical Assessment Programme, which we established following the 1990–91 Gulf conflict.

  Sickness Absence
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many staff in the Department have been on long-term sick leave in each of the last two years. [115867]

  Dr. Moonie
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 1 May 2003,Official Report, column 453W.

  Tasking and Co-ordinating Group
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence at what level his Department was represented on the Tasking and Co-ordinating Group in October 1987; which officers of which Army units attended; and how many times this body met between April and December 1987. [116363]

  Dr. Moonie
  I am withholding this information under Section la of the Code of Practice on Access to Government information.

  Territorial Army
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the role played by the TA training facility at Chilwell in briefing and preparing TA personnel for service in Iraq. [116607]

  Dr. Moonie
  All Regular Army Reservists and Territorial Army personnel called out under the Reserves Forces Act 1996 for Op TELIC 1, have been mobilised through the Reserves Training and Mobilisation Centre (RTMC) at Chilwell in Nottingham. To date, a total of 3,762 officers and soldiers have been processed for service in the Gulf.

  The briefing and preparation process at RTMC Chilwell provides reservists with medical and dental examinations, additional operation-specific equipment and information on pay and allowances.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the role of Altcar training camp in the training of Territorial Army staff dispatched to Iraq. [116662]

  Dr. Moonie
  No specific pre-deployment training was undertaken by Territorial Army personnel at Altcar training camp prior to mobilisation to the Gulf. A few individual members of the TA would, however, have undertaken routine training at the camp prior to deployment.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements are made for debriefing Territorial Army personnel returning from Iraq; and if he will make a statement. [116666]

  Dr. Moonie
  On arrival back in the United Kingdom, all Territorial Army (TA) personnel proceed to the Reserves Training and Mobilisation Centre (RTMC) at
  303W
  Chilwell in Nottingham. At RTMC, they receive a number of briefings, covering issues such as resuming civilian employment, returning issued equipment, and arranging pay, leave and allowances. In addition, they undergo a medical examination. The entire process of releasing TA personnel through RTMC should take no longer than 24 hours. They are then entitled to post-operational tour leave commensurate with the period of their mobilised service. Following release from RTMC, aftercare of TA personnel becomes the responsibility of their parent unit.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people have applied to become members of the Territorial Army in each of the last 12 months; how many of the applicants were rejected, broken down by gender; and what the primary reasons for rejection were in each case. [116667]

  Dr. Moonie
  This information is not held centrally and can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Trained Personnel (Early Leavers)
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many trained personnel have left each of the services by(a) premature early release and (b) retirement in each of the last five years. [115099]

  Dr. Moonie
  For the last five financial years, the trained outflow to civil life from the United Kingdom Regular forces1 is as follows:

  Naval service

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  PVR2

  1,920

  1,870

  1,910

  1,490

  2,190

  Retirements3

  1,480

  1,430

  1,330

  1,180

  1,010

  Other4

  660

  760

  870

  830

  780

  Total Trained Outflow

  4,060

  4,060

  4,120

  3,500

  3,980

  Army

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  PVR2

  6,200

  6,460

  5,760

  5,840

  5,520

  Retirements3

  2,020

  2,190

  2,140

  2,050

  2,010

  Other4

  1,910

  2,030

  2,000

  2,110

  2,400

  Total Trained Outflow

  10,130

  10,670

  9,900

  10,000

  9,940

  Royal Air Force

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  PVR2

  1,770

  1,980

  1,970

  1,930

  2,020

  Retirements3

  1,970

  1,920

  1,630

  1,740

  1,600

  Other4

  380

  290

  340

  330

  290

  Total Trained Outflow

  4,120

  4,200

  3,940

  4,000

  3,910

  1 UK Regular include both trained and untrained personnel. They exclude Gurkhas, full time Reserve Service personnel, the Home Service battalions of the Royal Irish Regiment, mobilized reservists and Naval Activated Reservists.

  2 Figures are for the number leaving early on Premature Voluntary Retirement (Officers) and Premature Voluntary Release (Other Ranks).

  3 Defined as personnel leaving at the end of an agreed period of service.

  4 All other outflow of trained personnel. This includes redundancy, medical, death, disciplinary and services no longer required.

  Due to rounding methods used, the totals may not equal the sum of the parts.

LORD CHANCELLORS DEPARTMENT

  Arrest and Trial (Waiting Times)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellors Department what the average length of time between the arrest and the trial of a person in courts in the United Kingdom was in the last 12 months. [113355]

  Yvette Cooper
  Information is not available in the exact form requested and is instead provided from charge or laying of information, for defendants in indictable and triable either-way cases.

  In 2002, for cases tried in magistrates courts, the average time between charge or laying of information and start of trial was 46 days for England and Wales.

  In 2002, for those cases tried at the Crown Court, the average time taken for the initial period from charge or laying of information to committal for trial was 56 days for England and Wales. The average time taken from committal to start of trial in the Crown Court was 140 days in 2002 in England and Wales. These figures provide only a broad indication of the total time taken from charge or laying of information to start of trial for defendants who are tried in the Crown Court, as the data from magistrates courts and the Crown Court will not relate to exactly the same defendants.

  CAFCASS
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellors Department what plans CAFCASS has to establish protocols on information sharing with the Department of Health, the Department for Education and Skills, the National Probation Service and the Police. [115654]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  CAFCASS is committed to working effectively with all agencies with responsibility for vulnerable children. Work has begun on protocols on information sharing with organisations including the Department of Health, the Department for Education and Skills, the National Probation Service and the Police. These are expected to be completed in April 2004.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellors Department how many consultants have been recruited by CAFCASS over the last 12 months; and what their function was. [115656]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  One consultant, a Diversity Adviser, has been recruited.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellors Department how many training initiatives are planned by CAFCASS over the next 12 months; and what effect these initiatives will have on(a) waiting lists and (b) time taken to complete reports. [115657]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  Training initiatives planned include; induction training for all new family court advisers and a practice development programme to enable practitioners to undertake both private and public law cases. There are also training programmes planned for managers in the regions and Wales. These
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  initiatives will support other action to increase capacity and reduce delays and in partnership with the family justice system, reduce the length of care proceedings.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellors Department what plans CAFCASS has to employ additional managers at both regional and head office level; and what their function will be. [115658]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  CAFCASS carried out Service Reviews to assess staff capacity in terms of projected demand and equity of resources across the CAFCASS Regions and Wales. These identified the need for more managers, who are currently being put in place, in particular areas to support service delivery. Headquarters is also being strengthened to provide more effective management and development of the service in areas such as policy and procedure requirements and the training and development of practitioners.

  Child Contact Centres
  Julie Morgan
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellors Department what funds are available for child contact centres in Wales in 2003–04. [116353]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  This information is not available centrally. Child Contact Centres in Wales will however benefit from training and quality assurance programmes that are being developed as part of a £2.5 million grant secured from the Children's Fund for 2003–04.

  Civil Law Cases (Funding)
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellors Department if the Lord Chancellor will make it his policy to ring-fence a proportion of the legal aid budget for civil law cases. [114621]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  The priorities for legal aid expenditure are cases where the rights of citizens may be at risk, and cases involving social exclusion. Within these broad priorities, we have to judge which cases have the highest priority. The Lord Chancellor directs each year how much of the legal aid budget can be spent on the Community Legal Service. But ring-fencing this budget could, in certain circumstances, result in funds ceasing to be available within the overall legal aid budget for those cases which have the highest priority, for example, those where there is a risk of imprisonment. It would, therefore, be neither desirable nor possible (because of obligations under the Human Rights Act) to ring-fence one part of the legal aid budget.

  Departmental Report
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellors Department what the cost was of the publication of the 2001 Departmental Report. [112819]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave to the hon. Member for North Norfolk (Norman Lamb) on 22 January 2003,Official Report, 22 January 2003, column 377W.

  Efficiency Savings
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellors Department what the target is for 306W
  efficiency savings in 2003–04 expressed (a) in money terms and (b) as a percentage of the Departments expenditure limit. [114114]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  My Department's efficiency target for 2003–04 is part of our Public Service Agreement value for money target, which is a combined requirement to contribute:
  to the Criminal Justice System target to increase value for money by 3 per cent. per year, the contribution being the equivalent of £57 million a year in gains in efficiency or outcome; while across the Department, increasing efficiency by 2 per cent. a year including legal aid, being the equivalent of £60 million a year in gains in efficiency.

  Family Law
  Tony Wright
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellors Department what assessment she has made of the effect of current fee levels on the quality of publicly-funded family law work. [115682]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  Solicitor firms or not-for-profit organisations which undertake publicly-funded family work must meet the Legal Services Commission's quality standard in order to undertake work. We have no evidence that those quality requirements are not currently met.

  There is no quality standard for barristers undertaking family work. Barristers are remunerated for work in family proceedings under the Family Graduated Fees scheme, which is currently under review. Although there is some evidence some senior counsel are not available to undertake the work at current remuneration levels, I am not aware of any case or cases where suitable representation has not been provided.

  KPMG
  Mr. Kilfoyle
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellors Department how many contracts the Department has awarded to KPMG since 1997. [113688]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  Prior to 1 July 1998, details of individual contracts were not maintained centrally and could be obtained now only at disproportionate cost.

  My Department awarded contracts to KPMG in the financial years as detailed in the table.

  Number

  1998–99

  0

  1999–2000

  3

  2000–01

  4

  2001–02

  2

  2002–03

  4

  2003 to date

  1

  Local Authority Funding
  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellors Department what specific or direct grants have been made by her Department to local authorities for 2003–04(a) in England and (b) broken down by local authority, identifying whether the grant

  307W
  is (i) ring fenced, (ii) a specific formula grant, (iii) within aggregate external finance and (iv) outside aggregate external finance. [114916]

  Yvette Cooper
  My Department provides separate grants for revenue and capital (buildings and IT) to local authorities to meet 80 per cent. of Magistrates courts costs. The remainder is met by the local authorities.

  Revenue grant is ringfenced within aggregate external finance. The capital grants are ringfenced but outside aggregate external finance.

  The total 2003–04 grants (at the 80 per cent. level) to be made available for Magistrates courts in England are:

  £ million

  Revenue

  309.9

  Building

  114.6

  IT

  16.0

  Total grant

  330.5

  1 Being at 80 per cent. this excludes Supplementary Credit Approval

  A breakdown of total payments to be made during 2003–04 cannot be provided as grants may be subject to change, and are paid on a quarterly basis throughout the year. Magistrates courts are organised into 42 Committees and a lead paying authority acts on behalf of the various authorities covered by each Committee. Grant payments are made to this lead authority as detailed in the following table.

  This shows current total 2003–04 revenue grant allocation figures. A precise breakdown of capital figures is not yet available because the process of allocating them is underway.

  £

  Lead Authority

  Revenue paid to date

  Buildings paid to date

  Somerset

  1,944,579

  30,400

  Bedfordshire

  730,598

  20,160

  Buckinghamshire

  2,515,231

  725,112

  Cambridgeshire

  951,673

  48,605

  Cheshire

  1,147,774

  62,456

  Cleveland

  985,173

  155,248

  Cornwall

  1,646,697

  15,239

  Cumbria

  937,753

  0

  Derbyshire

  1,163,212

  0

  Dorset

  787,287

  11,488

  Durham

  944,316

  36,132

  East Sussex

  1,799,000

  132,307

  Essex

  1,775,640

  12,403

  Gloucestershire

  833,951

  17,759

  Hampshire

  2,123,428

  43,018

  Hereford and Worcester

  1,700,251

  9,200

  Hertfordshire

  1,176,060

  22,749

  Humberside

  1,501,038

  64,662

  Kent

  1,712,538

  63,082

  Lancashire

  1,928,561

  167,203

  Leicestershire

  1,117,306

  6,359

  Lincolnshire

  794,483

  15,557

  Norfolk

  950,369

  85,626

  North Yorkshire

  948,350

  126,228

  Northamptonshire

  803,381

  73,387

  Newcastle Upon Tyne

  2,267,362

  89,120

  Nottinghamshire

  1,831,597

  16,845

  Staffordshire

  1,286,249

  12,656

  Suffolk

  724,739

  5,569

  308W

  £

  Lead Authority

  Revenue paid to date

  Buildings paid to date

  Surrey

  999,474

  72,136

  Warwickshire

  530,674

  0

  Wiltshire

  928,019

  18,599

  Bolton

  4,173,629

  126,786

  Sefton

  2,371,514

  35,898

  Barnsley

  1,810,818

  56,616

  Birmingham

  4,082,975

  197,378

  Leeds

  3,064,008

  102,800

  GLMCA

  15,000,000

  80,000

  Total

  56,989,707

  2,678,782

  Note:

  All figures are in 80 per cent. grant terms

  No IT capital grant payments have yet been made this year

  Ms Janet Hughes
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellors Department (1) if she will place in the Library a copy of the court order which authorised the writ of fieri facias sealed on 5 November 2002 in respect of Ms Janet Hughes and costs claimed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; and if she will make a statement; [107740]

  (2) if she will place in the Library a copy of the court order made on 21 August and sealed on 22 August 2002 by Mr. Justice Stanley Burnton that Ms Janet Hughes pay costs to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; and if she will make a statement; [107742]

  (3) if she will make a statement on the application of the Civil Procedure Rules by the Administrative Court Office to the case of Ms Janet Hughes in respect of costs claimed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. [107739]

  Yvette Cooper
  I have today placed in the House Library copies of the transcript of the judgment of Mr. Justice Stanley Burnton given on 21 August 2001, the court clerks order dated 21 August 2001 and the costs assessment order of Mr. Justice Stanley Burnton made on 9 October 2001.

  At a hearing on 21 August 2001, the Judge indicated that he proposed to make an order for costs in favour of the defendants. The first defendant Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) was ordered to serve a Schedule of Costs on 22 August 2001 and it was directed that there would be either oral hearing or consideration on written submissions to be confirmed by the parties.

  On 9 October 2001, the hon. Mr. Justice Stanley Burnton, following consideration of the written representations lodged in August 2001 by the parties, assessed the costs for DEFRA and the National Assembly for Wales. On 5 November 2002, the Administrative Court Office sealed a Writ of Fieri Facias (a means by which a judgment creditor may enforce a judgment or order for the payment of money) on the application of DEFRA.
  309W
  The Administrative Court Office may exercise the jurisdiction, to issue a Writ of Fieri Facias in cases within its jurisdiction on application by a party to the case for enforcement of costs awarded by a Judge of the Administrative Court.

  The Administrative Court Office has informed Ms Hughes that if she is not content with the transcript and supporting orders in their present form, an amended order of 21 August would be issued by the Administrative Court Office confirming the order for costs in favour of the defendants.

  Public Guardianship Office
  Phil Sawford
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellors Department what the average length of time taken by the Public Guardianship Office to determine a case was in the last year for which figures are available. [116140]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  In the last financial year, the Court of Protection made around 4,700 orders to appoint a receiver. Of these 40 per cent. (1,942) were made within two months of the date the papers were first received by the Public Guardianship Office (PGO). 86 per cent. (4,100) were made within six months of receipt of the papers.

  For the last financial year the total number of Enduring Powers of Attorneys registered was 13,670. The PGO returned and received 99 per cent. of correctly lodged cases within five days after the statutory waiting period of 35 days.

  Phil Sawford
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellors Department how many cases were handled by the Public Guardianship Office in each of the last five years for which figures are available. [116141]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  Figures are available from 1 April 2001 when the Public Guardianship Office was established. At the end of 2001, the Agency was protecting the affairs of 23,365 Protection Division clients; directly managing the affairs of 1,533 Receivership clients; and registered 11,405 Enduring Powers of Attorney. At the end of 2002 the figures were 24,007; 632; and 11,965 respectively.

  Phil Sawford
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellors Department how many staff were employed at the Public Guardianship Office in each of the last five years for which figures are available. [116142]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  Figures are available from 1 April 2001 when the Public Guardianship Office was established. At the end of the financial year 2001–02 351 permanent, and 187 agency staff were employed. At the end of the financial year 2002–03 the figures were 295 and 159 respectively.

  Public Service Agreement
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellors Department(a) how many and (b) what grades of officials are responsible for the monitoring of progress towards the Public Service Agreement targets of the Department. [109472]
  310W
  Ms Rosie Winterton
  Progress on the Departments Public Service Agreement is monitored by the Department's Corporate Board, with a member of the Corporate Board responsible for each PSA target. They are supported on the management and monitoring of these PSAs by a small number of staff on each target and in their overall delivery by a wide variety of staff throughout the Department and its associated bodies.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellors Department what steps the Department has taken to publicise its Public Service Agreement targets; and at what cost to public funds. [114455]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  Information on Public Service Agreement targets is published on my Departments website (www.lcd.gov.uk). Information is also included in routine publications such as departmental reports, which involves no significant extra cost.

  Sickness Absence
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellors Department how many staff in the Department have been on long-term sick leave in each of the last two years. [115860]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  My Department collates information on the number of days lost to sickness year on year but cannot report on how many days were attributable to long term absence. 20 working days is the review point for considering whether a medical referral is appropriate, following which each case is judged on its own merits.

  The number of days lost to sickness absence is collected, averaged to show working days lost per person per annum for each Department and is published annually by the Cabinet Office in Analysis of Sickness Absence in the Civil Service. The most recent of which (for calendar year 2001) was announced by ministerial statement on 19 December 2002, and copies placed in the Libraries of both Houses. The 1999, 2000 and 2001 reports are available on the Cabinet Office web site at: www cabinet-office gov.uk /civilservice/publications/sickness/index.htm.

  The figures for 2002 will be announced in due course. My Department is committed to managing sick absence effectively and to meeting the 2003 target for reducing sickness absence in our Service Delivery Agreement.

  Unallocated Cases
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellors Department how many cases in(a) private and (b) public law remained unallocated on (i) 31 December 2002 and (ii) 30 March 2003; and what the average time taken to complete reports was in both categories. [115655]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) recorded 609 unallocated cases in public law nationally on 31 December 2002 and 651 unallocated on the 30 March 2003.

  In private law the figures were 1,248 and 1,243 respectively. CAFCASS does not keep data on the time taken to complete reports.

WALES

  Age Discrimination
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps his Department is taking to address the issue of age discrimination. [109449]

  Peter Hain
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer my predecessor gave him on 15 April 2002,Official Report, column 751W.

  Fallen Stock
  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he has taken to ensure that farmers can dispose of fallen stock safely from May 2003 onwards. [115062]

  Peter Hain
  Responsibility for this matter rests in England with Defra, in Wales with the National Assembly for Wales, in Scotland with the Scottish Executive and in Northern Ireland with the Northern Ireland Office.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many letters(a) he and (b) the Under-Secretary of State for Wales have received each month since 1999. [115225]

  Peter Hain
  [holding answer 22 May 2003]I refer the hon. Member to the answer that my predecessor gave to the hon. Member for Ribble Valley (Mr. Evans) on 1 July 2002,Official Report, column 77W.

  Figures for later months are in the table:

  Secretary of State

  Under Secretary of State

  Intra- governmental correspondence

  June 2002

  19

  1

  419

  July 2002

  18

  8

  659

  August 2002

  19

  4

  264

  September 2002

  13

  3

  391

  October 2002

  24

  1

  505

  November 2002

  30

  0

  570

  December 2002

  21

  1

  408

  January 2003

  36

  4

  435

  February 2003

  28

  5

  540

  March 2003

  37

  8

  627

  April 2003

  15

  0

  469

  Departmental Invoices
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the occasions on which(a) his Department, (b) agencies and (c) non-departmental public bodies sponsored by his Department failed to pay valid invoices within 30 days or after the agreed credit period in the financial year 2001–02. [104323]

  Peter Hain
  In 2001–02, 13 per cent. of Wales Office invoices (equating to 180 bills) were paid outside the target time.

  EU Committees
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many officials in the Department serve on EU committees or working parties. [116084]

  Peter Hain
  None.

  Exhibitions
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list events at which his Department has exhibited in each of the last three years, stating for each(a) the purpose of exhibiting, (b) the cost of exhibiting and (c) the number of staff attending for the exhibition. [107621]

  Peter Hain
  None

  External Reports
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list(a) the title and subject, (b) the total cost to his Department and (c) the commissioned author or organisation of each external report commissioned by his Department and its predecessor in each year since 1997. [103727]

  Peter Hain
  My Department was created in July 1999.

  It has commissioned one external report—a review of its staffing levels, which was carried out by Inbucon in 2001–02 at a cost of £19,000.

  Information Technology
  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what his Departments(a) total managed expenditure, (b) total spending on Information Technology and (c) spending on Information Technology as a proportion of its total managed expenditure was in each financial year since 1997–98. [107182]

  Peter Hain
  My Department came into being on 1 July 1999. Total public spending by the Wales Office (exclusive of the grants it pays to the National Assembly for Wales) was £1.454 million in 1999–2000; £2.980 million in 2000–01; £2.539 million in 2001–02; and (provisional estimate) £4.127 million in 2002–03.

  A single PFI contract meets the IT needs of both the Wales Office and the National Assembly for Wales. In 2002–03 the Wales Office share of the contract was estimated to be some £192,000; an apportionment for earlier years is not readily available.

  Mental Health
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) how many sick days were lost over the last year by his Department through staff mental health problems; [112071]

  (2) how many of his staff have taken sick leave due to mental health problems in the last year. [111973]

  Peter Hain
  In a Department of 50 staff I think it would be inappropriate to indicate any cases of sick leave. I have, therefore, concluded that release of the information requested would breach the rules of anonymity and confidentiality for the individuals concerned. I am therefore withholding the information
  313W
  under Exemption 12 (Privacy of an individual) of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list(a) the location and (b) the purpose of each of his visits to North Wales since his appointment. [115224]

  Peter Hain
  [holding answer 22 May 2003]Since my appointment in October 2002, I have made four official visits to North Wales—in November and December 2002 and March and May 2003.

  During these visits I have taken the opportunity to look at a wide range of issues and met with significant employers in the area including CP Pharmaceuticals, Wrexham and Airbus at Broughton.

  I have opened a local housing project in Llandudno, visited a business centre in Anglesey, the NEWI in Wrexham and met with the Chief Constable of the North Wales Police Force.

  I have also addressed a major housing conference, the Institute of Directors and most recently the Annual Conference of the Wales TUC.

  National Minimum Wage
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what the estimated cost is in 2003–04 to his Department of the increase in the national minimum wage from £4.20 per hour to £4.50 per hour. [110438]

  Peter Hain
  I refer to the answer I gave the hon. Member for North Tayside (Pete Wishart) on 12 February 2003,Official Report, column 762W.

  Objective 1
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many jobs have been created by Objective 1 projects, broken down by constituency in Wales. [115765]

  Peter Hain
  Implementation of the structural funds programme in Wales is a matter for the Welsh Assembly Government. However, I understand that the latest available figures for the Objective 1 programme for West Wales and the Valleys were issued in March. They show that approved projects were expected to create almost 40,000 gross new jobs in the coming years, with project sponsors reporting the creation of some 8,000 gross new jobs to date. A breakdown of these figures by constituency is not available and targets have not been set at this level.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what the mid-term target was for job creation in each constituency in Wales of the present Objective 1 projects. [115768]

  Peter Hain
  Implementation of the structural funds programme in Wales is a matter for the Welsh Assembly Government. However, I understand that the latest available figures for the Objective 1 programme for West Wales and the Valleys were issued in March. They show that approved projects were expected to create 314W
  almost 40,000 gross new jobs in the coming years. A breakdown of these figures by constituency is not available and targets have not been set at this level.

  Part-time Workers
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the impact of the Part-time Workers Directive on staff in his Department. [109273]

  Peter Hain
  Part-time staff in my Department were already treated on a basis of equality with full-time workers, and so I do not expect them to be directly affected by the Directive.

  Pensions
  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the(a), funded and (b) unfunded public sector pension schemes for which his Department, is responsible; when the last actuarial valuation was of each scheme; what the value was of the assets at the last actuarial valuation of each scheme; what deficit is disclosed by the last actuarial valuation of each scheme; and if she will make a statement. [104919]

  Peter Hain
  My Department is responsible for no pension schemes. However all civil servants working in the Department have the option of joining the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme.

  Press Office
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many people are employed in his Departments press office: and how many were employed on 2 May 1997. [108398]

  Peter Hain
  There are three permanent posts in my Departments press office. This has remained unchanged since the Departments creation in July 1999.

  Secondments
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales pursuant to the answer of 9 April 2003,Official Report, column 286W, on secondments, what the staffing costs were to (a) the Wales Office and (b) the National Assembly for Wales; and if he will make a statement. [115916]

  Peter Hain
  The Wales Office meets the salary and associated costs of all staff seconded or loaned to it.

  Annex 3 on page 27 of the Departments annual report (Cm 5928) shows its expenditure on running costs since it was created in July 1999.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what the salary bill was for special advisers in his Department in 2002–03; and what it is expected to be in 2003–04. [108508]

  Peter Hain
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer my predecessor gave the hon. Member for West Chelmsford (Mr. Burns) on 10 April 2002,Official Report, column 8W.

  Staff Numbers
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many staff are employed by his Department. [106284]

  Peter Hain
  I refer the hon. Member to the Wales Office Departmental Report (Cm 592, page 23). Copies of which are available in the House of Commons Library.

  Staff Union Duties
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many staff in his Department receive paid leave to undertake union duties; how many days they are allocated; and what has been the cost to public funds in 2002. [106778]
  316W
  Peter Hain
  Two members of staff are entitled to facility time of up to eight days per year each for union business.

  Value for Money
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the value for money of activities financed by the Wales Office in each of the last three years. [103370]

  Peter Hain
  My Department operates no major funding programmes; its expenditure is, therefore, limited to its own running costs, expenses incurred by the Lord Lieutenants in Wales, and the funding of the North Wales Child Abuse Tribunal.

  All expenditure is incurred with value for money considerations in mind and is subject to internal and external audit. In addition, a review of staffing levels was carried out in 2001–02.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Fur Products
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will discuss with EU colleagues action to ban the import, export, and sale of products made with cat and dog fur; and if she will make a statement. [113998]

  Ms Hewitt
  It has not proved possible to determine either through trade statistics or through scientific testing, what level of imports of products containing domestic cat and dog fur, if any, is entering the UK. Therefore the Government does not consider a ban on imports to be proportionate to the scale of the problem at this time.

  The Government is in contact with other interested member states to discuss what action on this issue may be appropriate at EU level, and will report back to Parliament before the summer recess.

  A400M
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the bid price of(a) Pratt and Whitney Canada and (b) the Europrop consortium for the engine contract for the A400M aircraft is; and if she will make a statement. [113988]

  Alan Johnson
  The engine bid prices are a commercial matter between Airbus Military and the two engine manufacturers concerned.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what evaluation she has carried out of the costs and benefits to the UK economy of the proposed financial support to develop the A400M engine; and if she will publish the results. [113989]

  Alan Johnson
  HMG has, through DTI, indicated a willingness to provide a grant to Rolls Royce for its dual-use engine technology demonstration programmes. That grant is subject to the usual authorisation procedures, but I would expect the benefits to the UK economy to include an uplift in the competitiveness of the UK aerospace industry base through, for example, the introduction of new UK resident engine technology, an increase in the skills base at Rolls Royce and the development of new, or sustaining of existing, jobs in the company. Some of these issues will be commercially sensitive for the company and I therefore have no plans to make public the results of the evaluation.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions her Department has had with European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company officials and officials of its subsidiary companies concerning the project to build the A400M transportation aeroplane; and if she will make a statement. [113990]

  Alan Johnson
  DTI maintains close links with the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) on a range of UK and European aerospace and defence issues. Airbus (owned 80 per cent. by EADS and 20 per cent. by BAES) will be the builder of the A400M,318W
  and in that context, this Department has maintained a dialogue over a range of issues related to this programme and the benefits it brings for UK industry.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions her Department has had with the Euro-Prop International Consortium concerning the project to build the Airbus A400M aircraft; and if she will make a statement. [113991]

  Alan Johnson
  DTI has taken a close interest in UK industrial participation in the A400M programme and maintains close links with the main UK industrial stakeholders on a wide number of issues relating to this programme, including the engine selection. This includes Rolls Royce, who are part of the Euro-Prop International consortium.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions her Department has had with members of the Government of the United States of America concerning the project to build the Airbus A400M aircraft. [113992]

  Alan Johnson
  None.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions her Department has had with members of the Governments of(a) France,(b) Germany and (c)Spain concerning the project to build the Airbus A400M aircraft, with special reference to the decision by the UK Government to subsidise the development of an engine for the aircraft. [113993]

  Alan Johnson
  The DTI maintains a regular dialogue with the main governmental stakeholders in Airbus (France, Germany and Spain) on a wide range of issues relating to Airbus and its programmes. DTI officials have discussed the UK Governments willingness, subject to the usual authorisation procedures being met, to provide a grant for dual-use engine technology demonstration programmes relating to the engine for A400M with their German counterparts.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions her Department has had with Pratt and Whitney concerning the project to build the Airbus A400M aircraft. [113994]

  Alan Johnson
  None.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what funds the Government has pledged to(a) Rolls-Royce UK and (b) other British engineering companies to assist in the development of an engine for the Airbus A400M aircraft; what payments have been (i)made and (ii) pledged to date to each company; when; and if she will make a statement. [113995]

  Alan Johnson
  HMG, through DTI, has indicated a willingness, subject to the usual authorisation procedures, to provide a grant to Rolls Royce for its dual use (civil/military) engine technology demonstration programmes.

  The size of any grant provided by the DTI for aeronautical research is determined when the proposal is agreed and will not exceed 50 per cent. of the total eligible technology demonstration programme costs. No payment has yet been made.
  319W
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations the Government have received regarding their financial support for the development of the A400M engine from World Trade Organisation partners; and if she will make a statement. [114584]

  Alan Johnson
  None.

  African Trade
  Hugh Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what joint action has been taken by EU G8 members to address the impact of the CAP mid-term review on developing countries; what new initiatives to reduce the EU agricultural subsidies and improve market access to the EU for African countries have been proposed by EU G8 members; and which of these initiatives will be taken by the EU to the WTO Cancun Ministerial. [113646]

  Ms Hewitt
  CAP reform proposals are formally discussed at the EU Agriculture Council where all EU G8 members play their full part. Market access, domestic and export subsidies are being addressed as part of the current WTO agriculture negotiations which are aimed at substantial improvements in market access; reductions of, with a view to phasing out, all forms of export subsidies; and substantial reductions in trade-distorting domestic support.

  The EU already offers duty and quota free access to all Least Developed Countries (LDC), of which 34 are in Africa. The EU is currently negotiating new Economic Partnership Agreements with all ACP countries, including 14 non LDC ACP countries in Africa. The UK is pushing for the EU to offer ACP countries duty and quota free access to EU markets as a result of these negotiations.

  Hugh Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what new proposals have been made by G8 members to eliminate tariff escalation and peaks relating to goods of particular interest to Africa; and which of those proposals will be supported by the EU at the WTO Cancun Ministerial. [113647]

  Ms Hewitt
  G8 members have made no new proposals to eliminate tariff escalation or tariff peaks on goods of particular interest to Africa in the G8. However, the impact of tariff escalation and peaks on Developing Countries is being discussed as part of the current Round of WTO agriculture negotiations currently taking place in Geneva, and G8 members are discussing trade and development issues in the run up to the next G8 summit at Evian in June.

  The EU wishes to see an outcome to the WTO agriculture negotiations which significantly reduces tariff escalation on products originating in and of particular interest to developing countries by reducing the level of relevant ad valorem and specific tariff protection. The EU has, also called for all developed and advanced developing countries to introduce duty and quota free access for all Least Developing Countries, as the EU has already done under Everything but Arms. The EU will pursue these aims at the next WTO Ministerial in Cancun.

  Agricultural Holdings
  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the effect on the status of partnerships in Scotland of the Agricultural Holdings Act (Scotland) 2003. [115813]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The Agricultural Holdings Act 2003 will have no effect on the legal status of partnerships or limited partnerships in Scotland.

  BAE Systems
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether her Department seconded officials to the South African Government in order to assist in the negotiations of the industrial participation agreement between BAE Systems and the South African Government. [115173]

  Alan Johnson
  The Department has not seconded any DTI officials to the South African Government.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether commission payments made by British Aerospace in connection with the sale of defence equipment to Qatar were underwritten by the ECGD. [115179]

  Ms Hewitt
  ECGD underwrote finance for the supply of goods and related services and did not directly underwrite the payment of commission. ECGD was made aware, however, that, as is not unusual for complex international contracts, in accordance with the terms of the main contract, British Aerospace was obliged to make payments from the contract price to commercial agents for assistance in bidding for and negotiating the contract.

  As part of their normal due diligence procedures ECGD underwriters obtained local legal advice that the payment of agents commission was not illegal in Qatar and that the level of payment involved in this case was not out of scale with payments on other defence contracts in the region.

  Broadband
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many(a) homes and (b) businesses in Leeds have a broadband connection; whether all homes and businesses have access to a broadband connection; and if she will make a statement. [116018]

  Mr. Timms
  The data for broadband take-up and availability are not available at the level of detail requested.

  At a national level the UK broadband market is making significant progress. On 22 May 2003 we announced that the UK had passed two million broadband subscribers across the UK and at the end of March 72 per cent. of the UK population had access to a terrestrial broadband service. By this measure, broadband availability is now equal with that in the USA and ahead of other major markets such as France and Italy.

  Cambridge MIT Institute
  Mr. George Osborne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the NAO report on the operation of the Cambridge MIT Institute. [115427]

  Ms Hewitt
  I understand that the Comptroller and Auditor General has written to the hon. Member about CMI. However, there have been no published findings by the National Audit Office on the Cambridge MIT Institute project

  Mr. George Osborne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will place in the Library the independent review into the operation of the Cambridge MIT Institute commissioned by her Department in June 2001. [115428]

  Ms Hewitt
  My Department commissioned the review to provide detailed advice and guidance to Ministers on a confidential basis. It was shared in confidence with the Board of the Cambridge MIT Institute Ltd. which is a company limited by guarantee.

  Mr. George Osborne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what arrangement her Department has with the Cambridge MIT Institute (CMI) for evaluating the success of the CMI project on its termination in 2006. [115443]

  Ms Hewitt
  The DTI's contract with CMI requires CMI to give a full account of its achievements against agreed/stated objectives. DTI will commission an independent review of the CMI project on its termination.

  Mr. George Osborne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the projects funded by the Cambridge MIT Institute (CMI) since it started operation. [115444]

  Ms Hewitt
  Details of the projects funded by CMI are given on the CMI website, www.cambridge-mit.org, which provides information on the wide range of activities, projects and initiatives funded by the Board of CMI since it started operations in 2000.

  Civil Contingencies
  Mr. Djanogly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what additional expenditure over and above that identified prior to 1 April 2002(a) was spent in 2002–03 and (b) will be spent in 2003–04 on national and regional resilience work for essential services; whether arrangements exist to release expenditure during the current financial year for resilience projects under consideration for essential services; and if she will make a statement. [113927]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 16 May 2003]My Department received a supplementary £1.2 million in 2002–03 and will be given the same amount in 2003–04 and 2004–05 to help improve the resilience of essential services and overall contingency planning in line with Government policy.

  These funds have, and will be, allocated on the basis of risk assessments and consequence management.

  Cleaner Fuel
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on her policy on developing cleaner and greener fuel sources; and what support is available from her Department to achieve that end. [115540]

  Mr. Wilson
  The Governments recent Energy White Paper firmly places the environment at the heart of our energy policy. Renewable (clean and green) energy plays a key part in our policy.

  To support the development and expansion of renewable technologies we have put in place a number of initiatives: the Renewables Obligation, which places an obligation on licensed electricity suppliers to source a percentage of supplies from renewable sources, to reach 10 per cent. by 2010; exemption from the Climate Change Levy for electricity generated by new renewable technologies; £348 million of capital grants and support for research, development and demonstration programmes. The Government in addition allocated a further £28 million to the Research Councils in last years spending review to support research into sustainable energy.

  Closed Consultation
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many closed consultation exercises are awaiting a response from the Department of Trade and Industry; when responses are expected for each one; and what is the longest period a closed consultation has been awaiting a response. [113218]

  Ms Hewitt
  There are 16 DTI consultations that are awaiting a response. Of these, five have closed within the last three weeks.

  Coal Mining (Claims Handling Agreement)
  Huw Irranca-Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on discussions to reach agreement with coal mining related representatives on the terms of the Claims Handling Agreement. [114660]

  Mr. Wilson
  Discussions between the Department and the claimants group of solicitors to reach agreement with coal mining related representatives on the terms of the Claims Handling Agreement are drawing to a close. The coal mining related representatives have put forward a proposal under the terms of which they are prepared to agree to enter the scheme. The claimants group of solicitors and the Departments legal advisors are currently engaged in an evaluation of the dust records at two of the coal mining related collieries, in order to compare dust exposure pre-and post-privatisation. Subject to the findings of this evaluation, and in addition, a reasonable procedure established for dealing with claims where Chronic Bronchitis has been diagnosed during a period of time where the coal mining related representatives are liable, the coal mining related representatives look set to agree to the Claims Handling Agreement as currently drafted.

  Competitiveness Council
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the outcome was of the Competitiveness Council held on 19 May 2003; what the Governments stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if she will make a statement. [115280]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  I represented the United Kingdom at the Competitiveness Council on 19 May 2003.

  There was a presentation of the Commissions three-year Internal Market Strategy. For the UK, I welcomed the Strategy warmly whilst emphasising the relevance of improving competitiveness, the importance of better regulation, and member states role on enforcement.

  The Commission presented its latest Single Market scoreboard, focusing on the increase in the transposition deficit, the rising number of infringement cases against the member states, and also warning that enlargement will exacerbate these difficulties. The UK maintained its satisfactory record.

  The Council adopted the directive revising standards for the essential requirements of metrological instruments.

  There was agreement on the regulation on drug precursors, which lay down reporting requirements by companies on movements of precursor chemicals for illicit drugs.

  There was agreement on the amendment of the directive on sweeteners for use in foodstuffs.

  The Council adopted the proposed detergents regulation, setting harmonised rules and testing conditions for the biodegradability of surfactants. I secured key UK objectives of reducing implementation costs for SMEs and ensuring commitment to reduce animal testing.

  Agreement was reached on the 26th amendment to the dangerous substances directive laying down harmonised market restrictions on nonylphenol and chromium VI in cement.

  There was a discussion on the sales promotion regulation. It concluded that in its present form agreement could not be reached, and work will therefore be taken forward under the Italian Presidency. I spoke, with strong support from the Commission, supporting the principle of mutual recognition.

  There was a discussion based on a Presidency questionnaire covering the consumer credit directive. This resulted in broad agreement on the Commissions objectives of a single market in consumer credit, a high level of consumer protection and the need to maintain progress on this revision of existing EU laws. Additionally, there was general agreement that flexibility was needed so as not to erode existing consumer protection measures indigenous to national markets. I spoke on the need to remove secured lending from the scope, due to the different. risks associated with this far more complex form of lending.
  324W
  Agreement was not reached on the Takeovers directive, with four options being discussed; the directive has been passed back to officials for further work.

  There was a report of the informal meeting on tourism (Crete, 6 May 2003), from which a report will be published on the European tourism sector, to be presented to the Competitiveness Council in November.

  There was also a report from the informal meeting on consumer policy (Eretria, 8 May 2003). Conclusions on developing a knowledge base for consumer policy and the forthcoming Commission proposals on enforcement co-operation and unfair commercial practices, were noted without discussion.

  I spoke for the UK, with the support of France, warning of the impacts upon competitiveness of the proposed environmental liability directive.

  The Council also noted the Presidency's progress report on the Community Patent.

  Copyright Directive
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the proposed implementation of the EU Copyright Directive. [115539]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  Much of what is required to comply this Directive is already provided by existing UK copyright law. We are in the process of finalising those changes to law that are needed, in the light of the many views expressed during the public consultation which concluded last autumn.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many staff have been employed in the Ministerial Correspondence Unit of the Department in each of the last two years. [115871]

  Ms Hewitt
  The DTI do not have a central correspondence unit. However, during the last two years, 17 people have been employed handling Ministerial correspondence across individual Ministers offices within my Department.

  Departmental Understanding
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to reduce her Departments underspend in 2003–04 from that of 2002–03. [112780]

  Ms Hewitt
  The Department is currently estimating an underspend in its Resource and Capital DEL of £216 million in 2002–03. This is less than 5 per cent. of total provision.

  Planned spending for 2003–04 is set out in the Department Report 2003 (Cm5916) published in May 2003.

  Departmental Report
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the cost was of the publication of the 2001 Departmental Report. [112810]
  325W
  Ms Hewitt
  The cost incurred by the department for design and artwork of the DTI's Expenditure Plans Report in 2001 was £35,006. This figure includes the costs incurred in placing an electronic version of the report on the Departmental website. Other costs of printing and publication were met directly by the publisher, The Stationery Office Limited (TSO), and did not fall to the Government. TSO recoups these costs through sales and uses its commercial judgment as to the number of copies printed.

  Domestic Energy
  Lembit Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of energy customers are in debt as a result of inaccurate bills; and if she will make a statement. [114283]

  Mr. Wilson
  At December 2002, 1,076,860 electricity customers (4.7 per cent.) and 1,237,448 gas customers (6.1 per cent.) were repaying debt to their suppliers, via a debt repayment arrangement or a prepayment meter. The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (OFGEM) does not hold information on what percentage of customers were in debt as a result of inaccurate bills.

  Lembit Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) how many(a) gas and (b) electricity customers were disconnected for debt in the last year; how long on average it took for them to be reconnected; and if she will make a statement; [114285]

  (2) how many (a) gas and (b) electricity customers in debt have been required to use pre-payment meters by energy companies to recover that debt; and if she will make a statement. [114284]

  Mr. Wilson
  During 2002. 995 electricity and 21,780 gas customers had their supplies disconnected as a result of being in debt to their suppliers. 74 per cent. of electricity and 59 per cent. of gas customers were reconnected within 14 days. 157,114 electricity prepayment meters and 128,553 gas prepayment meters were installed to recover debt to suppliers.

  Lembit Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures her Department has taken to ensure that energy companies improve their billing and customer service systems; and if she will make a statement. [114286]

  Mr. Wilson
  It is for the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (OFGEM), the industry regulator, to work with the industry and Energywatch to secure improvements in billing and customer service systems. OFGEM may take regulatory action as appropriate.

  E-mail
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what sanctions there are when spam e-mail is being sent to create or extend e-mail databases; and what controls there are on the means used to create e-mail databases which are sold. [116249]

  Mr. Timms
  There will be new controls on unsolicited direct marketing by e-mail under the Directive on Privacy and Electronic Communications (Directive 2002/58/EC). The Government are currently consulting on draft implementing regulations for the Directive, including the sanctions available.
  326W
  The creation and sale of e-mail databases, which involve the processing of personal data, is already subject to the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998.

  Efficiency Savings
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the target is for efficiency savings in 2003–04 expressed(a) in money terms and (b) as a percentage of the Departments expenditure limit. [114106]

  Ms Hewitt
  My Department's efficiency saving are currently measured against its Departmental Expenditure Limit for gross running costs. The Departments gross running costs provision for 2003–04 has assumed efficiency savings of £2.5 per cent. or £12.0 million in money terms.

  Electronics Industry
  Brian Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the support available for the electronics industry. [115233]

  Mr. Timms
  [holding answer 22 May 2003]The Government is supporting the electronics industry in a number of ways to create the best possible environment for innovation and enterprise so that companies can increase productivity and move to higher value products and services. We have invested over £60 million to support collaborative R&D, developed initiatives to stimulate use and uptake of information age technologies and will make an additional £100 million pa by 2005–06 to improve the skills base for electronics.

  The hon. Member will no doubt be aware of work underway to simplify business support to create more flexible products, building on what we know works well, to give businesses practical support. The electronics industry will of course benefit from these changes.

  Energy Sources
  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proportion of electricity has been produced in the United Kingdom by(a) nuclear, (b) fossil fuels, (c) renewables and (d) alternative energy sources in each year since 1997. [116193]

  Mr. Wilson
  The proportion of electricity supplied in the United Kingdom was as follows:

  Percentage of electricity supplied

  Fuel/Year

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  12002

  Nuclear

  27

  26

  25

  22

  23

  22

  Fossil fuels2

  70

  70

  71

  74

  74

  74

  Renewables3

  2

  2

  3

  3

  2

  3

  Other3

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1 Provisional.

  2 Includes coal, oil and natural gas.

  3 Includes hydro natural flow and net supply by pump storage stations.

  4 Includes coke oven gas, blast furnace gas and waste products from chemical processes.

  Sources:

  Energy Trends, Table 5.1; Digest of UK Energy Statistics 2002, Table 5.6

  327W
  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of potential employment opportunities in the United Kingdom in the production of alternative energy. [116191]

  Mr. Wilson
  Renewables UK, a DTI unit set up last year, is currently active in an analysis of current UK capability across the various technologies in the renewable energy sector. This will identify current and potential future employment opportunities.

  This information will be part of a DTI report available in October 2003.

  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations she has received concerning rural development opportunities in the UK associated with the development of alternative energy production. [116192]

  Mr. Wilson
  I have received a number of written representations regarding rural development opportunities associated with the development of alternative energy production from organisations such as the Biofuels Alliance and their constituent member organisations (eg the Country Land and Business Association, and the National Farmers Union), and from BABFO. In addition British Biogen and the NFU were among those responding to the energy white paper consultation exercise. I plan to meet Mr. Ben Gill, the President of the National Farmers Union, on 16 July, to discuss rural development opportunities in the UK associated with the development of alternative energy production.

  EU Committees
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list(a) the names, titles and grades of the officials who sit on the EU committee for the implementation of the series of guidelines for trans-European energy networks, (b) the number of times, and the dates, on which it has met since January 2002, (c) the agenda items it has considered since January 2002, (d) the decisions it has made since January 2002 and (e) the means used to communicate the decisions to the House. [110294]

  Ms Hewitt
  The role and responsibilities of the EU committee for the implementation of the series of guidelines for trans-European energy networks (energy TENS) are set out in Article 9 of Decision No. 1254/96/ EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 1996 laying down a series of guidelines for trans-European energy networks and in Article 17 of Council Regulation (EC) No. 2236/95 of 18 September 1995 laying down general rules for the granting of Community financial aid in the field of trans-European networks.

  In accordance with Article 9 of t he EC Decision and Article 17 of the EC Council Regulation, the EU Committee for Financial Assistance for energy TENS is composed of representatives of the Member States and chaired by a representative of the European Commission. An official from my Energy Directorate
  328W
  sits on the EU Committee for Financial Assistance for energy TENS. Since the start of January 2002, the Committee has met on one occasion, on 18 July 2002.

  The agenda items considered and decisions made by the Committee on 18 July 2002 concerned the selection of projects for receipt of energy TENS funding for the year 2002. Accountability and transparency to Parliament is ensured by Article 10 of Decision No. 1254/96/EC which requires the Commission to draw up a report on the implementation of the Decision—for submission to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions— every two years.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list(a) the names, titles and grades of the officials who sit on the EU advisory committee on protection against dumped imports, (b) the number of times, and the dates, on which it has met since January 2002, (c) the agenda items it has considered since January 2002, (d) the decisions it has made since January 2002 and (e) the means used to communicate the decisions to the House. [110538]

  Ms Hewitt
  The anti-dumping Advisory Committee is established under the provisions of Article 133 (ex Article 113) of the EC Treaty and under Article 15 of Regulation 384/96

  The anti-dumping Advisory Committee has met on 15 occasions since the start of January 2002. In accordance with Regulation 384/96, Member States each appoint a representative at the committee. A Department of Trade and Industry official represents the UK.

  Reports on the activities of the Advisory Committee are available athttp://europa.eu.int/comm./trade/policy/ dumping/stats.htm

  In accordance with a Council Decision on simplifying the requirements for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission, the Commission publishes an annual report on the working of committees. The report has been deposited in the Libraries of the Houses.

  Euro
  Norman Lamb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when she received the Treasury documents relating to the five economic tests and the 18 background studies; what discussions she has held with ministerial colleagues on the tests since receipt of the documents; when she expects to complete her analysis of the documents; and what representations(a) she and (b) departmental officials will make to other Departments before a decision is reached on the economic tests. [115381]

  Ms Hewitt
  The Treasury's 18 supporting studies on EMU were sent to Cabinet Ministers on 16 May. My right hon. Friends the Prime Minister and the Chancellor are holding meetings with Cabinet Members. There will be an initial discussion at Cabinet on 22 May followed by a special Cabinet meeting on 5 June. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor will make a statement to the House of Commons on 9 June.

  Everything but Arms Agreement
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry pursuant to her answer of 8 May 2003,Official Report, column 804W, on the Everything but Arms Agreement, for what products imports have (a) grown and (b) declined from sub-Saharan African countries (i) covered by and (ii) not covered by the Everything but Arms Agreement since its implementation; by what margin; and if she will make a statement. [114882]

  Ms Hewitt
  An answer to the question could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, the relevant statistics are being compiled and will be placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Export Credits Guarantee Department
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much was paid in commission covered by the ECGD on the sale of Hawk jets to South Africa; what percentage of the contract the commission represented; and where the place was to which payment was made. [113943]

  Ms Hewitt
  ECGD's application process requires certain details of agents commission to be disclosed to ECGD in order that it can follow its due diligence procedures. In this case such due diligence procedures were followed and no irregularities were detected. For reasons of commercial confidentiality specific details of the commission paid cannot be revealed.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of projects covered by the ECGD since September 2001 have proceeded on time and within cost. [113945]

  Ms Hewitt
  For projects where the cover has been made available since September 2001, ECGD understands all are so far proceeding within the original cost. About 8 per cent. have required a time extension.

  It is not unusual for the complex projects which ECGD supports to depart from the original timetable envisaged in the contract. Cost overruns or contractual delays are matters primarily to be resolved between the contractual parties though ECGD may, as a result of such resolution, be asked to amend the terms of its support. ECGD does not, therefore, monitor this aspect across the whole range of its portfolio. However, ECGD does require notification of any such changes on individual cases, which might possibly affect the risk.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many projects have been subject to post-issue monitoring by the ECGD's Guarantee Mangement Branch since September 2001. [113946]

  Ms Hewitt
  Since its establishment, the Branch has carried out post issue monitoring on about 200 project cases.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many times the ECGD has refused cover because of(a) allegations, (b) suspicions and (c) evidence of corruption in the last five years. [113947]

  Ms Hewitt
  ECGD's procedures are designed to alert applicants to the seriousness of our commitment to combat bribery and corruption. There have been no 330W
  occasions in the last five years where cover has had to be refused by ECGD due to allegations, suspicions or evidence of corruption.

  However we continue to maintain our vigilance over the life of all cases.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many(a) visits to exporters and (b) site visits the ECGD's. Internal Audit and Assurance Department made in each of the last five years. [113948]

  Ms Hewitt
  In the last five years ECGD's Internal Audit and Assurance Division has made 49 visits to exporters. The aim has been to review approximately 10 cases each year. This has also involved two project site visits overseas and a number of visits to manufacturing plants.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many companies accounts have been examined by the ECGD's Internal Audit and Assurance Department in the last five years. [113949]

  Ms Hewitt
  ECGD's Internal Audit and Assurance Division does not examine company accounts. The department has a Financial Analysis Unit, which is responsible for analysis of company accounts and assessing bank and corporate risk. This unit has assessed over 2,000 company accounts, mostly of overseas enterprises, in the last five years.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how may staff there are in the ECGD's Internal Audit and Assurance Department; and how many there were in 1997. [113950]

  Ms Hewitt
  There were nine members of staff in the Internal Audit and Assurance Division in 1997. In recognition of the need for additional specialist knowledge and skills, the Internal Audit service is now provided by a combination of 6.5 members of staff and a contract with an external service provider.

  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when she last discussed the Export Credits Guarantee Department with the Secretary of State for International Development; and if she will make a statement. [115033]

  Ms Hewitt
  DTI and ECGD officials are in regular contact with those of the Secretary of State for International Development on a range of issues of mutual interest relating to the Export Credits Guarantee Department.

  I last discussed ECGD with the then Secretary of State for International Development, my right hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham Ladywood (Clare Short) during a meeting on 10 July 2002.

  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will publish the(a) minutes and (b) papers of the Advisory Council on the Export Credits Guarantee. [115051]

  Ms Hewitt
  Information about The Export Guarantees Advisory Council can be found in the public information section of the ECGD website, www.ecgd.gov.uk. This includes the minutes of previous meetings, and a list of members and their declared interests.
  331W
  It is often not possible to publish individual papers due to the contents being classed as information whose disclosure would harm the frankness and candour of internal discussion, under Part II exemption 2 of The Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. However, the Council often discusses papers that are subsequently published, for example the Report on the Comparison of Export Credit Agencies, and the report by NERA on Estimating the costs and benefits of ECGD".

  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what her policy is on publishing environmental assessments created as a result of the procedures of the Export Credits Guarantee Department. [115052]

  Ms Hewitt
  ECGD's policy on publishing environmental assessments varies depending on the circumstances. Where ECGD has commissioned an environmental assessment its preparation would involve the participation of affected communities and the final version would be published.

  If ECGD requires an environmental assessment to be commissioned by an exporter or project sponsor it would again expect the report to be published. Occasionally environmental assessments commissioned by a third party are not published and ECGD may have no legal right to publish them. Under these circumstances the Department would consider commissioning an independent review of the environmental assessment and this review would be published.

  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many officials work in the Export Credits Guarantee Department; and if she will list their(a) term of office and (b) fields of expertise. [115053]

  Ms Hewitt
  ECGD currently employs 397 staff, approximately 98 per cent of which are employed on permanent contracts. The remainder are on fixed term or casual contracts.

  Their fields of expertise include underwriting, financial policy and accounting, economic analysis, business principles, international relations, communications, legal matters, customer relations, guarantee management and recoveries, international debt, and others deemed necessary in the running of an Export Credit Agency.

  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what projects submitted to the Export Credits Guarantee Department have been(a) rejected and (b) modified following adverse findings in each year since the Introduction of new procedures in 1999. [115054]

  Ms Hewitt
  The information is as follows:

  Since 1999 three projects have been rejected for sustainable development reasons, all on the grounds that they did not represent productive expenditure. One was a transport project in Asia and the other two were construction projects, one in Asia and one in Central America.
  332W
  ECGD's Impact Questionnaire guidance notes set out the guidelines and standards that the Department expects projects to comply with. All projects have met or exceeded these requirements at the application stage. In the case of one project to date for which a guarantee has been issued, ECGD initiated significant improvements to the design and implementation.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the debt owed to the To ECGD by(a) Nigeria, (b) Indonesia, (c) The Philippines, (d) Angola, (e) Kenya, (f) Democratic Republic of Congo and (g) Republic of Congo; and if she will list (i) the projects and goods involved for each country's debt and (ii) the date on which the debts for each country was first incurred. [115102]

  Ms Hewitt
  This question cannot be answered in full except at disproportionate cost.

  The debts owed to ECGD by these countries under Debt Rescheduling Agreements result, with the exception of Indonesia and Kenya, from contracts mostly entered into in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The number of companies insured was 859 and the number of claims paid in excess of 120,000. The goods exported ranged from consumer products to power projects and covered most of the UK's industrial sectors. The dates prior to which contracts had to be signed to be eligible for rescheduling together with the amounts outstanding under debt rescheduling agreements as at 31 March 2003 are as follows:

  Country

  Amount Owed (£)

  Eligible Contract Date

  Nigeria

  4,490,200,000

  Pre 1 October 1983

  Indonesia

  744,807,000

  Pre 1 July 1997

  Philippines

  12,738,000

  Pre 1 April 1984

  Angola

  135,346,000

  Pre 31 December 1986

  Kenya

  18,859,000

  Pre 21 December 1991

  Democratic Republic of Congo

  84,848,000

  Pre 1 January 1976

  Republic of Congo

  159,842

  Pre 1 January 1986

  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the members of her Advisory Council on the Export Credits Guarantee Department, their terms of office and their qualifications for membership. [115050]

  Ms Hewitt
  Information about the Export Guarantees Advisory Council can be found in the Public Information section of the ECGD website (wwvv.ecgd.gov.uk), including a list of members and their declared interests.

  The members are:

  Chairman: Liz Airey—(Director, Harrison Lovegrove Co Ltd.)

  John Armitt—(Chief Executive Officer of Railtrack plc)

  John Elkington—(Chairman, SustainAbility Ltd.)

  Professor Jonathan Kydd—(Professor of Agricultural Development Economics, Imperial College)

  David McLachlan—(Former Director of Group Credit Risk, Nat West Group)

  Professor Kate Phylaktis—(Professor of International Finance, City University Business School)

  Martin Roberts—(Former Director, Insurance Firms Division, Financial Services Authority)

  333W

  Anthony Shepherd—(Chairman, The Alderley Group)

  Dr. Raj Thamotheram—(Senior Advisor, Universities Superannuation Scheme)

  Sir Stephen Brown—(Chief Executive, British Trade International)

  The 10 members of the EGAC are not paid, and serve three-year terms. They are chosen to provide a balance of expertise and experience on the specific areas within ECGD's Mission, for example environmental impacts, the needs of smaller exporters, and sustainable development.

  Fair Trade
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions her Department intends to have with her G8 counterparts regarding the dumping of subsidised goods upon developing countries. [111578]

  Ms Hewitt
  G8 members are discussing trade and development issues in the run up to the next G8 summit at Evian in June. As part of these discussions, the UK is pushing for G8 members to reiterate their commitment to deliver for developing countries in the current Round of WTO negotiations. The Round includes agriculture negotiations aimed at reductions of, with a view to phasing out, all forms of export subsidies and substantial reductions in trade-distorting domestic support.

  Fireworks
  Mr. Truswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions she has had with(a) the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and (b) other departments regarding the enforcement of (i) current and (ii) potential future fireworks regulations; and if she will make a statement. [115436]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  We have not had direct discussions with ODPM on enforcement of the existing Fireworks (Safety) Regulations 1997. We have had discussions with DEFRA, Home Office and the Health and Safety Executive. Also, officials from the Department participate in a Fireworks Enforcement Liaison Group set up by HSE. This group looks particularly at issues relating to the importation and illegal storage and sale of fireworks. The Liaison Group has representatives from HSE, DTI, the Fire Service, trading standards and local authorities.

  As to the Private Member's Bill currently before Parliament, the Department has had discussions with ODPM and other departments on issues relating to likely enforcement of future regulations, and generally on issues relating to noise, anti-social behaviour, public displays and licensing of firework sales.

  Greenhouse Gases
  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many tonnes of(a) greenhouse gas emissions and (b) carbon were created by (i) energy projects, (ii) manufacturing projects and (iii) other projects supported by the Export Credits Guarantee Department in each of the last five years. [115049]
  334W
  Ms Hewitt
  The information is as follows:

  (i) Carbon dioxide is the only greenhouse gas for which ECGD has any information. For energy generation projects supported in each of the last five financial years, it is estimated that upon completion total annual CO2 and carbon emissions will be as shown in the table.

  Million

  Tonnes per year

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  2002–03

  CO2

  11.1

  20.4

  19.2

  1.2

  1.2

  Carbon

  3.0

  5. 6

  5.2

  0.3

  0.3

  It has been assumed the plants operate for 60 per cent. of the time (5,256 hours per year). CO2 emissions are calculated using time following conversion factors—Coal: 0.687 tonnes of CO2 per MW per hour, Oil 0.417, Gas: 0.309. These are taken from The Greenhouse Gas Protocol website, www.ghgprotocol.org, and are the 1999 average values for power plants in Economies In Transition. These are the markets where ECGD most commonly provide guarantees.

  Carbon emissions are calculated by assuming that carbon makes up 27.3 per cent. of the atomic mass of CO2.

  (ii) and (iii) ECGD does not have information on the greenhouse gas or carbon emissions for manufacturing or other projects supported in the last five years.

  The Department only began systematically collecting this information for power generation projects in 2001 following the introduction of the Impact Questionnaire.

  Hallmarks
  Mr. Mark Lazarowicz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what discussions she has had with the European Commission regarding the future status of the Scottish hallmark; and if she will make a statement; [114327]

  (2) what representations she has received requesting (a) the abolition of the Scottish hallmark and (b) the closure of the Edinburgh Assay Office; [114325]

  (3) what representations she has received about the importance of the Scottish hallmark to sales of items of precious metals in Scotland. [114324]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has not received any representations requesting the abolition of the Scottish hallmark and the closure of the Edinburgh Assay Office nor has she had any discussions with the European Commission about the status of the Scottish hallmark.

  Department officials attended a meeting in Brussels in November 2002 at the request of the Danish Presidency to discuss the possibility of reviving the Draft EU Directive on the marking of previous metals. The Government has significant concerns about the Hallmarking Directive as currently drafted. There is little support among UK stakeholders for such a Directive, and there are no clear benefits to consumers, therefore we will not be supporting the draft Directive.
  335W
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has received several re presentations about the importance of the Scottish hallmark to sales of items of precious metals in Scotland.

  Hawk Contract
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations she has made to the Secretary of State for Defence concerning the contract to supply Hawk trainer jets to the Royal Air Force; and if she will make a statement. [115120]

  Alan Johnson
  The Department for Trade and Industry has consistently taken an interest in the industrial issues surrounding the supply of new Hawk 128 trainer jets to the Royal Air Force. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry wrote to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence on 12 May 2003 setting out some of these industrial points. However, this letter is confidential between Government Departments.

  Icelandic Water Trawlermen Scheme
  Shona McIsaac
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent representations she has received on the independent adjudication of the Compensation for Former Icelandic Water Trawlermen scheme; and what action she is taking on those representations. [116593]

  Nigel Griffiths
  I have been corresponding with Mr. Whybrew, the independent adjudicator for the scheme, on a number of issues he has raised regarding the classification of Icelandic water vessels for the purposes of the scheme. I also had a meeting with him on 20 May 2003 to discuss these issues and will be seeking independent legal advice from Counsel on the Departments view that independent contemporary document evidence of voyages to Icelandic waters is required in order to establish a vessels status as an Icelandic water vessel. Mr. Whybrew will be consulted on the instructions to Counsel and will see his advice.

  Industrial Injuries
  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many medical examination appointments for vibration white finger special damages have been made in each of the next six months. [115889]

  Mr. Wilson
  Aon Health Solutions who provide the medical assessments for services claims are making approximately 120 appointments each week at present. Appointments are not made more than two months in advance.

  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many claimants there are for vibration white finger special damages in Wales, broken down by Parliamentary constituency; and what the timetable is for examining claimants in Wales. [115890]
  336W
  Mr. Wilson
  The number of Vibration White Finger (VWF) Services claims submitted in Wales is 1,858. The constituency figures are:

  Aberavon

  50

  Amber Valley

  107

  Blaeunau Gwent

  191

  Brecon & Radnor

  46

  Bridgend

  31

  Caerphilly

  141

  Cardiff North

  2

  Carmarthen East and Dinefwr

  83

  Ceredigon

  5

  Clwyd West

  1

  Cynon Valley

  204

  Delyn

  3

  Gower

  41

  Islwyn

  124

  Llanelli

  71

  Merionnydd Nant Conwy

  1

  Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney

  169

  Monmouth

  4

  Montgomeryshire

  1

  Neath

  109

  Newport East

  2

  Newport West

  1

  Ogmore

  200

  Pontypridd

  70

  Rhondda

  146

  Swansea East

  9

  Swansea West

  2

  Torfaen

  37

  Vale of Clwyd

  6

  Ynys Mon

  1

  Note:

  A Services claim is defined as all VWF claims where the Departments claim handlers, IRISC, have received a Services Claimant Questionnaire

  Aon Health Solutions started the VWF Services medical assessments at the beginning of April 2003. They have already begun to examine claimants in Wales.

  Insurance Premiums
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations she has received from businesses about the effect on their competitiveness of increased insurance premiums. [110330]

  Ms Hewitt
  I have received a number of representations from businesses, both directly and via business organisations, expressing concern about recent rises in insurance premiums. Some of these representations indicated that increased costs of insurance were not necessarily uniform across a particular trade, and that some businesses were therefore placed at a competitive disadvantage. A number of businesses commenting on the subject of employers liability insurance, which is compulsory, expressed concern that cowboy firms trading illegally without insurance were unfairly undercutting their prices.

  The Government takes these concerns very seriously, and will shortly be publishing its initial review of the employers liability insurance system, which considers business concerns over this class of insurance in particular. We will also consider carefully the report of

  337W
  the Office of Fair Trading's fact-finding study of the liability insurance market, also due to be published shortly.

  List Brokers
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what requirement there is for list brokers to divulge the source of the names and addresses they store; and if she will make a statement. [113122]

  Mr. Timms
  [holding answer 13 May 2003]To the extent that they might process personal data, list brokers are subject to the Data Protection Act 1998.

  Under this Act, individuals are entitled to be informed by a data controller whether personal data of which they are the subject are being processed by, or on behalf of, that data controller. If so, they are entitled, among other things, to have communicated to them, in an intelligible form, any information available to the data controller as to the source of the data.

  Millennium Workspace Initiative
  Mr. Flook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when each of the regional development agencies will begin to process applications for the Millennium Workspace Initiative grant; how much will be available under each regional development agency area; how long the grant will be available; and whether the Department will set the terms needed to receive the grant. [115788]

  Alan Johnson
  The concept of Millennium Workspace is specific to the South West of England Regional Development Agency (SWRDA). It builds on a number of previous initiatives including the Partnership Workspace Programme administered by the Rural Development Commission, before that body was wound up and many of its responsibilities taken over by the RDAs on their creation in 1999. To assist Millennium Workspace applicants, the SWRDA will shortly be issuing broad guidance for applications for funding under the Single Programme. The criteria in the guidance will be asking for regionally significant projects that will have a net impact on the regions economy.

  Further information about the Millennium Workspace can be obtained from the South West of England Regional Development Agency www.southwestrda.org.uk.

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which(a) facilities converting landfill gas into electricity, (b) combined heat and power facilities, (c) energy for waste facilities, (d) pyrolysis facilities and (e) gasification facilities have been visited by the Minister of State for Energy and Construction, and when in the last two years. [113677]

  Mr. Wilson
  On 31 January 2002, I visited Thetford Power Station, which is fuelled by poultry litter, and Elean Power Station near Ely, which is fuelled by straw. On 25 February 2003, I visited Arjo Wiggins's paper mill at Corpach, near Fort William, where my Department is funding the construction of a wood-fired 338W
  combined heat and power generator. I plan to visit Shanks Group plc's new landfill gas power station at Calvert in Buckinghamshire.

  I also regularly have meetings with companies who own such facilities.

  National Institute for Medical Research
  Diana Organ
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations she has received on the proposal from the Medical Research Council to close the National Institute for Medical Research at Mill Hill and to transfer part of its research to Cambridge; and if she will make a statement. [114753]

  Ms Hewitt
  No formal decision has been taken regarding the future of NIMR. The Medical Research Council is at present developing a long-term strategy for its major capital investments over the next 10–15 years including the NIMR. This is an issue for the MRC however the Office of Science and Technology has been kept informed.

  DTI has received representations on this issue from the following people/groups who are opposed to the proposed changes:
  a letter signed by some of NIMR's staff (copies of which were sent to several people within DTI);
  a letter from a member of staff at NIMR which was forwarded to my noble Friend, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State by their MP; and
  a letter from an academic.

  Nuclear Materials
  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what research into the future long-term management of plutonium has been conducted by her Department; and what representations have been received in the past six months on plutonium disposition options. [115667]

  Mr. Wilson
  The Department has not conducted any research into the future long-term management of UK-owned civil plutonium, and has received no representations on disposition options for such material in the last six months.

  However, in collaboration with other interested Government Departments and Agencies, my Department is currently undertaking a study of the possible options for the future management of UK-owned civil plutonium.

  Overseas Investment Insurance
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what claims her Department has paid under Overseas Investment Insurance in connection with the Dabhol-Enron-Power Plant in Dublin. [113944]

  Ms Hewitt
  ECGD has not paid claims on this case.

  PFI (Company Profits)
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to(a) investigate and publish the profits made by participating companies on PFI deals and (b) compare the costs of each PFI with the estimated costs if kept in the public sector after 10 years. [114911]
  339W
  Ms Hewitt
  PFI is only pursued on the basis of an unambiguous value for money case, including an assessment of the financial cost of both the PFI and nonPFI procurement options over the whole life of the contract, and a rigorous competitive process.

  Company profits associated with PFI projects are a matter for the shareholders in each case and annual accounts will be deposited with Companies House where appropriate.

  Post Office (PIN Pads)
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what assessment she has made of the compliance of Post Office Ltd. with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 regarding PIN pads in Post Office branches; and if she will make a statement; [116151]

  (2) what her estimate is of the cost of replacing all PIN pads in Post Office branches which are not compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995; and if she will make a statement; [116117]

  (3) what discussions she has had with Post Office Ltd. to ensure that PIN pads were in place in every Post Office branch by 1 April 2003; and whether the issue of compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 was discussed. [116116]

  Mr. Timms
  The accessibility of the Post Office card account, including issues around the use of PIN pads, is the responsibility for Post Office Ltd. The Department of Trade and Industry has not, therefore, sought its own advice on these issues.

  The Post Office is working to ensure their services are as accessible to as many customers as possible. In the short term, the Post Office intends to improve current PIN pads by fitting a guard over the buttons to help guide customers. I understand that this will be done as soon as possible. In the longer term they intend to look at technological options to provide a secure alternative to PIN pads for people with disabilities. I have asked the Chief Executive of Post office Ltd. to write direct to the hon. Member with further details.

  Post Office Account (Disabled People)
  Paul Holmes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what advice(a)her Department and (b) the Post Office has sought on the difficulties those suffering neurological conditions may have with collecting their benefits through the PIN key pad system; what measures will be taken to ensure that the PIN key pad system is accessible to those suffering neurological conditions; and if she will make a statement; [115107]

  (2) what intermediate measures will be taken to ensure that disabled people collecting benefit through Post Office PIN key pads receive their benefit while the key pads are being adapted to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995; what compensation will be given to those whose payment is delayed by the PIN key pad adjustments; and if she will make a statement; [115241]
  340W
  (3) what estimate has been made of the cost of adapting the Post Offices PIN key pads to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995; what adjustments will be necessary to ensure that the system complies with the Act; when the adjustments will be completed; and if she will make a statement; [115243]

  (4) what representations she has received from groups that represent disabled people on the use of PIN key pads for people who occasionally ask someone else to collect their benefit; and if she will make a statement; [115242]

  (5) what advice was sought on the compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 of the Post Office PIN key pad system for collecting benefit payments; what meetings have taken place with groups that represent disabled people about the suitability of the equipment; what advice the Department will seek on the compliance with the Act of adapted equipment; and if she will make a statement. [115244]

  Mr. Timms
  [holding answer 22 May 2003]The payment of and access to benefits and pensions is the responsibility of the Department for Work and Pensions. The accessibility of the Post Office card account, including issues around the use of PIN pads, is the responsibility for Post Office Ltd. The Department of Trade and Industry has not, therefore, sought its own advice on these issues.

  The Post Office is working to ensure their services are as accessible to as many customers as possible. In the short term the Post Office intends to improve current PIN pads by fitting a guard over the buttons to help guide customers. I understand that this will be done as soon as possible. In the longer term they intend to look at technological options to provide a secure alternative to PIN pads for people with disabilities. I have asked the chief executive of Post Office Ltd to write direct to the hon. Member with further details.

  Post Office Card Accounts
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) which disability groups were consulted about the introduction of the Post Office card account; [116384]

  (2) what the costs are of replacing the keypads for the Post Office card accounts in post offices. [116385]

  Mr. Timms
  The accessibility of the Post Office card account, including issues around the use of the PIN pads, is the responsibility of Post Office Ltd. I have asked the Chief Executive of Post Office Ltd. to write direct to the hon. Member.

  Post Offices
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many post offices have closed under the Urban Reinvention programme; and how many such closures were opposed by Postwatch. [114991]

  Mr. Timms
  [holding answer 21 May 2003]I understand from Post Office Ltd. that, to the end of April 2003, 205 post offices had closed under the urban reinvention programme. I understand from Postwatch that to date they have opposed 23 of the 484 closure proposals which have been put out to public
  341W
  consultation and that, of those 484 proposals, 4 have been withdrawn and a further 9 have been modified in the light of comments made by Postwatch and others at that stage. In addition, at the advance notification to Postwatch stage, 18 closure proposals were withdrawn, and a further 24 modified before reaching public consultation.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many proposed post office closures under the Urban Reinvention programme which were objected to by Postwatch did not take place. [114992]

  Mr. Timms
  [holding answer 21 May 2003]I understand from Post Office Ltd. that to date 4 post office closure proposals under the urban reinvention programme have been withdrawn in the light of representations, including objections from Postwatch, made during the public consultation process. I also understand from Postwatch that 18 closure proposals were withdrawn, and a further 24 modified, at the advance notification stage of the consultation process.

  Precious Metals
  Mr. Wiggin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what reports she has received of the sale in the UK of under-carated gold items made in the USA; what action she will take; and if she will make a statement. [114970]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has not received any reports of the sale in the UK of under-carated gold items made in the USA.

  Linda Perham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which(a) Ministers and (b) officials in her Department have met representatives of (i) the Local Authorities Co-ordinating Office on Regulatory Services, (ii) the Trading Standards Institute and (iii) representatives of MSF/Amicus to discuss the EU draft directive on precious metals. [114985]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  DTI officials have met representatives from the Trading Standards Institute and will shortly be meeting those from the Local Authorities Coordinating Office on Regulatory Services. DTI officials have not met representatives from MSF/Amicus, but have been in regulator contact with them.

  Mr. Wiggin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions she has had with representatives from other countries regarding the introduction of independent hallmarking of items made from precious metals; what advice was sought; and what advice she gave. [114987]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has not had any discussions with representatives from other countries regarding the introduction of independent hallmarking of items made from precious metals.
  342W
  The UK operates a system of compulsory independent testing and marking of articles of precious metal, which provides a high level of consumer protection.

  Productivity
  Mr. Tynan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent research her Department has(a) carried out and (b) commissioned with regard to improving productivity in the United Kingdom; what their main findings were; and what discussions she has had with colleagues regarding implementing these findings. [114663]

  Ms Hewitt
  Raising UK prosperity is the Governments central economic objective. In order to ensure that policy is evidence based, the DTI undertakes extensive research into the drivers of UK productivity performance.

  Recent examples of the DTFs own research include the Productivity and Competitiveness Indicators (2002) and a study into the competitiveness of UK textile industry (both available at www.dti. gov.uk/economics). The DTI also commissions external research, including Michael Porters study of UK Competitiveness, and the international comparisons of productivity produced by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research. The Governments Adding it up web-site (http:// www.addingitiup.gov.uk/epc/dtitlr.cfm#4) contains more information on the research underpinning productivity policy.

  The research shows that the UK needs to improve its performance in a range of areas, such as skills and innovation, if we are to narrow the productivity gap with our major competitors.

  DTI ministers and officials work across Government to develop evidence-based policies that improve the UK's productivity and competitiveness.

  Public Service Agreements
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps the Department has taken to publicise its Public Service Agreement targets; and at what cost to public funds. [114443]

  Ms Hewitt
  Information on DTI's Public Service Agreement targets and its performance against them is contained in existing publications such as the Departmental Report and the Autumn Performance Report, which the Department is required to publish annually, as well as in the information on the Departments activities which is routinely published on its website.

  For the cost of the Departmental Report, I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gaveon 22 July 2002, Official Report, column 789W. TSO (The Stationery Office Limited) bore the costs of design and artwork for producing the 2002 Autumn Performance Report.

  Redundant Buildings
  Mr. Flook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much money was given out under the
  343W
  Redundant Building Grant scheme by each regional development agency in each year; and when each of the regional development agencies ceased to process grants for the Redundant Building Grant scheme. [115767]

  £000

  Regional Development Agency

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  2002–03

  Year when RDA ceased to process RBG1

  Advantage West Midlands

  39

  89

  310

  1117

  2002–03

  East of England Development Agency

  244

  324

  153

  135

  2—

  East Midlands Development Agency

  214

  162

  1374

  0

  2001–02

  North West Development Agency

  299

  320

  1310

  0

  2001–02

  One North East

  216

  153

  136

  166

  2002–03

  South East of England Development

  147

  105

  117

  113

  2—

  South West of England Regional Development Agency

  809

  906

  1625

  0

  2000–02

  Yorkshire Forward

  146

  480

  1624

  33

  2002–02

  London Development Agency

  0

  0

  0

  0

  3—

  Total

  2,114

  2,539

  2,649

  464

  —

  1 The RDAs are free to continue funding similar schemes through the Single Programme.

  2 Continuing

  3 Not applicable

  Royal Mail
  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many(a) complaints and (b) compensation claims were made concerning lost items of mail in each year since 1997. [114523]

  Mr. Timms
  [holding answer 22 May 2003]Complaints and compensation claims concerning lost items of mail are an operational matter for Royal Mail Group plc and I have therefore asked the Chief Executive to reply direct to the hon. Member.

  Rural Post Offices
  Annabelle Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what guidelines she sets for the administration of funds allocated to Post Office Ltd to maintain the rural post office network. [115915]

  Mr. Timms
  Rural post offices across the UK will benefit from the £450 million package of financial support for the rural post office network that I announced on 2 December. The money will be administered by POL within the guidelines and parameters set by Government. There are three eligible areas of expenditure for the rural support payment.Money will be ring-fenced to maintain income levels for sub-postmasters, through maintenance of the assigned office payment.
  Money will also be available to meet the front line support services necessary for each and every rural post office to operate—to meet IT operating costs, to provide them with cash and with forms, direct marketing, and the agents information help line.
  Additionally there will be a flexible fund to modernise service delivery and pilot innovative ways of delivering services.

  Rural Proofing
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when she last met the Chairman of the Countryside Agency to discuss rural proofing. [115581]
  344W
  Alan Johnson
  The table following shows how much money was given out under the Redundant Building Grant (RBG) scheme from inception of the Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) in 1999.

  Alan Johnson
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, last met the Chairman of the Countryside Agency to discuss rural proofing in December 2001. I last met him in February this year.

  Scottish Enterprise
  John Thurso
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many times she has met the Chairman of Scottish Enterprise in each of the last five years; and when her last meeting was. [114904]

  Ms Hewitt
  I have not met the present Chairman of Scottish Enterprise, Sir Ian Robinson. My predecessor, the right hon. Member for North Tyneside, met Sir Ian Robinson twice and the past Chairman of Scottish Enterprise, Sir Ian Wood, three times. At the time of those meetings, however, neither gentleman held the post of Chairman of Scottish Enterprise.

  Sellafield
  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what response she made to the requests made in March 2003 by Irelands Environment Minister for details of security measures applied at Sellafield. [115670]

  Mr. Wilson
  I responded to Martin Cullen, Ireland's Environment Ministers requests for information in my letter of 16 April 2003. For obvious reasons, I was not able to disclose details about the threats or about the measures taken to address them, but set out the issues in as much detail as possible. In my letter I expressed the hope that my reply helped to reassure people in Ireland that we are not complacent about the threat of terrorist attack and have taken appropriate steps to ensure the security and safety arrangements in place are robust.

  I also understand that Mr. Cullen has subsequently published the text of that letter in response to a recent parliamentary question in Ireland on this issue.

  Sickness Absence
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many staff in the Department have been on long-term sick leave in each of the last two years. [115850]

  Ms Hewitt
  I refer the hon. Member to my reply to his earlier question on this subject answered on 16 May 2003,Official Report, column 476W.

  SMEs
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many small and medium sized enterprises have been incorporated since 1997; and how many of these companies no longer trade owing to insolvency. [115084]

  Ms Hewitt
  Companies House publishes data on new incorporations. However there is no information on the size breakdown of incorporations. The number of incorporations each financial year since 1997 is shown as follows.

  Number of Incorporations from Companies House Records

  Financial year

  £000

  1997–98

  205.3

  1998–99

  215.2

  1999–2000

  225.6

  2000–01

  238.3

  2001–02

  225.5

  Total 1997–02

  1,109.9

  Source:

  Companies in 2001–02, Companies House

  Official insolvency statistics do not identify the year of incorporation of the insolvencies, nor categorise them according to business size

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what actions she plans to take to address the difficulties faced by small and medium sized enterprises in obtaining public sector contracts identified by the Better Regulation Task Force and Small Business Council, with particular reference to(a) payment practices, (b) bundling or aggregation of contracts and framework agreements, (c) degree of openness about lower value contract opportunities and (d) pre-qualification processes that demand a large amount of information with each tender. [115275]

  Nigel Griffiths
  My right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury has agreed to provide a cross Government response on 4 August.

  Solar Energy
  Sue Doughty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry pursuant to her answer of 3 April 2003,Official Report, columns 793–94W, on solar energy, whether her Departments review of the solar PV Major Demonstration Programme will take place within the 2003–04 financial year; and if she will make a statement. [114603]

  Mr. Wilson
  Yes, it is expected that the review of the first phase of the Major PV Demonstration Programme will take place within the 2003–04 financial year.

  Staff Turnover
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of regional variations in staff turnover in her Department. [112757]

  Ms Hewitt
  My Department has made no assessment of regional variations is staff turnover. However, such issues will be considered in preparing the DTI's pay and workforce strategy and in responding to Sir Michael Lyons review on the relocation of civil service and other public sector workers.

  State-owned Golden Shares
  Mr. MacDougall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what employment rights have been introduced since May 1997. [114620]

  Alan Johnson
  In its first term (1997–2001), the Government introduced a foundation of minimum standards in the workplace. Every employee now has, for example, the right to a minimum wage, paid holidays, rest breaks, time off for family emergencies, and a cap on the working week. Part-time workers have the same rights as their full-time colleagues. Since October 2002 there have also been specific protections for fixed- term employees not to be treated less favourably than comparable permanent employees on the grounds that their employment is for a fixed term. We have also reduced the qualifying period for unfair dismissal from two years to one year.

  The Government has strengthened trade union rights. For example, trade unions have the right to be recognised for collective bargaining purposes where a majority of the relevant workforce wants it. We have also placed union learning representatives on a statutory footing giving them clear time off rights. The law now enable workers to be accompanied at a disciplinary and grievance hearing by a trade union official or a fellow worker. To complement this right, the Employment Act 2002 introduced statutory grievance and disciplinary procedures, which will ensure that all employees have access to decent workplace procedures.

  In its second term the Government is building on all these measure, including a range of changes to the tax credit system such as the new Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit which will provide a simpler and more streamlined system to support families and to make work pay. Around six million families are expected to benefit from the new credits.

  The Government has also improved existing maternity rights and introduced paid paternity and adoption leave for the first time. For example the payment period of Statutory Maternity Pay and Maternity Allowance has been extended to 26 weeks.

  The Government has recently laid before the House regulations to tackle discrimination in employment on the grounds of race, religion, sexual orientation and disability. In the Employment Act 2002, the Government also brought in measures to encourage the mutual resolution or workplace disputes.

  A recent key development was the introduction of the right for working parents with children under six, or disabled children under 18, to request flexible working.

  347W
  This new right builds on existing best practice and further enforces or aim to promote greater dialogue in the workplace to find flexible solutions which suit both employers and employees.

  Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the purpose of state-owned golden shares in privatised industries. [114874]

  Ms Hewitt
  Several Government departments currently hold special shares in a number of privatised industries. These shares were designed to protect what was perceived to be the public interest by the government of the time.

  Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the impact of the recent ruling of the European Court of Justice on the legality of state-owned golden shares for(a) BAA, (b) National Grid, (c) Rolls Royce, (d) BAE Systems, (e) NATS, (f) British Energy and (g) the general economy. [114969]

  Ms Hewitt
  Following the European Court of Justice ruling of 13 May 2003 on state-owned golden shares, we are reviewing the situation in regard to special shares held by the Department of Trade and Industry (including those for National Grid, Rolls Royce, BAE Systems and British Energy) to ensure that such share holdings comply with EU law and continue to be in the public interest. State-owned shares in BAA and NATS are a matter for the Department for Transport.

  Trade (Developing Countries)
  Stephen Hesford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action she is taking to promote the interests of developing countries in the world trade round. [115518]

  Ms Hewitt
  Developing countries have a significant interest in the Doha Development Agenda. Halving protection in agriculture, industrial goods and services around the world could boost developing country incomes by around $150 billion a year. Substantial trade liberalisation could reduce the number of people living in poverty by over 300 million by 2015—a significant contribution to reaching the UN's Millennium Development Goals.

  To achieve this we are working for a fairer international trading system for all WTO members with a particular emphasis on developing countries. In particular the Government is committed to working with our EU and other international partners to ensure that real and meaningful increases in market access in agriculture, and other areas of particular interest to developing countries, are agreed in the current WTO trade negotiations. At the same time the Government fully recognises that developing countries require trade related technical assistance and capacity building to increase their ability to participate effectively in the WTO. The Government has committed £45 million specifically for this and other trade-related initiatives since 1998.

  The Government recognises that trade reform can have adverse effects on particular groups particularly in the short run. The Government supports implementing
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  policies in careful sequence so that developing countries efforts to liberalise trade maximise the potential benefits and minimise the costs of trade reform. The Government supports an approach to the current WTO negotiations that recognises that WTO members are at different stages of development and have different capacities to implement WTO rules. To help countries manage their commitments, we are pressing for Special and Differential Treatment provisions to be real and binding and for any new WTO rules to reflect countries implementation capacities.

  Trade Relations (North Korea)
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the trade relationship between the UK and North Korea. [114675]

  Ms Hewitt
  We have full diplomatic relations with North Korea, which include trade relations. There is no objection to UK companies trading with North Korea, if they wish to do so. However, given the political situation arising from the nuclear issue, all trade promotion activity by HMG has been suspended. Normal commercial activity will resume once the nuclear issue has been resolved.

  Utilities (Billing)
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations her Department has received regarding the inconvenience and stress caused by inaccurate billing for gas and electricity provision. [116149]

  Mr. Wilson
  The regulation of gas and electricity supply, including billing, is a matter for the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem). I receive correspondence from Members of Parliament and the general public about a range of gas and electricity consumer issues, including billing. Gas and electricity suppliers should operate to the highest standards in all areas of their operations, including billing. If they do not, they may face regulatory action, as well as the loss of their customers to other suppliers.

  Vibration White Finger
  Huw Irranca-Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she plans to hold further discussions with interested parties to resolve outstanding issues relating to Group Three claims for Vibration White Finger. [114659]

  Mr. Wilson
  Since my meeting in February this year with interested parties on issues relating to disputed Group Three claims for Vibration White Finger, my officials have had a number of meetings with solicitors and union representatives. Discussions on these issues are ongoing.

  Warranties (Electrical Goods)
  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to issue guidance on cooling down periods for warranties on electrical goods. [115666]
  349W
  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The Competition Commission is currently carrying out an inquiry on the supply of extended warranties for domestic electrical goods. The Commission published its statement of hypothetical remedies on 20 May 2003. My hon. Friend will wait for the Commissions final report and final recommendations before deciding what action may be necessary.

  Wind Farm, Dogger Bank
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment has been made of the viability of establishing a wind farm on the Dogger Bank. [115619]

  Mr. Wilson
  The Department of Trade and Industry has carried out a strategic environmental assessment of a number of offshore areas with potential for wind farm development. The Dogger Bank is outside the areas that have been assessed.

  World Trade
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what her policy is on supporting the expansion of the WTO agenda to include investment; and if she will make a statement. [113265]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 14 May 2003]The Government fully supports the European Union objectives to seek agreement and a mandate at the Fifth WTO Ministerial at Cancun in September to negotiate new WTO agreements on the four Singapore new issues, including a Trade and Investment Agreement. This was confirmed in the Ministerial conference that I attended in Doha and in the Ministerial declaration adopted by consensus at Doha on 14 November 2001.

  Developing Countries regularly emphasis their need for increased flows of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). However, smaller developing countries do not have the resources to negotiate numerous bilateral investment treaties. It is of course up to developing countries that are WTO members to decide if it is in their interests to sign an investment agreement. However we believe that a WTO multilateral investment framework will benefit developing countries not only because it would make negotiations easier but also because it form the basis of a level playing field for all WTO members. This in turn would help developing countries create the low risk, stable and predictable conditions necessary to attract a larger share of global investment flows. Within the overall agreement developing countries would be able to decide in which areas it is most appropriate for them to schedule commitments.

  When seeking agreement to launch negotiations in Cancun, we will ensure that the current proposals for these new issues offer a balanced and flexible approach. We want to make sure that any new obligations for WTO members allow them sufficient flexibility to pursue national development objectives. Any final agreement must include appropriate special and differential treatment for developing countries, and must also ensure that technical assistance and capacity building support is offered to help developing countries prepare for the post-Cancun negotiations.

  World Trade Agreements
  Mr. MacDougall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action her Department is taking to recognise the needs of(a) sub-Saharan African countries and (b) Indo-Chinese countries in world trade agreements. [114615]

  Ms Hewitt
  We support an approach to the current WTO negotiations that recognises that WTO Members are at different stages of development and have different capacities to implement WTO rules. To help countries manage their commitments, we are pressing for Special and Differential Treatment provisions to be real and binding and for any new WTO rules to reflect countries implementation capacities.

  The EU already offers duty and quota free access to all Least Developed. Countries (LDC), of which 34 are in sub-Saharan Africa. The EU is currently negotiating new Economic Partnership Agreements with all ACP countries, including 14 non LDC ACP countries in Africa. The UK is pushing for the EU to offer ACP countries duty and quota free access to EU markets as a result of these negotiations.

  Cambodia and Laos as Laces already benefit from EBA and Vietnam receives access to EU under GSP. The UK is a strong supporter of these countries efforts to accede to the WTO. WTO members have recently agreed, following up the Doha Declaration, to simplify the accession route for LDCs. My Department continues to be actively involved in this process in consultation with DfID and other relevant Whitehall Departments.

HEALTH

  Speech Therapists
  Mr. Bellingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he plans to increase the number of speech therapists. [116538]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Government have already significantly increased the number of speech and language therapists and will continue to increase them further. As at September 2001, there were 5,680 speech and language therapists in the NHS—17 per cent. more than in 1997.

  Foundation Hospitals (Welsh Patients)
  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent discussions he has had with Secretaries in the National Assembly for Wales regarding the grant of foundation hospital status to hospitals serving Welsh patients. [116539]

  Mr. Hutton
  I have had no recent discussions with on this matter. Cross border referrals to NHS foundation trusts will continue to work in the same way that referrals from NHS Commissioners to NHS trusts currently operate.

  Smoking
  John Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking to combat(a)
  cancer, (b) cardiovascular disease and (c) other conditions linked to smoking. [116540]

  Ms Blears
  To help prevent conditions linked to smoking we have established a comprehensive tobacco programme focussed on delivering a reduction in the number of smokers. As part of this, between April 1999 and December 2002 over 529,000 people set a quit date with the help of the national health service smoking cessation services.

  Care Homes
  Sir Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on care homes. [116541]

  Jacqui Smith
  Care homes can play an important role for older people. In recent years, the Government have provided substantial increases in the level of funding for social services which councils can use to increase fee levels if that is what is needed.

  We are also committed to improving the quality of care, and this is evident in the development of national minimum standards for care homes.

  Ambulance Services
  Mr. Wiggin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on ambulance services. [116542]

  Mr. Lammy
  The ambulance service in England has made real progress. Compared with 1997, trusts are responding more quickly to a significantly larger number of calls. Ambulances are better equipped and paramedics are better trained. The service still faces challenges, but with support and investment it will continue to succeed. The national average for category A response times has been over 75 per cent. since March 2003.

  Waiting Lists
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on his Departments suspension policy with regard to waiting lists. [116543]

  Mr. Hutton
  Patients can be suspended from the waiting list for medical reasons that make them unfit for treatment or due to social reasons such as family commitments, holidays or other reasons. The period of suspension is then subtracted from the patients total waiting time.

  This guidance has been in place throughout the lifetime of this Government and was in place prior to the Government coming to power.

  Patients (Treatment Abroad)
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS patients have been sent abroad for treatment in each of the last five years. [116544]
  352W
  Mr. Hutton
  Patients can be referred for treatment abroad under the European Union-wide health care coordination regulations (the E112-scheme) or through direct referral from their national health service trust.

  The number of patients referred for treatment abroad under each of these systems between 1998 and 2002 are as follows:

  In 2002 there were 1,120 E112 referrals and 228 direct referrals.

  In 2001 there were 1,139 E112 referrals and no direct referrals.

  In 2000 there were 1,099 E112 referrals and no direct referrals.

  In 1999 there were 861 E112 referrals and no direct referrals.

  In 1998 there were 813 E112 referrals and no direct referrals.

  Pregnant Mothers (Infections)
  Mr. Cameron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received about Group B streptococcus infections and pregnant mothers; and if he will make a statement. [116545]

  Jacqui Smith
  A few representations have been received on the issue of screening. The Health Technology Assessment Programme is currently looking at evaluation of rapid testing for women in early labour. The National Screening Committee will then review the evidence for screening when the evaluation is complete. Until then it should not be offered to pregnant women except in the context of a research project approved by an ethics committee.

  Dental Treatment
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent steps have been taken to secure access to NHS dental treatment in the Berwick-upon-Tweed constituency. [116546]

  Mr. Lammy
  I refer the hon. Member to my reply to him on 18 March at column 758. The Government are aware that Northumberland Care Trust has been concerned about access to NHS dentistry in Berwick-upon-Tweed. We approved funding for the Trust to appoint a part-time salaried dental practitioner to work in the Berwick Royal Infirmary to address these issues in the short term while longer-term solutions are considered and my officials are supporting the local NHS to recruit to the post.

  Puchasing and Supply
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to improve purchasing and supply practices in hospitals and primary healthcare trusts. [116547]

  Mr. Hutton
  The national health service Purchasing and Supply Agency is leading a major reorganisation across the service. A middle tier of supply management confederations, run locally by healthcare trusts, will
  353W
  improve performance of their non-pay spend. To date, there are six pilots and 18 other developing confederations.

  Accident and Emergency Departments
  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what changes are planned for the greater use of local hospitals in the diagnosis and treatment of accident and emergency cases. [116548]

  Mr. Hutton
  Changes to services are the responsibility of the local NHS. New guidance on service change, Keeping the NHS Local—A New Direction of Travel, was published on 14 February 2003. It sets out core principles for service change that the NHS must now follow. It challenges the view that biggest is best, and sets out a range of strategies and options to help the NHS keep services local.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment the Avon Ambulance trust has made of delays at accident and emergency departments since the Commission for Health Improvement Report in October 2002; what conclusions that assessment reached; and if he will place a copy of the assessment in the Library. [111754]

  Ms Blears
  Avon Ambulance service national health service trust advises that it has refined its monitoring and reporting procedures to assess the causes and impact of delays in the transfer of care at local hospital accident and emergency departments. Working in close collaboration with the new emergency care networks, a number of improvements are now being implemented locally. Further information about the assessment can be obtained from the trust chief executive.

  Agency Workers
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many agency workers have been employed by the Department in each of the last two years; and at what cost to public funds. [115199]

  Mr. Lammy
  The Department does not hold information on the number of employees under contract from agencies supplying temporary staff.

  The amount spent on staff from these agencies for the period requested is shown in the following table.

  £

  2001–02

  7,589,927

  2002–03

  9,917,896

  Note:

  The accounts for 2002–03 are not final and are subject to some adjustment.

  Asbestos-related Cancer Deaths
  Mr. John Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people in the UK died from cancers caused by exposure to asbestos for each year since 1998. [114832]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  I have been asked to reply.
  354W
  In the three years 1998 to 2000 (the most recent year for which data are available), there were 1541, 1613 and 1628 deaths from the cancer mesothelioma in Great Britain. Mesothelioma is almost always caused by asbestos exposure. A further 1500 to 3000 lung cancer deaths per year are estimated also to be attributable to asbestos, but these cannot be individually distinguished from lung cancers due to other causes such as smoking.

  Autism
  Mrs. Iris Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to improve services for sufferers of autistic spectrum disorders. [115066]

  Jacqui Smith
  Autism is one of the least understood but most frightening and difficult of conditions. People with autism lead isolated lives. Their social and communication difficulties place great stress on their families. It is important that we should all be sensitive to their needs.

  Children with autistic spectrum disorders will benefit from the programmes to improve services for disabled children. The Quality Protects (QP) programme to improve children's social services has made disabled children a priority area. From 2001–02 to 2003–04, £60 million from the children's services special grant has been earmarked for services for disabled children and their families—£15 million in 2001–02 and 2002–03 and £30 million in 2003–04. Last years QP management action plans show that more family support services are being provided, particularly home based respite care and sitting services. The Carers Grant is increasing from £85 million this year to £185 million by 2005–06. Approximately 20 per cent. is spent on children's services, mainly to carers of disabled children to fund the provision of short term breaks. Direct payments were introduced in the Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000 and are increasing the flexibility and choice for parents in the provision of services.

  Disabled children are also a priority area within the development of the children's national service framework (NSF). NSFs were established to improve services through setting national standards to drive up quality and tackle existing variations in care. The Childrens NSF will develop new national standards across the NHS, social services and interface with education. It will be about putting children and young people at the centre of their care. The NSF will include care pathways/exemplar diagrams illustrating optimum approaches to delivering services in a number of different areas. It will show how families should receive multi-agency early intervention and support based on their needs. One of the exemplars will be on services for children with autism.

  The Department of Health, in association with the Department for Education and Skills, published good practice guidance on autistic spectrum disorders last year. The guidance was primarily aimed at schools and local education authorities but was also relevant to health and social services providers. We will also be working with the Department for Education and Skills on the new Special Educational Needs Action Programme which, among other things, will promote effective approaches to teaching and learning for children with autism.
  355W
  People with autism are benefiting from funding of over £200,000 which the Department made through the Section 64 Scheme of Grants to Voluntary Organisations between 1998–99 arid 2001–02. We are currently devoting a further £154,000 over three years to the National Autistic Society project Independence and Autism: Good Practice for Service Providers. This will support the development of new services to enable adults with autism or Asperger's Syndrome to live independently.

  The "Valuing People" White Paper directly covers every adult with autism who also has a learning disability. Implementation guidance, issued in August 2001, makes clear that adults with A sperger's Syndrome or higher functioning autism are not precluded from using learning disability services, where appropriate, and may require an assessment of their social functioning and communication skills in order to establish their level of need. By bringing together a wide range of local statutory agencies, Valuing People gives us the scope to improve opportunities and services for people across the autistic spectrum.

  Adults with autism will also gain, along with others, from the investment we are making to improve standards in health and social care services. In particular they will benefit from the NHS Plan, the mental health NSF, which covers the mental health needs of adults with autism, and Fair Access to Care Services.

  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will take measures to increase the number of centres which provide for the diagnosing and treating of autistic children who suffer from inflammatory bowel disease; and if he will make a statement. [115463]

  Jacqui Smith
  We recognise the problems that occur for children who suffer autistic spectrum disorders, and for their families. We will continue to work on what more we need to do to improve services for autistic children. We will also seek to ensure diagnosis and treatment provisions consistent with demand. Primary care trusts (PCT) have a pivotal role here, in ensuring an appropriate level of services to meet the health care demands of their local population. For those children with bowel symptoms suggestive of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), local paediatricians and paediatric gastroenterologists have the necessary expertise to investigate and manage IBD in children with, and without autism.

  The children's national service framework (NSF) will set new national standards which will help to ensure better access and smoother progression in the provision of services for children, from initial contact and diagnosis with the National Health Service, via a general practitioner surgery or NHS hospital. The NSF will include care pathways/exemplar diagrams illustrating optimum approaches to delivering services in a number of different areas and one of these will be on services for children with autism.

  Caesarean Births
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many caesarean deliveries there have been
  356W
  in each of the last six years; and what percentage of overall births those figures represented in each year. [114729]

  Jacqui Smith
  The table shows estimated numbers and percentages of deliveries by caesarean section for years 1996–97 to 2001–02. The information is taken from the data published in national health service Maternity Statistics, England: 2001–02. The bulletin, number 2003/09, was published on 16 May 2003, and a copy has been placed in the Library and is also available on the Departments website at http://www.doh.gov.uk/ public/sb0309.htm.

  Caesarean deliveries, NHS hospitals, England

  Estimated numbers of caesarean deliveries

  Percentage of deliveries that were by caesarean

  2001–02

  120,800

  22.3

  2000–01

  118,200

  21.5

  1999–2000

  116,500

  20.6

  1998–99

  110,300

  19.1

  1997–98

  106,500

  18.2

  1998–99

  101,100

  17.0

  Source:

  Department of Health, Statistics Division 3G—Maternity Hospital Episode Statistics

  Cancer Services
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether there is a teenage cancer unit which serves young people in(a) the Middlesbrough, South and Cleveland, East constituency, (b) Teesside and (c) the Government Office north east region; and if he will make a statement on national treatments and units for teenager cancer sufferers. [115550]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle-upon-Tyne serves all teenagers diagnosed with cancer within the Middlesbrough, South and Cleveland, East constituency, Teesside and the north east region. However, patients may be referred elsewhere for radiotherapy.

  Action is being taken to help meet the specific needs of teenagers with cancer. We are providing funding through the national cancer research network to enable more teenage cancer patients to enter trials of the latest treatments. In addition, we are also looking at how teenagers can participate in the design of health services centred around their particular needs. This is being addressed through the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health.

  The contribution of patients will also be reflected in the forthcoming national service framework (NSF) for children, young people and maternity services, which will drive up standards of care in all health and social care settings for all children and young people. The NSF will also inform guidance which the National Institute for Clinical Excellence is developing on children's and adolescent cancers.

  Cancer Treatment (Waiting Times)
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients waited more than(a) 12 and (b) 18 months for cancer treatment in the most recent year for which figures are available. [111767]
  357W
  Ms Blears
  The NHS Cancer Plan sets out our strategy to reduce waiting times for cancer patients. The ultimate goal is that no one should wait longer that one month from an urgent referral for suspected cancer to the beginning of treatment except for a good clinical reason or through patient choice; it is planned to achieve this by 2008. There is a series of staged milestones towards this goal: from 2001, new targets of a maximum one month wait from diagnosis to treatment for breast cancer and a maximum one month from urgent general practitioner referral to treatment for acute leukaemia, children's cancer and testicular cancer were introduced. From 2002, the target of a maximum wait of two months from urgent referral to treatment for breast cancer was introduced. By 2005, there will be targets of a maximum one month wait from diagnosis to treatment and a maximum two month wait from urgent GP referral to treatment for all cancers. Data on current targets are published on the Departments website at www.doh.gov.uk/cancerwaits.

  Cardiology Services
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients waiting for heart operations for more than six months have been offered operations at alternative hospitals; and at which alternative hospitals. [114730]

  Ms Blears
  At the last date for which provisional figures were available, of a total of 6,387 patients waiting more than six months for heart surgery, 4,675 were deemed clinically eligible for the option of treatment elsewhere. Of these, 4,532 made a choice, and of this number 2,082 opted for treatment at an alternative centre. No information is held centrally regarding numbers treated at individual alternative hospitals. Patients opting to travel for treatment are able to choose between any appropriate national health service facility with the spare capacity to treat them, or a range of private facilities in the United Kingdom and two facilities in Belgium.

  Cheshire and Merseyside SHA
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what training the Chief Executive of Cheshire and Merseyside Strategic Health Authority has undergone since her appointment; [112307]

  (2) what recent training the Chief Executive of Cheshire and Merseyside Strategic Health Authority has received (a) in dealing with complaints from and (b) on the role of Members. [112309]

  Jacqui Smith
  Any successful applicant for the post of chief executive of a Strategic Health Authority (SHA) will have been required to be able to demonstrate that they had achieved a level of competencies, abilities and experience appropriate to the post, as determined by a national recruitment and assessment process. All chief executives have access to a national leadership development programme.

  The Chief Executive of Cheshire and Merseyside SHA has not had any formal training on complaints handling or on the role of right hon. and hon. Members.
  358W
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much was claimed in expenses by the director of communications at Cheshire and Merseyside Strategic Health Authority in the last financial year. [115632]

  Jacqui Smith
  The head of communications at Cheshire and Merseyside Strategic Health Authority claimed £3,719.04 in expenses during 2002–03.

  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what arrangements are in place for reviewing the performance of the director of communications of the Cheshire and Merseyside Strategic Health Authority. [115633]

  Jacqui Smith
  The head of communications at the Cheshire and Merseyside Strategic Health Authority has regular reviews with his line manager and an annual performance review.

  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much was spent by the Cheshire and Merseyside Strategic Health Authority on communications and publicity in the last financial year. [115634]

  Jacqui Smith
  The total expenditure of the Cheshire and Merseyside Strategic Health Authority (CMSHA) on communications and publicity amounts to £65,847.43. Of this, £51,224.43 was for salaries, including on-call costs.

  The CMSHA spent £1,623 and the Cheshire and Merseyside work force development confederation spent £13,000 on communications and publicity.

  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many staff at the Cheshire and Merseyside Strategic Health Authority work on(a) communications strategy and (b) press relations. [115635]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Cheshire and Merseyside Strategic Health Authority communications team has three full-time employees. The role covers communications strategy and press relations, briefing and patient and public involvement.

  In addition to this, the Cheshire and Merseyside work force development confederation has one full-time vacancy.

  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the annual salary is of the Director of Communications at Cheshire and Merseyside Strategic Health Authority. [115636]

  Jacqui Smith
  The annual salary of the Head of Communications at Cheshire and Merseyside Strategic Health Authority is £42,000.

  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what training courses the Director of Communications at Cheshire and Merseyside Strategic Health Authority has attended since his appointment. [115637]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Head of Communications at Cheshire and Merseyside Strategic Health Authority took up his post in October 2002. He has received personal and professional development through the national communications network and national patient and public involvement network. He has recently attended a course on performance development and review for managers.
  359W
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what professional qualifications are held by the Director of Communications of Cheshire and Merseyside Strategic Health Authority. [115638]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Head of Communications at Cheshire and Merseyside Strategic Health Authority has a BA (Hons) upper second in public administration and a postgraduate diploma in management studies.

  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people applied for the post of Director of Communications at Cheshire and Merseyside Strategic Health Authority; and how many were interviewed. [115639]

  Jacqui Smith
  A total of 28 applicants applied for the post of Head of Communications at the Cheshire and Merseyside Strategic Health Authority. From the 28 applicants, six people were short-listed for interview and four people attended the interview.

  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will place a copy of the job description of the director of communications of Cheshire and Merseyside Strategic Health Authority in the Library. [115640]

  Jacqui Smith
  The job description for the head of communications at the Cheshire and Merseyside Strategic Health Authority has been placed in the Library.

  Child Protection
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list directives issued by his Department(a) in response to the Climbié Report and (b) following his statement to the House on 28 January. [114731]

  Jacqui Smith
  On 28 January, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State wrote to chief executives of councils with social services responsibility, national health service trusts, strategic health authorities and primary care trusts enclosing a checklist of 56 of the recommendations. Police, health and social services were asked to guarantee that within three months, these basic elements of good professional practice were in place. Copies of the letters are available in the Library.

  The report also highlighted that there was confusion about local guidance relating to child protection. My right hon. Friend announced he would publish shorter, clearer guidance which will reach every one of the one million professional staff dealing with the safeguarding of children.

  On 19 May, I published the booklet 'What To Do If You're Worried A Child Is Being Abused', under cover of a Health Service Circular/Local Authority Circular, asking chief executives of a range of health and other organisations, to ensure that the copies they receive are distributed to staff. Copies are available in the Library.

  We have also asked the Social Services Inspectorate and the Commission for Health Improvement, along with Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary to undertake joint inspections of the local services in North London with which Victoria came into contact.

  Community Health Councils
  Clive Efford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he plans to invite community health councils to continue to operate after 31 August 2003 in those areas where the new Independent Patient Advocacy Service is not in place on 1 September 2003. [114169]

  Mr. Lammy
  It is not the Governments intention to ask Community Health Councils to continue to provide complaints support after 31 August 2003.

  Compulsory Treatment Orders
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the extent to which the requirement for hospital admission of people made subject to compulsory treatment orders under the Mental Health Act 1983 has restricted the number of such orders made. [114741]

  Jacqui Smith
  No such assessment has been made. The Mental Health Act 1983 provides that people may be detained in hospital where the nature or degree of the mental disorder warrants it.

  Proposals under the Mental Health Bill would break the automatic link between using the powers and admission to hospital. Treatment in the community would provide a positive alternative for those patients who do not need to be detained in hospital and an opportunity to minimise the disruption to their lives. While the new legislation will lead to some change in the group of people treated, overall it is not the intention that more people will be subject to compulsion under the Bill. Investment under the NHS Plan and service improvements under the national service framework for mental health, such as assertive outreach, crisis resolution and early intervention, will help to provide more effective care and ensure that fewer people become so ill that they need compulsory treatment.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many staff have been employed in the Ministerial Correspondence Unit of the Department in each of the last two years. [115883]

  Mr. Lammy
  The number of staff employed in the Departments ministerial correspondence unit was 18 for both years 2001–02 and 2002–03.

  Dentistry
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many dental patients have contracted notifiable diseases following treatment with inadequately sterilised instruments in each of the last five years. [113549]

  Mr. Lammy
  We are not aware of any such incidents.

  Mr. Hoban
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on plans to establish further dental access centres in Portsmouth and South East Hampshire. [115553]

  Ms Blears
  Dental access centres have been a centrally funded initiative, running as personal dental services pilots (PDS) under the NHS (Primary Care) Act 1997. There have been four waves of PDS, the last one in 2001.
  361W
  There are no plans for further waves of similar centrally funded PDS pilots. Legislation is currently before Parliament to effect far reaching reform of National Health Service dentistry. As part of this reform programme, resources currently held centrally to pay for primary care dentistry will become part of primary care trust (PCT) allocations and PCTs will be given:
  a duty to provide primary dental services to the extent they consider reasonable
  the powers to invest from their own resources into primary care dentistry.
  It will therefore be for each PCT to decide whether, in their local circumstances, further dental access centres are an appropriate response.

  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of pregnant women received free dental treatment on the NHS in the North Shropshire constituency in the last 12 months for which figures are available. [116340]

  Mr. Lammy
  2,026 women who received dental treatment in the general dental service (GDS) in Shropshire Health Authority in the year to December 2002 were exempt from patient charges because they were pregnant.

  In addition 634 claims were made by women who received dental treatment in the personal dental service in the year to March 2003; the number of women these claims relate to could be slightly smaller than 634.

  There were 2,696 maternities in Shropshire in the year 2002.

  Departmental Pay
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to his answer of 14 April 2003,Official Report, column 606W, on departmental pay, if he will submit an action plan to the Cabinet Office on the subject and place a copy in the Library. [112321]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Department's action plan has now been finalised. A copy has been placed in the Library.

  Diabetes
  Mr. David Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made in introducing optomap to diabetic retinopathy screening procedures. [116179]

  Mr. Lammy
  The potential role of scanning laser opthalmoscopes is being considered as part of the overall programme in support of the implementaion of diabetic retinopathy screening. Further evidence is awaited. Discussions will include the manufacturers of the optomap wide field laser scanning ophthalmoscope.

  Digital Hearing Aids
  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many digital hearing aids he estimates will be fitted as part of the Modernising Hearing Aid Services project each year(a) during the build-up to full implementation of the project and (b) when the project is fully operational. [115462]
  362W
  Jacqui Smith
  By the end of April 2003, 83,397 digital hearing aids had been issued as part of the Modernising Hearing Aid Services project. Officials of the Department of Health and the Royal National Institute of Deaf People estimate that between 165,000 and 170,000 such aids will be issued in 2003–04 and between 290,000 and 330,000 in 2004–05. These estimates are based on experience gained from the project so far and are necessarily provisional. From April 2005, all hearing aids fitted in England will be digital unless an analogue aid is more appropriate for clinical reasons or because the patient prefers it.

  Domiciliary Oxygen
  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when he will announce the results of the review of domiciliary oxygen services initiated in March 2000; [115643]

  (2) what conclusions he has reached concerning provision of ambulatory oxygen for domiciliary use; [115642]

  (3) what assessment he has made of whether scope exists to improve the efficiency of domiciliary oxygen through the prescription of conserving devices. [115641]

  Mr. Lammy
  The review of the domiciliary oxygen service is at an advanced stage. It has considered the provision of ambulatory oxygen for domiciliary use and the technologies available, such as conserving devices. We expect to announce our conclusions shortly.

  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effect on the efficiency of domiciliary oxygen on the prescription of conserving drugs. [115755]

  Mr. Lammy
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave my hon. Friend, the Member for Milton Keynes South West (Dr. Phyllis Starkey) today.

  Drug Addiction
  John Mann
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many GPs have applied for specialist drug addiction training programmes in(a) 2002 and (b) to date in 2003. [113788]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 16 May 2003]The Royal College of General Practitioners is delivering Department of Health-funded training in the form of a certificate programme on the Management of Drug Misuse in Primary Care.

  In 2002, 440 general practitioners attended the training, including 40 prison doctors.

  In 2003, just under 200 GPs attended the course, as it was agreed with the Department that around 150 places would be made available to other primary care professionals who work with drug users, including nurses, pharmacists, psychiatrists, and prison medical staff.

  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent assessment he has made of the(a) availability and (b) effectiveness of treatment for drug addicts in Shropshire. [116342]
  363W
  Mr. Lammy
  Shropshire and Staffordshire Strategic Health Authority report that drug misuse treatment services in Shropshire are being developed within the Models of Care framework, which was published by the National Treatment Agency (NTA) in autumn 2002.

  The NTA also has responsibility for overseeing the pooled drug treatment budget and is monitoring all drug action teams to ensure that both the availability and effectiveness of treatment continues to improve.

  Dysphasia
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the provision of support services for patients suffering from dysphasia in the Altrincham and Sale area. [111832]

  Jacqui Smith
  Primary care trusts now have the responsibility of improving the health of the community, securing the provision of high quality services and integrating health and social care locally. They have the resources to commission services and to identify the number of professional staff that they need to deliver those services. This process provides the means for addressing local needs within the health community including the provision of services for patients who have suffered a stroke.

  Elective Ventilation
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will set out the reasons which led to his Department issuing instructions to discontinue elective ventilation. [115673]

  Mr. Lammy
  In 1994, the Department of Health received legal advice that an intervention not made with the patients consent and not made in the patients best interest was unlawful. This could leave health authorities, National Health Service trusts and individual clinicians open to the risk of prosecution for battery if the practice of elective ventilation was engaged in. In addition, there is a small risk of inducing a persistent vegetative state in some patients, which would clearly not be in their best interests.

  Endoscopy Services
  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of total funds available for cancer treatment was given to endoscopy services in(a) England, (b) the West Midlands and (c) Shropshire in the last year for which figures are available. [113863]

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of total funds available for cancer treatment was given to endoscopy services in 2002–03, broken down by NHS trust; and if he will make a statement. [114956]

  Ms Blears
  Data on expenditure on endoscopy services is not collected centrally. There has been some central funding of endoscopy training. The NHS Cancer Plan made available £2.5 million over three years to address the shortage of trained personnel able to undertake endoscopic procedures and the variation in the existing education and training for both medical and non-medical endoscopists. We are also working with the north-east London workforce development 364W
  confederation to commission national training to develop national health service capacity for the diagnostic tests needed to tackle bowel cancer.

  Eye Tests
  Mr. Dhanda
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what action he is taking to encourage parents of children under 16 to take their children for regular eye tests; [113725]

  (2) what action his Department is taking to promote early eye screening and treatment to prevent deterioration of eye health among (a) children, (b) adults and (c) pensioners. [113724]

  Mr. Lammy
  Free sight tests are available under the national health service to large parts of the population, including all those aged 60 and over, children, those aged 16–18 in full-time education, people on benefits, those people at particular risk of developing eye disease and people who are registered blind or partially sighted or who have a complex spectacle prescription. Sight tests are the ideal opportunity to review all aspects of eye health, including investigations for signs of disease. Those at risk of specific eye disease, for example, diabetic retinopathy, may be asked to attend regular screening. Overall, the number of NHS sight tests undertaken continues to increase. 9.8 million NHS sight tests were paid for by health authorities in 2001–02, an increase of 3 per cent. on 2000–01. 41 per cent. or four million of these sight tests were performed on patients aged 60 or over, a group most vulnerable to eye disease and 24 per cent. or 2.4 million on children.

  Information about the extensive arrangements for providing help with NHS optical services and other health costs are publicised in leaflet HC11 Are you entitled to help with health costs? Posters are also available for display in optical practices and hospital out-patient departments.

  In addition, we announced on 21 May that we are investing an additional 52 million to deliver shorter waiting times for cataract patients so that no patient will wait more than three months by December 2004, with most areas achieving this by the summer of 2004. We are also aiming to ensure that a minimum of 80 per cent. of people with diabetes are offered screening for the early detection and treatment, if needed, of diabetic eye disease, rising to 100 per cent. coverage by the end of 2007. This includes investment of £27 million for the NHS to purchase state of the art digital cameras and related screening equipment.

  We have promoted a system of child health and development checks. The programme of home visiting and community development makes an important contribution to many areas of health education, and fosters the early detection of problems, including those associated with eye sight in young, pre-school children. The programme also provides the opportunity to develop closer relationships between the family and the primary care team.

  Work on scoping the children's national service framework continues and the healthy child module will take into account views expressed in health for all

  365W
  children, as well as views expressed by the National Screening Committee (Children's Sub-Group) on the need for child eye screening.

  Food Additives
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his policy is on the maximum number of food additives in a product. [114395]

  Ms Blears
  I am advised by the Food Standards Agency that additives are only permitted in food if their use is technologically justified and independent experts consider them to be safe. The use of food additives is subject to strict legislative control across the European Union. Only those additives listed in the legislation may be used and then only in certain specified foods and, in a number of cases, subject to maximum permitted levels of use.

  Although there is no specific limit on the number of food additives that can be used in a product, their presence must be declared in the list of ingredients.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what steps the Government are taking to inform parents about additives in children's food; [114397]

  (2) what material the Government uses to inform parents of additives in children's food; how it is distributed; and what the cost was of production. [114396]

  Ms Blears
  The Food Standards Agency publishes a range of information on food additives on its website, including a list describing all currently permitted additives, details of the legislation in force and summaries of completed research and surveillance projects on additives. In addition the FSA's telephone inquiry point and websites Ask an expert section answers questions on food additives and children. Any new advice for parents on food additives is issued by the FSA as a press release. Costs of providing information on food additives are borne predominantly within the overall budget of the FSA's website production team and cannot be separately identified.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans the Government has to ensure food products contain the name and number of additives in the list of ingredients. [114398]

  Ms Blears
  European rules implemented here by the Food Labelling Regulations 1996 already require additives to be identified in the list of ingredients by their function, for example, preservative, colour, and either their specific name or serial number except where specific exemptions apply. There are no plans to require the name and the serial number to be given, although there is nothing to prevent this from being done voluntarily.

  Fostering
  Linda Perham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to encourage families to foster young people being looked after by local authorities. [116055]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Choice Protects Review is looking at a number of issues that affect the recruitment and retention of foster carers, including role and status,366W
  training, support and rewards. As part of the Choice Protects Review local authorities have been given a grant of £113 million over the next three years to improve services. For 2003–04, local authorities have been allocated £19.75 million to expand and strengthen their fostering services. Additionally, Fostering Network has been given a grant to develop good practice guidelines in recruitment.

  The Department has also worked closely with both the Inland Revenue and the Department for Work and Pensions to introduce an appropriate tax threshold for foster carers and extend home responsibilities protection for foster carers. Both changes were introduced at the beginning of April 2003 and should encourage recruitment and retention of foster carers.

  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on Government plans to(a) professionalise and (b) remunerate foster carers. [116805]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Choice Protects Review is looking at a number of issues that affect foster carers, including role and status, training, support, rewards and issues surrounding recruitment and retention. As part of the Choice Protects Review, local authorities have been given a grant of f 113 million over the next three years to improve services. For 2003–04, local authorities have been allocated £19.75 million to expand and strengthen their fostering services.

  There are no nationally agreed fostering allowances. Each local authority determines and pays its own rate of allowance. The Department has worked closely with both the Inland Revenue and the Department for Work and Pensions to introduce an appropriate tax threshold for foster carers and extend home responsibilities protection for foster carers. Both changes were introduced from April 2003.

  Health Scrutiny
  John Mann
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his policy is on a chair of a council health scrutiny committee who is paid for this role also being a paid member of a health trust that he or she is scrutinising. [116720]

  Mr. Lammy
  Committees must take steps to avoid any conflict of interest arising from members involvement in the bodies or decisions that they are scrutinising. A councillor who is also a non-executive director of a National Health Service body is not excluded from membership of a committees scrutiny of that NHS body. However, councillors in this position must follow the local authority protocols regarding participation where there is a risk of conflict of interest. Where such a risk is identified, they should consult their monitoring officer for advice on their involvement.

  Mr. Hoban
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent guidance has been issued to local authorities to assist them to perform their health scrutiny role. [115937]

  Mr. Lammy
  Overview and Scrutiny of Health guidance was published on 20 May 2003. Copies are available in the Library.
  367W
  This guidance supports the local authority overview and scrutiny powers to review health services.

  Health Services (Leeds)
  Mr. Truswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many Accident and Emergency department attendances have occurred at(a) St James's hospital, Leeds and (b) Leeds General Infirmary in each year since 1995. [114812]

  Jacqui Smith
  The information is not available on an individual hospital site basis, and figures are not available prior to 1998–99. Numbers of accident and emergency attendances at the Leeds Teaching hospitals national health service trust, which includes St James's hospital and the Leeds General Infirmary are shown in the table.

  Period

  Total A&E attendances

  2002–03 Quarter 3

  56,034

  2002–03 Quarter 2

  59,111

  2002–03 Quarter 1

  59,964

  2001–02

  236,026

  2000–01

  236,589

  1999–2000

  229,313

  1998–99

  232,172

  Hepatitis C
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will publish the Action Plan for Hepatitis C. [114733]

  Ms Blears
  We will be publishing an action plan to underpin implementation of the "Hepatitis C Strategy for England" in the next few months. This will form part of a blood-borne viruses action plan, as proposed in the Chief Medical Officer's infectious diseases strategy, "Getting Ahead of the Curve".

  Hospital Beds
  David Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many beds were available in the Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust in the last quarter for which figures are available; and how many were available in the preceding four quarters. [116765]

  Jacqui Smith
  I refer the right hon. Member to the response I gave him on 28 March 2003,Official Report, column 444W.

  Hospital Food
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which hospitals have privatised food providers; what measures are in place to ensure they provide good quality food; and what action can be taken against companies that fail to maintain standards. [115159]

  Mr. Lammy
  The information requested is not currently collected centrally.

  Individual hospitals are responsible for monitoring the quality of food provided, including through regular surveys of patient satisfaction. Contracts with private companies providing catering services in the National Health Service should have clear procedures to be
  368W
  followed in the event that required standards are not achieved or maintained which may ultimately lead to termination of the contract.

  Hospital Hygiene
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many hospitals have privatised cleaning services; and what measures are in place to ensure that cleaning companies keep high standards. [115157]

  Mr. Lammy
  The information requested is not currently collected.

  Monitoring of cleaning standards on a day to day basis is the responsibility of individual National Health Service trusts and contracts with private companies providing cleaning services should have clear procedures to be followed in the event that required standards are not achieved.

  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which hospitals have failed to maintain cleaning standards in the last three years; whether they have privatised cleaning services; and what action is taken against companies that do not keep to high cleaning standards. [115158]

  Mr. Lammy
  The first inspections of hospital cleanliness, undertaken by patient environment action teams in 2000, assessed 253 hospitals environmental standards, including standards of cleanliness, as poor. Following the assessments in autumn 2001, this number reduced to nil and that position was maintained in 2002. Results for 2003 are not yet available.

  Monitoring of cleaning standards on a day-to-day basis is the responsibility of individual National Health Service trusts. Contracts with private companies providing cleaning services should have clear procedures to be followed in the event that required standards are not achieved, which may range from additional cleaning to termination of the contract.

  Laming Report
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the cost of the implementation of recommendations in the Laming Report for each local authority in England. [116469]

  Jacqui Smith
  56 of the recommendations have been accepted as basic good practice, already set out in Government guidance. This good practice should already be in place in local authorities, health bodies and the police, and is covered within the budgets already allocated. The response to the Inquiry, covering all the other recommendations, will be made as part of the Green Paper on Children at Risk.

  Local Authority Caterers (Salt)
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will issue advice to local authorities on guidelines in contacts issued to caterers concerning the levels of salt in foods prepared by them. [114859]

  Ms Blears
  The Department and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) are in discussion with the Joint Food Service Industry Group about the latest recommendations on salt intakes and how they can be
  369W
  taken on board by caterers in the public and private sector. I, together with the FSA, have also written jointly to a wide range of bodies responsible for public sector catering–including local authorities–to draw their attention to the recommendations asking for them to be taken into account when tendering for processed food.

  Lymphoedema
  Tom Levitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what guidance has been given on the use of manual lymphatic drainage in the treatment of lymphoedema; [116738]

  (2) pursuant to his answer to the hon.Member for Birmingham, Selly Oak of 29th April 2003, Official Report, column 341W, on lymphoedema, what guidance (a) NICE and (b) other NHS advisory bodies give for the treatment of non-cancer related lymphoedema; [116737]

  (3) what guidance is given to GPs on the treatment of non-cancer related lymphoedema; [116740]

  (4) if manual lymphatic drainage is included in the training of physiotherapists. [116739]

  Jacqui Smith
  The National Institute for Clinical Excellence has issued guidance on the use of drugs for non-Hodgkin's lynphoma and chronic myeloid leukaemia, but not on non-cancer related lymphoedema. We have offered no guidance to general practitioners or other heal professionals on the use of manual lymphatic drainage in the treatment of lymphoedema.

  The principles of manual lymphatic drainage are taught to physiotherapists as part of their training. The decision on whether to go on and specialise in this area is one for individual physiotherapists to make.

  There is currently no cure but, with appropriate treatment, lymphoedema can be very well managed in the national health service. These treatments consist of a combination of skin care, exercise, massage and compression garments or bandaging. In a few cases it is possible to help surgically, for example by transplanting lymph vessels.

  ME
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recommendations have been made by the Chief Medical Officer to treat symptoms of myalgic encephalomyelitis. [113797]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 19 May 2003]The Chief Medical Officer has made no recommendations for treatment of this condition. We are, however, taking steps to improve services for patients with this condition. I refer the honourable Member to the response I gave him on Monday 19 May,Official Report, columns 610–11W, for information on the research initiatives, which will be looking at the effectiveness of various treatments to improve services for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME).

  I announced funding of £8.5 million on 12 May to develop services for people with CFS/ME. In July, health organisations will be invited to bid for
  370W
  development funds to set up centres of expertise to develop clinical care, support clinical research and expand education and training programmes for health care professionals and to establish satellite community multidisciplinary teams. The first phase of development will commence in April 2004.

  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans there are to recruit specialists to whom GPs can refer patients with symptoms of myalgic encephalomyelitis; and if he will make a statement. [113798]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 19 May 2003]Decisions on the staffing configuration for treating particular patient groups, including those with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ ME), are best made at a local level.

  We are however, taking steps to improve services for patients with CFS/ME. I announced funding of £8.5 million on 12 May to develop services for people with CFS/ME.

  The Medical Research Council (MRC) published a research strategy for CFS/ME on 1 May. The strategy will enable researchers and funders to develop research proposals on all aspects of this illness. It was developed by an independent research advisory group in response to a request from the Chief Medical Officer and was informed by contributions from patients, carers, charities, researchers and clinicians via a consultation exercise in summer 2002.

  The MRC has announced two initiatives in response to the strategy. One is a notice to the research community welcoming high quality proposals across the entire spectrum of CFS/ME research. The other is a scientific meeting to discuss the potential to use existing United Kingdom resources and infrastructures to undertake epidemiological studies in this country. In addition, the MRC has just announced funding, on 15 May 2003, for two trials that will look at the effectiveness of various treatments for CFS/ME. The results of these trials will help patients and their doctors to choose the best treatment. These complementary trials will assess a variety of treatments and in doing so will both help address important issues for those with CFS/ME.

  The first trial, known as PACE—Pacing, Activity and Cognitive behaviour therapy: a randomised Evaluation—will make the first assessment of a treatment choice popular with patients called Pacing. The second trial, known as FINE—Fatigue Intervention by Nurses Evaluation—will test two different treatments that are particularly suited to helping reach those who are too ill to attend a specialist clinic as patients will be treated by nurses in their own homes.

  Meningitis
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what funding his Department(a) spent in financial year 2002–03 and (b) has budgeted for the financial year 2003–04 on (i) research, (ii) vaccine and other preventive programmes and (iii) advice, information and publicity in respect of meningitis conditions. [111404]
  371W
  Ms Blears
  The spend on advice, information, publicity and research in respect of all meningitis conditions for 2002–03 is shown in the following table:

  £

  Advice, information and publicity

  132,000

  Research

  36,000

  The budget for 2003–04 for advice, information, publicity and research is shown in the following table.

  £

  Advice, information and publicity

  439,000

  Research

  20,000

  Mental Health
  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what programmes target depression in at-risk populations. [114535]

  Jacqui Smith
  The national service framework for mental health, published in September 2000 and the national suicide prevention strategy set out programmes of activity to reduce suicide.

  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research he has commissioned on the link between depression and substance abuse in women. [114537]

  Ms Blears
  The Department of Health has not recently commissioned any research on the link between depression and substance abuse in women, as the links between mental health problems and substance misuse are already well established.

  However, in 2002, the Department commissioned an evidence based document, Co-existing Problems of Mental Disorder and Substance Misuse (dual diagnosis). This is an information manual for the drugs and mental health field developed by the Royal College of Psychiatrists Research Unit, which highlights the importance of partnership work between the two fields.

  In addition to this, The National Treatment Agency has developed the 'Models of Care' document, which is effectively a national service framework for substance misuse. 'Models of Care' alerts treatment agencies to the risk of women who have accessed treatment developing recurrent mental health problems including eating disorders, self-mutilation, suicide attempts and low self-esteem.

  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what efforts are being made proactively to diagnose depression during pregnancy. [114538]

  Jacqui Smith
  General practitioners, health visitors and midwives work very closely with expectant mothers in the ante-natal phase. This will include discussions and assessment, in some cases of mood and feelings. Pregnant women who are already in contact with mental health services are monitored and treated for depression if necessary.
  372W
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the Beating the Blues cognitive behaviour programme piloted in Hungerford for dealing with depression problems. [115096]

  Jacqui Smith
  No direct assessment has been made of the computerised cognitive behavioural treatment for depression called Beating the Blues. However, the Department of Health commissioned the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) to appraise this and similar approaches. The report was published in October 2002 and is available on the NICE website at www.nice.org.uk. The appraisal will be reviewed again in due course.

  Mental Health Services
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) whether he plans to include a duty on primary care trusts to provide age-appropriate mental health services under the proposed Mental Health Bill; [114740]

  (2) when he expects to publish the clauses relating to children for the proposed Mental Health Bill. [114739]

  Jacqui Smith
  The purpose of the proposed Mental Health Bill is to provide a legal framework for when someone can be treated for their mental disorder without consent. It is not about providing services or the standards of service provision. Therefore, it is not proposed to include a duty on primary care trusts to provide age-appropriate mental health services in the Bill.

  Reform of the legislation is only one strand of the Governments strategy. It should be seen alongside increased investment under the NHS Plan and modernisation of services under national service frameworks (NSFs) for standards of care for working-age adults with mental health problems.

  The first part of the NSF for children, young people and maternity services emphasises the need for age-appropriate care and environments for children and young people when in hospital. This will be a key theme throughout the full NSF to be published in the next year.

  An expert working group is developing a section of the NSF specifically on child and adolescent mental health services.

  Clauses relating to children for the proposed Mental Health Bill will be published when the full Bill is introduced in Parliament. The Bill will be introduced as soon as parliamentary time allows.

  NHS Dentists
  Mr. Hurst
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS dentists there were per head of population in Essex in each year from 1990–2002. [115189]

  Mr. Lammy
  The available information is for the general dental service (GDS).
  373W
  The information in the following table shows the number of GDS dentists per 100,000 population in the Essex area at September each year from 1990 to 2001 and at 31 December 2002. The number of dentists includes principals, assistants and vocational dental practitioners. Health authorities (HA) replaced the family health service authorities (FHSA) in 1996.

  General Dental Service: Number of Dentists per 100,000 population1 in the Essex area, 1990–2002

  Health authority

  Number of dentists per 100,000 population

  Essex SHA

  31 December 2002

  33

  North Essex and South Essex HA

  30 September 2001

  43

  30 September 2000

  43

  30 September 1999

  41

  30 September 1998

  40

  30 September 1997

  39

  30 September 1996

  37

  Essex FHSA

  30 September 1995

  37

  30 September 1994

  37

  30 September 1993

  37

  30 September 1992

  35

  30 September 1991

  35

  30 September 1990

  34

  1 1990–2001 ONS mid year population estimates based on the 1991 census.

  Note:

  2002 GP resident relevant population estimates constrained by the 2001 census

  Patients who have difficulty accessing a high street dentist can receive national health service dental care from the community dental service (CDS). There is the equivalent of 13.5 full-time dentists working in the CDS in Essex.

  There is a personal dental services pilot treating children in North Essex. Four dentists, four nurses, an oral health educator and a therapist work in the surgery.

  Mr. Hurst
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of the population in Essex has been registered with an NHS dentist in each of the last 12 years. [115190]

  Mr. Lammy
  At 31 December 2002, 48.4 per cent. of the population of Essex Strategic Health Authority was registered with a general dental service (GDS) dentist. The information in the following table shows the percentage of the population registered with a GDS dentist in the Essex area, at September each year from 1991 to 2001.

  General Dental Service: Percentage of the population registered with a GPS dentist in Essex, 1991–2001

  Percentage of population registered with a GDS dentist

  North Essex and South Essex HA

  2001

  59.0

  2000

  60.3

  1999

  59.0

  1998

  57.3

  1997

  64.2

  1996

  65.1

  374W

  General Dental Service: Percentage of the population registered with a GPS dentist in Essex, 1991–2001

  Percentage of population registered with a GDS dentist

  Essex FHSA

  1995

  66.5

  1994

  69.5

  1993

  70.0

  1992

  68.6

  1991

  51.0

  Note:

  1991–2001 ONS mid year population estimates based on the 1991 census.

  Registrations lapse if patients do not return to their dentist within 15 months and so the registration figures exclude patients who have not been to their GDS dentist within the past 15 months. Also excluded from the figures are patients who receive dental treatment from other national health service dental services including dental access centres.

  Registration rates from 1998 onwards are not comparable with earlier rates because of reduction in registration periods to 15 months.

  Registrations began in October 1990 and the September 1991 figure is low because registration numbers were building up.

  Patients who have difficulty accessing a high street dentist can receive NHS dental care from the community dental service.

  In addition, there is a personal dental services pilot in North Essex treating children only. 2,848 children were seen in the pilot in 2002–03.

  Mr. Hoban
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients were registered with NHS dentists in Hampshire in each year from 1997 to 2002. [115554]

  Ms Blears
  The table shows the number of registrations in the Hampshire area at 30 September in each of the years 1997 to 2002. The Hampshire area covers North and Mid Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and South East Hampshire and Southampton and South West Hampshire

  Registrations lapse if patients do not return to their dentists within 15 months. Registrations will exclude patients who haven't been to their general dental service (GDS) dentist within the past 15 months and patients who receive dental treatment from other National Health Service dental services.

  The September 1997 figure is not comparable with the later figures because of change in the registration periods for adults and children. The figures do not include patients attending the dental access centres which opened during the period and whose patients are not registered.

  Patients wishing to register with a GDS dentist can obtain details of dentists accepting new patients by contacting NHS Direct.

  375W

  General Dental Service: Number of registrations in Hampshire area at 30 September 1997 to 2002

  At 30 September

  Number of patients registered (thousands)

  1997

  951

  1998

  842

  1999

  823

  2000

  824

  2001

  818

  2002

  801

  Mr. Hoban
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many dentists treated NHS patients in Hampshire in each year from 1997 to 2002. [115555]

  Ms Blears
  The table shows the number of general dental service (CDS) dentists in Hampshire area at 30 September in each of the years 1997 to 2002. The Hampshire area covers North and Mid Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and South East Hampshire and Southampton and South West Hampshire.

  The number of dentist includes principals, assistants and vocational dental practitioners.

  General Dental Service: Number of dentists, at 30 September 1997 to 2002 Hampsire (including Isle of Wight)

  At 30 September

  Number of GDS dentists

  1997

  569

  1998

  601

  1999

  623

  2000

  628

  2001

  644

  2002

  647

  These figures are on a headcount basis rather than whole time equivalent (wte) basis and therefore take no account of part time working. In the GDS, dentists can vary the amount of National Health Service work they do; many also do some private work.

  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of the population of Leeds, West constituency was registered with a NHS dentist in each of the last five years. [116182]

  Jacqui Smith
  The information requested is shown in the table.

  General Dental Service: percentage of the population registered with a NHS dentist, 1998 to 2002, in Leeds Health Authority

  At 30 September

  Percentage population registered with a GDS dentist

  1998

  53.0

  1999

  52.5

  2000

  52.5

  2001

  51.5

  2002

  50.4

  Note:

  ONS mid-year population estimates based on the 2001 census.

  Source:

  Department of Health.

  At 28 February 2003, 53.5 per cent. of the population for Leeds West Primary Care Trust (PCT) was registered with a general dentist service dentist.

  Overview and Scrutiny Committees
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to issue guidance for setting up local authority health OSC committees. [116744]

  Mr. Lammy
  "Overview and Scrutiny of Health—Guidance" was published on 20 May 2003. Copies have been placed in the Library.

  Prescriptions
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to permit pharmacists to supply prescriptions in quantities of 28 pills when 30 have been prescribed. [115691]

  Mr. Lammy
  We have made clear we will look at allowing the rounding of prescriptions for 28 or 30 doses and multiples thereof, to increase the number of prescriptions which can be dispensed in whole patient packs. We will discuss this with the pharmaceutical services negotiating committee in the context of our overall desire to simplify the rules governing their reimbursement for medicines supplied on the national health service.

  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the cost to the NHS of the disposal of broken patient packs by pharmacists in each of the last three years. [115694]

  Mr. Lammy
  Information is available only about the total cost of broken bulk payments. These are payments made to pharmacies for medicines which remain unused six months after the pharmacy has purchased the minimum quantity necessary to dispense a prescription. The available information is shown in the table.

  £ million

  Resource figure

  Cash figure

  2002–03

  5.4

  5.3

  2001–02

  5.6

  5.6

  2000–01

  n/a

  5.9

  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the potential of bar coding medicine packs for transfer to prescription forms. [115695]

  Mr. Lammy
  The Prescription Pricing Authority operates high-speed machines to count and number prescription forms as they are received. This is necessary in order to calculate advance payments to community pharmacies and to ensure that any individual prescription form can be retrieved from storage if required, for example, for the purposes of investigating fraud. These machines could not operate if bar codes from medicine packs were transferred to prescription forms.

  Primary Care Trusts
  Janet Anderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what annual salaries are paid to the senior officers of the primary care trusts serving East Lancashire. [116131]
  377W
  Jacqui Smith
  Information on the salaries of individual primary care trust managers is not available centrally.

  PCTs are required to disclose in their published accounts details of the remuneration of senior managers.

  Prison Doctors
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many prison doctors are employed full-time in prisons in England and Wales. [116710]

  Jacqui Smith
  As of 1 May 2003, there were 65 full-time prison doctors employed by the Prison Service in England and Wales.

  Although the majority of other doctors working in prisons would be employed by the national health service, detailed information is not held centrally.

  Public Bodies
  Dr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to his answer of 26 February 2003,Official Report, column 645W, on public bodies, whether estimates of costing have been undertaken on the reorganisation from the Commission for Health Improvement and the National Care Standards Commission to the Commission for Healthcare Audit and Inspection and the Social Services Inspectorate; and if he will place copies of the estimates in the Library. [113698]

  Jacqui Smith
  I refer the hon. Member to the explanatory notes in the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Bill, which is available in the Library. These estimate the total cost of establishing the Commission for Healthcare Audit and Inspection and the Commission for Social Care Inspection as being in the region of £22 million.

  Secondments
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 28 April 2003,Official Report, column 292W, on secondments, how many individuals have been seconded to his Department from the private sector since 1997, in each case listing (a) from which organisation and (b) the dates of the secondment. [114173]

  Mr. Lammy
  The Department has no records of any secondments from the private sector.

  Sickness Absence
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many staff in the Department have been on long-term sick leave in each of the last two years. [115863]

  Mr. Lammy
  We have defined long-term sick leave to be—absence from work due to sickness for a period of 90 days and over.

  The information requested is shown in the table.
  378W

  Financial Year

  1Number

  2001–02

  47

  2002–03

  22

  1 Staff on long term sick leave

  Staff members whose absence spans from one year to another are counted again in the second year.

  Suicide Prevention Strategy
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the progress made by the Suicide Prevention Strategy. [114789]

  Jacqui Smith
  Implementation of the national suicide prevention strategy for England is being taken forward by the National Institute for Mental Health (NIMHE) as one of its core programmes of work. NIMHE is in the process of developing partnerships across Government and its agencies, and with other organisations to ensure a co-ordinated approach at a national level. A number of NIMHE's development centres have appointed mental health promotion and suicide prevention leads to ensure successful implementation and ownership at a local level.

  Much of the initial work following the launch of the strategy has been in terms of building capacity at both a national and local level for implementation. Early discussions have taken place with a range of organisations and individuals that had expressed an interest in helping implementation. A number of early deliverables where we could make good progress in the first year have also been identified, including:
  The development of a toolkit to support implementation of Standard 7 of the national service framework for mental health (prevention of suicide);
  The establishment of mental health promotion pilots aimed at young men;
  A link from the NIMHE website to Farming Link which provides confidential help for all in the farming and rural communities;
  The establishment of mental health promotion pilots aimed at young men;
  A link from the NIMHE website to Farming Link which provides confidential help for all in the farming and rural communities;
  Response to the Review of Coroners Services highlighting the need to ensure that the Coroners Service addresses the specific needs of people bereaved by suicide;
  The development of a support pack for people in contact with families bereaved by suicide;
  Through the 'mind out for mental health campaign', a media guide has been produced which highlights ways of ensuring the media report about mental health and suicides in a more responsible way;
  Workshops for students at journalist colleges now contain a session on the reporting of suicides.

  Sustainable Development
  Mrs. Calton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the remit relating to sustainable development(a) required and (b) undertaken by his Departments (i) executive agencies, (ii) advisory

  379W
  non-departmental bodies, (iii) executive non-departmental bodies; (iv) tribunals, (v) public corporations and (vi) other bodies. [114504]

  Ms Blears
  The Departments strategy on sustainable development reflects the Governments overall sustainable development strategy. The Departments strategy seeks to promote and encourage sustainable development principles throughout the Department and the national health service, including those agencies and other bodies for which the Department has responsibility.

  Departmental agencies and other bodies may draw up their own sustainable development strategies. For example, the Departments NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency has recently published its new sustainable development policy. This can be found on its website at http://www.pasa.nhs.uk/environment

  Progress on Department of Health sustainable development activity can be tracked on the Departments web page at http://www.doh.gov.uk/ sustainabledevelopment.

  Telecommunications Masts
  Mr. John MacDougall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what evidence he has assessed of cancer rates among people who live or work within a(a) five-mile radius and (b) 10-mile radius of telecommunications masts in the UK. [115939]

  Ms Blears
  A study of radio and television transmission masts published in 1996 by the Small Area Health Statistics Unit concluded that people living close to such masts are not at increased risk of developing leukaemia.

  Radiofrequency (RF) emissions from mobile phone base stations are currently being considered under the LINK mobile telecommunications and health research programme (MTHR). Concerns about possible health risks from exposure to emissions from mobile phone transmitters are being addressed by MTHR in a recently commissioned epidemiological study. Further information can be found on the web site at www.mthr.org.uk.

  Over the last few years a number of groups have assessed the possible health effects of exposure to RF radiation. These include reports from a Royal Society of Canada Expert Panel (1999), The Health Council of the Netherlands (2000), an Expert Group set up by the French Government (2001) and the British Medical Association (2001) as well as the Stewart Report (2000). In all cases the conclusion has been that the epidemiological evidence currently available does not suggest that RF exposure causes cancer. The public health implications of mobile phone base stations were comprehensively assessed by the Stewart independent expert group on mobile phones (www.iegmp.org.uk) in May 2000 and concluded that:
  The balance of evidence indicates that there is no general risk to the health of people living near to base stations on the basis that exposures are expected to be small fractions of guidelines.

  Measurements undertaken by the National Radiological Protection Board and the Radiocommunications Agency have confirmed that public exposures are very
  380W
  much lower than the international guidelines and are published on the websites at www.nrpb.org and www.radio.gov.uk respectively.

  Waiting Times
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many accident and emergency departments performed better than average for waiting times during the monitoring week at the end of March 2003 compared to the previous 51 weeks; and which they were. [116454]

  Mr. Lammy
  The NHS Plan set the target to reduce by the end of 2004, the maximum time any patient spends in accident and emergency (A&E) from arrival to transfer, discharge or admission to four hours. A national interim milestone was set for 90 per cent. of patients to spend less than four hours in A&E by week ending 30 March 2003.

  Provisional management information suggests that over two thirds of trusts were performing better by week ending 30 March than their average for the whole year. This would be expected due to the gradual improvement needed nationally to achieve the 90 per cent, milestone from the figure of 77 per cent., achieved in March 2002.

  Final information detailing performance of individual trusts at the end of March will be made available as part of the performance ratings later in the summer.

  David Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people waited over 12 months for an operation in Hull and the East Riding in the last quarter for which figures are available; and what the figures were for the preceding four quarters. [116734]

  Jacqui Smith
  The information requested is shown in the following table.

  Patients waiting over 12 months for elective inpatient admission: Position at the end of the quarter

  Quarter ending

  Organisation

  Over 12 month waiters

  31 March 2002

  Hull and East Riding HA

  303

  30 June 2002

  East Yorkshire PCT

  24

  30 June 2002

  Yorkshire Wolds and Coast PCT

  27

  30 June 2002

  Eastern Hull PCT

  38

  30 June 2002

  West Hull PCT

  48

  30 September 2002

  East Yorkshire PCT

  0

  30 September 2002

  Yorkshire Wolds and Coast PCT

  2

  30 September 2002

  Eastern Hull PCT

  7

  30 September 2002

  West Hull PCT

  7

  31 December 2002

  East Yorkshire PCT

  6

  31 December 2002

  Yorkshire Wolds and Coast PCT

  18

  31 December 2002

  Eastern Hull PCT

  9

  31 December 2002

  West Hull PCT

  16

  31 March 2003

  East Yorkshire PCT

  0

  31 March 2003

  Yorkshire Wolds & Coast PCT

  0

  31 March 2003

  Eastern Hull PCT

  0

  31 March 2003

  West Hull PCT

  0

  Source:

  Department of Health form QF01

  David Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients admitted to accident and emergency departments in Hull and East Yorkshire waited longer than 12 hours prior to admission, transfer or discharge, in the last quarter for which figures are available; and how many there were in the preceding four quarters. [116764]
  381W
  Jacqui Smith
  I refer the right hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 25 March 2003,Official Report, column 187W.

WORK AND PENSIONS

  Biocides Directive
  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the implementation of the Biocides Directive. [115800]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  The Biocidal Products Directive 98/8/EC was implemented in Great Britain by the Biocidal Products Regulations 2001 (SI 2001/880) (as amended), which came into force on 6 April 2001, and in Northern Ireland by the Biocidal Products Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2001 (SR2001/422) (as amended), which came into operation on 16 January 2002. Copies of the Regulations are available in the Library.

  Antisocial Behaviour
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the basis was for his statement on page 1 of Annex B of his Consultation Paper on Housing Benefit Sanctions and Anti-Social Behaviour regarding the relative effects of anti-social behaviour on(a) tenants in social housing and (b) people in deprived areas. [116726]

  Malcolm Wicks
  There have been a number of recent analyses of anti-social behaviour. For example:

  The Report of Policy Action Team 8: Anti-social behaviour, published in March 2000; and

  Anti-social Behaviour and Disorder: Findings from the 2000 British Crime Survey. Findings 145 (Budd T and Sims L; Home Office 2001), quoted in Tackling Antisocial Behaviour in Mixed Tenure Areas (research report; ODPM 2003).

  Both reports covered the areas referred to in the consultation paper.

  Benefits
  Mrs. Calton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment has been made of the numbers of claimants who experienced a delay in claiming benefits in the last 12 months because the nature of their incapacity prevented them from claiming; and how long the average delay was. [115520]

  Malcolm Wicks
  The information is not available.

  A person has. up to three months following the date they become eligible for incapacity benefit in which to make a claim. In addition, claims for Income Support can be backdated for up to three months if the person making the claim is ill or disabled and it has not been reasonably practicable to obtain help in making the claim earlier.

  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many JSA claimants were subject to a benefit sanction for breach of the labour market condition or New Deal rule in each quarter since the start of 1997, broken down by the categories by which they are recorded. [113932]
  382W
  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  [holding answer 19 May 2003]Information is only recorded on the number of sanctions imposed. It is not possible to say how many individuals have been sanctioned as an individual could be subject to more than one sanction. Information on the number of sanctions imposed for the periods requested is published in the quarterly publications Labour Market Statistics Analysis of Adjudication Officers Decisions and, from the quarter ending 30 June 2002, the Labour Market Statistics Analysis of Sector Decision Making. Copies of these publications are available in the Library.

  Carers Premium
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to his answer of 19 May 2003,Official Report, columns 636–37W, ref 112670, what the (a) cost is and (b) how many beneficiaries there are of extending the carers premium to those with an established entitlement to carers allowance who are in receipt of a basic state pension but no other benefit that would disqualify the beneficiary by virtue of the overlapping benefit rules. [115917]

  Maria Eagle
  People in receipt of basic state pension who are entitled to, but not receiving the carers allowance because of the overlapping benefit rules are able to receive a carer premium in the minimum income guarantee.

  Child Support Agency
  John Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate how long it will take to process new applications to the Child Support Agency under the Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Act 2002. [116577]

  Malcolm Wicks
  We have set a target to be achieved by the end of 2003–04 for the Agency to establish maintenance payment arrangements on average within six weeks of first receiving an application that will be calculated under the new scheme.

  Compensation
  Annabelle Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what the time threshold is for the payment of compensation in recognition of undue delay in processing(a) attendance allowance, (b) attendance allowance (special rules), (c) attendance allowance (renewals), (d) bereavement benefit, (e) child benefit, (f) disability living allowance, (g) disability living allowance (special rules), (h) incapacity benefit, (i) income support, (j) invalidity benefit, (k) jobseeker's allowance (contributory), (l) jobseekers allowance (income based), (m) maternity allowance, (n) sickness benefit, (o) social fund community care grants and budgeting loans, (p) social fund (funeral) payments, (q) social fund (maternity) payments, (r) unemployment benefit, (s) widows benefit and (t) widows payment; [115506]

  (2) in how many cases where there has been a delay in processing benefits that does not breach the indicator of delay compensation has compensation been paid in each year since 1997, broken down by benefit category. [115508]
  383W
  Malcolm Wicks
  Financial redress for maladministration can be considered when the payment of benefit is unreasonably and exceptionally delayed due to official error and the indicator of delay has been breached for that benefit. The information requested on indicators of delay is in the table.

  Financial redress for delays in the payment of benefit cannot be considered unless the relevant indicator is breached. Information is not, therefore, available in cases where the relevant indicator has not been breached.

  Financial redress for maladministration—indicators of delay in the payment of benefit

  Benefit

  Length of delay (Months)

  Attendance Allowances (including renewals)

  7

  Attendance Allowances (Special Rules)

  2

  Bereavement Allowance

  4

  Bereavement Payment

  2

  Child Benefit

  4

  Disability Living Allowance

  7

  Disability Living Allowance (Special Rules)

  2

  Incapacity Benefit

  4

  Income Support

  2

  Invalidity Benefit

  4

  Jobseeker's Allowance (Income-based and contributory)

  3

  Maternity Allowance

  5

  Sickness Benefit

  4

  Social Fund Community Care Grants and Budgeting Loans

  3

  Social Fund Funeral Payments

  5

  Social Fund Sure Start Maternity Grants

  3

  Unemployment Benefit

  2

  Widowed Parents Allowance

  4

  Widows Benefit

  4

  Widows Payment

  2

  Notes:

  1. Incapacity benefit replaced invalidity benefit and sickness benefit from April 1995.

  2. Jobseeker's allowance replaced unemployment benefit from October 1996.

  3. Bereavement benefits replaced widows payments and widows benefit (for new claims) from April 2001.

  4. The Inland Revenue took over the administration of child benefit from April 2003.

  Criminal Injuries Compensation
  David Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make it his policy that compensation under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme is not treated as capital for the purposes of assessing the victims entitlement to income-related benefit; and if he will make a statement. [116038]

  Malcolm Wicks
  Lump sum payments from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Agency made directly to the injured person or someone acting on their behalf, or to a contingency fund as part of a structured settlement are subject to the normal capital rules when assessing entitlement to income-related benefits. However, payments placed in a trust fund for the injured person are disregarded in full. We have no plans to change this policy.

  Departmental Report
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the cost was of the publication of the 2001 Departmental Report. [112814]
  384W
  Maria Eagle
  The Department for Work and Pensions published its first Departmental Report in May 2002. The cost of production incurred by the Department for the 2002 Report was £94,940.The costs of printing and publishing are met by the publisher, The Stationery Office Ltd., and do not fall to Government.

  Disability Living Allowance
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will exempt people with severe mental illness who receive disability living allowance from having to periodically reapply for benefit. [116324]

  Maria Eagle
  Disability Living Allowance may be awarded for an indefinite period or for a fixed period. The length of the award in individual cases depends on for how long the decision-maker considers that the severely disabled person will, or is likely to, continue to satisfy the entitlement conditions for the benefit in the light of the available evidence about their personal care needs and mobility needs. Decision makers are trained to make awards for the period that is supported by the evidence, and people who receive a fixed period award are invited to make a further claim some 6 months before the award expires.

  We have no plans to change these arrangements. People who are dissatisfied with the length of their DLA award can ask for the decision to be reconsidered and have the right to appeal to an independent tribunal.

  Disabled People (Employment)
  Linda Perham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he is taking(a) to reduce the unemployment rate for disabled people and (b) to promote equal rates of pay for disabled workers. [113911]

  Maria Eagle
  We have introduced a range of measures to help people with disabilities secure work, where they are ready and able to do so. We are making work pay for people with disabilities through the disabled persons tax credit/working tax credit and the national minimum wage, and Jobcentre Plus has a range of specialist programmes for people with disabilities, providing support in finding, keeping and training for work.

  "Pathways to Work—Helping People into Employment", published in November 2002, is the next step forward in the Governments welfare to work strategy for people with health conditions or disabilities. It outlines plans to pilot a new approach in three areas from October 2003, with a further tranche beginning from April 2004, giving early and frequent support to those on incapacity benefit from skilled personal advisers, together with direct access to specialist programmes and clear financial incentives to work.

  The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) prevents an employer from discriminating against a disabled person in the terms and conditions under which employment is offered. We recognise that it is important for employers to be aware of their duties under this Act, and there has been a concerted effort since 1999 to raise awareness and understanding of disability and the DDA. In addition, we are continuing to work with the Disability Rights Commission and other key stakeholders to promote a greater awareness and understanding of the rights of disabled people.

  Employment Zones
  Paul Holmes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how many entrants to employment zones have re-entered for(a) a second time, (b) a third time and (c) more than three times since the scheme began (i) in total and (ii) broken down by zone; and if he will make a statement; [114460]

  (2) how many people have entered employment zones since the programme began (i) in total and (ii) broken down by zone; and if he will make a statement; [114461]

  (3) how many (a) disabled people and (b) women have re-entered employment zones for (i) a second time, (ii) a third time and (iii) more than three times in each year since the scheme began (A) in total and (B) broken down by zone; and if he will make a statement; [114492]

  (4) how many entrants classified as (a) white and
  (b) black have re-entered employment zones for (i) a second time, (ii) a third time and (iii) more than three times in each year since the scheme began (A) in total and (B) broken down by zone; and if he will make a statement; [114493]

  (5) how many entrants classified by racial origin as Indian sub-Continent have re-entered employment zones for (a) a second time, (b) a third time and (c)
  more than three times in each year since the scheme began (i) in total and (ii) broken down by zone; and if he will make a statement; [114494]

  (6) how many entrants classified by racial origin as other have re-entered employment zones for (a) a second time, (b) a third time and (c) more than three times in each year since the scheme began (i) in total and (ii) broken down by zone; and if he will make a statement. [114495]

  Bradford district—employment programmes

  Full year allocation

  Budget allocation for the Bradford District (this includes the budget for Bradford Jobcentre)

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  2002–03

  Full year provisional allocation Mainstream programme costs

  Work based learning for adults

  —

  —

  992,445

  1,246,552

  Jobfinders grant

  —

  20,308

  5,200

  —

  TIS interview fares

  7,161

  12,506

  20,065

  26,166

  National development

  —

  9,973

  —

  26,000

  Work trials

  1,326

  1;082

  1,378

  2,115

  Jobplan jobsearch support

  310,226

  303,171

  PWD jobseeker fares

  —

  —

  —

  550

  Employment rehabilitation

  —

  —

  55,000

  Restart interview fares

  1,545

  1,372

  749

  576

  Job introduction scheme

  —

  —

  —

  28,549

  Resource centres

  318,469

  330,834

  —

  —

  Total

  328,501

  376,075

  1,330,063

  1,688,679

  ND 18–25 + programmes

  Employment subsidy

  421,110

  327,246

  279,961

  249,464

  Gateway

  386,207

  849,520

  2,544,853

  1,308,754

  Follow through

  88,851

  8,207

  5,316

  7,200

  Vol

  643,210

  439,967

  573,652

  709,531

  ETF

  412,550

  302,639

  425,767

  416,322

  FTET

  1,005,327

  549,383

  390,712

  686,673

  ND1 8–25 + work placement routway

  —

  —

  711,199

  1,487,660

  ND1 8–25 + ETO achieve training

  54,076

  36,502

  12,933

  —

  ND General

  1,613,311

  —

  142,534

  461,032

  Total

  4,624,642

  2,513,464

  5,086,927

  5,326,636

  386W
  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  Figures for individual return spells on Employment Zones are not available. Figures for returners as a whole have been placed in the Library.

  Job Centres
  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the total budget was of Bradford Job Centre; what the total number of staff was; and what the budget allocation for each employment programme was in each year since 1 April 1995. [112842]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  [holding answer 12 May 2003]All staffing, running costs and programme budgets are allocated at District level and are not available for individual offices. However, we have been able to extract the running costs for staffing and goods and services for the Bradford Jobcentres.

  There are two Jobcentres within Bradford: Eastbrook Court and Vicar Lane. The following tables show (i) the running costs for staffing and goods and services as a whole for the two Jobcentres in Bradford from 1999 and (ii) the programme budget allocation for Bradford District as a whole from 1999.

  Bradford Jobcentres (Eastbrook Court/Vicar Lane)— salary/ goods and services budgets and staffing data

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  2002–03

  Salaries budget

  3,112,655

  3,045,618

  3,371,468

  4,649,445

  Goods and services budget

  184,595

  169,489

  182,226

  229,170

  Total

  3,297,250

  3,215,107

  3,553,694

  4,878,615

  Staff in post

  Whole time equivalents

  183

  174

  183

  223

  Staff in post

  192

  184

  194

  236

  Notes:

  1. Figures for the new Jobcentre Plus organization including benefit processing staff in the Vicar Lane site. Previous years figures are the Employment Service only.

  Source:

  Bradford District—General Ledger

  387W

  Bradford district—employment programmes

  Full year allocation

  Budget allocation for the Bradford District (this includes the budget for Bradford Jobcentre)

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  2002–03

  Lone parent programmes

  LP child care payments

  1,904

  6,995

  11,133

  529,378

  LP refund of fares

  255

  839

  4,470

  3,572

  LP Refund Training Course Fees

  4,361

  11,702

  26,599

  28,625

  LP Programme Centre

  18,480

  86,048

  111,795

  5,999

  Total

  25,000

  105,584

  153,997

  567,574

  ND Partners Programmes

  ND Partners

  —

  36,450

  —

  207,362

  ND Partners Fares & Fees

  —

  36,450

  300

  —

  ND Partners Client Expenses

  —

  8,105

  86,215

  —

  Training Allowance Payments

  —

  —

  90

  —

  Total

  —

  81,005

  86,605

  207,362

  ND 50+ programmes

  ND50+ programmes

  —

  13,500

  6,165

  9,061

  Total ND50+ programmes

  —

  13,500

  6,165

  9,061

  Source:

  Year End Financial Management Reports

  This information could be provided only for periods to 1999–2000 at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many full-time equivalent(a) permanent and (b) fixed term staff worked at the Job Centre in Sutton in each of the last three years. [112641]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  The average staffing levels at Sutton Jobcentre for the last three years are in the table.

  Year

  Average full time equivalent staffing levels

  2002–03

  32.5

  2001–02

  32.9

  2000–03

  33.4

  Source:

  Business Manager, Sutton Jobcentre.

  Due to permanent staff turnover during these periods, Jobcentre Plus estimate that around 10 per cent. of these were staff on short-term temporary contracts.

  Jobseeker's Allowance
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the rates of Unemployment Benefit/ Jobseekers Allowance (Contributions) were for a single claimant over the age of 25 in each year since 1979; and what those rates would have been had the benefit been uprated annually in line with the percentage increases in average earnings. [113933]

  Malcolm Wicks
  [holding answer 19 May 2003]The levels of social security benefits are reviewed each year and approved by Parliament. A range of factors is considered when reviewing benefit levels. As a contributory benefit Unemployment Benefit was uprated using the Retail Price Index. When Jobseekers Allowance was introduced in 1996 it was decided that both income-based and contribution-based Jobseekers Allowance would be uprated using the Rossi index.

  The information requested is set out in the table.
  388W

  Unemployment benefit/Jobseeker's Allowance (contributory) for a single claimant over 25

  £ per week

  Date of uprating

  Rate of Unemployment Benefit/Jobseeker's Allowance1

  Value if 1978 amount had been uprated in line with average earnings2

  November 1978

  15.75

  15.75

  November 1979

  18.50

  18.75

  November 1980

  20.65

  22.20

  November 1981

  22.50

  24.80

  November 1982

  25.00

  26.90

  November 1983

  27.05

  29.20

  November 1984

  28.45

  30.70

  November 1985

  30.45

  33.35

  July 1986

  30.80

  34.90

  April 1987

  31.45

  36.80

  April 1988

  32.75

  39.65

  April 1989

  34.70

  43.20

  April 1990

  37.35

  47.40

  April 1991

  41.40

  51.85

  April 1992

  43.10

  55.80

  April 1993

  44.65

  58.40

  April 1994

  45.45

  59.90

  April 1995

  46.45

  61.90

  April 1996

  48.25

  63.70

  April 1997

  49.15

  66.30

  April 1998

  50.35

  69.10

  April 1999

  51.40

  72.40

  April 2000

  52.20

  75.60

  April 2001

  53.05

  78.60

  April 2002

  53.95

  82.00

  April2003

  54.65

  84.95

  Source:

  DWP Information Centre, Information and Analysis Directorate

  Notes:

  1. Jobseeker's Allowance replaced Unemployment Benefit on 7 October 1996.

  2. Figures have been calculated by uprating the November 1978 value in line with the average earnings index for each year and have been rounded to the nearest 5 pence at each uprating.

  Local Authority Funding
  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what specific or direct grants have been made by his Department to local authorities for
  389W
  2003–04 (a) in England and (b) broken down by local authority, identifying whether the grant is (i) ring fenced, (ii) a specific formula grant, (iii) within aggregate external finance and (iv) outside aggregate external finance. [114917]

  Malcolm Wicks
  Details of the grants provided for 2003–04 by the Department for Work and Pensions, broken down by local authority, have been placed in the Library. The grants, which are based on a specific formula, provide subsidies relating to the costs of administering Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit, the start-up and ongoing costs of Pension Credit, and the ongoing costs of New Tax Credits, each of which are listed separately. The grants are not ring-fenced and are included in aggregate external finance.

  Minimum Income Guarantee
  Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of entitled pensioners aged(a) 60 to 64, (b) 65 to 69, (c) 70 to 74, (d) 75 to 79 and (e) 80 years and older claimed the minimum income guarantee in the latest year for which figures are available; and what the (i) mean and (ii) median benefit not claimed were for each age group. [116255]

  Maria Eagle
  Reliable estimates of take-up and the amounts unclaimed of the Minimum Income Guarantee are not available by age.

  An examination of data underlying the latest MIG take-up statistics, which relate to 2000–01, indicates that there was no evidence of a clear difference in take-up between younger and older pensioners.

  Ministerial Transport
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the cost of(a) ministerial cars and drivers and (b) taxis for his Department was in 2002. [101537]

  Maria Eagle
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office (Douglas Alexander) on 20 May 2003,Official Report, column 663W.

  The cost of taxi fares incurred by the Department for Work and Pensions is not recorded centrally and the information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  New Deal for Young People
  Paul Holmes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how many people have gained a first Level 2 qualification under the New Deal for Young People in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement; [114475]

  (2) how many people gained a first Level 2 qualification via the employer option under the New Deal for Young People in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement; [114477]

  (3) how many people have entered the full-time education and training option under the New Deal for Young People without a first Level 2 qualification in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement. [114487]
  390W
  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  Information on the achievement of qualifications by New Deal for Young People participants is not collected on a national basis. The success of the programme is measured through the number of young people starting and sustaining work.

  The achievement of qualifications is an important element in the development and employability of young people and training within the New Deal for Young People is aimed at equipping young people with the skills and knowledge to enter sustained employment.

  Information on qualifications held and subsequently achieved through New Deal is recorded and monitored by New Deal Personal Advisers on an individual basis at local level. However, information at national level could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Pension Credit
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the cost of the pension credit in(a) 2004, (b) 2010, (c) 2020, (d) 2030, (e) 2040 and (f) 2050 under the three alternative scenarios in the document entitled The Pension Credit: Long-term projections if the incomes that pensioners bring to account in income-assessed benefits rise in line with prices, rather than average earnings whilst all other assumptions used in the scenario are unchanged. [114554]

  Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assumptions have been made concerning the growth in pensioners incomes from non-state sources in the estimates of future expenditure on pension credit shown in figure A3.1 of the Pensions Green Paper; what the estimated expenditure would be if this growth were(a) half the level assumed; and (b) three-quarters the level assumed. [116256]

  Maria Eagle
  The latest projections of the full cost of Pension Credit (guarantee credit and savings credit) to 2050 are published on page 148, Annex 3 of the Pensions Green Paper 'Simplicity, security and choice: working and saving for retirement' (cm 5677). Based on a number of assumptions about the future, as set out in Annex 3, this shows that Pension Credit expenditure could rise to around 1.45 per cent of GDP by 2050.

  One of the assumptions used was that on average, income brought to account in the Pension Credit would increase in line with average earnings.

  The Pensioners' Incomes Series 2000/1, based on Family Resources Survey and Family Expenditure Survey data, shows that average pensioner incomes between 1979 and 1996–97 rose by 64 per cent. in real terms, compared to average earnings growth in the whole economy of 36 per cent. in real terms. More recent growth estimates are subject to uncertainty, but the growth in average pensioner incomes between 1994–95 and 2000–01 was around 17 per cent. in real terms, higher than average earnings (up 9 per cent. over the same period).

  Projections of future Pension Credit spending based on a number of alternative assumptions, and in different years, are not available centrally and could only be

  391W
  obtained at disproportionate cost. However as an indication, under an assumption that pensioner incomes increased by prices to 2050, the cost of Pension Credit could be around 2 percentage points of GDP higher than the published costs. As explained, given the evidence of past pensioner income growth, the likelihood that those eligible for Pension Credit in the future will have higher state retirement pension income than previous cohorts, and the growth of non-pension income, such as income from housing or earnings, this assumption is likely to be unrealistic.

  The long-term cost of Pension Credit will also depend greatly on the decisions made by future governments in annual uprating statements. This Government is committed to increase the guarantee in line with average earnings for the remainder of this Parliament; ensuring that all pensioners share in rising national prosperity. Following the introduction of the Pension Credit, the Government will be spending an additional £9.2 billion on pensioners in 2004–05 as a result of measures introduced since 1997.

  Mr. Dhanda
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to minimise delays in the payment of pension credit to pensioners when it is introduced; and what steps he will take to promote the availability of emergency pension credit payments for pensioners whose payments are delayed. [115292]

  Maria Eagle
  [holding answer 22 May 2003]We have adopted a take on approach for Pension Credit which allows a controlled and measured build up of applications enabling us to ensure that we have appropriate levels of staff to deal with them and avoid unnecessary delays in issuing payment. Around 1.8 million people who currently receive the Minimum Income Guarantee will be transferred automatically to Pension Credit ready for payments to be made from October 2003. We will also ensure that all pensioner households have the information they need to decide whether to apply and all who apply before October 2004, if entitled, will receive payment as though they had claimed at the very start, or to the first day they could have qualified if this is later.

  Mr. Hurst
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he has taken to ensure that letters to potential claimants for the pension credit are free of ambiguity. [115400]

  Maria Eagle
  The direct mail packs to pensioner households about Pension Credit have been subject to a rigorous process of quality assurance, including consultation with external organisations, customer research and testing. The clarity of the mail packs was approved with the Plain English Campaign Crystal Mark. Findings during the current period of advance applications will be taken into account before the main Pension Credit take-on begins in October.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make it his policy to write to pensioners not receiving the minimum income guarantee with information on the pension credit, in priority order of those most likely to make a valid claim. [115480]
  392W
  Maria Eagle
  The Pension Service has begun to write to pensioner households to explain pension credit and to invite applications. The order in which households are contacted has been designed to produce a controlled and measured build up of applications, evenly distributed throughout the UK. By June 2004, all pensioner households will have been contacted. The Department will, during the period when advance applications for pension credit can be made, continue to evaluate the effectiveness of the marketing campaign and make any refinements needed to ensure that pensioners take up their entitlement. All those who apply before October 2004, if they are entitled, will receive payment as though they had claimed at the very start, or to the first day they could have qualified if this is later.

  Norman Lamb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he received the Treasury documents relating to the five economic tests and the 18 background studies; what discussions he has held with ministerial colleagues on the tests since receipt of the documents; when he expects to complete his analysis of the documents; and what representations(a) he and (b) departmental officials will make to other Departments before a decision is reached on the economic tests. [115379]

  Malcolm Wicks
  The Treasury's 18 supporting studies on EMU were sent to Cabinet Ministers on 16 May. The Prime Minister and the Chancellor are holding meetings with Cabinet Ministers. There was an initial discussion at Cabinet on 22 May. There will be a special Cabinet meeting on 5 June. My right hon. friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer will make a statement to the House of Commons on 9 June.

  Post Office Card Accounts
  Mr. David Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many Post Office card accounts have been opened; and what targets have been set for(a) 2003, (b) 2004 and (c)2005. [116178]

  Malcolm Wicks
  As at 23 May 2003,.321,000 customers have said they want to open a Post Office card account

  We have no targets for the number of people opening a Post Office card account. But we do have a published target in our public service agreement to pay 85 per cent. of customers by Direct Payment by 2005.

  Mr. Boris Johnson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether people reaching pensionable age or becoming eligible for another benefit on or after April 2005 will be offered the option of a Post Office card account; and if he will make a statement. [115952]

  Malcolm Wicks
  Payment directly into an account became the normal method of payment for pensions and benefit from April 2003. All customers, including pensioners, will continue to be provided with the information they need on all of their "banking options", including the Post Office card account.

  Private Occupational Pension Schemes
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the number of working people in the United Kingdom who are members of private occupational pension schemes. [116712]

  Maria Eagle
  In 2000, there were 5.7 million active members of private sector occupational pension schemes in the UK.

  Notes:

  1. This estimate is taken from the Occupational Pension Scheme Survey 2000 conducted by the Government Actuary's Department (GAD). Full results from the survey were released by GAD in April this year. 2000 is the latest year for which data is available.

  2. An 'active' member is a member of an occupational pension scheme who is at present accruing benefits under that scheme in respect of current service.

  3. It is possible for an individual to be an active member of more than one occupational pension scheme.

  Refinery Explosion (Killingholme)
  Shona McIsaac
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he expects the Health and Safety Executive to report on its investigation into the explosion at the Conoco refinery in Killingholme on 16 April 2001. [116153]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  The detailed and complex investigation into the explosion at the Conoco refinery at Killingholme, Humberside on 16 April 2001 is complete and the HSE are considering what, if any, action to take. The Health and Safety Executive will report on the investigation as soon as possible after these considerations and any subsequent steps have been concluded. Shortly after the incident a safety alert was issued to ensure that immediate lessons learnt as a result of initial investigations were passed on to the petroleum refining industry.

  Retirement Age
  Mr. MacDougall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans his Department has to abolish mandatory retirement ages. [114612]

  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to raise the retirement age to 70. [114839]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  There is no state retirement age, only a state pension age. This is the date from which a person can receive state pension, regardless of whether they have retired or remain in work. We have no plans to change that.

  The Government are working on implementing the European Employment Directive (2000/78), under which compulsory retirement ages are likely to be unlawful unless employers can show they are objectively justified. By summer 2003, the Government will consult widely, including with business, on proposals around this and other aspects of implementing age discrimination legislation.

  Secondments
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many individuals have been seconded to his Department from(a)the private sector, (b) NGOs
  394W
  and (c) other, in each case listing (i) from which organisation and (ii) dates of secondments, in each year since 1997–98. [108093]

  Maria Eagle
  Interchange and secondments, which are key components of the Civil Service Reform and Modernising Government agendas, promote the exchange of ideas and good practice between the Civil Service and other organisations. All sectors of the economy (private, public and voluntary) are involved.

  Details of inward secondments to the Department for Work and Pensions, starting in each year from April 1997 to March 2002, are given in the table. Details for secondments starting since March 2002 are not yet available. For secondments from private sector organisations, the names of the individual organisations are shown. However, the names of seconding organisations in the public and voluntary sectors are not available.

  Secondments into the Department starting between April 1997 and March 1998:

  (a) Private sector—11 (see table)

  Name of private sector organisation

  Dates

  Sacker and Partners

  October 1997 to February 1998

  Guardian Media Group plc

  September 1997 to November 1997

  Oracle

  March 1998 to September 1998

  Hospitality Foundation

  January 1998 to December 1999

  British Aerospace

  December 1997 to November 1999

  Abbey National

  January 1998 to January 1999

  GKN

  January 1998 to January 1999

  Tesco

  December 1997 to December 1998

  Manpower

  October 1997 to September 1998

  Standard Life

  January 1998 to April 1998

  Scottish Power

  February 1998 to June 1998

  (b)NGOs—3

  (c)Other—4.

  Secondments into the Department starting between April 1998 and March 1999:

  (a) Private Sector—11 (see table)

  Name of private sector organisation

  Dates

  British Airways

  April 1998 to February 2001

  Securicor

  February 1999 to June 2000

  HSBC

  February 1999 to September 2000

  BT

  April 1998 to September 2000

  Legal and General

  February 1999 to February 2000

  Abbey National

  January 1999 to January 2000

  EDS

  July 1998 to July 1999

  Lloyds TSB

  May 1998 to April 1999

  Anglian Water

  April 1998 to April 1999

  Rolls-Royce Military Aero Engines Ltd.

  June 1998 to December 1999

  Barclays Bank

  May 1998 to May 1999

  (b) NGOs—10

  (c) Other—5.

  Secondments into the Department starting between April 1999 and March 2000:

  (a)Private Sector—3 (see table)

  Name of private sector organisation

  Dates

  CSL Managed Services

  August 1999 to March 2001

  Carillion

  February 2000 to January 2001

  Nexus

  November 1999 to March 2001

  395W
  (b) NGOs—6

  (c) Other—28.

  Secondments into the Department starting between April 2000 and March 2001:

  (a)Private Sector—4 (see table)

  Name of private sector organisation

  Dates

  Sema UK Ltd. (to DSS)

  February 2001 to June 2001

  Lloyds TSB (to DSS)

  December 2000 to December 2001

  Britannia Building Society

  May 2000 to June 2001

  Mouzer Associates

  February 2001 to April 2001

  (b) NGOs—0

  (c) Other—86.

  Secondments into the Department starting between April 2001 and March 2002.

  (a)Private Sector—21 (see table)

  Name of private sector organisation

  Dates

  British Gas

  October 2001 to July 2002

  Hays Personnel Services

  November 2001 to 31 May 2002

  Bovis Lend Lease

  January 2002 to date

  ERP

  January 2002 to 31 December 2002

  Action 4 Employment

  October 2001 to 31 December 2002

  MSHED

  December 2001 to December 2002

  MSHED

  December 2001 to December 2002

  CIS

  December 2001 to 31 March 2002

  Archon 2000

  April 2001 to January 2002

  The Albert Centre

  October 2001 to 10 December 2002 (extended to 16 October 2003)

  International Family Centre

  December 2001 to 20 September 2002

  East Durham Development Agency

  August 2001 to 31 May 2002

  East Durham Development Agency

  August 2001 to date

  East Durham Development Agency

  August 2001 to January 2002

  East Durham Partnership

  July 2001 to date

  Learning and Skills Council—Durham

  July 2001 to date

  Sunderland Housing Group

  April 2001 to 31 May 2002

  East Durham Substance Misuse Initiative

  January 2002 to 31 January 2003

  St. John Trust

  September 2001 to 31 August 2002

  London Advice Services

  September 2001 to 31 August 2002

  BY Syntegra

  January 2002 to January 2003

  (b) NGOs—8

  (c) Other—20.

  Tax Credits
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the workload on local authorities of reconfiguring(a) housing benefit, (b) council tax and (c) school meal application since the introduction of the new tax credit system. [116376]

  Malcolm Wicks
  The Department has considered carefully the impact of new tax credits on housing benefit and/or council tax benefit (HB/CTB). There are likely to be significantly more HB/CTB customers qualifying for new tax credits, compared to those previously claiming working families tax credit and HB/CTB.

  £6 million was distributed by the Department for initial fixed start up costs to local authorities in 2002–03. This was to cover the cost of IT, training and publicity arising as a result of the introduction of the new tax credits.
  396W
  In 2003–04, a total of £14 million was allocated to local authorities to cover transitional and ongoing costs of new tax credits administration. This money was distributed using a formula based on caseload size.

  School meals are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Skills.

  Vaccine Damage Tribunals
  Ian Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many claims have been made to vaccine damage tribunals in each year since 1990; and how many of those claims, in each year, have been successful(a) on first hearing and (b) on appeal. [114680]

  Maria Eagle
  The information is in the table. Claims are initially made to the Vaccine Damage Payment (VDP) Unit. Decisions on claims are made on behalf of the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on the basis of a Medical Advisers assessment of the percentage level of disablement and whether it is the result of vaccination. If a claim is disallowed the vaccinated person may appeal to an independent tribunal or ask for a decision to be reversed.

  Year

  Clains received by VDP Unit

  Initial award

  Award following a section 3A reversal2

  Award following appeal

  1990

  37

  0

  0

  7

  1991

  42

  2

  0

  3

  1992

  43

  4

  0

  2

  1993

  19

  1

  0

  1

  1994

  78

  3

  0

  7

  1995

  69

  0

  0

  2

  1996

  72

  0

  0

  0

  1997

  152

  1

  0

  1

  1998

  177

  0

  1

  0

  1999

  82

  1

  1

  0

  2000

  171

  0

  0

  1

  2001

  176

  1

  0

  1

  2002

  406

  5

  0

  0

  2003

  68

  0

  0

  0

  Totals

  1592

  18

  2

  26

  1 Total awards made on claims received between 01/01/1990 and 20/05/2003 = 46. These figures do not take account of the actual date the payment was made, nor do they take account of any cases where an award has occurred following a Section 3A reversal or an appeal after 01/01/1990, where the claim under consideration was actually received prior to 01/01/1990 (i.e. a claim received by the VDPU in 1984 that went to Appeal in 2002, resulting in an award in 2003 would not be shown in the above figures as the claim was not received after 01/01/1990).

  2 Section 3A of the Vaccine Damage Payments Act states that the Secretary of State may reverse his own decision or that of an appeal tribunal. Application for reversal must be made within a prescribed period.

  Vulnerable Groups Regulations
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to improve the access of people to eligibility under the Vulnerable Groups Regulations to help those people with paying their water bills. [116378]

  Mr. Morley
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Department issued a consultation paper, "Reductions for Vulnerable Groups", on 25 February 2003. A copy is available in the House Library. The

  397W
  paper discussed a range of options for amending the regulations to deliver more assistance to vulnerable households. One of the areas reviewed in the paper was how to improve access and awareness of the scheme for those already eligible for assistance. We shall publish a response to consultation this summer.

  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to re-examine his proposals for the Vulnerable Groups Regulations in respect of assisting people to pay their water bills. [116379]

  Mr. Morley
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Department issued a consultation paper, Reductions for Vulnerable Groups, on 25 February 2003. A copy is available in the House Library. The paper discussed a range of options for amending the regulations to deliver more assistance to vulnerable households. We shall publish a response to the consultation this summer.

  Winter Fuel Payments
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his estimate is of the total number of 398W
  pensioners in (a) Leeds and (b) the Leeds, West constituency who receive winter fuel payments. [116008]

  Maria Eagle
  Winter Fuel Payments are made to most people aged 60 and over, regardless of whether they are receiving a State Pension. In winter 2001–02,133,000 people in Leeds local authority area and 14,800 in Leeds West constituency received a Winter Fuel Payment.

  Source:

  Matching Intelligence Data Analysis Service Winter Fuels Payment 2001–02 exercise.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Tax Credits
  Mr. Gregory Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people have applied for the tax credits benefit in Northern Ireland; and what the average waiting time between application and receipt of benefit has been. [115699]

  John Healey
  I have been asked to reply.

  I refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend the Paymaster General gave to the hon. Member for Twickenham (Mr. Cable) on 20 May 2003, Official Report, column 671W.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

  Fire Dispute
  The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr. John Prescott)
  The Fire Brigades Union Executive Council recommended an offer from the fire service's national employers to its recall conference on 12 June. The conference voted to accept the offer, and a final agreement has been signed by employers and the union. The Government welcome this agreement which brings an end to the dispute.

  In the light of this agreement those armed forces personnel deployed on firefighting duties have been stood down permanently.

  The modernisation of the fire service remains a key Government priority. This agreement will enable all parties to work together to build a better fire service that saves more lives.

TREASURY

  Economic Reform in Europe
  The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr. Gordon Brown)
  This week, in my statement on UK membership of the single currency, I committed to publishing proposals for economic reform in Europe. I am reporting to the House of Commons on the areas where the Government will be developing proposals to feed in to the wider debate in Europe on economic reform.

  This is a critical time for European economic reform. Unemployment is once again rising across the European Union and employment participation rates remain low in comparison with Europe's major international competitors. The first steps towards the dynamic and socially inclusive EU envisaged at Lisbon, have already been made—the joint declaration from EU Finance Ministers to the European Council at Thessaloniki placed labour market flexibility and structural economic reform at the heart of the European economic policy agenda, but further action is needed.

  The appointment of an Employment Taskforce, to identify necessary labour market reforms, could not be more timely. We need to increase the pace of change of labour market reform and make a concentrated effort to implement effectively the changes which Member States (and European Councils) have agreed are priorities.

  The new global economy

  In the new, more competitive, global economy, it is clear that Europe needs to devise modern ways of achieving our traditional economic objective: high and stable levels of growth and employment. Policy decisions for Europe must now be made in the context
  62WS
  of an ever more open and extensive globalisation in which the countries that will do best are the countries that are flexible, open and outward looking.

  Full employment and social cohesion

  In March 2000, in Lisbon, Europe's leaders committed themselves to a ten-year strategy to reform Europe's labour, capital and product markets. This is an ambitious programme driven by the vision of a European single market that can become the most competitive in the world, and a reformed social model that combines full employment with social inclusion. This reform process is based on a shared understanding that a job is, for any adult (and, indirectly, for any dependent children), the first rung on the ladder of opportunity out of poverty and social exclusion. That is why the EU set itself challenging targets for employment for 2010. Europe must do far more if we are to reach these targets.

  Underlying issues—structural barriers; demography; inactivity

  There are three underlying but vitally important considerations. The first is the need for radical reform of our labour markets, their institutions and practices.

  The second consideration is the demographic challenge of the dramatic changes now taking place in the balance between the working age and dependent populations across the European Union. For example, in 2000 in the EU, the population of 65 year olds as a proportion of those of working age (age 15–64) was just under 25 per cent; by 2050 it will have more than doubled, to nearly 55 per cent.1

  The third consideration is that Europe can only achieve the Lisbon targets by taking active steps to get as many as possible of Europe's 13 million unemployed into work but also by reconnecting the further 77 million people of working age who are inactive for other reasons with the labour market.

  Challenges for full employment in the EU Labour market regulation

  The United Kingdom believes that minimum standards in the workplace, which are sensitive to business conditions, are essential to a modern labour market. Given the acquis that now exists at both national and EU level, any new proposals for legislation need to be rigorously assessed. Member States need to ensure that their employment legislation is not endangering the achievement of the Lisbon and Stockholm employment rate targets. Legislation that was developed during periods of sustained low unemployment may no longer be appropriate in conditions of persistently high unemployment, where the overriding need is for job creation.

  Moving people from welfare into work, and making work pay

  Europe has successfully made use of active labour market policies to help unemployed people get back to work, but it has not given enough attention to ensuring that benefit systems and active labour market policies (through public employment services) work together to

  1 World Population Ageing 1950–2050; United Nations, 2001.
  63WS
  reduce unemployment. More attention needs to be given to the incentives, for those unemployed and inactive people who can, return to work. Member States need to make greater use of a wider range of active intervention measures now available and to take steps to make work pay by careful attention to replacement ratios, tax credits etc. There should be no option simply to decide to live on benefit when help to find work is available. And, they need to ensure that disability benefits and pension systems do not pull people out of the labour force when both they and the economy as a whole would benefit from their continued participation.

  In pursuit of full employment, governments must also ensure that they address regional disparities and inflexibilities that may create disincentives to take jobs. In the UK, professionals in the south-east have often benefited from London weighting and other arrangements, where many lower paid workers have missed out. Starting this year, the UK Government plan to publish data on regional prices and inflation; remits for pay review bodies and for the public sector including the civil service will, within their nationally determined
  64WS
  frameworks, include a stronger local and regional dimension; and the reform of housing benefit will remove disincentives to work or to move.

  Skills and lifelong learning

  A skilled and adaptable workforce with opportunities for all to learn new skills and update existing skills throughout their careers is fundamental to the Lisbon objective of creating the most competitive, dynamic and socially inclusive economy in the world. There are a wide variety of approaches to vocational education and training across the EU, many of which have been very successful in training new, young entrants to the labour market. But it is fair to say that no one member state has got the approach completely right—too much training for adults, for example, is insufficiently focused on the needs of business now and in the future. Member states need to focus their training and lifelong learning strategies so that they can contribute directly to the Lisbon employment targets.

  A key challenge for member states is therefore promoting the concept of a learning society in which everyone expects, and has the opportunities, to learn and upgrade their skills throughout life. It is only by addressing all three of these issues that real progress can be made.

Preamble
The House met at eleven of the clock: The LORD CHANCELLOR on the Woolsack.
Prayers—Read by the Lord Bishop of Sheffield.

The Lord Chancellor
The Lord Privy Seal (Lord Williams of Mostyn): My Lords, we will all wish to welcome my noble and learned friend Lord Falconer of Thoroton as Lord Chancellor and Speaker of this House.
Noble Lords: Hear, hear!
Lord Williams of Mostyn: My Lords, on Monday, with the leave of the House, I shall make a Statement on the Government's proposals concerning the future of the speakership. I think it is better to be made then, when full attendance will be possible and your Lordships will have had sufficient notice.
Lord Strathclyde: My Lords, I thank the noble and learned Lord the Leader of the House for what he has just said. I join him from our side of the House in welcoming the Lord Chancellor, the noble and learned Lord, Lord Falconer of Thoroton, to his position. I want also to pay tribute to his predecessor, the noble and learned Lord, Lord Irvine of Lairg, for the work that he did and, on a personal note, to say that I was always on good terms with him.
Last evening, there was an angry but short debate in this House about the way in which the Government had handled the whole process. As the House knows, I was not in my place as I had an alternative engagement with the BBC in Newcastle. However, I am very glad that the Government have now responded fully to that short debate by accepting that there should be a Government Statement on Monday. I will reserve everything else I have to say in reply to that Statement and I very much look forward to it.
Lord Tordoff: My Lords, I am not quite sure why I am here to say what I have to say, but I am very happy to do so. Like the noble Lord, Lord Strathclyde, and the noble and learned Lord the Leader of the House, we on these Benches welcome the new Lord Chancellor and wish him well for however long he remains Lord Chancellor, which is very mysterious at the moment but will doubtless come clean in the wash—not the Wash where the baggage was lost.
I want also to pay tribute to the former Lord Chancellor, with whom I had very good relations when I was Chairman of Committees. He was always very helpful to me and, without any doubt at all, he has been a reforming Lord Chancellor. Despite having a had press from time to time, he served this House well.
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I do not want to become involved in the argument which took place yesterday, but I am glad that the noble and learned Lord has announced that there will be a Statement on Monday. That is probably as much as I need to say today.
Lord Weatherill: My Lords, on behalf of the Cross Benches, I, too, welcome the new Lord Chancellor and pay tribute to his predecessor, with whom I, too, was on good terms. Perhaps I may tell the Lord Chancellor that exactly 30 years ago today I was told that I was to be Speaker of the House of Commons. I had 48 hours' notice of that appointment, so I have a particularly warm regard for the new Lord Chancellor and wish him a long and happy reign—at least 10 years, like mine.
Lord Williams of Mostyn: My Lords, I am quite sure why I am standing here. With typical generosity, the noble Lord, Lord Strathclyde, paid tribute to the noble and learned Lord, Lord Irvine of Lairg. We all had an enormous regard for his energy and mental capacity. He was a very good Lord Chancellor for a long period in a difficult testing period.
We can resume our deliberations on this matter on Monday. I am very grateful to your Lordships.

Sunday Working (Scotland) Bill
11.10 a.m.
Lord Hogg of Cumbernauld: My Lords, I beg to move that this Bill be now read a second time. Today is something of an occasion and I am the first Back-Bencher to address the House. I take this opportunity to congratulate the new Lord Chancellor on his appointment and I wish him well in the great office of state to which he has been called. I want to say also how much I enjoyed the tenure of office of the former Lord Chancellor, who has chosen to sit beside me today and listen to the quite excellent speech which I am about to make on the Sunday Working (Scotland) Bill.
This Bill seeks to rectify the anomaly in the employment rights of shop workers and betting workers in Scotland. It will put an end to the risk of discrimination against them in relation to Sunday working so that Scotland will be in harmony with England and Wales.
The Bill has been described as a classic Private Member's Bill; short, concise and designed to address the effects of a lacuna in the law which did not extend legal protection to workers in Scotland. Although a small Bill, it has none the less the potential to benefit a substantial number of workers across Scotland.
I should point out that the Bill does not seek to restrict employers in these sectors when determining how best to deploy their workforce to suit their business needs. The Bill will afford shop workers and betting workers in Scotland the same protections as those in the rest of the country.

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The Bill will make a difference to many thousands of women in Scotland's labour market. Sixty per cent of all employees currently working in the shop and betting sectors are women. Caring and domestic responsibilities still remain largely the responsibility of women, thereby placing them at a disadvantage when either entering or moving within the labour market. The Bill will give them for the first time a greater degree of flexibility in work patterns if they need this for personal or domestic considerations.
The Bill sits well with the Government's policies on flexible working and encouraging more family-friendly working practices. It removes the need for taking a case to an employment tribunal. It provides the opportunity for people to spend more time with families or attend worship on a Sunday.
The Bill originated in another place and is the initiative of my honourable friend Mr David Cairns, the Member for Greenock and Inverclyde. It enjoyed all-party support in another place and I believe that it will do so in your Lordships' House. I commend the Bill to the House.
Moved, That the Bill be now read a second time.—(Lord Hogg of Cumbernauld.)
11.13 a.m.
Lord MacKenzie of Culkein: My Lords, I thank the noble Lord, Lord Hogg of Cumbernauld, for taking charge of the Bill in this House. I support the measure which is designed to deal with the lacuna that leaves shop and betting shop workers in Scotland open to detriment not legally possible south of the Border. The Bill is short and straightforward. It will prevent the manipulation of the present voluntary agreement or convention which is that companies should give the rights enshrined in employment legislation for shop workers in England and Wales to employees in Scotland.
The genesis of the Bill might be laid at the door of one particular multiple retailer, but if not that company, it would, sooner rather than later, have been some other. Before leaving that point, I pay tribute to the way in which my right honourable friend Helen Liddell, the then Secretary of State for Scotland, dealt with this matter when the company concerned sought to compel many of its workers to work on the sabbath day.
There is anecdotal evidence that the voluntary agreement is under strain and sometimes that appears to be on initiatives of local managers; in other cases, it is said that there is collusion further up the corporate ladder. I am personally aware of a situation where a department store, which does not normally open on Sundays, nevertheless requires workers to work on a Sunday during stocktaking. I am told that that can sometimes fall on a bank holiday weekend. It is not that the workers in that store do not want to work an occasional Sunday; the issue is that there is a contractual obligation which the same organisation, south of the Border, could not enforce. I shall not
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name the company; there are too many ways in which detriment might be visited on staffs who, for the most part, are women and sole breadwinners.
In the real world, in Scotland as elsewhere in the UK, there is generally no shortage of staff who will willingly work on Sundays and there is unlikely to be any negative competitive impact from the Bill, if enacted as set out in the regulatory impact assessment. This is clearly a matter for which there should be a level playing field in all aspects of employment legislation throughout the UK. Staff employed in shops in Scotland should enjoy the same right not to work on Sunday as is the case elsewhere. This Bill will rectify the lacuna on Sunday working and I strongly support it.
11.16 a.m.
Lord Lyell: My Lords, I hope that your Lordships and the noble Lord, Lord Hogg, will allow me 30 seconds in which to congratulate him on bringing forward the Bill. He and the noble Lord, Lord Mackenzie, have explained beautifully that the Bill brings the situation in Scotland on to a level playing field. Perhaps in ignorance, I had thought that the same situation operated throughout the United Kingdom.
Perhaps in the fullness of time the noble Lord, Lord Hogg, will advise me about betting shops. I am not an habitué of the betting shops in Kirriemuir, let alone on a Sunday. But I am fascinated to think that betting shops are open on a Sunday, particularly as last weekend I was unable to buy alcohol before midday, which showed my ignorance of the law. In due course, will the noble Lord advise me how many betting shops there are and whether they will all open? I would not dream of moving an amendment or causing unnecessary delay to the Bill.
I add my congratulations to those who have already spoken in this marvellous Scottish festival. Apart from the Leader of the House, we all come from north of the Border. I congratulate the noble Lord, Lord Hogg, and I am very grateful for what the noble Lord, Lord Mackenzie said about the former Secretary of State, Mrs Liddell.
11.18 a.m.
The Earl of Mar and Kellie: My Lords, I welcome the new Lord Chancellor to the Woolsack. I am most grateful to the noble Lord, Lord Hogg of Cumbernauld, for his concise introduction to the Bill, which we on these Benches wish to see on the statute book. Sundays are important for many reasons. It is reasonable to identify a day that is different for recreation and re-creation. How citizens use that opportunity is up to them. The declaratory effect of the Bill is to reinforce in Scotland the longstanding practice that it is important for households to do something different, collectively, on one day of the week, to everyone's benefit, one hopes.
This is a rare legislative animal: a United Kingdom Bill that affects only Scotland. With constitutional change happening all around us, it is interesting to spot

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the rare breeds. Despite my bias towards home rule, I have no complaint about this measure being a matter for Westminster. It is sensible for the single British market to be legislated for by Westminster.
When I arrived here in 1994, the House was consumed with the Sunday trading issue in England and Wales. From the Scottish perspective, all the predictions of England sliding under the waves of degradation and moral decay seemed absurd, but that is par for the course in a union state.
I must now be complimentary—that takes some doing for me—about the resulting English and Welsh legislation. That is what is needed now in Scotland. The Argos case may have done us all a favour except those citizens who were the victims. The Bill will bring statutory clarity to the issue of Sunday working for shop and betting shop staff. They will be able to negotiate with their employers about Sundays from a position of strength. At least, they will be able to do that on the face of it. It is impossible to guarantee that no employer will use underhand, unofficial tactics to coerce Sunday working.
Upholding the law will probably rely on trade union activity. Ultimately, workers must make their own judgments—the embodiment of enlightened self-interest. For decent businesses, there will be a small amount of transitional friction, as a few of the staff give notice of their withdrawal from Sunday work, which they currently perform under some duress or at least with some reluctance.
I expect that decent firms will adopt new practices to accommodate both the spirit and the letter of the Bill when enacted. I would praise those firms, such as B&Q, whose practice is to have a separate Sunday staff; and let us also praise B&Q for its positive attitude towards the employment of older workers. I had better disclaim any significant relationship with B&Q or the Kingfisher Group, and also reflect that while I may still be one of the "young ones" here, I would not be so in the wider employment market.
The Bill seems eminently reasonable. I am pleased to see that the Committee stage is already scheduled for 1st July. That suggests support from the Treasury Bench for the Bill. I wish it well.
11.21 a.m.
The Duke of Montrose: My Lords, I am very glad that the noble Lord, Lord Hogg of Cumbernauld, has brought this Bill to our House and has given us the chance to discuss the matter. I am grateful this morning to have the opportunity to respond in a personal capacity to a Private Member's Bill and not to speak on behalf of my party, as in that capacity I do not know exactly where I stand. The Minister is perhaps quite safe in his position as the fact that he is asked to speak on regional matters along with Scotland and Wales means that he will be able to transfer quite seamlessly into the new ministry that the Prime Minister invented yesterday. Perhaps we are just one day too early to be able to offer him congratulations on achieving that transfer.
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However, having seen the position of Secretary of State for Scotland so summarily abolished yesterday, I have anxiously waited to see whether Scotland and Wales will rate an Opposition spokesman in your Lordships' House. I had the good fortune to sit next to my noble friend Lord Strathclyde, who made a few reassuring noises to me before he left the Chamber.
Ever since the Act of Union in 1707, Scotland's relationship with Westminster has been a constantly changing one. Therefore., one cannot complain about losing a traditional constitutional role such as that if we are being threatened with losing the Lord Chancellor. Noble Lords may be aware that the last time such a grand role as Secretary of State for Scotland was abolished was in 1746, only to be restored in 1926.
It is good to see a Private Member's Bill receive such a charmed passage through Parliament. Although it is obviously a very worthy cause, at the same time one must express regret that it has become necessary. No doubt when it was argued that Scotland should have an opt-out from previous Acts in this field, it was understood that the Scots could be trusted voluntarily to work out these arrangements. Such is the world of takeovers and mergers that it now appears that that is no longer the case. Perhaps it will not be long before we have a chain of French hypermarkets testing out our legislation on shop workers.
During all those hours we spent debating the Scotland Act, most of the argument was about where legislation should be kept in line between different parts of the UK and where it should be allowed to be unique. The honourable Member for Greenock. and Inverclyde in promoting the Bill in another place said that the underlying principle of the Bill is the harmonisation of the law in Scotland with that in England and Wales. It also has to do with workers and their jobs. Therefore, it has the advantage of being seen as satisfactory both from a union and a unionist point of view.
The noble Lord, Lord MacKenzie of Culkein, has spoken with good knowledge of the shop world. The other great theme that runs through the Bill—a matter pointed out by the noble Lord, Lord Hogg of Cumbernauld—is that this is as another piece of legislation promoting a "family-friendly" approach. It may be harmonising legislation; large shopping chains might even see it as reducing red tape; but I do wonder whether it is all that family-friendly, especially for small rural businesses.
The Minister in another place was keen to point out that 97 per cent of businesses affected were small to medium but employed only 12 per cent of shop workers. At Third Reading my honourable friend Peter Duncan pointed out that in his constituency 95 per cent of businesses had two or fewer employees. It is not hard to imagine the village shop, which is usually a fairly marginal kind of business, manned by the owner and one or two employees who decide that they no longer wish to work on a Sunday. If the business decides to open on Sunday at all, one can see that probably the only way that the gap can be filled will be

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to draft in the wife or partner, so both will spend Sunday working. So much for "family friendly", perhaps more a question of, "Whose family?" The Federation of Small Businesses in Scotland highlighted that issue in its response to the consultation.
I think—and I ask whether the noble Lord, Lord Hogg of Cumbernauld, has considered this issue—it might be worth giving consideration as to whether this legislation should be limited to businesses with a minimum number of employees. I believe that the regulatory impact assessment looked at the effect on businesses of five or fewer employees. That is not necessarily the minimum that could be envisaged in law, but that matter might be addressed.
That brings me to another point: how will matters be dealt with when such a business looks for a new employee? Would it be guilty of infringing this law if the job specification stated that the applicant should be willing to work on a Sunday if required, though of course I understand that would require him to sign an opt-in agreement? If the employer did not state a Sunday working requirement and it later turned out that he had taken on a less qualified worker who had agreed to Sunday working, could he be challenged by the unsuccessful applicant for discriminatory practices? I know it is not necessarily the Minister's role to answer these questions, but it might be of interest to your Lordships if he could throw some light on these matters. It is very useful for us to look at these points of law as they affect Scotland and to try to bring things into line in a sensible manner.
11.27 a.m.
Lord Evans of Temple Guiting: My Lords, I add my voice to those of your Lordships who have paid compliments to the Bill promoted by my noble friend Lord Hogg.
We have had a constructive exchange of ideas and information about Sunday working in Scotland, including the likely benefits and impact of the measure. It is timely this morning that we look forward to the next steps we have to take to make sure that we end the clear risk of discrimination which currently exists in Scotland for employees working Sundays in the retail and betting sectors.
However, first, I pay a particular tribute to David Cairns MP and to my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Scotland for their tenacity in their support of this Bill. Although short and concise—only four clauses—the Bill has the potential for far-reaching improvements in the employment rights of hundreds of thousands of workers in Scotland.
The proposals for change highlighted in the Scotland Office's consultation document have been subject to extensive consultation and scrutiny. Responses received indicated overwhelming support
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for the proposal to harmonise the law in Scotland with that of England and Wales. The Bill itself has also been subjected to extensive scrutiny in another place in an attempt to ensure that workers in the retail and betting sectors in Scotland are adequately protected and that the legislation contained therein will stand the test of time. Indeed, on 7th February, the Government signalled their support for it in another place and have also confirmed that the Bill is compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights.
My noble friend Lord Hogg summed-up succinctly what we are trying to achieve with the Bill. For that reason, I shall not cover his arguments; rather I would encourage your Lordships to take every opportunity to promote the benefits of the Bill for many in Scotland and to wish it a fair wind in this House.
The noble Duke, the Duke of Montrose, put yesterday's events in the context of the Bill. It might encourage and reassure him to know that I know as much as he does about the future of the Scotland Office. No doubt we shall both learn a great deal more on Monday.
We are seeking to harmonise the law in Scotland with that in England and Wales. In answer to the question of the noble Duke, restrictions on the size of the businesses do not exist in England and Wales. The legislation has worked well for seven years in England and Wales, so we anticipate that it will work well in Scotland when passed.
11.30 am
Lord Hogg of Cumbernauld: My Lords, I am most grateful to noble Lords who have taken part in the debate. It has been useful. I am grateful to my noble friend Lord MacKenzie, who brings to the House considerable knowledge of trade union practice and how the matter will be worked out in the workplace. I am also grateful to the noble Earl, who always supports measures that I bring before the House, so I always refer to him as my noble friend. I do so now and am grateful for what he said.
The noble Lord, Lord Lyell, asked how many betting shops there were in Scotland. As a Scottish Presbyterian I can answer that question: too many. I do not know what is the actual number, but I shall certainly try to find out. It is Ministers' usual practice to say when they cannot answer a question at the Despatch Box, "I shall write to the noble Lord"; but I am new Labour, so I shall send him an e-mail.
The noble Duke, the Duke of Montrose, raised some interesting questions about family-friendly policies in relation to small business. They were valid and I shall endeavour to find out the answers in time for the remaining stages of the Bill. I commend the Bill to the House and invite your Lordships to give it a Second Reading.
On Question, Bill read a second time, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House.

Contracting Out (Administration of the Teachers' Pensions Scheme) Order 2003
11.32 a.m.
Lord Davies of Oldhamrose to move, That the draft order laid before the House on 28th April be approved [18th report ,from the Joint Committee].
The noble Lord said: My Lords, I beg to move that the draft Contracting Out (Administration of the Teachers' Pension Scheme) Order 2003 be approved. I declare an interest. I am a small beneficiary of the scheme, having more than 30 years ago given some service to the teaching profession. I therefore duly record that direct interest in the measure, which I hope will in no way condition my objective position on its merits.
The order has one main purpose: to update the existing contracting out order made in 1996 and allow for the continued effective and efficient administration of the teachers' pension scheme by a private sector contractor. This is a technical issue. The existing order remains in force, but it needs to be updated to reflect administrative functions that have come into being since it was made.
Prior to 1996, the teachers' pension scheme was administered by the department. In 1996, the previous government decided to outsource the administration of the scheme to secure better value for money and the significant capital investment, especially in IT systems, that was needed to modernise the provision of administrative services. The 1996 contracting out order allowed for another body to perform the functions of the Secretary of State in relation to the pension scheme under the Superannuation Act 1972 and the Pension Schemes Act 1993.
The new order will also allow for another body to perform the functions of the Secretary of State conferred by regulations under Section 172 of the Pensions Act 1995. Those regulations are the Teachers' Superannuation (Provision of Information and Administrative Expenses etc.) Regulations 1996, which set out the circumstances in which information may he provided in relation to the mis-selling of pensions and fees charged in connection with the admission of a person into the pension scheme. We propose that those new functions should also be contracted out, as they are fundamentally linked to the main scheme administration and will provide teachers with the most efficient service.
In addition, the new order provides an opportunity to update the references to the secondary legislation by which the pension scheme is governed, which has changed significantly since 1996. Since the original contract to administer the scheme was placed with Capita Business Services Ltd, it is estimated that the Exchequer has saved £20m compared to the cost of running the scheme in-house. In recent months, we have concluded a re-tendering of that contract and have secured further savings for the next seven years, together with significant improvements in the service provided. In particular, the new contract will allow for
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increased use of modern IT communication methods and will bring real benefits to teachers, pensioners, schools and employers.
Prior to re-tendering the contract, the department conducted a rigorous assessment of the merits of continued contractorisation and found that the original case for outsourcing remains convincing and that contractorisation is the most cost-effective method of ensuring that we provide improvements that will benefit all members of the scheme. Consultation with key stakeholders—in particular, teacher unions and employers' representatives—has been an important part of that re-tendering, and all have recognised the benefits that outsourcing has brought. They continue to support outsourcing and the department's choice of contractor.
Although the order will allow for the continued outsourcing of the administration of the teachers' pension scheme, the Secretary of State will remain ultimately responsible for the management and finances of the scheme. The department will continue to work closely with employer representatives and teaching unions to set the policy for the TPS in a way that supports teachers, employers and the department's wider objectives of improving teacher recruitment and retention. Although the contractor will be responsible for maintaining teachers' records, calculating and paying benefits, and so on, the department retains overall control and ultimate accountability for all aspects of the scheme.
To ensure the effective delivery of the administration of the scheme by Capita, the department will continue the thorough contract management arrangements that have been successfully developed during the existing contract, together with the involvement of the National Audit Office. Under the new contract, the contractor's payment will be linked to performance, with deductions made if any aspect of the service falls below contractual requirements.
The order is an updating of the original contracting out order, taking account of legislative changes. It is an enabling measure that allows the Secretary of State to secure effective, efficient and value-for-money administration of the teachers' pension scheme. It allows the department to build upon the successful out-sourcing of the original contract and to deliver further improvements for teachers and employers. I commend the order to the House.
Moved, That the draft order laid before the House on 28th April be approved [18th report from the Joint Committee].
11.38 a.m.
Baroness Blatch: My Lords, I am grateful to the Minister for his explanation. He could have saved himself a lot of time by simply saying, "Ditto". I followed every single word verbatim from what was said in another place. Nevertheless, I am grateful, because it is important that we hear the explanation in this House.

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I also noted the benefits of having contracted out the teachers' pension scheme in 1996, and the substantial savings that have accrued to the Government since. Not for the first time, however, I was disappointed by the reply given by Mr Miliband, the Minister in another place, to the thoughtful comments and questions of my honourable friend, Graham Brady, Member of Parliament for Altrincham and Sale West.
Although it is true that Mr Miliband does not have access to the previous government's papers, and can therefore claim not to know why Section 172 of the Pensions Act 1995 was not implemented, he should nevertheless give an explanation of the need for that change. Given that the Government are in their seventh year in office, there must be an answer to the following questions.
First, why was it not thought necessary to enact this provision after entering office in 1997, especially as other orders relating to the issue have been passed since then? Secondly, what is the specific reason for the enactment now? Has the scheme been found wanting in some way? What has been the inhibiting effect of not having incorporated Section 172 of the 1995 Act?
Thirdly, given that the omission of the section has lasted for seven years, has the effect of that been felt by the department, teachers or the private contractor? If the answer is no, why the change? If there has been a problem, please put it on the record today. That would at least compensate for the lack of information from Mr Miliband and the inadequate Explanatory Notes that accompany the order.
My honourable friend Graham Brady also asked what would be the practical effect of the order. For example, does it allow the Secretary of State to authorise another person to carry out the functions? Given that for the past seven years the teachers' pension scheme has been contracted out, therefore functions have been carried out by "another person", what additional functions can be transferred as a result of the order? What effect will that have on accountability for the scheme? Will there he any practical impact on teachers' pensions? Again, if the answer is "none", what is the point of the order?
I understand that the contract with Capita has been renegotiated. Was that in competition with other providers? Was there a special competitive process to renegotiate the contract? Given that the contract has only recently been re-let, were those changes anticipated and taken into account at the time of agreeing the contract?
The Minister will know about the enormous disquiet about school funding. Ministers, particularly Mr Miliband, have argued forcefully that the money given to schools this year is greater than the cost pressures in school budgets; that is, the increase in national insurance, increases in salaries, special increments, inflation and employers' pension contributions. Yet, when my honourable friend Graham Brady asked in a Written Question on 14th April what was the additional cost of the increased
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pension contribution in total and for each local education authority, astonishingly Mr Miliband answered:
"It will not be possible to calculate the additional cost of the increase in employers' contributions … for each local education authority for 2003/4 until we have analysed the contributions data for March and April 2003".—[Official Report, Commons, 19/5/03; col. 569W.]
As most schools knew, the cost pressures of increased pension contributions were considerable. Given Mr Miliband's answer, he could not possibly claim that they were fully taken into account. If he did not know the additional costs, how could he have taken them into account?
Only yesterday, I visited a school where the pension increase was over 5 per cent. The issue of pensions and their affordability, and the read-across to the importance of recruitment and retention of teachers, is important. Therefore, the questions that I posed, which were either not answered or only cursorily answered in another place, should be answered today for the record.
Lord Davies of Oldham: My Lords, I am grateful to the noble Baroness for her response to the order. In answer to her first question, as she will recognise, it is necessary to introduce the order now because initially it was widely believed that the existing contracting out order covered work, which Capita carried out, on the position of teachers who were mis-sold a personal pension. As Capita administered the databases of teachers' records on behalf of the department, only it could provide the information needed to resolve cases of mis-selling.
It is now recognised that the re-tendering of the contract is an appropriate point at which to introduce the new functions in the contracting out order to guarantee that we have adequate, proper information on how the pension scheme works. It takes place against a background of widespread anxiety across all sectors about the mis-selling of pensions, which the noble Baroness will recognise. It behoves the public sector to take every possible measure to ensure that the problem is resolved. The measure represents a tightening-up of the position and a guarantee that the order makes clear the terms on which Capita applied and eventually obtained the new contract. It guarantees future security.
The order's practical effect allows Capita to administer to mis-selling provisions with proper statutory cover. There is no undue effect on the scheme's members. It ensures that we have proper statutory backing for the operations of Capita as an agent of the department.
I recognise the noble Baroness's final point. I thought that it would probably not be possible to discuss any aspect of the current education scene without the noble Baroness referring to the budget. She will also recognise that the base on which the full and accurate obligations on teachers' pensions are calculated cannot be given with the kind of precision required in a Written Answer, as my honourable friend in another place indicated clearly, but it can be given

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in general terms. There is a general recognition of the implications of teachers' pensions for the total budget. There is not a precision calculation for every school—that needs to be worked towards—or for each local authority. That was allowed for in the grant.
The noble Baroness berates the Government for their very substantial increase in schools' provision on the grounds that it is inadequate, while all her friends in another place stress their intention to bring public spending down by 20 per cent. That will impact somehow on the education budget, otherwise it will be unachievable. So I will not take her diatribes about the Government's weaknesses in this area, given that it is generally recognised that the cost of the pensions increase was to be borne by schools. Due regard was paid to that.
I am all too aware of the difficulties of some schools. Nevertheless, the very significant, double-figure increase in allocations to schools took account of aspects of the pensions position. I cannot pretend that all issues relating to schools are resolved, as the noble Baroness knows only too well. But the Government's generosity towards schools cannot be matched on the other side, given its present disposition towards expenditure.
Baroness Blatch: My Lords, clearly, I touched a nerve with the noble Lord. The 20 per cent cut that he talked about is simply not true. The Minister need not worry about my sensitivities, as I am not a teacher or a headteacher trying to run a school. Tell that to the lady headteacher who is going to do a parachute jump to raise money to save sacking a teacher this year. Tell it to the teacher who will work a four-day week to save money to pay for teachers in his school. Tell it to the school in Barnet that is likely to go bankrupt. They are the people to he concerned about, not my sensitivities.
I shall return to my questions on the order. Taking no advantage of previous orders that have been placed before the House since 1997, the noble Lord's explanation for the order was: "This will give it proper statutory backing". Does that mean that there has not been statutory backing for the advice and information required to cover the issue of mis-selling for six and a half years? If so, it is a desperate situation. Perhaps the noble Lord ought to have seen it when the party first came into office. They have been to the Dispatch Box and passed orders since 1997. The noble Lord and the Minister in another place have not satisfactorily explained why, almost seven years after the event, this order should be so necessary.
Lord Davies of Oldham: My Lords, the order is necessary because the pensions situation has changed significantly. The noble Baroness will recognise the anxieties in recent years over the mis-selling of pensions. Substantial legislative changes to pensions have taken place across the board. We have taken this opportunity to ensure that the teachers' pension scheme is as secure as possible and that it guarantees that the necessary aspects are covered so that there is proper accountability for the pensions position, thus ensuring that the scheme operates at its best.
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I hear what the noble Baroness says about the difficulties that schools face, but she might also be able—just now and again—to dredge up a little credit and acknowledge that part of the issue that confronts schools is a substantial increase in the pay of teachers, particularly those who increase their pay through improved performance. We introduced that measure in order to ensure that we rewarded good teachers better than in the past and could attract people to the profession in the way we needed to do, given the pressures on the system.
Those provisions cost considerable amounts of money. No one doubts that school budgets are stretched by additions to teachers' pay. All I can say is that we are proud that we have taken decisions in those terms. We wish that the Opposition would from time to time recognise that improvement in the position of teachers and also tell us how they would square their commitments to reduce public expenditure with meeting the need for the same kind of provision.
Baroness Blatch: My Lords, it is interesting that the noble Lord has to resort to such an argument. Teachers have had to be sacked to pay for the changes. Was that the Government's intention?
Lord McIntosh of Haringey: My Lords—
Baroness Blatch: My Lords, there is no law against my coming back on that. There is nothing on the Order Paper that says I cannot.
Lord McIntosh of Haringey: My Lords, of course there is not, but the order is about pensions, not about school budgets in general.
Baroness Blatch: My Lords, my point is about pensions. The increase in pension contributions—that is what the order is about—was responsible for leaving schools unable to cope. The noble Lord said that the remedy for the problem of statutory backing was to take part of an order that was passed in 1996 as part of the enactment. That could have been done much earlier in the previous Parliament.
Lord Davies of Oldham: My Lords, we could probably continue the debate for a considerable part of the afternoon. The order has been brought forward now because, as I said, there have been anxieties about pensions, which the noble Baroness will recognise. It is necessary to make the changes, not because there has not been statutory backing for the Secretary of State's position with regard to pensions but because we need to secure the position of the contractor—Capita—in order to make sure that the issues relating to the mis-selling of pensions and the financial dimensions thereof are covered, as far as concerns the contractor.
The noble Baroness may well argue that that might have been foreseen seven or eight years ago: a great deal of other work on pensions might have been foreseen several decades ago. Perhaps the previous administration also missed things. As a society, we have gone through a difficult time with pensions

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issues, and it is by no means over yet. If we have the opportunity to give security to the teachers' pensions scheme, we owe it to the teachers and to their employers to provide that security. That is what the order does.
On Question, Motion agreed to.

Aviation (Offences) Bill
11.53 a.m.
Lord Corbett of Castle Vale: My Lords, I beg to move that this Bill be now read a second time.
Noble Lords will be aware that disruptive or anti-social behaviour by passengers on aircraft has hit the headlines in recent years. Incidents of air rage, as it is commonly called, tend to be widely reported to the extent that the public may fear that that sort of behaviour is more common than it really is. In fact, the chances of anyone encountering a serious incident of disruptive behaviour on an aircraft are very slim. Nevertheless, being confronted with drunken, loutish or aggressive behaviour is an unpleasant and frightening experience, particularly when it takes place in a confined space at 30,000 feet. In that environment, should incidents of unruly behaviour get out of control they could ultimately threaten the safety of the aircraft and the lives of all those on board. The problem must not be exaggerated, but neither should it be trivialised.
The Bill starts from the position that there are several offences in United Kingdom law that relate to disruptive passenger behaviour on aircraft. However, none carries statutory power of arrest. The police have identified that as a deficiency that can cause practical problems for them and may sometimes make prosecution of offences less effective. The Bill would address that deficiency, giving the police the power to search and arrest those suspected of committing criminal offences at airports or on aircraft. In addition, the Bill would allow for an increase in the penalty for the most serious offences—endangering the safety of the aircraft or any person on an aircraft—from two to five years in prison.
I am grateful to the Department for Transport for telling me that 1,055 incidents were reported by domestic airlines in the year to 31st March 2002—a drop from 1,250 incidents in the previous 12 months. They ranged from relatively minor incidents, such as arguing with other passengers or robustly criticising the service, to serious and disruptive misbehaviour. The Civil Aviation Authority classed 528 incidents—roughly half—as significant, and a further 52 as serious. That represents a slight increase in the percentage of incidents judged to be significant.
Happily, in the year to last March, no reported cases of disruptive behaviour contributed to an aviation accident, although there were some that involved actual violence against cabin crew. Some 77 in every 100 incidents involved male passengers—a figure that has been constant over the past three years. Most offenders were in their 20s, 30s or 40s. About one-third
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of the incidents involved passengers travelling alone. Some 21 incidents involved groups of 10 or more people, with five in every 100 incidents taking place—perhaps surprisingly—in business or first-class seating. Violence was involved in about 10 per cent of all incidents.
It is no surprise that passengers suspected of being under the influence of drugs or showing signs of excessive alcohol consumption were involved in most of the 52 serious incidents. Alcohol was involved in 45 per cent of all the reported incidents. Verbal warnings—or yellow cards—worked in 44 per cent of the incidents but not in 35 per cent. In 16 incidents, a passenger had to be physically restrained by handcuffs and/or a strap, and in a further nine other forms of restraint were used such as having a cabin member sit next to the passenger for the rest of the flight. On six occasions, the aircraft had to divert when in the air, and on three, the aircraft had to discontinue taxi or take-off procedures and return to its stand.
There were 155 incidents in which passengers were either refused boarding, usually because of drunkenness, or entered the aircraft but were subsequently disembarked before take-off—an increase on 141 incidents for the previous year.
Such figures make the point that all airlines have and use legal rights under their conditions of carriage to refuse carriage to any person or to off-load him or her at any airport en route if it is felt that the safety of the aircraft or the health or safety of any person on it might be endangered. I am grateful to British Airways for sending me a copy of its policy for dealing with disruptive passengers. I am pleased that its overall policy states:
"British Airways has a policy of zero tolerance towards disruptive passengers of all kinds. The airline therefore supports ground staff and crews who prevent such passengers from travelling on flights".
Since last March, British Airways has issued 27 lifetime bans on disruptive passengers. Sixty-four passengers have been banned for up to 12 months and 19 have been given written warnings about their behaviour.
Virgin Atlantic Airways has a similar policy, but sent it to me asking that I keep the details confidential. However, like British Airways and other airlines, it is "very supportive" of the Bill. However, Virgin Atlantic tells me that since last June there have been 37 incidents of disruptive behaviour in-flight involving men and 11 incidents involving women.
I should perhaps put all this in context. The chance of an individual passenger boarding a flight on which a serious incident may take place is about one in 22,000. Only one in every 2 million passengers has been the cause of a serious disruptive incident. But we need to remember that the risk to ground staff and crews is substantially greater than it is to passengers.
The origin of the Bill dates back to 1998 when the Association of Chief Police Officers commissioned a group of senior police officers working at UK airports to investigate the adequacy of powers to deal with aircraft and airport offences. The ensuing report,

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published in January 2000, concluded that the powers of the police and courts to crack down on air rage offences were inadequate. It highlighted that the police were prevented from taking effective action because they did not have the necessary powers to search and arrest those suspected of committing offences on aircraft or at airports. It also found that a number of potentially serious offences carried relatively minor penalties.
Where an offence does not carry a statutory power of arrest, the police may only arrest suspects if they are likely to injure themselves or others or if their identities cannot be established, which is unlikely with airline passengers as they would be carrying passports. In most cases the police are therefore restricted to taking a name and address and reporting the offender for summons.
The lack of powers to detain suspects creates a number of practical problems. It means that the police are unable to search, fingerprint or question suspects or to take witness statements. For charges to be made, the police must travel to the suspect's address and call in witnesses who are likely to live in dispersed locations, thereby using valuable police time.
The Bill would put into law the recommendations made by the Airport Police Commanders in respect of in-flight offences. Clause 1 introduces police powers of arrest to deal with drunk or disruptive passengers on aircraft. In England and Wales, an arrest by a police constable without a warrant can be made only if the alleged offence committed is classified as being arrestable under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. To be arrestable, an offence must carry a maximum penalty of five years or more. The offences cited carry a maximum two-year penalty only. In order to make these offences arrestable, it is therefore necessary to include them in a list of specific arrestable offences.
Since the Police and Criminal Evidence Act does not apply to Northern Ireland and Scotland, equivalent provisions are made in order to make the offences arrestable there. As the primary purpose of the Bill is aviation security, I understand that the Scottish Executive has accepted that this is a reserved matter.
Clause 2 changes the Civil Aviation Act 1982 to allow the possibility of introducing a maximum penalty of five years for an offence relating to endangering an aircraft or a person in an aircraft. This is clearly a very serious offence in comparison to drunkenness or disruptive behaviour and a two-year penalty seems insufficient. Increasing the maximum penalty to five years would automatically make this offence arrestable in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, policing legislation is different and it is necessary to add this offence to the list of offences in Clause 1(3) which are to be automatically arrestable without warrant in Scotland.
The Bill is short and modest in its scope. But the changes that it proposes would undoubtedly make enforcement of the law more effective in an area which potentially affects many people. It would implement recommendations made by the police and, as the Bill's
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sponsor, my honourable friend the Member for Motherwell and Wishaw, made clear in another place, it commands support from across the whole airline industry and all-party support in the House of Commons. I hope that noble Lords will agree that this is a sensible proposal. I commend the Bill to the House.
Moved, That the Bill be now read a second time.—(Lord Corbett of Castle Vale.)
12.4 p.m.
Baroness Trumpington: My Lords, it was sheer luck that I happened into the Chamber when this Bill came up. I support it very strongly and I hope that the Government do so. My reason for being particularly interested is that for at least six years I served as a member of the Air Transport Users' Committee, ending up as its chairman. I therefore have a certain amount of knowledge in this area. I do not think that the noble Lord asked the advice of that particular committee. It has infinite experience which would be worth taking on board. I wish the Bill very well. If there is anything I can do, please let me know.
12.5 p.m.
Baroness Thomas of Walliswood: My Lords, I am happy to welcome the Bill from these Benches. I agree with the noble Lord, Lord Corbett, that although the offences dealt with in the Bill may not affect many passengers, they are nevertheless extremely serious in the context of aviation safety as a whole and that of the crew in particular.
The Bill comes to this House after a long debate in the House of Commons and with the support of the Government. The purposes of the Bill have been clearly explained today—namely, to increase penalties for certain existing offences and to enable the police to arrest people who are implicated in such offences when they land at an airport. It also calls for witness statements from crew or passengers who are present when an alleged incident takes place. That would enormously strengthen the power of the police to deal with these offences.
My right honourable and honourable friends in another place support this Bill and its extension to Scotland. In the unavoidable absence of my noble friend Lord Bradshaw, from these Benches I am delighted to welcome the Bill to this House.
12.6 p.m.
Lord Cope of Berkeley: My Lords, my noble friend Lord Astor has been delayed. That is why I am appearing in his place. The noble Lord, Lord Corbett of Castle Vale, has made a very strong case for the Bill. Obviously, it already has my party's support. The figures he quoted show that, generally speaking, airline passengers are as well behaved as almost any identifiable group one can imagine—apart, of course, from Members of your Lordships' House who are invariably well-behaved. But, of course, it is also the case that when people misbehave on aircraft, the consequences can be very serious. It is therefore right that there should be proper measures to deal with those who misbehave. I support the Bill.
12.7 p.m.
Lord McIntosh of Haringey: My Lords, the Government take very seriously the problem of disruptive passenger behaviour on aircraft. It became a matter of increased public concern when there was a serious incident in 1998: a stewardess was attacked and injured on board a UK aircraft. After that incident—which I am sure the noble Baroness, Lady Trumpington, will remember—the Government took action in two ways. First, we set up a disruptive passengers working group, chaired by the Department for Transport and including representatives from the Civil Aviation Authority, the Home Office, the police, airlines and unions.
We keep regular contact with the Air Transport Users' Committee and it is aware of this Bill. I could not say positively that it has approved it, but it is aware of it. The group's remit is to advise Ministers on measures to minimise the frequency and potential impact of disruptive behaviour on board aircraft. Secondly, on the advice of the group, we introduced a standardised reporting scheme for incidents of disruptive behaviour on board UK aircraft. There was little hard evidence at that time and it was agreed that statistics were necessary to establish the nature and scale of the problem. My noble friend Lord Corbett has given, in considerable detail, the statistics on "air rage". Indeed, it is true that it is not as widespread as one might sometimes think from reading the newspapers. I suppose that that is because some disruptive passengers are what are called celebrities who often appear in the tabloids. I suspect that they are category B or C celebrities rather than category A. It is true that there were 52 serious incidents only in the last year for which figures are available—that is, incidents threatening flight safety or personal safety or having the potential to do so.
Any incident of anti-social behaviour, however serious, can be an unpleasant and frightening experience for those affected. As my noble friend Lord Corbett remarked, cabin crew are more vulnerable because they fly so much more. We want to ensure that incidents become rarer in the future.
UK legislation to deal with offences committed on board aircraft is among the most comprehensive in the world. There are a number of specific offences relating to behaviour in aircraft, as set out in the Air Navigation Order 2000. These are: endangering the safety of an aircraft; being drunk in an aircraft; smoking when prohibited; disobeying a lawful command by the commander of an aircraft; and acting in a disruptive manner, which includes interfering with cabin crew in the course of their duty.
In addition to those offences, normal criminal law applies on board UK aircraft and powers exist to act against offenders on board non-UK aircraft whose next destination is the UK, provided that the act committed is an offence under both UK law and the law of the state of registry of the aircraft. We are
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encouraging the International Civil Aviation Organisation to persuade more states to enact these where they do not already have them.
As my noble friend said, it is essential that offences can be adequately enforced and that the penalties are appropriate. There is a consensus that the maximum two-year penalty is not proportionate. In at least one case, a judge has commented that he would have imposed a longer sentence if one had been available. So it seems appropriate to raise the penalty to five years, which also has the effect of making the offence arrestable by statute. The police have had concerns that their powers are not always sufficient for some of these offences and I can confirm that this has sometimes prevented them from taking effective action. They have asked for their powers to be strengthened to allow certain other offences to become arrestable by statute, but without increasing the penalty.
I can confirm that all those working in the airline industry are supportive of these changes, which have also been welcomed by the Government's disruptive passengers working group. We wish to see effective prosecution of the offences and appropriate punishment. The fact that these serious incidents are rare does not undermine the rationale for the Bill. Even if only a handful occur, it is still important that each incident can be followed up effectively by the police. For cabin crew members or passengers who have been the victim of a disruptive behaviour offence, it would be unacceptable if the offender were not prosecuted because of difficulties in gathering evidence long after the incident had occurred.
The Bill will help to achieve the aim of more effective prosecution. I am grateful to my noble friend Lord Corbett for promoting the Bill and I am happy to record the Government's support for it.
12.12 p.m.
Lord Corbett of Castle Vale: My Lords, I thank my noble friend for welcoming the Bill and, in more practical terms, for confirming the Government's support for it. I thank also those noble Lords who have been kind enough to support the Bill. I am flattered that the Opposition Chief Whip should have graced our proceedings for the reason he explained.
The noble Baroness, Lady Trumpington, made the point beautifully. One of the first pieces of advice I was given when I came into your Lordships' House was to be very careful when speaking because it was an absolute certainty that there would be someone in the audience who would know more about what you were talking about than you did yourself. I am grateful to the noble Baroness. If the Bill is given a Second Reading, then between today and the remaining stages I shall have a word with the Air Transport Users' Committee.
On Question, Bill read a second time, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House.

Marine Safety Bill
12.14 p.m.
Lord Donaldson of Lymington: My Lords, I beg to move that this Bill be now read a second time. The Bill has come to us from another place, having been sponsored there by Dr Brian Iddon, the Member of Parliament for Bolton South East.
The overall purpose of the Bill is to increase safety at sea and to reduce the damage that can be caused by pollution from ships. We have seen all too plainly, with the sinking of the oil tanker "Prestige" off the coast of Spain late last year, the severity of the damage that can occur when such vessels get into difficulty.
Members of your Lordships' House may remember too that the United Kingdom has itself suffered some devastating oil spills. Nearly 40 years on, the name "Torrey Canyon" still conjures up images of polluted beaches and dead wildlife. The UK has suffered other large spills, the "Braer" in 1993 and the "Sea Empress" in 1996. It was the "Sea Empress" incident that led to the inquiry and report entitled the Review of Salvage and Intervention and their Command and Control, of which I had the honour of being the principal author. It introduced an entirely new system for intervention in the case of polluting or potentially polluting incidents in United Kingdom waters as well as those of the EEZ. Furthermore, I am glad to be told that it is working successfully. However, the report did identify two aspects where the legislation was inadequate and this Bill is designed to close those loopholes.
Under Section 137 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, as amended, the Secretary of State or his representative, known by the inelegant title of SOSREP—only because we could not think of any other term which did not have undesirable overtones of one kind or another—can give directions to the owner, master or pilot of a ship, any salvor in possession of the ship and where the ship is in waters regulated or managed by a harbour authority, to the harbour master or to the harbour authority. The powers may be used to prevent or minimise pollution or the threat of pollution following a maritime accident, and to prevent or reduce a risk to safety.
However, neither the Secretary of State nor SOSREP—in practice of course it is SOSREP—can issue a direction to the riparian owners and managers of facilities such as berths, wharves and jetties to require them to make their facilities available so that action may be taken to help the vessel. This Bill makes good that deficiency. Paragraph 2 of Schedule 1 to the Bill confers a power on the Secretary of State to give directions to those in charge of land or coastal premises to make that land or certain facilities such as berths, wharves or jetties available in order to reduce or prevent the risk of pollution and any risks to safety.
This may have financial consequences, which is why the Bill required a money resolution in another place. If, by being directed by the Secretary of State or his representative to accept a stricken vessel, a facility is effectively stopped from carrying out its normal day-to-day business, then Clause 15 makes provision for
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anyone suffering loss or damage to be properly compensated by the Secretary of State. This is right and just and, furthermore, I understand that it is a necessary provision in order to comply with the requirements of the European Convention on Human Rights.
Fortunately, there are likely to be few occasions on which the power will need to be exercised, but when it is required, it will be needed very badly. However, because it is so difficult to predict how often the power will need to be exercised, it is impossible to predict with any accuracy the level of compensation involved. It would depend on the type of facility being affected, the availability of alternative facilities and, of course, how long the casualty occupied that facility. A jetty serving an oil refinery, for example, may involve far greater sums than a jetty used occasionally for leisure purposes.
However, the costs of dealing with oil spills run to many millions. In today's value, I am told that the cost of the "Torrey Canyon" spill would be £76 million. If this measure is used only once to prevent a large spill, then the savings would far outweigh any compensation involved.
The second provision of the Bill concerns fighting fires at sea. Clause 2 amends the Fire Services Act 1947 by including a provision giving fire authorities the power to recover costs they incur in fighting fires at sea outside the area of any fire authority. The fire might be on a ship, an oil rig or another structure such as a pontoon. Between 1991 and 2001, 347 fires were recorded on ships in United Kingdom territorial waters. Of these, at least 12 could have resulted in significant loss of life were it not for the assistance that fire teams were able to give after being airlifted to the scene. Such teams are specially trained; they do not consist of ordinary firefighters.
After a three-day fire on the ro-ro ferry "Kukawa" in 1997, an arbitrator, in an appeal dealing with the salvage claim, took the view that the fire service's claim to recover costs was inadmissible. This was an unfortunate decision. No one had ever raised the point before and it was a pity that it was raised on that occasion. However, the arbitrator's decision was a serious setback to fire-fighting at sea and we have now seen fire authorities revoking their declared facility status because of funding problems. We need the clause to encourage fire authorities to continue to provide this expert and life-saving service.
Another product of the Bill is to consolidate existing powers into one piece of legislation.
If the Bill is enacted it will add a powerful tool to the Secretary of State's representative when tackling a major pollution or safety maritime incident. It will give firefighters an incentive to provide help at sea and provide a useful one-volume key reference document for rapid access when quick action is needed, although the SOSREP will not need to refer to the document because it will be present in his mind. I commend the Bill to the House.
Moved, That the Bill be now read a second time.—(Lord Donaldson of Lymington.)
12.21 p.m.
Baroness Thomas of Walliswood: My Lords, to respond from the Front Bench on a debate about safety at sea, in which the noble and learned Lord, Lord Donaldson, is the leading speaker, takes me back to my earliest days in your Lordships' House when the "Sea Empress" disaster and the possible re-opening of the "Devonshire" inquiry were both on the agenda. I remember how daunted I felt at having to take part in debates on these matters in the presence of the noble and learned Lord. While I no longer fear him, we all respect his great authority in this field.
The Bill has come to us from the House of Commons with the support of the Government and that of many Members of Parliament, including several of my honourable friends. As the noble and learned Lord said, the Bill deals with the important subject of marine safety and gives the Government the additional powers recommended by the noble and learned Lord in his review of salvage arrangements following the "Sea Empress" disaster near Milford Haven. As he said, the Bill fills a recognised gap.
The Bill also provides for the reimbursement of fire services which deal with fires at sea. Until I took an interest in the Bill I had not realised that the number of fire brigades willing to undertake the training and maintenance of services able to cope with fires at sea was reducing. That is an important aspect of the Bill.
As I have explained, my noble friend is not in his place. Nevertheless I am sure that we shall continue to support the Bill from these Benches.
12.23 p.m.
Viscount Astor: My Lords, we support the Bill. I apologise to your Lordships for not being present during the debate on the previous Bill even though my name was on the list of speakers. I attended a memorial service this morning and the speakers in that debate were rather briefer than I had imagined they would be. I apologise for missing the debate but I understand my noble friend the Opposition Chief Whip stood in for me.
After his report on the "Sea Empress" disaster at Milford Haven, the noble and learned Lord is indeed the father of the Bill. That report was published in 1999 and so, in government terms, to have a Bill in 2003 is rather rapid progress.
Apart from one small complaint I have absolutely no criticism of the Bill. The noble and learned Lord mentioned the word "SOSREP". It is a pity that we invent such extraordinary acronyms that we shall have to remember in the future.
As the noble and learned Lord said, the Bill fills a need. However, we have an obligation to press the Minister on the issue of funding. The Bill quite rightly gives the fire services the ability to charge for attending fires at sea, but in order to do that satisfactorily they have to have the training and the necessary equipment in their possession. This means that they will have to spend money to equip themselves to fight marine fires—and that money will have to be spent whether or
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not there is a fire—and we know that the funding the fire services receive for fighting marine fires has been cut.
If this is going to work, it is important that the Minister tells the House what guidance the Government are giving to the fire services in various locations on the levels of equipment they should maintain to deal with disasters. There is no point in fire authorities being allowed to charge for their services if they do not have the equipment to deal with incidents. I hope that the Minister will be able to answer that point.
We support the Bill and will encourage its passage through the House.
12.26 p.m.
Lord McIntosh of Haringey: My Lords, as has already been said, the Government support the Bill. We congratulate the noble and learned Lord, Lord Donaldson, on introducing it.
The United Kingdom has 10,000 miles of coastline. We are adjacent to one of the busiest sea lanes in the world— there are some 400 vessel movements per day through the Dover straits—so we have to make maritime safety and the prevention of pollution among our top priorities.
The noble and learned Lord, Lord Donaldson, referred to the "Torrey Canyon", the "Braer" and the "Sea Empress" incidents—which were very serious indeed—and outlined the Bill's provisions in detail, so I do not need to go into that again.
At present the powers of SOSREP are significantly lacking in that a damaged vessel may be directed into a port area, but if the private owners of the facility refuse to help offload the vessel, or perhaps bring it alongside so that a fire could be fought from shore, the risk presented by the casualty will remain. Indeed, such delays could allow precious time to be wasted and the situation to get worse. This would add risk to the coast and the community.
I understand that there have been two examples of vessels being refused access to port facilities during the past three years. One of these involved the MT "Framness". Last July she was refused access to her privately owned discharge facility within the Port of Milford Haven when it became known that had her engines been stopped they may have needed repairs before they could have been restarted. In this condition she was returned to sea, in worsening weather, presenting a risk of becoming a casualty with resulting massive pollution. SOSREP was not able to remedy this situation. He had to rely on his powers to require tug support to be provided to the vessel until repairs could be effected.
In another case the vessel "Dole America" was holed when she struck the Nab Tower, which is a navigational aid—and not a small one—off Southampton in the early hours of 7th November 1999. There was a 13 metre gash below the water level on her starboard side. The vessel was grounded and subsequently refloated before being taken into the Port of Southampton, where the intention was to place

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the casualty into an available, but privately-owned, dry dock so that temporary repairs could be undertaken and the vessel could be removed to the continent for full repair.
Permission to use the facilities at commercial rates had been agreed in advance of the refloating but was retracted as the vessel entered port. This could have been for reasons of commercial gain. However, the result was that the ship had to be held alongside a quay, supported at all times by a crane, while the best repairs possible could he completed before the vessel was taken to Portsmouth for further securing before being allowed back to sea. The effect of the private owner's refusal of facilities was that a vessel offering potential risk to safety and the port environment was held against a commercial berth for an extended period of time. We also know of a number of incidents where access to private facilities was given but could just as easily have been withheld. These safety matters are reserved and this provision shall apply across the United Kingdom.
The second measure concerns maritime firefighting. I was surprised to learn, as the House will be, that only 10 firefighting authorities provide any sort of maritime service. Indeed, there are only two between Essex and the extreme north of Scotland—Lincolnshire and Humberside. The position on the west coast is not much better.
In 1997, some 20 firefighting authorities provided a marine service. I cannot say that I have evidence that this 50 per cent reduction was entirely due to cost, but I suspect it was a principal factor. However, I have to give the lie to what the noble Viscount, Lord Astor, said about funding. There has been no cut in firefighters' funding. He will recognise that the Bill does not make it a duty for firefighters to work at sea, but it removes the burden of cost that is likely to make it more likely that more authorities will withdraw this service. An article in the May edition of the magazine for NUMAST members, the Telegraph, showed that a recent analysis of the costs of 68 shipboard fires added up to some £37 million—an average of £550,000 per incident. So we are not making it compulsory but we are removing a major disincentive.
I take the point of the noble Viscount, Lord Astor, that to fight fires you have to have some basic training and equipment. However, my understanding is that it is more training than equipment, and there is not so much capital cost involved in being prepared to fight fires. We are giving additional encouragement to firefighting authorities to undertake the training and the capital expenditure that is required on the basis that they will now, reversing the arbitrator's decision, be able to recover the cost from individual incidents.
Viscount Astor: My Lords, I am very grateful to the Minister for giving way. Perhaps I did not make it entirely clear in my speech. I did not say that there had been a cut in the funding of the fire service—at least,
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that is not what I meant to say. I meant to say that I understood that there had been a cut in the resources that the fire services had put in to fighting marine fires.
Can the Minister tell us—and, if not now, perhaps he would be kind enough to write to me—whether the Government feel that the number of fire services that have the equipment and the training is sufficient to cover the stretches of coastline along the United Kingdom? What mechanism does the Government have to ensure that there is, within the various fire authorities, enough cover for our coastline?
Lord McIntosh of Haringey: My Lords, as I say, there has been no cut in the funding of fire services. I am not aware that there has been a decrease in expenditure by fire authorities in dealing with marine fires, but I can write to the noble Viscount, Lord Astor, on that point. I made it clear that there has certainly been a cut in the number of firefighting authorities providing this maritime service. It is our belief that restoring the right to recover costs should encourage enough firefighting authorities to provide an adequate service around the coast.
We welcome these provisions, which will encourage, but not force, fire authorities to continue to provide this expert and life-saving service. This part of the Bill applies only to England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland will have to introduce separate legislation if they wish, and I understand that they are both keen to do so.
We do a great deal to promote maritime safety and minimise pollution at sea. The Bill, with the two measures that have been described and the consolidating of existing provisions into a single document, is most welcome, and we support it.
12.34 p.m.
Lord Donaldson of Lymington: My Lords, I thank all those concerned who have supported the Bill. 'The noble Viscount, Lord Astor, said that fire services will have to spend money in advance of an incident and asked how they get it back. The answer is that we are dealing with salvage. In the law of salvage, it has always been accepted that salvors, some of them operating on spec, will incur considerable costs. Those costs have always been taken into consideration in making an award of salvage.
I do not doubt that, in the light of this Bill, once salvage arbitrators know that the fire services can—and undoubtedly will—put in a claim for what is euphemistically called their costs, they will take a generous view, for the same reason that they take a generous view when remunerating salvors. It is in the interests of the maritime community that people are available to render this service when necessary.
On Question, Bill read a second time, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House.

Race Relations Act 1976 (Seamen Recruited Abroad) Regulations 2003
12.36 p.m.
Lord McIntosh of Haringeyrose to move, That the draft regulations laid before the House on 14th May be approved [20th report from the Joint Committee].
The noble Lord said: My Lords, the regulations to amend Section 9 of the Race Relations Act 1976 forms part of the Government's wider amendments to the Act implementing the race directive under Article 13 of the EC treaty.
The race directive makes it unlawful to discriminate in the areas of employment-related matters, social protection, social advantage, healthcare, education and goods and services—but only on the grounds of racial or ethnic origin. However, our proposals go beyond the requirements of the directive. The proposed amendment to Section 9 of the Act will outlaw discrimination on the basis of colour and national origins as well as on the basis of racial and ethnic origins as required by the directive.
This means that nationality will be the only grounds on which to justify treating people differently. This will apply to seafarers recruited abroad to work on ships registered in Great Britain, but only in terms of pay, including retirement and death benefits. Parallel legislation will be laid for ships registered in Northern Ireland.
Over the last few years, there has been a substantial revival in the United Kingdom merchant fleet, with an increase of around 90 per cent in UK registered shipping since 1997. The introduction of tonnage tax in 2000, and the registration reforms of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency have helped to produce a highly favourable environment for shipping. We are determined that this should continue.
That is the background against which we are laying the regulations to amend Section 9 of the Race Relations Act 1976. For most of the period that the Act has been in force, there has been a sharp decline in the number of UK-registered ships, and therefore in the number of ships that can be subject to UK legislation. However, as I indicated, there has been a huge increase in UK registered shipping since 1997.
During the public consultation on the implementation of the EC Article 13 race directive, our social partners' views were invited on a proposal to repeal Section 9 in its entirety. After careful consideration, the Government concluded that total abolition of Section 9 of the Act would seriously jeopardise the success we have achieved in reviving UK merchant shipping. This was not a course we were prepared to follow.
Crewing costs are a substantial proportion of overall shipping costs, and shipping companies are operating in a highly competitive sector. We estimate that the additional costs to shipowners, which could be up to £40 million, incurred by the total repeal of Section 9 would drive many shipping companies to register their ships abroad. Up to 400 ships, possibly
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more, could leave the UK register, thus removing them from the jurisdiction of the UK with the risk that they could move to less safety-conscious registers.
All other EU member states are retaining the ability to pay foreign seafarers at different rates. Not to proceed with our proposals could put UK registered ships at a significant commercial disadvantage in a highly competitive market.
I recognise that there are concerns about paying foreign seafarers at local rates, but I firmly reject the argument that it amounts to employing cheap labour. The local rates may compare favourably with rates for other jobs in the countries concerned. Furthermore, the UK fully supports the current exercise of the International Labour Organisation to consolidate its maritime conventions. That will achieve a workable and enforceable international system of maritime standards for seafarers' living and working conditions.
The Government are firmly committed to removing discrimination wherever possible. We are also firmly committed to the continued success of the United Kingdom register and of our shipping policy in general. We are convinced that to achieve those objectives the continuing payment of local wage rates to seafarers recruited abroad on United Kingdom ships is absolutely necessary. I beg to move.
Moved, That the draft regulations laid before the House on 14th May be approved [20th report from the Joint Committee].—(Lord McIntosh of Haringey.)
Viscount Astor: My Lords, I support the regulations. The Government have a sensible balance in terms of employment of people from abroad on British ships. As the Minister said, if the situation changed, it would have a dramatic effect on the amount of tonnage registered in this country. At the same time, we fully support the notion that the Race Relations Act should cover people employed in this way.
Lord Newby: My Lords, the Minister referred to a number of concerns expressed about the regulations, which we understand. On balance, we agree that the Government's course is a wise one.
On Question, Motion agreed to.

Co-operatives and Community Benefit Societies Bill
12.42 p.m.
Lord Carter: My Lords, I beg to move that the House do now resolve itself into Committee on this Bill.
Moved, That the House do now resolve itself into Committee.—(Lord Carter.)
On Question, Motion agreed to.
House in Committee accordingly.
[THE PRINCIPAL DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES in the Chair.]
Clause 1 [Community benefit societies: power to restrict use of assets]:
Lord Cartermoved Amendment No. 1:
Page 2, line 20. leave out 'him to perform" and insert "or assist him to perform any of"
The noble Lord said: In moving the amendment, I shall also speak to Amendments Nos. 2 and 3. This group of amendments and the amendment that follows are designed to meet some concerns expressed by the Delegated Powers and Regulatory Reform Committee. I express my thanks to Peter Hunt and the team of the Co-operative Party, Lucy Ryan and her team at the Treasury and particularly to Christine Salmon, the Clerk, and Alan Roberts, the special adviser to the Select Committee. They have all been extremely helpful in drafting the amendments.
The amendments deal with the first of three observations from the Select Committee on the drafting of the Bill. Members of the Committee may remember that paragraph 29 of the committee's 18th report stated:
"The Committee considers that the delegation in clause 1 (5)(d) would be appropriate only if expressly limited in the bill to a specific purpose such as that described in the Treasury's memorandum".
The object of the group of amendments is to meet that requirement. Amendment No. 1 is the paving for Amendment No. 2, which is the main amendment in the group, and Amendment No. 3 is consequential on Amendments Nos. 1 and 2. The new subsection (5)(d), as set out on the Marshalled List, meets the point made by the committee. The Treasury memorandum on the subject, addressed to the committee, states that the amendment narrows the scope of Clause 1(5)(d),
"so that the regulations can only authorise a prescribed person to make binding rules for the purpose of enabling or assisting him to perform his functions under the regulations … Prior to full consultation it is not certain exactly what functions may be conferred on a prescribed person".
The important point now is that any regulations conferring functions,
"can only make provision for the specific and limited purpose expressly set out in subsection (1): i.e. they can only set up an asset lock-in' regime for community benefit societies".
It goes on to say that,
"since the regulations are subject to the draft affirmative resolution procedure, they will require approval by a resolution in each House before they can be made. That will give both Houses the opportunity to prevent any regulations that confer functions on a prescribed person, or which authorise a prescribed person to make binding rules for the purpose of enabling or assisting him to perform those functions, which are considered inappropriate".
I beg to move.
Baroness Wilcox: My noble friend Lord Skelmersdale, who regrets that he is unable to be here at this time, requested the noble Lord, Lord Carter, and the Government to take the report of the committee regarding the Bill on the chin. We are
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delighted with the amendments proposed today by the noble Lord, Lord Carter, which, I understand, give effect to the committee's findings.
Lord Newby: We on these Benches are pleased that an unexpected glitch at an earlier stage has now been resolved. We fully support the Bill and are pleased that the amendments deal with the earlier problem.
Lord McIntosh of Haringey: The Government support the amendments.
Lord Carter: There is nothing else to say except that I do not exactly remember the phrase "on the chin".
On Question, amendment agreed to.
Lord Cartermoved Amendments Nos. 2 and 3:
Page 2, line 29, leave out paragraph (d) and insert—

"( ) authorise a prescribed person to make rules, binding on persons of a prescribed description, for the purpose of enabling or assisting him to perform any of his functions under the regulations;

( ) make provision as to the making, publication and enforcement of such rules;"

Page 2, line 33, leave out "carrying out" and insert "performing"
On Question, amendments agreed to.
Lord Cartermoved Amendment No. 4:
Page 2, line 38, at end insert—
"( ) Regulations under this section may not create any new criminal offence punishable with imprisonment for more than seven years."
The noble Lord said: The amendment deals with the second matter raised by the Delegated Powers Committee. On the fact that no maximum penalty for criminal liability was expressed in the Bill, the report said:
"In view of the range of provision which may be made under clause 1, the Committee considers that the delegation in clause 1(5)(a ) would be appropriate only if such a limit were included in the bill".
That is exactly what the amendment does, although it is important to point out that it is not strictly necessary because there are precedents for a power to create criminal offences in secondary legislation that do not specify a limit. One precedent is the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 2002, passed only last year. However, in order to make clear beyond any doubt what should happen, I have tabled this amendment, which limits the maximum criminal penalty that can be prescribed in the regulations to seven years imprisonment. That might sound on the high side, but it is one of the most serious offences that can be created if an officer of a society were fraudulently to use the assets of a society,
"for purposes not permitted by its asset lock (whether for personal gain or otherwise). Such an offence could potentially be as serious as theft of a charity's assets, or of money which has been collected for a charity and is to be regarded as belonging to the beneficiaries of the charity … The maximum sentence upon conviction for theft on indictment is seven years imprisonment",
under the Theft Act 1968.

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The offences are comparable in seriousness to the potential offence that may be created in regulations made under Clause 1 if an officer of a society were fraudulently to use the assets of a society for purposes not permitted by the asset lock. If the offence were less serious, that would obviously be reflected in a lower penalty. The amendment represents an appropriate restraint on the delegated power to make regulations. I beg to move.
On Question, amendment agreed to.
Clause 1, as amended, agreed to.
Remaining clauses and schedule agreed to.
House resumed: Bill reported with amendments.

Enterprise Act 2002 (Part 8 Domestic Infringements) Order 2003
12.50 p.m.
Lord McIntosh of Haringeyrose to move, That the draft order laid before the House on 12th May be approved [20th report from the Joint Committee].
The noble Lord said: My Lords, in moving the order I should also like, if I may, to speak to the supply of services order, the anticipated mergers order and the protection of legitimate interests order.
The consumer and competition provisions of the Enterprise Act enter into force on 20th June. The Act implements the Government's pledge to give more independence to the competition authorities. It takes the politics out of competition decisions with decisions on mergers and markets being taken by expert and independent competition bodies. The consumer provisions create a new super-complaints regime to encourage consumer bodies to bring complaints to the attention of the Office of Fair Trading. Part 8 of the Act also strengthens the enforcement of consumer law, extending the successful stop now orders regime—which is known by the terrible name of SNORs.
I start with the domestic infringement orders. This order sets out the list of domestic legislation that will be covered by the new Part 8 regime. Part 8 is intended to strengthen consumer protection by giving enforcement bodies wider powers to obtain court orders—similar to injunctions—against traders who cheat consumers and who provide unfair competition to honest businesses.
The new enforcement regime is modelled closely on the stop now orders which came into force in June 2001. Enforcers have been using the stop now regime successfully to stop a wide range of illegal trading practices. Part 8 of the Enterprise Act will implement the requirements of the injunctions directive in place of the SNORs, but will also enable court orders to be made to prohibit breaches of domestic law requirements not covered by the SNORs. Those are termed domestic infringements. The domestic infringements order specifies the legislation and rules of law in respect of which acts or omissions may give rise to domestic infringements. As we promised during
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the passage of the Bill, we have consulted extensively on the laws to be included in the domestic infringements order, and we have taken account of the responses in drawing up the order we are discussing today.
A range of mainstream consumer protection legislation is included in the order and is intended to protect the economic interests of consumers. This legislation includes, among other Acts, the Trade Descriptions Act, Section 4 of the Prices Act and certain offences under the Weights and Measures Act intended to protect consumers against short measures. That will enable quick and effective action to be taken against, for example, car traders who purchase high-mileage cars and lower the mileage prior to offering the cars for sale. It will also enable action to be taken against businesses which deliberately cheat consumers by giving them a quantity which is less than they paid for. It will also cover a wide range of other practices which harm consumers, such as counterfeiting and piracy, lottery-like scams and harassment of the elderly or vulnerable into making purchases. The new regime will enable better enforcement where these offences are committed. It also covers legislation on underage sales to children of such things as tobacco and fireworks.
Most importantly, by including breaches of the implied terms contained in the Supply of Goods and Services Act, the order will enable enforcement action to be taken against traders who fail to carry out a service with reasonable care and skill—such as cowboy builders and dodgy car repairers. That gives noble Lords a flavour of the provisions the order will bring in and the impact it will have. I hope that it will be agreed that this strengthening of enforcement will bring considerable benefits to consumers and also to the vast majority of honest businesses.
I turn now to the supply of services order. This specifies the circumstances in which permitting or making arrangements to permit the use of land is to be classified as the supply of a "service" for the purpose of merger and market investigations and the enforcement of certain consumer legislation. With the exception of car parks, these types of arrangements were already listed in Section 137 of the Fair Trading Act. We have added car parking primarily for consumer protection purposes. It will enable an enforcement order to be made under Part 8 to prohibit the use of notices in car parks which purport to exclude all liability due to negligence and whose only purpose seems to be to deceive consumers into thinking that they have no rights.
I turn to the anticipated mergers order, which relates to the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act. This order amends Sections 27 and 29 of the Act, which allow for the reference of completed mergers to the Competition Commission where the events constituting the merger took place over a period of up to two years. The purpose of the order is to apply these anti-avoidance measures to anticipated mergers; that is where all or part of the transaction has not yet been agreed but matters are in progress or contemplation.

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This replaces similar provision for anticipated mergers that was formerly made in Section 75(4) of the Fair Trading Act 1973.
Finally, I turn to the protection of legitimate interests order. There are a very limited number of merger cases in which the Government may wish to protect the public interest on non-competition grounds. In those cases the Enterprise Act provides a mechanism whereby the Secretary of State can intervene and decide on particular mergers that raise specified public interest considerations by serving an intervention notice. Apparently, national security is the only public interest specified in the Act. This instrument deals with mergers that fall to the European Community merger regulation—the ECMR. It ensures that the UK can act in ECMR cases to protect important non-competition interests. That is specifically foreseen by the European Community merger regulation itself.
The Enterprise Act preserves the current position. The UK can use the domestic merger control regime, where necessary, to take action on matters other than competition, such as defence, in relation to cases that fall to the ECMR.
The order follows the procedures set out in the public interest and special public interest schemes of the Enterprise Act with appropriate modifications. Most of the other provisions of Part 3 of the Enterprise Act are applied with modifications where relevant.
Those are the four orders for discussion today. They are all required to implement the consumer and competition provisions of the Act which will come into force next Friday. They are important but technical measures, developed in consultation with all interested parties. I commend the first order to the House.
Moved, That the draft order laid before the House on 12th May be approved [20th report from the Joint Committee].—(Lord McIntosh of Haringey.)
Baroness Wilcox: My Lords, I thank the Minister. If I have it right, we are speaking to all four orders in one go. I therefore turn first to the domestic infringements and supply of services orders.
While we on these Benches will not be resisting the orders, a number of questions were raised in another place which remain unanswered. The Minister in another place promised a written reply which has not been delivered. I should therefore appreciate reassurance on these matters from the Minister today. The first question was what impact the supply of services order will have on the storage of caravans over the winter where farmers in rural areas have diversified.
The second question referred to the domestic infringements order, on the issue of consumer protection. The Minister listed many activities to be covered, but I am not sure that he specifically dealt with the one in the question that was asked. The question was as follows. There has been a growing trend of highly threatening rogue traders offering re-tarmacked drives. The job, if completed at all, is very
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shoddily carried out at a highly inflated price. How will the law be strengthened to provide consumers with protection from those traders?
As regards the Enterprise Act 2002 (Anticipated Mergers) Order 2003 and the Enterprise Act 2002 (Protection of Legitimate Interests) Order 2003, we on these Benches are happy to support these orders which strengthen measures that can be taken against anti-competitive mergers and acquisitions. The first extends control of completed mergers to cover anticipated mergers as well, and will close a loophole whereby an organisation can avoid regulatory scrutiny by engaging in transactions over a long period of time. Now the authorities will be able to aggregate transactions over two years. This should be beneficial to business competitiveness and consumers alike by preventing organisations from working around the system.
The protection of legitimate interests order concerns the procedure following the Secretary of State issuing a European intervention notice, and where the matter is one of public interest, it can be referred by the Secretary of State to the Competition Commission. While in principle we are against providing the Secretary of State with more and more powers, these particular orders seem harmless enough and, as I said, we shall happily support them.
Lord Newby: My Lords, we on these Benches also support the orders.
Lord McIntosh of Haringey: My Lords, I am grateful to the noble Baroness and to the noble Lord for their support for the orders. I can answer the question raised by the noble Baroness, Lady Wilcox. I am very sorry that I seem to have a draft letter to Mr Andrew Robathan but I do not have any evidence that it has been sent. It seems to me that it ought to have been sent since the matter was considered in Standing Committee in the House of Commons.
As regards caravans, the order would bring the arrangements regarding the storage of caravans, particularly on farms over the winter, within the definition of a supply of services for the purposes of the Enterprise Act, but it does not otherwise affect the legal status of those arrangements. It means that where farmers store caravans on their land, a caravan owner may be considered as a consumer for the purpose of the definition of a domestic infringement under Part 8 of the Enterprise Act. If the storage is supplied in breach of any of the laws which may be enforced under Part 8 as a result of the domestic infringement order, action can be taken by the local trading standards officer and any other general or designated enforcer. Farmers who conduct this business in a lawful and proper way have nothing to fear.
Itinerant tarmac layers are, of course, subject to the same laws as other traders. Orders to stop malpractices by such traders where they can be traced could he obtained if they repeatedly harassed a consumer or if they failed to give consumers notice of their right to cancel the contract—that would be a community infringement—or if they gave the consumer false

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information about the service they were providing. That would be a contravention of the Trade Descriptions Act. If they failed to comply with an enforcement order, that would constitute contempt of court which would carry the prospect of a term of imprisonment of up to two years. I hope that it will be agreed that that would be a powerful incentive to the person against whom an enforcement order had been made to mend his ways and not engage in such unlawful conduct in the future. I apologise for having to make that statement for the first time.
On Question, Motion agreed to.

Enterprise Act 2002 (Protection of Legitimate Interests) Order 2003
1.4 p.m.
Lord McIntosh of Haringey: My Lords, I beg to move the Motions standing in my name on the Order Paper.
Moved, That the draft orders laid before the House on 29th April and 12th May be approved [19th and 20th reports from the Joint Committee].
On Question, Motion agreed to.

Uncertificated Securities (Amendment) (Eligible Debt Securities) Regulations 2003
1.5 p.m.
Lord McIntosh of Haringeyrose to move, That the draft regulations laid before the House on 6th May be approved [20th report from the Joint Committee].
The noble Lord said: My Lords, we are debating today changes to the legislative structure for computerised securities settlement systems that transfers shares, gilts and corporate bonds electronically, without using certificates. CRESTCo operates the only such system in the United Kingdom.
The legal framework under which CRESTCo operates its system is provided by the Uncertificated Securities Regulations (USRs). To ensure that the UK securities settlement infrastructure continues to be able to take advantage of opportunities for market developments there has been a rolling programme of reform of the USRs. They were first introduced in 1995, extended in 2000 and then re-enacted with modifications in 2001. The statutory instrument before us today continues that reform by amending the regulations in order to permit the evidencing and transfer of title of electronic equivalents of money market instruments (MMIs).
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The new regulations, by allowing for the creation of electronic equivalents of MMIs, are fulfilling the final recommendation of the Bank of England's Securities Settlement Priorities Review, published in 1998. There has been strong support from the City in favour of allowing these securities to be issued in electronic form, title to be evidenced by names on an electronic register and their integration into the CREST settlement system. Settlement is an important source of revenue and one determinant of the location of financial activity. Since issuers and investors nowadays have an ever wider choice over where they do business, it is essential that the United Kingdom remains attractive to them. The introduction of electronic equivalents of MMIs is another step forward in keeping London the leading international financial centre in the world. It is against this background that the Government are seeking approval for the relevant statutory instrument.
As I have already said, the statutory instrument will permit the evidencing and transfer of title of dematerialised equivalents to MMIs. MMIs are short-term debt securities; they mostly have a maturity of less than one year. They are used to meet the short-term funding needs of the Government (in the form of Treasury Bills), financial institutions and other companies. Holders of MMIs are almost exclusively companies rather than individuals. MMIs are issued in the form of certificates. They are negotiable bearer instruments meaning that ownership can be passed by physical delivery of a certificate. Each MMI is unique and cannot be used interchangeably with other units.
Dematerialisation, as the name implies, involves the removal of paper. In order for an MMI to be issued and transferred electronically, it will lose its uniqueness. At the same time it will cease to be a negotiable bearer instrument. This change in characteristic means that while performing the same economic functions, electronic equivalents of MMIs will be distinct securities. In the amended regulations a new electronic equivalent to the MMI has been defined, the Eligible Debt Security or EDS.
An EDS will be a so-called registered security. Legal title will be provided to the holder by entry of his name on the "Operator Register of Eligible Debt Securities", a computer-held record of ownership. A change in the register will represent a change in legal title. Furthermore, individual EDSs will be interchangeable so increasing flexibility for the issuer of the securities and thus allowing better tailoring to the needs of both investors and issuers. The modified regulations take account of the different legal characteristics of the EDS.
Legislative change is necessary to allow for the creation of EDSs. The current scope of the Uncertificated Securities Regulations, which make provision for electronic transfer and evidencing of ownership of securities, does not cover EDSs. The regulations we are debating amend the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001, to enable Eligible Debt Securities to be settled in CREST and for title to be provided by entry on the Operator Register operated by CREST; that is, electronic transfer of title

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representing a change in legal ownership. Most of the amendments are technical in nature and designed to facilitate, and give legal backing to, the upkeep of the registers and the transfer of securities.
The definition of an eligible debt security in the regulations has been deliberately cast in fairly broad terms. The breadth of the definition is intended to maintain sufficient flexibility and at the same time allow for the possible future development of new kinds of securities.
Why are we making the changes? Basically, there are three reasons. First, they will underpin financial stability by allowing settlement of short-term debt securities to take place in Crest with full delivery versus payment in central bank money. Secondly, they will reduce the costs of raising capital by removing the need to print and store large quantities of certificates. Thirdly, they will help to maintain the UK's competitiveness as a location for financial services by providing a modern and efficient securities settlement environment for London's financial markets.
Our objective in the amended regulations is a simple one—the electronic legal transfer of title and settlement of eligible debt securities. We believe that the change will enhance the competitiveness of the infrastructure of UK financial markets, and will be warmly welcomed by the City. I commend the regulations to the House.
Moved, That the draft regulations laid before the House on 6th May be approved [20th report from the Joint Committee].—(Lord McIntosh of Haringey.)
Baroness Wilcox: My Lords, I thank the Minister for that description of the changes required. We broadly welcome the move to modernise the settlement arrangements for UK securities, but I have two questions. I understand that the regulations are part of a process initiated following a consultation document. Do the regulations implement all the changes recommended by the consultation process? Will there be further consultation following the regulations to ensure that all is working smoothly? With those questions answered, we will be happy to support the regulations.
Lord Newby: My Lords, this is another set of regulations dealing with the rapidly advancing death of paper. The legislative framework always seems to be struggling to catch up with very rapid changes in how we do business. As someone who has just moved office and found to my slight surprise that in two years we had accumulated very little paper, which made the move a lot easier, I think it very important that the legislative framework is changed as quickly as possible to catch up with rapidly-changing business practices. On that basis, we support the regulations.
Lord McIntosh of Haringey: My Lords, I am grateful for the favourable reception of the regulations. I have two answers for the noble Baroness, Lady Wilcox. The first is that, yes, this is the end of the implementation of the changes on which
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consultation took place. The second is that, if there are further changes, there will of course be further consultation in advance.
On Question, Motion agreed to.

Release of Short-Term Prisoners on Licence (Amendment of Requisite Period) Order 2003
1.13 p.m.
Lord Davies of Oldhamrose to move, That the draft order laid before the House on 10th April be approved [18th report from the Joint. Committee].
The noble Lord said: My Lords, the purpose of the order is to lengthen the maximum curfew period spent by prisoners released on home detention curfew on electronic tag from three months to four-and-a-half months.
Home detention curfew offers eligible prisoners the opportunity to spend the final part of their sentence on curfew at their home address, or another suitable approved address. During the curfew period, which is usually between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., they are electronically monitored by means of a tagging device and may not leave home. The monitoring equipment is extremely reliable. The tag cannot be removed without damaging it and has tamper-proof mechanisms which operate in such a way that all damage is reported immediately to the tagging contractors. Prisoners who breach the curfew are recalled to spend the remaining custodial period of their sentence in prison.
At present, prisoners serving sentences of between three months and less than four years may be released on home detention curfew for up to three months before their normal release date. All prisoners must, however, serve at least one quarter of their sentences in custody. Under the present provisions, prisoners serving 12 months or more can receive the full three-month period on HDC. Those serving less than 12 months spend shorter periods under HDC. For example, someone serving a sentence of six months would spend six weeks on HDC, and someone serving a sentence of 10 months would spend two-and-a-half months on HDC.
The effect of the order will be to increase the maximum period that a prisoner may spend on home detention curfew to four-and-a-half months, while leaving in place the requirement to serve a quarter of the sentence in custody. In practice, there will be no change to prisoners serving less than 12 months, and the full curfew period of four-and-a-half months will apply only to persons who are serving sentences of 18 months or more.
The order will not increase the size of the pool of prisoners eligible for consideration under the scheme, but those released following the normal eligibility and risk assessment processes will be released for a longer period, so adding to the numbers on HDC at any one time. Of course, the Prison Service has an overriding duty to protect the public, and no prisoner is placed on HDC without being subject to a risk assessment. The

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Home Secretary has statutory powers to recall any curfewee who breaches his curfew condition. Any offending by a curfewee is also a breach of their licence and can lead to a recall to prison.
The home detention curfew scheme has been a success in providing prisoners with a smoother and more effective reintegration into the community. Since its introduction in January 1999, the scheme has enabled 70,000 prisoners to rejoin society earlier, while still subject to restrictions placed on their liberty. HDC has an impressive track record. More than 90 per cent of those released on HDC have completed their curfew periods without any problems at all, and less than 2 per cent have re-offended during their period on HDC.
Where HDC is supervised by the probation service—that is the case for all young offenders and those serving 12 months or more—it provides a valuable tool for probation officers in influencing the behaviour of former prisoners. HDC can be used to keep offenders out of trouble during the early weeks following release when they are most likely to get into trouble. HDC requires curfewees to develop self-discipline, and can therefore bring order to what might otherwise be a chaotic and disordered lifestyle.
Research shows that governors assess risks very well indeed. Governors release prisoners only when they consider the risk to the public and the risk of breach to be low. Research on the operation of the first 16 months of the scheme published in June 2001 showed that 9 per cent of prisoners released on HDC re-offended in the first six months after release, compared to 40 per cent of prisoners who had not been released on HDC. That is a significant difference, as the House will recognise, and confirms the accuracy of the risk assessments that governors perform.
In view of the continued success of the scheme, the Government consider that the time is right to lengthen the curfew period further. Carefully assessed, suitable prisoners will be able to return to their families and resume employment or training earlier in their sentences, thereby helping them to make a smoother and more effective transition from custody to leading a law-abiding life within the community. Those were factors identified by the Social Exclusion Unit in its report as important in reducing the risk of re-offending by ex-prisoners.
The change will have an impact on the prison population. Although not its primary purpose when first introduced, HDC continues to play an important part in helping to manage the prison population by reducing overcrowding at the same time as improving the resettlement and rehabilitation opportunities available for less serious offenders. Presently, some 3,100 people who would otherwise be filling prison places are serving the last part of their sentence on HDC. We expect that the increase in the length of the curfew period will release up to 1,000 further prison places by November, which is the equivalent of two medium-sized prisons.
HDC has been a highly successful resettlement tool that has enabled prisoners to rejoin their families and the community earlier in their sentence in a structured
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and carefully monitored way. The fact that such large numbers of prisoners have successfully completed their period on HDC without breaching it or re-offending while subject to the curfew shows that the risk assessment process carried out by governors is working very effectively indeed. I assure the House that governors will continue to maintain their rigorous approach and will release prisoners on HDC only where it is safe to do so. Accordingly, I commend the order to the House.
Moved, That the draft order laid before the House on 10th April be approved [18th report from the Joint Committee].—(Lord Davies of Oldham.)
Lord Cope of Berkeley: My Lords, the noble Lord has set out the purposes of the order. We go along with what he says, but I want to raise one or two points.
The noble Lord said that about 1,000 additional prison places will be freed up under the order. He attempted to imply that that was not its purpose but was incidental. But it is no doubt extremely welcome to a Government who have got themselves into a position where the prison population is under great stress and where considerable overcrowding and difficulties are resulting from that.
The noble Lord laid some emphasis on the figures for re-offending, and encouraged us to believe in the accuracy of the risk assessment that governors make before releasing prisoners. He was right to emphasise the importance of that process. In the end, the public will judge the purpose of the order by whether those released re-offend more or less. So the risk assessment process is extremely important.
I am encouraged by the figures that the noble gave relating to the period since the introduction of the HDC scheme. The order adds slightly more risk but will be crucial to how the scheme is judged in the long run.
Lord Roper: My Lords, we on these Benches broadly welcome the order. We particularly appreciated the detailed statistics that the Minister provided in introducing it. When the order was debated in another place last month, the Liberal Democrat spokesman, Annette Brooke, asked a number of statistical questions. I am glad that the answers have now been given in this House. We appreciate the effort that has been made to provide them.
I agreed strongly with the point made by the noble Lord, Lord Cope, about further checking and examining the risks. We need to monitor this operation in order to ensure that it provides benefits, which we believe are important, but that we are not at the same time increasing the risks. We need more information about subsequent re-offending by those who have been tagged. However, there is great scope for making good use of electronic tagging. I believe that the co-operation between the Probation Service and the Prison Service which it provides is also extremely useful. Therefore, we are pleased to see the order before the House today.
Lord Davies of Oldham: My Lords, I am grateful for the response of both noble Lords to the order. I noted

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the slightly uncharitable phrase used by the noble Lord Lord, Cope; namely, that the Government have "got themselves into a position" whereby there are increased numbers in prison. It is not exactly a case of the Government getting themselves into this position; it is reflective of wider societal developments to which we all have to make an intelligent and effective response. As the noble Lord will know, the issues regarding these orders—just as with issues regarding sentencing—are not directly a matter for government but are decisions of the courts. It is the Government's job to ensure that there are sufficient prison places for those who are found guilty and are obliged to serve a prison sentence, but the merits of this issue are not related to the size of the prison population—although I noted that the noble Lord had reflected on my remarks regarding the effect being equivalent to two prisons and therefore not negligible.
As I believe the noble Lord was stressing, the efficacy of the concept lies in how effective it is in reducing re-offending. Those are the figures from which we draw support. They have been carefully monitored thus far. That is why we feel that we can extend the period from three to four and a half months.
However, I take on board what the noble Lord, Lord Roper, rightly said: this process needs to be evaluated carefully. I can give the assurance that that will he the case. We hope that the figures for the re-offending rates of those who have been under a detention curfew continue to show an extremely favourable comparison with the rates for those who come straight out of prison—among whom the re-offending rates are far too high and need to be reduced. Any strategy that we can employ, consistent with public safety and justice, to reduce re-offending rates must be followed.
The order is based on careful research and monitoring, which will be continued. At the same time, we have evidence to indicate the success of the scheme. That is why we are proposing its extension. I commend the order to the House.
On Question, Motion agreed to.

Referral Orders (Amendment of Referral Conditions) Regulations 2003
1.25 p.m.
Lord Davies of Oldhamrose to move, That the draft regulations laid before the House on 1st May be approved [19th report from the Joint Committee].
The noble Lord said: My Lords, these draft regulations have been laid in order to make a simple adjustment to the referral order scheme. They have been widely consulted upon and have been welcomed by all those involved in the process, including magistrates, youth offending teams and community panel members.
At present, the courts are obliged to make a referral order in most cases involving under 18 year-olds who have been convicted for the first time and plead guilty. This change will give the courts greater discretion. They will not be obliged to make a referral order in respect of
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non-imprisonable offences but will have discretion to make one where they think fit. The intention is that magistrates may still make referral orders for such offences, but in future they will have discretion to choose an alternative sentence where they judge that to be more appropriate.
As originally intended by Parliament under the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999, the referral order will remain the primary disposal for young people convicted for the first time and pleading guilty. But this change will give more flexibility when it comes to non-imprisonable offences, especially minor and road traffic offences.
It may be helpful if I remind the House about the main features of the referral order. This is an innovative new sentence for young offenders in that it directly involves members of the local community in tackling youth crime in their neighbourhood. The court specifies the period for which the referral order is to last—between three and 12 months—and the young person is then referred to a youth offender panel—a form of restorative justice. This is chaired by a community member, with at least one other community member and the youth offending team officer in support. The victim will be invited—attendance is not obligatory—and anyone else with a significant investment in the young person's life, such as a family member or maybe a teacher, will also be invited.
The panel meetings provide the opportunity for young people convicted for the first time, and who have admitted the offence, to be dealt with away from the formality of the court. With the help of the panel the young person is encouraged to face up to the consequences of what he has done, find a way to repair the harm and to agree a contract with a programme to minimise the risks of re-offending. The aim is to reintegrate the young person back into the community and, if the order is successfully completed, the conviction is spent and they are able to put the offending behind them. It it does not work out, they go back to court for re-sentencing.
This is no soft option—it puts the young person on the spot and makes him answer to other people for his behaviour and play a central part in working out solutions; and it tackles victim and community concerns at the same time. Where victims are willing and able to attend, they can tell the young person at first hand what impact the offence had on them and express their view on what they would like to see in the form of reparation. There have been many cases where victims of offences such as burglary, assault or criminal damage have benefited from participation in this process.
After piloting, referral orders were implemented across England and Wales in April 2002, so they have been in force nationally for just over a year. We have evaluated the first year of operation and I can confidently say that they are successfully demonstrating community justice in action. The evaluation shows that referral to a youth offender panel can be a positive experience for all concerned—the young offender, the parents who find this a very supportive process and, as I have said, on occasions the victim.

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But drawing on experience so far, and after listening to those involved in the process, we need to make a small adjustment to the scheme to make it more responsive to people's needs. Referral orders involve the direct engagement of all parties and are very beneficial in most cases, but experience has shown that they can be a disproportionate response in some cases involving road traffic offences and the less serious general offences.
Offences are coming to panels which would be better dealt with more simply; for example, by a fine. Offences such as a 40p fare evasion or driving a moped without a helmet can sensibly be dealt with by the court there and then without the need for input by a community panel—which requires more organisation, is slower and takes up people's valuable time. This amendment will give magistrates the flexibility to pass an alternative sentence in such cases. It will enable the resources required for referral orders to be focused better on the cases which tend to be more complex in terms of their causes or possible solutions.
I should stress that we are not saying that referral orders will never be appropriate for non-imprisonable offences. Some traffic offences, for example, could have serious consequences and there may be a need to bring home to a young driver the importance of the Highway Code and their responsibility to other road users. But there will also be minor infringements, such as I enumerated earlier, which do not merit the involvement of community panels. By the same token, some minor fare evasions, which constitute dishonesty, may benefit from a referral order. These regulations will give courts the choice, so that the magistrates can make an alternative disposal if they see fit.
The regulations make a sensible adjustment to the operation of referral orders and accordingly I commend them to the House.
Moved, That the draft regulations laid before the House on 1st May be approved [19th report from the Joint Committee].—(Lord Davies of Oldham.)
1.30 p.m.
Lord Roper: My Lords, I thank the Official Opposition for giving way. We on these Benches welcome the order. Referral orders are useful weapons in the armoury available to the courts in dealing with young offenders. It is good that although they were initially drafted in a limited and restricted way, the Government now propose to build in a degree of flexibility, thereby giving the courts additional discretion.
However, we need to be careful that the discretion will not lead to a reduction in the use the courts make of the orders. That would be most unfortunate. I do not believe that it will be the case, but the Government should monitor any changes in the use made of them. We may need to reconsider the matter, but at this stage the order provides additional flexibility to the courts and will enable them to use referral orders with a greater range of appropriate young offenders. We welcome it.
Lord Cope of Berkeley: My Lords, for a long time, I have been on the record making speeches in favour of
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restorative justice. It has played a valuable part in the criminal justice system. I, too, welcome the greater flexibility provided by the regulations.
The Minister said that they were not a soft option. That is an important element because they should not be. He also raised the possibility of the victims being present during the process. That can be important in bringing home to offenders the consequences of their actions, but I hope that it is clear that no pressure is brought on the victims to attend such sessions. It can he a traumatic experience for them, having suffered the consequences of an offence.
Ultimately, it is important that the operation of all such schemes is thoroughly evaluated, particularly in terms of re-offending, to ensure that the best use is being made of them and that appropriate cases are being dealt with. The flexibility which the regulations provide is important, but as a result magistrates and others will need guidance on appropriate cases based on the working of youth offender panels in their area.
Lord Davies of Oldham: My Lords, I am grateful for the response from the noble Lords, Lord Roper and Lord Cope of Berkeley. I indicate to the noble Lord, Lord Roper, that we expect the reduction in the number of referral orders to be about 10 per cent. As regards the point emphasised by the noble Lord, Lord Cope, we expect guidance to be given to magistrates, recognising the flexibility but in no way, shape or form changing the nature of referral orders and their general use for under 18s who have committed a first offence and pleaded guilty.
While recognising that emphasis, I want to reassure the noble Lord, Lord Cope, that it can be a most salutary lesson for the perpetrator of the crime to come face to face with his victims. However, it would be wrong for any pressure to be put upon victims to play their part. If they are willing to do so, we have no doubt that it will contribute significantly to the young person's awareness of the consequences of his crime. It would be wrong for pressure to be put upon victims and they contribute only if they want to do so. As we gain experience, people may begin to realise the valuable role which victims can play in restorative justice.
I emphasise that there is no question of the regulations being a soft option. The noble Lord, Lord Cope, is right in saying that they should not be. They are designed to provide an improved opportunity for those who have committed crime to realise the consequences of their actions. However, we hope that they will result in a reduction of the recommittal of offences, for which we all strive, particularly for first-time offenders. That is why the regulations apply directly to them. I commend them to the House.
On Question, Motion agreed to.
House adjourned at twenty-one minutes before two o'clock.

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