Written Answers of 19 November 1998

CABINET OFFICE

  Departmental Registers
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will list the registers held by his Department which are open for inspection by(a) hon. Members and (b) members of the public. [59747]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the then Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, my right hon. Friend the Member for South Shields (Dr. Clark), to my hon. Friend the Member for Leyton and Wanstead (Mr. Cohen) on 2 July 1998,Official Report, column 258.

  There are no separate arrangements for maintaining registers for inspection by hon. Members and members of the public.

  Interchange Initiative
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many individuals have been seconded(a) from the Civil Service to industry and (b) from industry to the Civil Service under the Interchange initiative, since its establishment. [60028]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  The Interchange Unit was set up in the Cabinet Office in May 1997 and has collected statistics for the financial years 1996–97 and 1997–98. The total number of inward secondments to the civil service from industry for this period was 581; outward secondments to industry numbered 889.

  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what budget has been allocated to the Interchange initiative for(a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99 and (c) 1999–2000. [60029]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  The Interchange Unit was allocated a budget of £380.00 for 1997–98, and £146,365 for 1998–99. The budget for 1999–2000 has not yet been set but is unlikely to exceed the current figure.

  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what steps he has taken to promote the Interchange initiative. [60016]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  The Interchange Unit in the Cabinet Office has been actively involved in encouraging departments to increase their Interchange activity with business, local authorities, health service, academia and small businesses. It has produced a range of publicity material, including a video, aimed at raising awareness and increasing understanding and participation in the initiative. The Unit also took a stand at the Institute of Personnel Development exhibition in Harrogate in October and the CBI conference in Birmingham in November. To publicise the initiative, I hope in the near future to arrange a working 706
  breakfast to be attended by a range of key decision makers from all sectors of the economy participating in interchange.

  Joint Intelligence Committee
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what progress has been made since January 1996 in reviewing and releasing the records of the Joint Intelligence Committee; where in the Public Record Office the records are which have been released since then; which years are covered by records which have been released since then; what records are now planned to be reviewed for release; and if he will make a statement. [60289]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  Since 1996 JIC minutes and memoranda for the years 1951 to 1955 have been reviewed. Those records found to be no longer sensitive have been transferred to the Public Record Office (PRO) at Kew for release with the following class references—CAB 159/9-21 and CAB 158/12-22.

  JIC minutes and memoranda for the years 1956 to 1959 have also been reviewed and those found to be no longer sensitive have recently been transferred to the PRO at Kew for public access in January 1999. These records will have the class references CAB 159/22-32 and CAB 158/23-38.

  JIC records for 1960 and later years will continue to be released every year in three-year tranches until the review has been completed.

  Liberal Democrats
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will list the factors which led him to specify particular policy areas as suitable for discussions with the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed (Mr. Beith). [60379]

  Dr. Jack Cunningham
  I have not sought to limit the scope of my discussions with the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed about our review of the work of the Joint Consultative Committee. However, policy areas which might be discussed at the Committee in future seem likely to be those on which the Government and the Liberal Democrat party have some commonality of agenda and approach.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will make it his policy to make public the agenda and minutes of meetings with the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed (Mr. Beith) arising from the agreement between the Prime Minister and the leader of the Liberal Democrats. [60381]

  Dr. Jack Cunningham
  No. These documents fall within the exemption for internal discussion and advice under the "Code of Practice on Access to Government Information".

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many meetings he has held with the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed (Mr. Beith) since 11 November; and how long each lasted. [60434]
  707
  Dr. Jack Cunningham
  I have had one meeting with the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed to discuss our review of the work of the Joint Consultative Committee. It took place on 12 November and lasted approximately one hour.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  New Deal
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Attorney-General what estimate he has made of the number of people taken on under the New Deal arrangements by non-departmental bodies in receipt of financial support from his Department. [60523]

  The Attorney-General
  There are no non-departmental bodies in receipt of financial support from my Department.

  Ministerial Travel
  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will list the occasions since 1 May 1997 on which a Minister in his Department has used(a) an aircraft belonging to the RAF and (b) a privately chartered aircraft together with (i) details of the take-off and destination points, (ii) ground waiting time, (iii) dates of departure and return, (iv) purpose of the trip, (v) cost of the trip to his Department and (vi) details of people accompanying the Minister, indicating the total costs of all such travel borne by his Department (1) since 1 May 1997 and (2) between 1 May 1996 and 1 May 1997. [55554]

  The Attorney-General
  [holding answer 19 October 1998]: There have been no occasions on which a Minister in my Department has used RAF or privately chartered aircraft during the dates specified.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Developing Countries
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, pursuant to her answer of 28 October 1998,Official Report, column 202, if she will list the major partner countries which are monitored by her economic advisers. [60592]

  Clare Short
  Economic Advisers from the Department for International Development monitor economic events in the following major partner countries:

  Africa

  Kenya

  Uganda

  Tanzania

  Nigeria

  Ghana

  Zimbabwe

  Zambia

  Malawi

  Mozambique

  South Africa

  708
  Asia

  India

  Pakistan

  Bangladesh

  China

  Nepal

  Latin America and the Caribbean

  Montserrat

  Eastern Europe and Former Soviet Union (shared monitoring with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office)

  Russia

  Ukraine

  Poland.

  Economic Advisers also monitor a number of developing countries which are not our major partners but where there is DFID involvement. These include countries in the Caribbean and Latin America, other Overseas Dependent Territories, countries in the Former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe and other countries in Africa and Asia.

  Non-governmental Organisations
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the 10 organisations which receive the greatest amounts of her Department's budget allocated to non-Governmental organisations. [60457]

  Clare Short
  Information on DFID expenditure through UK NGOs in the current financial year is not yet available. Information on expenditure in 1997–98 is currently being collated and will be available later this year.

  In 1996–97, the ten UK NGOs in receipt of the largest amounts of funding from DFID were:

  NGO

  £ million

  Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO)

  22.0

  British Red Cross

  15.9

  Save the Children Fund

  13.7

  Care International UK

  11.5

  Oxfam

  10.2

  International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF)

  8.2

  Christian Aid

  6.1

  Medical Research Council

  4.0

  London School of Hygiene

  3.6

  Marie Stopes International (MSI)

  3.2

  This information is based on the direct funding of UK NGO initiatives and on expenditure channelled through UK NGOs for development activities undertaken on behalf of DFID.

  Information on spending through overseas NGOs is not held separately, but is included in DFID's bilateral country programme expenditure.

  New Deal
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what estimate she has made of the number of people taken on under the New Deal arrangements by non-departmental bodies in receipt of financial support from her Department. [60524]
  709
  Mr. Foulkes
  Information on the numbers of people taken on under the New Deal by non-departmental public bodies for which the Department for International Development is responsible is not held centrally.

  Central America (Hurricane Mitch)
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the use of portable water purification pumps in the area affected by Hurricane Mitch in Central America. [60586]

  Mr. Foulkes
  The provision of safe drinking water following natural disasters is an important part of the disaster response effort in order to reduce the consequential risk of health epidemics. Ensuring that the significant numbers of affected people in Central America obtain safe drinking water is a major challenge. Equipment such as water purification pumps can be helpful in this respect but the form of response must follow good technical appraisal and be appropriate. The work being carried out by the Red Cross, the Pan American Health Organisation and various non-governmental organisations, supported by the British Government, includes the provision of safe drinking water and other basic health care needs. Their efforts and those of the United Nations have helped prevent a health emergency occurring in the region.

  Date/journey

  Destination

  Purpose

  Personnel

  September 1997

  Bangladesh

  View projects

  20

  September 1997

  Sarajevo

  Visit DFID humanitarian aid programmes

  1

  October 1997

  Kenya-Uganda-Rwanda

  Visit DFID projects in Entebbe/Soroti/Kigali

  8

  November 1997

  Donetsk

  Visit KHF projects in the region

  4

  January 1998

  Malawi

  No commercial flight

  2

  February 1998

  Benja Luka-Sarajevo

  Visit DFID humanitarian aid programmes

  4

  May 1998

  Guyana

  Visit Iwo krame Rainforest project

  3

  June 1998

  Vietnam

  Visit DFID projects in Ha Tinh

  4

  July 1998

  South Africa

  Visit projects in Bislio, Eastern Cape/Kwa

  3

  July 1998

  Mozambique

  Visit projects in Zulu, Natal and Maputo

  9

  August 1998

  Tanzania

  Visit DFID projects in Trnga and Mbeya

  3

  The average cost of the flights taken to make these trips for the 17 months between May 1997 and September 1998 is £5,050 compared to £10,409 under the last year of the previous Administration.

  Average cost for the last Administration is made up of 2 flights undertaken by Baroness Chalker.

  South East Asia
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has held with IMF officials concerning the impact of the IMF's rescue package of levels of poverty in South East Asia. [58161]

  Ms Hewitt
  I have been asked to reply.

  My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer discussed this and other matters at the recent IMF and World bank meetings in Washington. He emphasised the need for the IMF and World bank to work together in the design of programmes to ensure that Governments have in place policies to strengthen social systems and tackle the social impact of sudden shocks to the financial system, and that the conditions they attach to programmes
  710
  A Department for International Development expert mission is in Honduras and Nicaragua next week and will assess the effective delivery of emergency water supplies.

  Ministerial Travel
  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the occasions since 1 May 1997 on which a Minister in her Department has used(a) an aircraft belonging to the RAF and (b) a privately chartered aircraft together with (i) details of the take-off and destination points, (ii) ground waiting time, (iii) dates of departure and return, (iv) purpose of the trip, (v) cost of the trip to her Department and (vi) details of people accompanying the Minister, indicating the total costs of all such travel borne by her Department (1) since 1 May 1997 and (2) between 1 May 1996 and 1 May 1997.[55561]

  Mr. Foulkes
  This Question could be answered in full only at disproportionate cost. Ministers are required under the terms of the Ministerial Code always to make efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements. The rules on travel for Ministers are the same as those that applied under the previous Administration.

  Between 2 May 1997 and 30 September 1998, Ministers in this Department have used RAF aircraft and private charter aircraft on the following occasions:

  preserve as far as possible investment in the social, education and employment programmes which are the foundation for growth.

  In that respect, he called upon the World bank to develop as a matter of urgency a code of general principles of good practice in social policy, in consultation with other organisations, that should be drawn upon by the IMF and the World bank in developing adjustment programmes in response to crises. Following my right hon. Friend's proposals, the G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors agreed in their recent statement on the world economy that more attention must be given in times of crisis to the effect of economic adjustment on the most vulnerable groups in society.

DEFENCE

  RAF Bases
  Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of (a) RAF Northolt, (b) RAF Uxbridge and (c) RAF Bentley Priory. [59847]
  Mr. Spellar
  The RAF sites at Northolt, Uxbridge and Bentley Priory are currently the subject of a formal rationalisation study which includes all the Defence Estate sites within the Greater London area.

  The study team is due to make a report to Ministers at the end of the year.

  Ministerial Travel
  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will list the occasions since 1 May 1997 on which a Minister in his Department has used(a) an aircraft belonging to the RAF and (b) a privately chartered aircraft together with (i) details of the take-off and destination points, (ii) ground waiting time, (iii) dates of departure and return, (iv) purpose of the trip, (v) cost of the trip to his Department and (vi) details of people accompanying the Minister, indicating the total costs of all such travel borne by his Department (1) since 1 May 1997 and (2) between 1 May 1996 and 1 May 1997; [55545]

  (2) if he will list the occasions of ministerial use of RAF aircraft since 1 May 1997 indicating the Minister, the date of trips, the departure and destination points and the costs. [55564]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 19 October 1998]: This question could be answered in full only at disproportionate cost. Ministers are required under the terms of the Ministerial Code always to make efficient and cost effective travel arrangements. The rules on travel for Ministers are the same as those which applied under the previous Administration. Between 2 May 1997 and 30 September 1998 Ministers in this department have used RAF aircraft on the occasions which are set out in a table, a copy of which will be placed in the Library of the House.

  The average cost of the flights taken to meet these trips for the 17 months between May 1997 and September 1998 is £3,910 compared to an average cost of £3,433 in the last year of the previous Administration.

  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if departments have to pay the full cost to the RAF when Ministers from other departments use RAF planes on official business. [55573]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 19 October 1998]: When Ministers from all Government departments use RAF aircraft on official business they are charged at a "no-loss" rate (the direct cost excluding overheads). This represents the same charging policy as under the previous administration.

  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the VIP transport journeys undertaken by the XV108 since 1 May 1997, indicating in each case the(a) destination and (b) date of each trip; and the names of the VIPs carried together with the number of people accompanying them. [58305]

  Mr. Spellar
  [holding answer 5 November 1998]: I refer the hon. Member to the replies given to him today by my right hon. Friends the Prime Minister, Official Report, columns 742-46, and the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary, Official Report, column 808.

  Cadet Forces
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the budget for the cadet forces in the current financial year; what it was for the last financial year; and what the figure will be for the next financial year. [57172]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The budgets for the Cadet Forces for financial years 1997–98 and 1998–99 are as follows:

  £ million

  F/Y 1997–98

  F/Y 1998–99

  Sea Cadet Corps

  6.37

  6.12

  Army Cadet Force

  27.08

  27.48

  Air Training Corps

  16.76

  17.11

  Combined Cadet Force

  6.16

  7.18

  Total

  56.37

  57.89

  The Department has not yet finalised its financial planning for 1999–2000. However, as I have already told the House, we have made an increase of some £3 million in the funding for cadets over the next four years.

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the parliamentary constituencies out of which cadet forces will be transferred. [60758]

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

  Trident
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what percentage of the computer chips within the Trident system were purchased off the shelf from suppliers; and what percentage were specifically designed and manufactured for the task required; [59930]

  (2) if he will place in the Library a copy of (a) audits and (b) action plans completed by his Department on the subject of the Trident system's millennium compliance; [59974]

  (3) how many staff are dedicated to ensuring the Trident system's millennium compliance (a) within the MoD, (b) in the Royal Navy, (c) in the Procurement Executive, (d) in the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency and (e) in the Atomic Weapons Establishments; and if he will make a statement; [59928]

  (4) how many systems have been identified during the year 2000 audit as being critical to the safe and continuous operation of the Trident system; [59972]

  (5) what procedures are in place within his Department to ensure the Trident system will not fail on key dates in the computer calendar; [59931]

  (6) what discussions have occurred between his Department and his US counterparts to ensure millennium compliance of those parts of the Trident system purchased in the US; and if he will make a statement; [59929]

  (7) how much is planned to be spent by (a) the MoD, (b) the Royal Navy, (c) the Procurement Executive, (d) the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency and (e) the AWEs to ensure millennium compliance of the Trident systems; [59973]
  713
  (8) if he will list the items being purchased as the UK's share of the FY99 Trident procurement programme; [60017]

  (9) how much of the budget being spent in the US on Trident during fiscal year 1999 is for items essential to maintain the continued operational availability of the UK Trident system. [60018]

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

  Defence Restructuring
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish the letter of intent which he signed on 6 July with European defence ministers as part of his initiative on defence restructuring. [51058]

  Mr. George Robertson
  A copy of the letter has been placed in the Library of the House and copies have been sent to interested parties such as the DIC.

  Falkland Islands Garrison (Meat Purchases)
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 2 November 1998,Official Report, column 356, if he will make a statement on the policy of the military garrision on the Falkland Islands not to purchase for its use mutton and lamb raised on the Falkland Islands. [58713]

  Mr. Spellar
  Booker's decisions on sourcing products for use by the Armed Forces at home and overseas are based on my Department's requirement that it seek the best prices consistent with meeting our quality specification and assuring continuity of supply. We require it to look to buy British products wherever this cost is effective. I have asked my officials to review the arrangements for the supply of lamb to the Falklands Island Garrison. I shall write to the hon. Member when this review is completed in the New Year.

  Navy Vessels (Refits)
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department spent on repairs, refits and maintenance of(a) HMS 'Ark Royal', (b) HMS `Illustrious' and (c) HMS 'Invincible' in each of the last five years. [60828]

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

  Days at Sea
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many operational days(a) HMS `Invincible' and (b) HMS 'Illustrious' spent at sea in each of the last five years; [60829]

  (2) how many operational days at sea have been undertaken by each of the Royal Navy's submarines, in each of the last five years; [60630]

  (3) how many operational days (a) HMS 'Ark Royal' and (b) HMS 'Intrepid' have spent at sea in each of the last five years. [60629]
  714
  Mr. Doug Henderson
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Military Sites (Disposal)
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will list the(a) Royal Air Force and (b) Royal Navy sites which have been disposed of in each of the last five years, together with the dates of the disposal and the sums received by his Department; [60831]

  (2) which of his Department's sites are currently on the market for disposal. [60780]

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

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the Army sites which have been disposed of in each of the last five years; with the dates of the disposal and the sums received by his Department. [60752]

  Mr. Spellar
  Details of site disposals were not collated centrally until April 1997. I will write separately to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  General Pinochet
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the meetings officials from his Department have held with General Pinochet during his current visit to the United Kingdom. [60464]

  Mr. Spellar
  No such meetings have been held.

  Air Force Bases
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the RAF and USAF bases in the United Kingdom that have been closed in the last five years or which are due to be closed under current plans; and what uses are being considered for each site. [60648]

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

  Territorial Army Centre, Stroud
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what was the total planned expenditure on improvements to the TA centre in Stroud; [60787]

  (2) what steps he has taken to relocate the two cadet forces currently situated at the TA centre in Stroud; and if he will make it his policy that moneys accruing from the sale of the TA centre in Stroud are re-invested into local cadet forces. [60790]

  (3) what plans he has to discuss new locations with the Army cadet force in Stroud; [60784]

  (4) what plans he has to value the site of the TA centre in Stroud; [60789]

  (5) what moneys have been expended in the last three years on improvements to the TA centre in Stroud; [60786]
  715
  (6) if he will publish the criteria by which it was decided to close the Stroud TA centre; [60785]

  (7) what was the total planned expenditure on improvements to the TA centre in Stroud, prior to notice being given of the decision to close it. [60788]

  (8) what plans he has for consultation with the TA personnel in Stroud on his plans for their transfer. [60783]

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

  Territorial Army
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will list the parliamentary constituencies from which battalion headquarters are to be transferred leaving no Territorial Army presence; [60757]

  (2) if he will list those parliamentary constituencies in which TA centres with cadets will be closed leaving no remaining TA presence. [60759]

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

  101 Battalion, Chorley
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of the estate at Chorley 101 Battalion Headquarters, Lancaster House, Devonshire Road, Chorley after it has been closed. [60760]

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

  New Deal
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the number of people taken on under the New Deal arrangements by non-departmental bodies in receipt of financial support from his Department. [60530]

  Mr. Spellar
  Non-Departmental Public Bodies are encouraged to participate as employers in the New Deal. Information on the numbers of people taken on under New Deal arrangements by Non Departmental Public Bodies is not held centrally.

  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many young people within his Department have been employed under the New Deal arrangements. [60377]

  Mr. Spellar
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to him today by the Under-Secretary of State for Education and Employment with responsibility for lifelong learning, my hon. Friend the Member for Leeds, East (Mr. Mudie).

  Nuclear Weapons (Millennium Compliance)
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with his counterparts in (i) Russia, (ii) France and (iii) China concerning year 2000 compliance of nuclear weapons systems. [60810]
  716
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what studies have been commissioned by his Department into the potential millennium bug risk to the safety of(a) nuclear weapons and (b) command and control systems. [60795]

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

  Nuclear Weapons (Disposal)
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Mid-Bedfordshire (Mr. Sayeed) of 2 November 1998,Official Report, columns 414-15, on nuclear, chemical and biological weapons in the former Soviet Union, how much financial assistance has been (i) provided to date and (ii) committed in the future, to the International Science and Technology Centre; and how much financial investment has been committed to studying options for the disposal of surplus defence plutonium in Russia; and which British experts are involved in this study and to what timetable they are working. [60683]

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

  Exercise Dimming Sun
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the projected cost of the nuclear weapon exercise Dimming Sun to be held in June 1999; what proportion will be paid for by his Department; what role US military forces will have in this exercise; and if the media will be invited to the exercise. [60719]

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

  Exercise Diagonal Glance
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a copy of the report arising out of the Diagonal Glance nuclear weapon exercise in September; what was the cost of this exercise; what proportion of the cost of the exercise is to be paid by his Department; and how many press releases were issued about the exercise. [60720]

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

  Atomic Weapons Establishment
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will place in the Library a copy of the results of the investigation by the Atomic Weapons Establishment, Aldermaston into a plutonium contamination accident at the establishment on 4 July 1996; [60775]

  (2) when the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate and Nuclear Safety Directorate of the Health and Safety Executive are next due to inspect the Atomic Weapons Establishment, Aldermaston; [60774]
  717
  (3) when the Radiation Physics Division of the Atomic Weapons Establishment, Aldermaston was set up; what is the purpose of this division; how many series of technical papers or reports are currently being produced by this division; and what are the names of each series; [60772]

  (4) how many times the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate and the Nuclear Safety Directorate of the Health and Safety Executive have inspected the Atomic Weapons Establishment, Aldermaston since July 1997; and if he will place a list of the reports of these inspections in the Library, specifying the date on which each report was produced; [60773]

  (5) pursuant to his answer of 24 July 1998, Official Report, column 734, regarding the Atomic Weapons Establishment, if he will place in the Library a list of the papers produced by the Metallic Materials Business Area in the Director Technology Technical reports series which are currently unclassified, indicating the title of each paper and the date on which each paper was produced. [60777]

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

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when and for what reasons the Atomic Weapons Establishment Local Liaison Committee was set up; on what basis members are appointed to the committee; and if he will list the current members of the committee. [60776]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Local Liaison Committee was set up in 1993 to provide a means by which the Atomic Weapons Establishment, AWE, could discuss with representatives of local authorities matters of community interest and concern relating to AWE's operation. County, District, Town and parish Councils within AWE's local area are invited to be represented on the Committee. The Councils represented are:

  Hampshire County Council

  West Berkshire Council

  Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council

  Reading Borough Council

  Wokingham District Council

  Tadley Town Council

  Aldermaston Parish Council

  Baughurst Parish Council

  Beech Hill Parish Council

  718

  Brimpton Parish Council

  Burghfield Parish Council

  Mortimer West End Parish Council

  Padworth Parish Council

  Pamber Parish Council

  Pangbourne Parish Council

  Purley-on-Thames Parish Council

  Shinfield Parish Council

  Silchester Parish Council

  Stratfield Mortimer Parish Council

  Sulhampstead Parish Council

  Theale Parish Council

  Ufton Nervet Parish Council

  Wasing Parish Council

  Wokefield Parish Council

  Woolhampton Parish Council.

  Representation is a matter for the Councils concerned. The meetings are chaired by AWE's Chief Executive and senior staff attend as required. The secretary is a member of AWE's staff.

  Civilianisation
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many posts staffed by military personnel within his Department have been civilianised in each of the last three years. [55819]

  Mr. Spellar
  The first year that a centrally managed count of civilianised posts was undertaken was 1995. In that year, aggregate figures were collated in respect of the number of posts civilianised since 1990. Since that time, annual totals have been assembled in December of each year. The latest available figures are:

  Year

  Number

  1990–95

  2,800

  1996

  1,143

  1997

  847

  Chief of Staff Meetings
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what dates the Chiefs of Staff have met since 21 July; and if he will place in the Library a list of items discussed at each of these meetings. [60722]

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

  Admiralty and Army Boards
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 20 April 1998,Official Report, column 468, what items were discussed at the meetings of (a) the Army Board in July 1997 and (b) the Admiralty Board in June 1997. [60721]

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

  Defence Council
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what dates the Defence Council has met since 20 July; and if he will place in the Library a list of items discussed at each of these meetings. [60723]

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

  Military Newsletters (Security Classification)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the current security classifications are of the newsletters produced for the staff of(a) the RAF Personnel Management Agency, (b) the Logistic Information Systems Agency, (c) the Defence Dental Agency and (d) the Joint Air Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre; how often each newsletter is produced; and when each newsletter was first produced. [60771]

  Mr. Spellar
  This is a matter for the Chief Executives of the Agencies concerned. I have asked the Chief Executives to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from S. J. Lloyd to Mr. Matthew Taylor, dated 19 November 1998:
  I am replying to your questions to the Secretary of State for Defence about Agency Staff Newsletters as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Joint Air Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre Defence Agency.
  There were three questions posed concerning the classification, frequency of production and the date of initial issue of the publication.
  The Joint Air Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre Defence Agency newsletter entitled 'Lynx' is an unclassified document produced as a suggested management aid to the move to Agency status. Its continued production is in support of the communication activity linked to retention of Investors In People accreditation.
  The publication is produced on a quarterly basis. To date there have been seven editions with issue number eight almost ready to go to press.
  The first edition was issued in the Autumn of 1996.
  I hope that the above answers fully the questions posed.

  Letter from I. G. McIntyre to Mr. Matthew Taylor, dated 19 November 1998:
  I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the publication of newsletters as this matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Defence Dental Agency.
  The Defence Dental Agency produces an unclassified Newsletter on a quarterly basis. The first issue was produced in September 1996. The Newsletter is supplemented by a further unclassified publication known as "Root Issues".

  Letter from Alan Cowpe to Mr. Matthew Taylor, dated 19 November 1998:
  I am replying to your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the publication of newsletters, as this matters falls within the responsibility of the Air Secretary as Chief Executive of the Royal Air Force Personnel Management Agency. The Air Secretary is absent on duty so I am replying on his behalf.
  The RAF Personnel Management Agency produces an unclassified newsletter on a monthly basis. The first newsletter was produced in October 1996.
  720
  Letter from P. A. Flanagan to Mr. Matthew Taylor, dated 19 November 1998:
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the current security classification of the newsletter produced by the Logistic Information Systems Agency, how often it is produced and when it was first produced.
  The newsletter, called Insight, has no security classification, it is produced 6 times a year and was first produced in November 1997. The newsletter is distributed internally to all members of staff.
  Additionally the Training and Personnel Division produce an unclassified monthly newsletter, this was first produced in June 1997, this is distributed monthly to all LISA staff.

  HMS Ocean
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much has been spent on repairs and maintenance on HMS 'Ocean' since her launch. [60631]

  Mr. Spellar
  As I said in my answers to the hon. Member on 11 June 1998,Official Report, column 638, and 29 June 1998, Official Report, column 12, HMS Ocean was damaged on launch and a package of repairs costing some £1.125 million was needed. The cost of these repairs was borne by MOD under its indemnity scheme. HMS Ocean was subsequently dry-docked at Portsmouth and further repairs were undertaken to her tail shaft bearings and 'A' bracket bearings. The cost of, and liability for, these repairs is currently the subject of a Board of Inquiry and is not expected to be resolved before the end of the year. If MOD accepts liability for the costs involved, the information will be publicly available in the usual way. In addition, approximately £20k was incurred to repair one of the ship's switchboards and this will be recovered by the Prime Contractor under the contract.

  As part of her acceptance, HMS Ocean was the subject of a programme of defect rectification under an agreed procedure with the Prime Contractor. This process is common to the acceptance of all warships and the costs incurred are predominantly the responsibility of the Prime Contractor. Although this process is still underway, no costs have so far been borne by MOD.

  HMS Ocean has not required maintenance beyond planned routine work since her launch. We do not maintain a complete record of this maintenance centrally and it could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Allivane
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what factors led to his Department's intervention in the affairs of Allivane in relation to defence contracts. [60814]

  Mr. Spellar
  I am not aware that any such intervention took place.

  RAF Brize Norton
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the daily cost is of keeping non-RAF planes on stand-by for foreign Governments at RAF Brize Norton. [60462]

  Mr. Spellar
  Except in circumstances where reciprocal arrangements exist, aircraft of a foreign government making use of any MOD airfield, including RAF Brize Norton, are normally required to pay appropriate landing,
  721
  parking, and handling fees, and to meet the full costs of any additional support required, thus avoiding any direct costs falling to my Department.

  HMS Intrepid
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department spent on repairs, refits and maintenance of HMS 'Intrepid' in each of the last five years. [60632]

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

  Military Aircrew
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many aircrew in the United Kingdom forces were born in Scotland; how many are pilots of(a) combat aircraft, (b) transport aircraft and (c) helicopters by arm of the service, and how many are other aircrew by (i) arm of service and (ii) function. [55406]

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

  Black Boxes
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to review the design parameters of black boxes. [60477]

  Mr. Spellar
  Design parameters of Flight Data Recorders and Cockpit Voice Recorders (generally known as 'Black Boxes', are set out in Defence Standards 00-970 `Design and Airworthiness Requirements for Service Aircraft'. These are kept under review to reflect civil and military experience and are aligned with relevant civil requirements as defined by the European Organisation for Civil Aviation Equipment (EUROCAE).

  Riot Control Agents
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 17 June 1998,Official Report, column 230, on riot control agents, if his Department has completed its review of the quantity of CS gas which it holds. [60329]

  Mr. Spellar
  The MOD has now completed its review of CS gas holdings, which has confirmed a continuing requirement for CS gas as part of a generic, non-lethal weapon capability for operational deployments, and for use in NBC training. Stockholdings will be consistent with the identified requirement.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Judge Fingret
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what race awareness course Judge Fingret has attended since his appointment to the Bench. [60326]
  722
  Mr. Hoon
  Judge Fingret was appointed a Circuit Judge in 1992. He attended a seminar on ethnic minority issues organised by the Ethnic Minorities Advisory Committee of the Judicial Studies Board on 28 and 29 March 1996.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will call for a report on the statement made by Judge Fingret at the Old Bailey case on the sentences of Timothy Heat and Jason Huczek. [60325]

  Mr. Hoon
  Judge Fingret's remarks as to whether this had been a racially motivated offence were made in the context of deciding the appropriate level of sentence. Judges are free to reach such decisions without interference from Government ministers and it would therefore be inappropriate for me to ask the Judge for a report.

  High Court Appointments
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department how many high court judges he has appointed who are(a) Asian and (b) black. [60327]

  Mr. Hoon
  As at 1 November 1998 there were 98 High Court Judges. No Asian or black judges have been appointed to the High Court Bench either before or after May 1997.

  Asylum Appeals
  Mr. Allan
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department for what reasons the Chief Adjudicator of the Immigration Appellate Authority transferred asylum appeals out of London to provincial hearing centres. [60255]

  Mr. Hoon
  The Chief Adjudicator considers that it is in the appellant's best interest that a claim falling within the Refugee Convention is recognised as soon as possible, just as it is in the public interest that claims not falling within the Convention are similarly determined within a reasonable time. Therefore it was unreasonable for appellants to wait for up to a year for a hearing in London, when hearing dates were available in provincial centres within six to eight weeks.

  Mr. Allan
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department which interested parties the Chief Adjudicator of the Immigration Appellate Authority consulted before bringing forward asylum appeals and transferring asylum appeals to provincial hearing centres. [60257]

  Mr. Hoon
  The proposal was discussed at an Immigration Appellate Authority Users Meeting in July which was attended by representatives from the Refugee Legal Centre, Immigration Advisory Service, the Immigration Law Practioners' Association and other interested parties.

  Mr. Allan
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what studies are being made of the effects on asylum seekers of the transfer of asylum appeals to provincial hearing centres. [60256]

  Mr. Hoon
  Although no study has yet taken place by the Immigration Appellate Authority it is monitoring the extent to which appellants whose cases are transferred are
  723
  unrepresented at their hearing. The hearings of the transferred cases have only just started so it is too soon to draw any conclusions.

  Mr. Allan
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what monitoring he is carrying out of the effect that bringing forward appeals is having on the Refugee Legal Centre. [60254]

  Mr. Hoon
  No monitoring is being carried out by the Lord Chancellor's Department. It is for the Refugee Legal Centre to notify the Immigration Appellate Authority of any problems that this policy causes them.

  Mr. Allan
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what monitoring he is carrying out of the effect that transfer of asylum appeals to provincial centres is having on legal representation at asylum appeals. [60253]

  Mr. Hoon
  The Immigration Appellate Authority is keeping a record of the number of appellants whose cases are transferred and who are unrepresented at their hearings. However, the hearings of the transferred cases have only just started so it is too soon to draw any conclusions about the effect on legal representation. The information will be used to report to the Chief Adjudicator on the effect of the initiative.

  Civil Court Fees
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what principles will underpin the new civil court fees structure which will accompany the unified rules of court to be introduced next April; and if he will make a statement. [60833]

  Mr. Hoon
  The Lord Chancellor issued a discussion paper in February 1998 and has concluded in the light of the responses that the civil court fee structure will be based on the following key principles.

  Court fees should not act as a barrier to access to justice. Litigants should not expect the taxpayer to pay for the court services they use, if they can afford to do so themselves. We shall continue to provide protection for the less well-off through a system of exemptions and remissions. In addition, fees for Children Act 1989 applications, adoptions, and domestic violence injunctions will be subsidised by the taxpayer. All other fees will be set to recover the full cost of the service provided.

  Fees will broadly match the cost of the service for which they are charged. Within civil proceedings, fees payable on issuing a claim will be banded according to the value of the claim and will still be used to defray the bulk of the cost of proceedings. Litigants will pay fees which match the average cost of the service for which they are charged, rather than the specific costs of their particular case. Fees will be paid by the claimant, or where a specific application has been made, by the applicant, and will be paid in advance.

  A structure based on these principles will be fairer than the present one. It will encourage and enable litigants to make responsible choices about whether to proceed, while ensuring that the taxpayer's contribution is clearly targeted on the people who really need it.
  724
  The Court Service is publishing a consultation paper today on the charging points and the levels at which fees should be set. The paper, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House, includes proposals that separate fees will be set for the main stages of the new civil procedures, introducing charging points at allocation and listing.

  Ministerial Travel
  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the occasions since 1 May 1997 on which a Minister in his Department has used(a) an aircraft belonging to the RAF and (b) a privately chartered aircraft together with (i) details of the take-off and destination points, (ii) ground waiting time, (iii) dates of departure and return, (iv) purpose of the trip, (v) cost of the trip to his Department and (vi) details of people accompanying the Minister, indicating the total costs of all such travel borne by his Department (1) since 1 May 1997 and (2) between 1 May 1996 and 1 May 1997.[55555]

  Mr. Hoon
  [holding answer 19 October 1998]: This question could be answered in full only at disproportionate cost. Ministers are required under the terms of the Ministerial Code always to make efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements. The rules on travel for Ministers are the same as those that applied under the previous Administration.

  No such costs have been incurred in the 17 months between May 1997 and September 1998 compared to an average cost of £3,094.00 for flights by RAF Aircraft under the last year of the previous Administration.

  New Deal
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department how many people he has employed in his Department under the New Deal arrangements. [60370]

  Mr. Hoon
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to himby the Under-Secretary of State for Education and Employment with responsibility for Life Long Learning, my hon. Friend the Member for Leeds, East (Mr. Mudie), on 19 November 1998,Official Report, column 755.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Common Market Referendum
  Sir Richard Body
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 26 October 1998,Official Report, column 59, if he will make a statement on his policy on the preservation of material of historical value held on file by the security services relating to the 1975 referendum on United Kingdom membership of the Common Market. [60444]

  Mr. Straw
  The responsibility for decisions on the destruction of Security Service files rests with the Director General. The criteria which the Service applies in deciding whether to retain files on the grounds of historical interest were listed in my reply to a question from the hon. Member for New Forest, East (Dr. Lewis)
  725
  on 20 January 1998, Official Report, columns 519-20. The criteria are currently being reviewed by the Advisory Council on Public Records.

  Sexual Services Advertisements
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to review the law on newspaper classified advertisements relating to the offering of sexual services; and if he will make a statement. [60417]

  Mr. Boateng
  We have no such plans. We shall, however, shortly be issuing a consultation paper on proposals to strengthen the criminal law in relation to the nuisance of prostitutes' calling cards in public telephone boxes.

  New Deal
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many young people within his Department have been employed under the New Deal arrangements. [60366]

  Mr. Straw
  I will write to my hon. Friend.

  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the number of people taken on under the New Deal arrangements by non-departmental bodies in receipt of financial support from his Department. [60525]

  Mr. Straw
  Non-Department Public Bodies (NDPBs) are encouraged to participate as employers in New Deal. Information on the numbers of people taken under New Deal by NDPBs is not held centrally.

  Human Rights
  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made on his Department's review of those international human rights treaties which the United Kingdom has not yet fully ratified; if human rights groups in the United Kingdom have been consulted about their views; when the results of the review will be announced; and if detailed reasons will be given for decisions, with particular reference, in each case, to protocols 4 and 7 of the European Convention on Human Rights and the first and second optional protocols to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. [60415]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  We expect work on the review to be completed by the end of the year. A number of human rights groups have already submitted their views, either in the context of work on the Human Rights Bill, or in response to the announcement of the review. Any other group wishing to submit views should do so as soon as possible.

  We will announce the outcome of the review to the House, with a summary of the issues and the decisions.

  Compensation Claims
  Mr. Townend
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the total cost to public funds of claims by employees and the public for compensation in respect of(a) personal injury and (b) employment protection in the last year for which figures are available. [59058]

  Mr. Straw
  There are no centrally maintained records for all these types of compensation. Delegation of personnel functions and of authority to make such awards has resulted in less central record keeping. To obtain all the information requested would require an extensive trawl of personnel records which could be done only at disproportionate cost.

  Awards under section 11 of the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme, in respect of personal injury to employees, totalled £822,594 during the period April 1998–September 1998. Compensation awarded by the Civil Service Appeal Board totalled £26,270 during the year 1997–98.

  Traffic Police
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimates he has made of(a) the number of traffic police officers and (b) expenditure on traffic police, within (i) the Metropolitan Police and (ii) UK police budgets as a whole (1) at the latest available date and (2) five years ago. [59894]

  Kate Hoey
  The information requested as regards England and Wales is not collected centrally and could be obtained, from each police force, only at disproportionate cost. The allocation of resources to different functions is an operational matter for individual Chief Constables.

  Traffic policing does not necessarily occur independently of other police work and the number of officers deployed to the traffic division is not indicative of the money spent on traffic policing. A large part of traffic officers' time is spent dealing with ordinary crime. It is an advantage that traffic officers deal with matters unrelated to traffic and that beat officers will also deal with traffic offences, thus contributing to more efficient ways of policing.

  The Commissioner tells me that an internal review showed that there were 760 traffic officers in Metropolitan Police in June 1998, costing £39,436,913. There are no reliable figures available for the number of traffic officers employed five years ago. However, there were 875 traffic officers in post before the Metropolitan Police Service's restructuring in April 1994, at an estimated cost of £41,617,204.

  Injuries and Deaths (London)
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the incidence of(a) injury and (b) death in the Metropolitan Police area, in terms of recorded annual numbers per 1,000 of the population, arising from (i) traffic accidents and (ii) assaults and other violent crimes. [59878]
  727
  Kate Hoey
  The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis has supplied the following figures for 1997–98:

  Total Numbers

  Personal injury road traffic accidents

  Assaults/violent crimes

  Injury

  40,046

  49,785

  Death

  275

  1174

  1 Excludes all causing death by dangerous driving cases, of which there were 29 deaths recorded in 1997–98.

  Note:
  Per 1,000 of the population based on the Office for National Statistics mid-year estimate for 1996 for the Metropolitan Police District (7,564,200).

  Personal injury road traffic accidends

  Assaults/violent crimes

  Injury

  5.29

  6.58

  Death

  0.04

  10.02

  1 Excludes all causing death by dangerous driving cases, of which there were 29 deaths recorded in 1997–98.

  Bullwood Prison
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will institute an inquiry into security procedures at Bull wood Prison, Hockley, following the findings of the police investigation. [60337]

  Mr. George Howarth
  There were two police investigations into the death of Ms O'Dwyer. The first, a routine investigation, concluded that there were no suspicious circumstances. A second investigation was undertaken following the adjournment of the inquest when allegations were made that a witness had committed perjury. The matter was referred to the Crown Prosecution Service who have decided not to proceed further.

  The Prison Service is considering the outcome of the Coroner's inquest together with the findings of its own internal investigation. I am content that this constitutes a satisfactory examination of procedures at Bullwood Hall.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the findings of the internal inquiry conducted by the Governor of Bullwood Prison, Hockley, into the circumstances surrounding the death of the prisoner Josie O'Dwyer. [60336]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The Prison Service is currently reviewing the policy on disclosure of internal investigation reports. The aim is to provide a protocol which will allow disclosure as soon as possible after the report is completed. When the revised policy is introduced, it will not apply retrospectively.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many decisions have been made to date on asylum applications made between 1 July 1993 and 31 December 1995 as a result of the measures announced in the White Paper, Fairer Faster and Firmer; and how many of these decisions were for an outright refusal of the claim; [60030]

  (2) how many decisions have been made to date on pre-Asylum and Immigration Appeals Act 1993 asylum applications as a result of the measures announced in the
  728
  White Paper Fairer, Faster and Firmer; and how many of these decisions did not result in the granting of indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK; [60100]

  (3) how many applications for asylum have been determined in each month of 1998 to date; how many of these decisions were for (a) a grant of asylum and (b) exceptional leave to remain, excluding any decisions made under the arrangements for dealing with the pre-Asylum and Immigration Act 1993 and pre-1996 cases announced in the White Paper, Fairer, Faster and Firmer. [60099]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I will write to the hon. Member.

  Private Investigation Agencies
  Mr. Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to regulate private investigation agencies; and if he will make a statement. [59890]

  Mr. Boateng
  We intend to introduce statutory regulation which will be able to be applied to the whole of the private security industry, including private detectives, as soon as possible. We hope to bring forward firm proposals shortly.

  Refugees (Slovakia and Czech Republic)
  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons from(a) Slovakia and (b) the Czech Republic have awarded (i) refugee status and (ii) extended leave to remain since May 1997. [60011]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I will write to the hon. Member.

  Islamic Organisations
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which of the following organisations are known to operate in the United Kingdom:(a) Al-Ansar al-Shariah, (b) Al-Gamaa al Islaamiya, (c) Algerian Groupe Islamique Armee, (d) Al-Marsad al-l'lami al islami, (e) Al-Muhajir, (f) Al-Muhajiroun, (g) Committee for the Defence of Legitimate Rights in Saudi Arabia, (h) Filisteen al-Muslima, (i) Front Islamique de Salvation, (j) Hamas, (k) Hizbollah, (l) Hizb-ut-Tahrir, (m) Islamic Jihad, (n) Nassiha wal-Isla, (o) Bahraini Freedom Movement, (p) Bahrain Liberation Front and (q) Islamic Observation Centre; and if (i) Ministers and (ii) officials have met representatives of the organisations. [60229]

  Mr. Straw
  I understand that, of the organisations listed, none has official offices in the United Kingdom. However, Al-Muhajiroun, the Committee for the Defence of Legitimate Rights in Saudi Arabia, Hizb-ut-Tahrir, the Bahraini Freedom Movement and the Bahrain Liberation Front operate publicly in the United Kingdom.

  It may be that there have been contacts with individual members, but neither Home Office Ministers nor officials have had formal meetings with any of these organisations.

  CS Sprays
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Police Scientific Development Branch started research into the possibility
  729
  of using alternative solvents in CS sprays; when this work is expected to be completed; and if the report of the results of this research will be made public. [60292]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Police Scientific Development Branch has been looking at potential solvents since the beginning of the programme to review the use of incapacitants for police use in 1994. A number of studies have been performed, including one by CBD Porton Down in July 1996, a copy of which has been placed in the Library. To date, no suitable alternative to Methyl Iso-butyl Ketone (MIBK) has been found, although work is still progressing.

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research has been undertaken by his Department since 1968 on the interaction between CS gas spray and psychotropic medication; what were the results of this research; and what research his Department intends to conduct on this topic in the future. [60291]

  Mr. Boateng
  There has been no research undertaken by this Department on this subject and there is none planned at present. I understand that CS is a peripheral sensory irritant and therefore unlikely to have any adverse effect on those using psychotropic drugs, as by the time CS reaches the bloodstream it will be rapidly hydrolysed (broken down by water).

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) police officers and (b) members of the public have started legal proceedings because of injuries caused by CS sprays since January 1995; and if he will make a statement. [60332]

  Mr. Boateng
  This information is not kept centrally.

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place in the Library a copy of his Department's guidelines for the use of CS cartridges and grenades by police forces in dealing with serious disorder. [60290]

  Mr. Boateng
  The guidelines have in the past been classified. The Code of Practice on Access to Government Information exempts from disclosure information that would harm national security or defence but I do not believe the guidelines come within this category. The guidelines have therefore been declassified and I am placing a copy in the Library.

  CR Tear Gas
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many times police forces have used CR tear gas in public since 1968; on what dates CR gas was used in public; for what reasons; and in what circumstances police forces have been authorised to use CR tear gas in public since 1968. [60331]

  Mr. Boateng
  CR gas is not issued to police forces in the United Kingdom.

  Co-ordinating Committee of Senior Officials
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the(a) draft conventions and (b) proposals for a convention, under discussion in the Co-ordinating Committee of Senior Officials established under article K4 of the Treaty of Maastricht. [60096]
  730
  Kate Hoey
  Three draft conventions are under discussion within the framework of the Justice and Home Affairs Council at present. They are the draft Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters between member states of the European Union, the draft Eurodac Convention and the draft Convention on Rules for the Admission of Third Country Nationals into the European Union. No proposals for further such conventions are under discussion at present.

  Radioactive Gases (Cap La Hague)
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from the Channel Islands about radiation emissions from the nuclear power station at Cap La Hague. [60111]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  We received representations about possible radiation emissions from Cap La Hague from Guernsey in May 1998 and from Jersey in June 1998. The representations were communicated to the French Government. We have also had correspondence and discussions with the Channel Islands on other nuclear matters.

  EU Home and Justice Convention
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 1 July 1997,Official Report, columns 74-76, if he will list those conventions agreed under article K3 of the Maastricht Treaty, additional to the seven already agreed by that date; and if he will indicate for each the provision for adjudication by the Court of Justice and scrutiny of each carried out by Parliament. [60095]

  Kate Hoey
  Three conventions have been agreed under Article K3 of the Maastricht Treaty since 1 July 1997. They are:1. Convention on Driving Disqualifications (agreed 17 June 1998)
  The purpose of this convention is to provide a mechanism whereby a driving disqualification imposed by one European Union (EU) member state on a resident of another member state may be enforced by the latter state when the driver returns to that state. Enforcement by the driver's own state will normally have the effect of removing his right to drive anywhere in the EU and beyond, during the currency of the ban.
  The draft convention was sent to the House of Lords European Communities Committee for scrutiny on 24 November 1997 and was finally cleared from scrutiny on 12 March 1998. United Kingdom legislation will be required before it can be ratified.
  Provision for adjudication by the European Court of Justice is contained in Article 14 of the convention. This allows for the Court to rule on any dispute between member states (which the European Council has been unable to resolve within six months), or between member states and the Commission, regarding the interpretation or application of the convention. It also allows for member states to accept the court's jurisdiction to give preliminary rulings on interpretation.
  2. Convention on Jurisdiction, Recognition and Enforcement of Judgments in Matrimonial Matters (Brussels II convention) (agreed 28 May 1998).
  The purpose of this convention is to lay down rules on jurisdiction and on the recognition and enforcement of judgments in certain matrimonial matters between member states. The House of Lords Committee on the European Communities examined an early draft in great detail, and took written and oral evidence. The Committee also saw and cleared from scrutiny a late draft of the convention.

  731
  Provision for adjudication by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) is contained in a separate protocol to the convention, which each member state has the option whether or not to ratify. The protocol provides for competent authorities in the member states to refer issues to the court where there is a conflict of jurisprudence, either between member states or between a member state and the Commission. Ratification of the convention will require amendment of primary legislation in the United Kingdom; this is not a priority at present. No decisions have yet been taken on whether the United Kingdom will ratify the protocol on ECJ jurisdiction.
  3. Convention on Mutual Assistance and Co-operation between Customs Administration (agreed 18 December 1997).
  The draft text of the 'Naples II' Convention was considered by the House of Lords European Communities Committee during November and December 1997 and cleared from scrutiny on 17 December 1997.
  Under Article 26 of the convention, the European Court of Justice will have jurisdiction to resolve disputes between member states, and between a member state and the Commission, in relation to the interpretation or application of the convention where the Council is itself unable to do so within six months. In addition, jurisdiction may be conferred on the court by a member state which makes a declaration to this effect, enabling its courts and tribunals to refer questions concerning interpretation of the convention for a preliminary ruling. This jurisdiction will be similar to that described in Article 177 of the EC Treaty. The United Kingdom does not intend to make such a declaration.

  Social Policy Protocol
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the application of Protocol 14 of the Treaty of Maastricht, on Social Policy, to the United Kingdom; and what steps have been taken to ensure that the provisions of the social policy are applied in the Isle of Man. [60258]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The Government fully support the inclusion of the Agreement on Social Policy (Protocol 14) in the Amsterdam Treaty as the new Social Chapter, and will implement the measures already agreed under it.European Union rules apply to the Isle of Man only to the limited extent set out in Protocol 3 of the Treaty of Accession. Broadly speaking, this includes customs matters and certain aspects of the common agricultural policy. Protocol 14 of the Treaty of Maastricht does not fall within the scope of Protocol 3 of the Treaty of Accession.

  Council Directives
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the application of Council Directives(a) 96/34/EC, (b) 93/104/EEC, (c) 91/533/EC and (d) 90/270/EEC. [60088]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I will write to my hon. Friend.

  Fire Safety
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps the Government will take to take forward the proposals in the document, Fire Safety Legislation for the Future. [60190]

  Mr. George Howarth
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham, East (Mr. Heppell) on 8 April 1998,Official Report, columns 254-55. It remains our intention to
  732
  reform fire safety legislation along the lines set out in the consultation document "Fire Safety Legislation for the Future" as soon as is practicable.

  Crown Dependencies (Financial Regulation)
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the report of the Edwards Review of Financial Regulation in the Crown Dependencies will be made publicly available. [60838]

  Mr. Straw
  The United Kingdom Government and the authorities in Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man welcome Andrew Edwards' report on financial regulation, which has been laid before the House today. The report is being placed in the Library and copies are also available in the Vote Office. The report, which has been produced in consultation with the Islands, contains detailed accounts of the legislation and regulatory arrangements on Jersey, Guernsey and the isle of Man respectively. It confirms that the arrangements in place conform in large measure to the internationally accepted standards of financial regulation.

  The report also concludes that there are a number of changes which could raise standards still further, both in the United Kingdom itself and in the Crown Dependencies. In many cases, these conclusions are in line with policies which are already being developed. The United Kingdom Government and the Island authorities have agreed to meet in January 1999 to begin the task of examining systematically the conclusions of the Edwards Report and the plans of action being drawn up by the Islands and the United Kingdom in response to those conclusions. This programme will include new arrangements, under the chairmanship of my noble Friend the Minister of State, for all the parties to meet jointly on a regular basis to take stock of progress. These meetings will take place alternately in London and in one of the Crown Dependencies.

  The United Kingdom and the Island authorities believe that the Edwards review and the follow up action on its conclusions should further strengthen effective financial regulation in the Islands and, in so doing, contribute to the long term health of the Island economies.

  Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to extend the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 and the Zoo Licensing Act 1984 to cover Northern Ireland. [60847]

  Mr. George Howarth
  I will write to my hon. Friend.

  Special Constables
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to review the re-application process required of special constables who move to a new police area. [60642]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Working Group which reviewed the Special Constabulary in England and Wales during 1995–96 was aware that, in cases where a special constable wished to transfer from one force to another, the officer was required to resign from his current special constabulary and apply to his new force, undergoing the full recruitment process. The Group saw no reason why a
  733
  special constable should have to resign in these circumstances and suggested that each force should have procedures and policies to administer transfers between forces, whilst recognising that it is ultimately for the chief officer of the receiving force whether to accept or reject the officer.

  Following the Working Group's report, the Home Office and representatives of several special constabularies developed guidance to facilitate transfers between forces. This guidance was presented to, and endorsed by, delegates at the Special Constabulary National Conference in March 1998. It was subsequently ratified by the Standing Committee on the Special Constabulary at its inaugural meeting this month, and it will shortly be disseminated to chief officers by way of a Home Office circular.

  Extradition Requests
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what criteria are used in the determination of an extradition request(a) prior to the magistrates' court hearing and (b) after the court has granted the request. [60588]

  Mr. Straw
  I will write to my hon. Friend.

  General Pinochet
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what conditions were placed on General Pinochet's recent entry to the United Kingdom. [60499]

  Mr. Straw
  Senator Pinochet was granted leave to enter for six months' Employment and recourse to public funds was prohibited, in accordance with the Rules.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the extradition requests received concerning General Pinochet; and if he will make a statement. [60466]

  Mr. Straw
  I received a formal request for the extradition of Senator Pinochet from the Spanish Government on 11 November 1998. Later the same day, I received a formal request from the Swiss Government. I received a formal request for the extradition of Senator Pinochet from the French Government on 13 November 1998.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions with the Chilean authorities were held by officials of(a) his Department and (b) the Immigration Service prior to the entry of General Pinochet to the United Kingdom from Chile. [60465]

  Mr. Straw
  No such discussions were held by officials of my Department, including those in the Immigration Service, prior to the entry of Senator Pinochet.

  Women's Land Army
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to ensure that the Women's Land Army are represented in the parade in Whitehall in 1999's Remembrance Sunday service. [60439]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I understand from the Royal British Legion who are responsible for
  organising the march past the Cenotaph which follows the official 734
  ceremony on Remembrance Sunday, that they intend to make proposals which will allow greater participation in future years by non ex-Service groups and individuals.

  Theft
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) domestic burglaries, (b) vehicle thefts and (c) thefts from a vehicle were recorded in (i) 1995, (ii) 1996 and (iii) 1997 in Staffordshire; and what were the clear-up rates for each offence. [60244]

  Mr. Boateng
  The information requested is given in the table.

  Notifiable offences recorded by the police: Staffordshire

  1995

  1996

  1997

  Burglary in a dwelling

  12,090

  12,395

  11,272

  Percentage cleared up

  30

  34

  37

  Theft/unauthorised taking of a motor vehicle

  8,775

  8,487

  7,128

  Percentage cleared up

  26

  28

  27

  Theft from vehicle

  14,970

  13,415

  13,468

  Percentage cleared up

  20

  22

  19

  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the average age of people convicted of(a) vehicle theft and (b) domestic burglary in Staffordshire in the last year for which figures are available. [60245]

  Mr. Boateng
  Provisional information for 1997 on the number of offenders convicted at all courts in the Staffordshire Police Force Area by age is given in the table.

  Number of persons convicted at all courts of (a) vehicle theft1 and (b) domestic burglary in the Staffordshire Police Force Area by age, 19972

  Age

  Vehicle theft 1

  Domestic burglary

  10

  —

  —

  11

  1

  —

  12

  2

  1

  13

  3

  1

  14

  6

  12

  15

  16

  12

  16

  32

  18

  17

  31

  25

  18

  29

  30

  19

  24

  28

  20

  27

  33

  21

  10

  26

  22

  14

  28

  23

  8

  22

  24

  6

  24

  25 and under 30

  324

  59

  30 and under 40

  15

  26

  40 and under 50

  4

  7

  50 and under 60

  1

  1

  60 and over

  —

  —

  All ages

  253

  353

  1 Vehicle theft includes the indictable offences of (i) aggravated vehicle taking (injury to person, damage to property of car) and (ii) theft or unauthorised taking of motor vehicle; and the summary offences of (i) stealing and unauthorised taking of a conveyance and (ii) aggravated vehicle taking where criminal damage amounted to £2,000 or under.

  2 Provisional.

  3 Includes persons, convicted of summary offences, given the default age of 25 where the exact age was not known.

  Amsterdam Treaty
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which treaty articles, subsequent to the coming into force of the Treaty of Amsterdam, will provide powers enabling officials of the Government to(a) question, (b) examine the belongings of, (c) search and
  (d) detain any persons possessing documents purporting to show that they are citizens of (i) the European Union and (ii) a state being part of the European Economic Area. [60681]

  Kate Hoey
  I will write to my hon. Friend.

  National Assembly for Wales
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has with regard to the deposits to be paid by candidates standing for (i) constituency seats and (ii) list seats for the National Assembly for Wales; and what plans he has to set expenditure limits on the election campaigns of such candidates, with particular reference to the position of candidates who may appear on both the constituency and list nominations. [60715]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I will write to the right hon. Member.

  Police Helicopters
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to ban flights by police helicopters in London between the hours of 11 pm and 6 am. [60634]

  Mr. Boateng
  The use of police helicopters is governed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), as outlined in Civil Air Publication 612 (Police Air Operations Manual Part 1). This publication sets out the joint CAA/Home Office policy for the conduct of police air operations.

  There are no restrictions on the times during which police helicopters, or any other helicopters, are allowed to fly. The deployment of the helicopter is an operational matter for the Commissioner.

  The Commissioner tells me that the Metropolitan Police have a self imposed limitation on when they fly at night. This limitation runs from 2am until loam. Only when a life is likely to be saved will the helicopter fly during this period.

  Research Papers
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list each series of research papers which his Department currently produces. [60691]

  Mr. Straw
  Several Directorates and Units within the Home Office currently produce research papers:

  Research, Development and Statistics Directorate produce the following series:

  Home Office research studies

  LOVAS (Local Voluntary Activity Surveys)

  `Made availables' (background information to the Home Office research studies)

  Occasional papers

  Research findings

  736
  Research, Development and Statistics Directorate also produce the following statistical series:

  Aspects of crime

  Bulletins

  Digest (information on the Criminal Justice System, England and Wales)

  Findings

  Key Statistic Booklets

  Section 95 Publications

  Sentencing patterns England and Wales

  Police and Reducing Crime Unit produce papers in the following series:

  Briefing notes series

  Police Research Award Scheme series

  Police research series

  Special interest series

  Fire Research and Development Group (FRDG) produce:

  FRDG research reports

  CFBAC (Central Fire Brigades Advisory Council) research reports

  Drugs Prevention Initiative produces a series of research papers entitled Drug Prevention Initiative papers.
  Police Scientific and Development Branch produces a series of technical reports covering a wide range of its work.

  Prisoners (Amenities)
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if Kingston Prison is to be included in the initiative to install televisions in prisoners' cells; and if he will make a statement. [60791]

  Mr. George Howarth
  All prison establishments in England and Wales are included in the initiative and will in due course provide in-cell television as an earned privilege. Installation of in-cell televisions will take place on a rolling basis over an initial three year period. Kingston is not included in the 80 establishments installing in-cell television this financial year.

  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what criteria the prison service uses in denying prisoners access to books which are publicly available. [60015]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Prisoners are normally allowed to receive, or make arrangements to purchase, books while in prison; to have access to the prison library; and to have at least three books in their possession at any one time, subject to the volumetric limits that apply to prisoners' property.

  However, there are a number of grounds on which access to publications may be limited or denied. These are:

  (i) Governors have discretion to withhold or withdraw any publication if it constitutes a risk to security or good order or discipline, or where the medical officer considers that possession of the material is likely to have an adverse effect on the prisoner's physical or mental condition;

  (ii) prisoners may have access to publications/library facilities withdrawn for a limited period following an adjudication for an offence against discipline (although access to approved religious books would not be removed in such circumstances);

  (iii) under the national incentives and earned privileges policy the number of books prisoners may hold, and frequency of visits to the library, may increase or decrease depending upon the privilege level which the prisoner concerned has attained; and

  737

  (iv) where a prisoner has requested a book which is not available in the prison library, attempts will be made to obtain it through the inter library loan system or, if necessary, the British Library. It is possible in such circumstances that there may be delays in obtaining the requested publication and a limit on its availability to the prisoner once obtained.

  Ministerial Travel
  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the occasions since 1 May 1997 on which a Minister in his Department has used(a) an aircraft belonging to the RAF and (b) a privately chartered aircraft together with (i) details of the take-off and destination points, (ii) ground waiting time, (iii) dates of departure and return, (iv) purpose of the trip, (v) cost of the

  Date

  Destination

  Purpose

  Numbers accomp. Minister

  May 1997

  Brussels

  Meeting with Spanish & German Ministers

  3

  July 1997

  Cardiff

  To address ACPO1 function

  2

  September 1997

  Teesside

  Youth Justice Workshop

  1

  October 1997

  Luxembourg

  Meeting with Irish Justice Minister and Home Affairs Council meeting

  2

  December 1997

  Sarajevo & Split

  Visit British Police serving in Bosnia

  2

  December 1997

  Banja Luka

  Visit Police serving in Bosnia

  2

  August 1998

  Belfast

  Various meetings

  2

  1 ACPO Association of Chief Police Officers

  The average cost of the flights taken to meet these trips for the 17 months between May 1997 and September 1998 is £1,795 compared to an average cost of £2,447 under the last year of the previous administration.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Ministerial Travel
  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list the occasions since 1 May 1997 on which a Minister in her Department has other than for flights to and from Northern Ireland used(a) an aircraft belonging to the RAF and (b) a privately chartered aircraft together with (i) details of the take-off and destination points, (ii) ground waiting time, (iii) dates of departure and return, (iv) purpose of the trip, (v) cost of the trip to her Department and (vi) details of people accompanying the Minister, indicating the total costs of all such travel borne by her Department (1) since 1 May 1997 and (2) between 1 May 1996 and 1 May 1997. [55560]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  [holding answer 19 October 1998]: I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  Agriculture
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps she is taking to alleviate the crisis in each sector of the agricultural industry in Northern Ireland. [59152]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  In the past twelve months Grants and Subsidies payments worth over £200 million have been made to farmers in Northern Ireland. Included in these payments are the aid packages announced by my right hon. Friend the Member for Copeland
  738
  trip to his Department and (vi) details of people accompanying the Minister, indicating the total costs of all such travel borne by his Department (1) since 1 May 1997 and (2) between 1 May 1996 and 1 May 1997. [55553]

  Mr. Straw
  [holding answer 19 October 1998]: This Question could be answered in full only at disproportionate cost. Ministers are required under the terms of the Ministerial Code always to make efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements. The rules on travel for Ministers are the same as those that applied under the previous Administration.

  Between 2 May 1997 and 30 September 1998, Ministers in this Department have used RAF aircraft on the following occasions:

  (Dr. Cunningham), the then Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in December 1997 and February 1998.

  In addition, the Prime Minister announced an additional £7 million for processing and marketing grants over the next three years to improve competitiveness in the agri-food industry and enable value to be added to what is produced on Northern Ireland farms.

  Following the recent hard work by both Government and the industry to secure the lifting of the beef export ban, exports of beef from Northern Ireland have now commenced on a commercial scale. In recognition of the fact that it will take considerable effort to regain lost markets for Northern Ireland beef, the Chancellor of the Exchequer has put forward £2 million over the next three years to support the marketing work of the industry. Government are continuing to press for the introduction of a Date Based Export Scheme, which will bring benefit to more Northern Ireland farmers.

  More favourable beef intervention arrangements have been secured for Northern Ireland and "flagged" suckler cow producers have received financial aid totalling £0.5 million.

  Pig producers have been paid almost £0.5 million under the Pig Welfare Slaughter Scheme and export refunds for pigmeat were further increased on 15 October. DANI and the IDB are working with Unigate to enable them to take forward their re-investment plans in Northern Ireland with all reasonable speed.

  Private Storage for sheepmeat will operate from 19 October to 20 November 1998 in the UK.

  80 per cent. of beef special premium and suckler cow premium has been paid up front, rather than 60 per cent. as in previous years. £38 million in advance payments

  739
  have been made to Beef and Suckler Cow producers in the last 2 weeks. This is some 2 months earlier than has been achieved in recent years.

  Around £6.3 million of Sheep Annual Premium (SAP) payments (2nd advance) were brought forward from December 1998 to October. Arrangements are in hand to expedite Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowance (HLCA) payments in the Spring of 1999.

  On top of this, Government also announced, on 16 November 1998, Official Report, columns 624-40, a special aid package for UK farmers amounting to some £125 million. This package is likely to be worth some £19 million to Northern Ireland farmers and will include payment of agrimonetary compensation, an increase in HLCAs and the temporary continuation of the Calf Processing Aid Scheme (CPAS).

  Terrorist Offences
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons in prison for terrorist offences she expects to remain in prison in(a) Northern Ireland and (b) Great Britain, by 31 December 2000; and to which terrorist or paramilitary organisations those prisoners belong. [59083]

  Mr. Ingram
  I shall write to the hon. Gentleman as soon as possible.

  Firearms
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many murders were committed with firearms in Northern Ireland in each of the last 10 years and the current year; in how many cases in each year the fatal shots were fired with (1) a handgun, indicating how many such handguns were(a) revolvers and (b) automatic or semi-automatic weapons, (2) rifles of .22 calibre, (3) other rifles, indicating in respect of each of these two categories how many were (a) bolt action and (b) semi-automatic weapons, (4) machine guns and submachine guns, (5) shotguns, indicating how many such deaths were caused by legally held firearms of each category; and how many victims were killed by (i) the legal owner of the weapon used, (ii) terrorists, (iii) members of the armed forces, (iv) police officers and (v) other members of the security forces and prison officers. [59031]

  Mr. Ingram
  I shall write to the hon. Gentleman as soon as possible.

  CR Tear Gas
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) in what circumstances the military and security forces in Northern Ireland have been authorised to use CR tear gas since 1968; [60283]

  (2) how many times the security forces in Northern Ireland have used CR tear gas since 1968; on what dates CR gas was used; and for what reasons. [60286]

  Mr. Ingram
  I shall write to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

  Police Interviews (Audio Recording)
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to her answer of 11 November 1998,740
  Official Report, column 210, relating to the audio recording of police interviews with terrorist suspects, if she will list the differences to which she refers. [60583]

  Mr. Ingram
  When the Draft Code of Practice under Section 53A of the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1996 was being drawn up, no record was made of where the draft Code departed from the equivalent PACE Code.

  To provide the information requested would require a check to be made of the draft Code against the NI PACE Code of Practice on the Tape Recording (Code E), which itself differs from the England and Wales PACE Code. The information is not readily available and could be compiled only at disproportionate cost and outside the timescale allowed for reply. I have, however, arranged to have copies of the relevant codes relating to the EPA and NI PACE placed in the Library.

  New Deal
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many young people within his Department have been employed under the New Deal arrangements.[60375]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  As of 18 November 1998, 8 vacancies have been identified and 2 New Deal jobseekers have been employed in the Northern Ireland Civil Service under the New Deal programme's Employment Option for 18-24 year olds. The identification of further vacancies suitable for New Deal jobseekers is ongoing and more appointments are expected to follow.

  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate she has made of the number of people taken on under the New Deal arrangements by non-departmental bodies in receipt of financial support from her Department. [60521]

  Mr. Ingram
  I shall write to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

  Royal Ulster Constabulary
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when sweaters were procured for the Royal Ulster Constabulary marked NI Police Service; and how many have been(a) ordered and (b) issued. [60362]

  Mr. Ingram
  No sweaters marked NI Police Service have been procured for issue to the Royal Ulster Constabulary.

  Water Cannon
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in what circumstances the military and security forces in Northern Ireland have been authorised to use water cannon since 1968. [60288]

  Mr. Ingram
  Water cannons were withdrawn from service by the Royal Ulster Constabulary in December 1969 and have not been used since. Records are not available as to their usage prior to that time.

  Integrated Education
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list the Chairman and other members of the Government's Working Party on Integrated Education and the organisations they represent. [60463]

  Mr. McFall
  I shall write to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

  Plastic and Rubber Bullets
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people have been killed as a result of the use of plastic or rubber bullets by the security forces in Northern Ireland since 1970. [60287]

  Mr. Ingram
  Records show that 16 deaths have resulted from the use of rubber and plastic baton rounds since 1970.

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people have been injured as a result of the use of plastic or rubber bullets by the security forces in Northern Ireland since March 1981. [60284]

  Mr. Ingram
  Records indicate that 594 persons have been injured from the use of plastic baton rounds since March 1981.

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the Royal Ulster Constabulary(a) first and (b) last used rubber bullets; in which years since 1968 it used rubber bullets; and how many rubber bullets it used in each of those years.[60285]

  Mr. Ingram
  The first rubber baton rounds were fired by the Army in August 1970 with the last fired in November 1975. Plastic baton rounds were phased in from 1973. The RUC were first issued with baton guns in October 1978. The table shows the number of rounds fired since 1970.

  Year

  Police

  Army

  Total

  1970

  —

  238

  —

  1971

  —

  16,752

  —

  1972

  —

  23,363

  —

  1973

  —

  12,766

  —

  1974

  —

  2,828

  —

  1975

  —

  3,701

  —

  1976

  —

  3,464

  —

  1977

  —

  1,490

  —

  1978

  1—

  1,743

  —

  1979

  1—

  1,271

  —

  1980

  1—

  1,231

  —

  1981

  19,649

  9,952

  —

  1982

  335

  154

  —

  1983

  545

  116

  —

  1984

  1,503

  265

  —

  1985

  906

  266

  —

  1986

  1,462

  325

  —

  1987

  1,908

  663

  —

  1988

  2,292

  817

  —

  1989

  836

  101

  —

  1990

  211

  46

  —

  1991

  235

  88

  —

  1992

  39

  49

  —

  1993

  497

  26

  —

  1994

  214

  35

  —

  1995

  273

  0

  —

  742

  Year

  Police

  Army

  Total

  1996

  6,949

  1,387

  —

  1997

  2,527

  429

  —

  1998 (to 15 Nov)

  820

  62

  —

  Totals

  41,201

  83,628

  124,829

  1 Police and Army

  Notes:

  1. There are no figures separating police and Army firings prior to 1981. Up to 1978 all baton rounds were fired by the Army. From October 1978 to March 1981 the figures shown include both police and Army.

  2. The Army figures for 1997 and the RUC figures for 1998 may be subject to minor adjustment.

  3. The figures for the years 1973, 1974 and 1975 include 42,216 and 3,556 plastic baton rounds respectively.

  4. The dramatic increase in 1981 can be put down to the heavy rioting in support of the hunger strikers who died that year.

  >

  National Security Certificate Procedure
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations she has received from the Bar Council of Northern Ireland concerning the proposed role of members of the Bar appointed by the Attorney-General to represent parties excluded from hearings before tribunals under the National Security Certificate procedure; what replies she has sent; if she will make a statement; and if she will place the relevant correspondence in the Library.[60438]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  The Chairman of the Bar Council of Northern Ireland wrote to me on 5 November 1998 expressing a preliminary view on the proposed role of members of the Bar appointed by the Attorney-General to represent parties excluded from hearings before the proposed National Security Certificate Tribunal. The letter was copied to the Attorney-General. As the point raised related substantially to the operation of the Bar's Code of Conduct, the Attorney-General replied to the letter on 13 November. With my agreement, the letter was expressed to be a response on my behalf also.

  I do not intend to make a statement but I will arrange to have copies of the two letters placed in the Library.

PRIME MINISTER

  Ministerial Travel
  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the occasions since 1 May 1997 on which a Minister in the Cabinet Office has used(a) an aircraft belonging to the RAF and (b) a privately chartered aircraft together with (i) details of the take-off and destination points, (ii) ground waiting time, (iii) dates of departure and return, (iv) purpose of the trip, (v) cost of the trip to the Cabinet Office and (vi) details of people accompanying the Minister, indicating the total costs of all such travel borne by the Cabinet Office (1) since 1 May 1997 and (2) between 1 May 1996 and 1 May 1997. [55548]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 19 October 1998]: Ministers are required under the terms of the Ministerial Code always to make efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements. The rules on travel for Ministers are the same as those that applied under the previous Administration. The volume of travel by RAF
  743
  aircraft and private charter flights reflects our Presidency of the European Union, our chairmanship of the G8, and the leading role played by this Government in peace talks in Northern Ireland and the Middle East. This Question

  Date

  Destination

  Purpose

  Numbers accompnying minister

  May 1997

  Northern Ireland

  Official visit

  6

  8

  The Hague

  Informal European Council

  20

  22

  Paris

  NATO/Russia Summit

  11

  12

  June 1997

  Malmo—Bonn

  Bilaterals in Bonn

  20

  17

  18

  Paris

  Talks and dinner with President Chirac

  14

  12

  Amsterdam

  European Council

  41

  39

  Denver—New York

  G7 Summit and UN General Assembly

  58

  63

  Hong Kong

  Handover ceremony to China

  21

  23

  July 1997

  Madrid

  NATO Summit

  32

  16

  August 1997

  Bologna

  Bilateral with Italian PM/Holiday

  12

  2

  Pisa—Toulouse

  Bilateral with French PM/Holiday

  3

  13

  5

  September 1997

  Scotland

  Regional tour/Balmoral

  6

  10

  Wrexham

  Regional tour

  10

  11

  October 1997

  Moscow

  Talks with Presidentn Yeltsin

  31

  Luxembourg—Strasbourg

  Dinner with Prime Minister Juncker Council of Europe Summit

  12

  11

  Belfast

  Talks in Stormont and regional tour

  9

  11

  Edinburgh

  CHOGM

  16

  18

  November 1997

  Luxembourg

  EU Jobs Summit

  17

  14

  Bosnia

  Visting troops/Bosnian Leaders

  21

  22

  December 1997

  Luxembourg

  European Council

  28

  36

  Belfast

  Official visit

  8

  10

  January 1998

  Japan

  EU/Japan Summit

  50

  51

  The Hague

  Speech to the Ridderzaal

  8

  9

  February 1998

  Washington

  Talks with Clinton

  54

  55

  March 1998

  Glasgow—Dundee—Teesside

  Regional tour

  11

  10

  Bonn

  Bilateral visit

  7

  Paris

  Address National Assembly and bilateral meeting

  13

  April 1998

  Belfast

  Northern Ireland Peace Agreement

  8

  Belfast

  Northern Ireland Peace Agreement

  5

  14

  Spain

  Bilateral visit and holiday

  6

  Cairo—Jeddah—Amman—Israel

  Middle East Tour

  46

  48

  47

  51

  53

  Manchester

  Regional Tour

  7

  9

  744
  could be answered in the precise terms requested only at disproportionate cost. Between 2 May 1997 and 30 September 1998 I have used RAF aircraft/private charter aircraft on the following occasions:
  745

  Date

  Destination

  Purpose

  Numbers accompanying minister

  May 1998

  Amsterdam—Brussels

  Speech in The Hague and Special EMU Council in Brussels

  11

  12

  16

  Belfast

  Regional tour and talks

  8

  8

  Belfast

  Talks

  13

  7

  Geneva

  Speech to WTO

  10

  Belfast

  Talks

  8

  9

  June 1998

  Madrid—Dublin—Belfast

  Pre-European Council tour

  11

  11

  6

  6

  The Hague

  Pre-European Council tour

  7

  10

  Rome—Vienna

  Pre-European Council tour

  9

  10

  9

  Stockholm—Helsinki—

  Pre-European Council tour

  12

  Copenhagen—

  Brussels—Luxembourg—Bonn—

  Paris

  13

  13

  13

  Strasbourg

  Speech to European Parliament

  14

  14

  Teesside

  Regional tour

  6

  Frankfurt

  Inauguration of European Central Bank

  10

  12

  July 1998

  Belfast

  Talks

  10

  9

  Edinburgh

  Regional tour

  11

  Teesside

  Regional tour

  16

  4

  August 1998

  Bologna

  Bilateral with Italian PM/Holiday

  10

  1

  Florence—Toulouse

  Bilateral with French PM/Holiday

  3

  14

  5

  Toulouse—Belfast—Toulouse

  Talks in Northern Ireland

  3

  3

  Toulouse—London—Belfast

  Talks in Northern Ireland

  2

  15

  9

  8

  Glasgow—Aberdeen

  Regional tour

  7

  7

  September 1998

  Belfast

  Talks

  10

  9

  Blackpool—Teesside—Newcastle—Lyneham

  Regional tour

  7

  6

  6

  Lyneham—Highgrove

  Dinner at Highgrove

  4

  The average cost of the flights undertaken for these trips for the 17 months between May 1997 and September 1998 is £11,613 compared to £11,136 under the last year of the previous Administration. In addition to these flights, the then Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster used an RAF plane to make an official visit to Yeovilton in July 1997 accompanied by 3 officials. The cost was £1,109.

  Euro
  Sir Richard Body
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 28 October 1998,Official Report,
  746
  column 171, what are the criteria for determining the appropriateness of the Euro Preparations Unit producing information packs for schools. [59857]

  The Prime Minister
  The purpose of the Government's communication campaign is to ensure UK businesses are aware of the implications of the introduction of the single currency from 1 January 1999.

  A number of schools have requested copies of our fact-sheets, primarily for pupils on business studies and economics courses. No information packs have been specifically produced for schools.
  747
  The criterion for determining the focus of our information campaign is its effectiveness in raising business awareness of the advent of the euro next year. The focus and effectiveness of the campaign are things we keep under review.

  Senior Salaries Review Body
  Mr. Corbett
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will set out the revised Terms of Reference of the Senior Salaries Review Body; and if he will make a statement. [60184]

  The Prime Minister
  The Terms of Reference for the Senior Salaries Review Body have been revised as follows to reflect the key considerations of the Comprehensive Spending Review White Paper.The Review Body on Senior Salaries provides independent advice to the Prime Minister, the Lord Chancellor and the Secretary of State for Defence on the remuneration of holders of judicial office; senior civil servants; senior officers of the armed forces; and other such public appointments as may from time to time be specified.
  The Review Body also advises the Prime Minister from time to time on the pay and pensions of Members of Parliament and their allowances; on Peers' allowances; and on the pay, pensions and allowances of Ministers and others whose pay is determined by the Ministerial and Other Salaries Act 1975.

  In reaching its recommendations, the Review Body is to have regard to the following considerations:
  the need to recruit, retain and motivate suitably able and qualified people to exercise their different responsibilities;
  Government policies for improving the public services including the requirement on Departments to meet the output targets for the delivery of departmental services;
  the funds available to departments as set out in the Government's departmental expenditure limits;
  the Government's inflation target.

  In making recommendations, the Review Body shall consider any factors that the Government and other witnesses may draw to its attention. In particular it shall have regard to:
  differences in terms and conditions of employment between the public and private sector between the remit groups, taking account of relative job security and the value of benefits in kind;
  changes in national pay systems, including flexibility and the reward of success; and job weight in differentiating the remuneration of particular posts; and
  the need to maintain broad linkage between the remuneration of the three main remit groups, while allowing sufficient flexibility to take account of the circumstances of each group.

  The Review Body may make other recommendations as it sees fit:
  to ensure that, as appropriate, the remuneration of the remit groups relates coherently to that of their subordinates, encourages efficiency and effectiveness, and takes account of the different management and organisational structures that may be in place from time to time;
  to relate reward to performance where appropriate;
  to maintain the confidence of those covered by the Review Body's remit that it's recommendations have been properly and fairly determined; and
  to ensure that the remuneration of those covered by the remit is
  consistent with the Government's equal opportunities policy.

  Millennium Compliance
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the problems which have arisen in his Department from millennium compliance; if he will make a statement on progress to date in tackling such problems; and what are the priority areas for remedial work. [60069]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 17 November 1998]: For the purpose of this answer, my office is part of the Cabinet Office.

  The Cabinet Office and its agencies have well developed Year 2000 programmes in place and the necessary remedial work to correct non-compliant systems including those involving embedded chips is well advanced.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the contingency plans drawn up by his Department in relation to problems arising from millennium compliance, including the embedded chip problem, after 31 December 1999. [60071]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 17 November 1998]: For the purpose of this answer, my office is part of the Cabinet Office.

  The Cabinet Office and its agencies business continuity plans are being reviewed to ensure that they deal with any risks posed by the millennium bug.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Prime Minister (1) what is his latest estimate of the total cost of tackling the millennium computer problem including the embedded chip problem in his Department, separately identifying expenditure to date and future expenditure; and if he will make a statement; [60068]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the extent to which the computer systems in his Department will be modified and tested in relation to the millennium computer problem by January 1999; and if he will make a statement. [60070]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 17 November 1998]: For the purpose of this answer, my office is part of the Cabinet Office.

  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the President of the Council to my hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, Garston (Maria Eagle) on 21 October 1998, Official Report, column 1109, in which she announced the results of the latest quarterly review of Government department and agencies progress in tackling the bug. This also covered key organisations within the wider public sector. The information the hon. Member requests will be found in the copies of departments' plans which have been published in the Libraries of the House. The results of the next quarterly review will be announced shortly to the House and the updates to quarterly plans will be published in the Libraries of the House and on the internet.

  Advisory Committee on Business Appointments
  Mr. O'Neill
  To ask the Prime Minister what steps he proposes to take following the recent report of the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments. [60836]

  The Prime Minister
  I am today placing in the Libraries of both Houses revised "Guidelines on the Acceptance of Appointments or Employment outside
  749
  Governments by Former Ministers of the Crown". They will replace the existing Guidelines, which the Committee said could be improved, from the start of the next Session of Parliament.

  The changes are designed to make clearer the role of the Committee and the circumstances in which former Ministers should consult them, and do not alter the system itself which the Committee reported was otherwise working well.

  Pörtschach
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will deposit in the Library a copy of the speech he delivered at Portschach; and what (i) minutes and (ii) notes were taken by(a) United Kingdom delegates and (b) the Council Secretariat. [60779]

  The Prime Minister
  This meeting of the Heads of Government was an informal meeting in preparation for the full European Council in Vienna, at which a broad range of issues were discussed. No formal decisions were taken.

  I did not make a formal speech. As this was an informal meeting there were neither formal minutes nor conclusions. As has been the practice under previous administrations, a member of the UK delegation took an informal record of the discussion, but as is standard practice, this remains confidential. There is no formal Council Secretariat record.

  Chile
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Prime Minister what discussions he has held with the Prime Minister of Spain concerning relations with(a) Chile and (b) the European Union; and if he will make a statement. [60468]

  The Prime Minister
  I hold regular discussions with Mr. Aznar on EU and other international issues both bilaterally and at meetings of EU Heads of State and Government. Mr. Aznar and I met most recently in London on 2 November and have had a number of telephone conversations since then.

  Iraq
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Prime Minister what discussions he had with his Ministers prior to his decision to authorise armed action against Iraq on 14 November; and when. [60651]

  The Prime Minister
  It is the normal convention under this and previous Governments that discussions which take place between the Prime Minister and Ministers are not routinely disclosed.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral statement of 16 November 1998,Official Report, column 610, what support there is in (a) the Arab world, (b) Iran, (c) the Islamic world and (d) Asia for sustained bombing of Iraq if Saddam Hussein again obstructs the work of the UNSCOM inspectors. [60730]

  The Prime Minister
  The UN Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 1205, condemning Iraq's decision to cease co-operation with UNSCOM as a flagrant violation of UN resolutions. The Damascus Declaration states (Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait,750
  Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and UAE) announced that Iraq would be responsible for any consequences if it did not reverse its decision. The international community has lost patience with Iraqi intransigence and non-co-operation.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister what assessment he has made of whether Baghdad received warning of an imminent attack, and from what source. [60732]

  The Prime Minister
  As I made clear in my statement on 16 November 1998,Official Report, columns 607-10, a private warning from the UK was delivered directly to the Iraqi Permanent Representative at the UN on 12 November. When the Iraqi government climbed down, they had clearly assessed that this and other warnings were serious and that military action was imminent.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the collateral damage to civilian Iraqi people which would result from a military air strike against Iraq. [60742]

  The Prime Minister
  The risk of collateral damage is a major consideration in selecting targets and only precision guided weaponry would be used. Military action can never be risk-free, but the combination of precision weaponry and careful planning offers by far the best chance of minimising such dangers.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral statement of 16 November 1998,Official Report, column 610, what the basis was for his statement about Iraqi propaganda being repeated in Britain. [60733]

  The Prime Minister
  I was commenting on the tendency of some sections of the British media to report Iraqi Government information as fact.

  Iraq claims that the suffering of its people is due to sanctions. But the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights concluded in his October interim report that the Government of Iraq bear the primary responsibility for their continuing suffering. Reasons for this include Iraq's decision to prohibit shipments of humanitarian aid from third countries and its decision to stop supplying its food ration to the Iraqi people. Iraq complains that its people are starving, but it is selling wheat and barley to Jordan and Syria at low prices.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister (1) pursuant to his oral statement of 16 November 1998,Official Report, column 610, what consultation he has had with international lawyers about attacking Iraq without further warning; [60731]

  (2) pursuant to his oral statement of 16 November 1998, Official Report, column 611, what consultation he has had with international lawyers about removing a head of state. [60735]

  The Prime Minister
  None.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral statement of 16 November 1998,Official Report, column 609, for what reasons there is to be no negotiation with Iraq.[60729]

  The Prime Minister
  Iraq's obligations under the relevant UN Security Council resolutions are clear. There is no need for negotiations.
  751
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral statement of 16 November 1998,Official Report, column 608, what representations he has received from (a) Iran, (b) Jordan, (c) Saudi Arabia, (d) Syria, (e) other Arab states and (f) Israel about the risks to them from Iraq's behaviour. [60728]

  The Prime Minister
  The risks posed by Iraq's behaviour are well-documented: Iraq fired nearly 200 Scud missiles against Iran during the Iran-Iraq war; during the Gulf War it fired Scud missiles indiscriminately against Saudi and Israeli cities.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the UNSCOM officials paid 180,000 US dollars a year or more. [60740]

  The Prime Minister
  We do not keep this information. This is a matter for UNSCOM.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral statement of 16 November 1998,Official Report, column 614, what assessment he has made of the threat from pollution to Arab neighbours if missiles are unleashed against targets in Iraq. [60739]

  The Prime Minister
  In selecting targets for military action, all relevant factors are taken into account.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral statement of 16 November 1998,Official Report, column 608, if he will list the materials found at presidential sites by UNSCOM. [60727]

  The Prime Minister
  As I told my hon. Friend on 16 November 1998,Official Report, column 372, a full report on the UNSCOM/IAEA Presidential site inspections was submitted to United Nations Security Council members on 15 April. The report recorded that the sites had very obviously been extensively cleared before the inspectors entered.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the recent statement by Mr. Denis Halliday concerning oil for food arrangements in Iraq. [60734]

  The Prime Minister
  We regret Mr. Halliday's criticisms of "oil for food" at a time when the UN's latest report shows that the programme is bringing greater benefits to the Iraqi people. But we agree with him that it is unfortunate the UN has been obliged to sustain the sanctions regime against Iraq for so long. This is entirely the fault of Iraq.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral statement of 16 November 1998,Official Report, column 617, to which words of the UN Secretary-General he was referring. [60741]

  The Prime Minister
  I was referring to the UN Secretary General's statement to the press on 15 November, saying that Iraq's agreement to resume full co-operation"is a victory for all those who expressed their firm determination that UN resolutions must be respected".

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral statement of 16 November 1998,Official Report, column 613, what evidence underlay his statement that money for the food programme has gone to elite people around Saddam Hussein; and whom he includes as members of that group. [60738]
  752
  The Prime Minister
  The Iraqi regime does not have direct access to "oil for food" funds. But as soon as "oil for food" started the Iraqi government reduced their own spending on essential humanitarian goods for the Iraqi people and diverted these funds to other purposes.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral statement of 16 November 1998,Official Report, columns 613-14, what is the nature of the support expressed by Arab states, and what measures they supported. [60737]

  The Prime Minister
  After their 11-12 November meeting in Doha, the Foreign Ministers of the Damascus Declaration states (Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and UAE) called on Iraq to rescind its decision to halt co-operation with UNSCOM and to implement all relevant Security Council resolutions. The Ministers held Iraq responsible for any consequences resulting from Iraq's refusal to rescind that decision.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the reasons for establishing an Iraq media unit within Her Majesty's Government. [60811]

  The Prime Minister
  The Government have set up an ad hoc inter-departmental group chaired by the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, my right hon. Friend the Member for Leeds, Central (Mr. Fatchett). The group ensures that the Government's media response to the Iraq crisis is properly co-ordinated.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral statement of 16 November 1998,Official Report, column 612, concerning the views of the international community, what evidence he has obtained that (a) the UN Secretary General, (b) Iran, (c) the Arab world, (d) Russia, (e) China and (f) France accept that next time Iraq obstructs the work of UN inspectors there will be no formal negotiation regardless of last minute pleas and letters. [60736]

  The Prime Minister
  On 15 November the UN Secretary-General stated that, if there were a next time, he was not sure that there would be time for further diplomatic initiatives and appeals. France has acknowledged the role of the threat of force in resolving this crisis. The Security Council as a whole has called for Iraq to demonstrate unconditional and sustained co-operation with UN inspectors and the Damascus Declaration states (Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and UAE) held Iraq responsible for any consequences resulting from a refusal to resume co-operation with UNSCOM.

  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Prime Minister if the Iraqi Government signified to the Secretary-General of the United Nations their willingness to co-operate with the UNSCOM inspectors after the orders had been given by the Prime Minister to launch an attack; how long before the attack on targets in Iraq was due to commence, the communication from the Iraqi Government were received by the United Nations; and what was the source from which the Iraqi Government learned that an attack was imminent. [60668]

  The Prime Minister
  As I made clear in my statement on 16 November 1998,Official Report, columns 607-10, a private warning from the UK was delivered directly to the Iraqi Permanent Representative at the UN on 12 November.
  753
  On the morning of 14 November I gave final authorisation for the use of force against Iraq that afternoon. Just over two hours before the attack was due to commence, we learned that the UN Secretary-General had received a message from the Iraqis. The Iraqis can have been in no doubt about our resolve to take action.

  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Prime Minister which countries were aware that orders had been given to initiate an attack on targets in Iraq. [60746]

  The Prime Minister
  We have been in close contact with many countries throughout this crisis. As has been the practice under this and previous administrations, it is not Government policy to disclose the content of these conversations.

  World Wars (Civilian Women)
  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Prime Minister what plans he has to commemorate the contribution of those civilian women who worked directly to support the war effort in both world wars. [60660]

  The Prime Minister
  The contribution of all who gave their lives and suffered in the service of their country, including those women who played a vital role in 754
  industry, agriculture and other civilian services in both world wars, is recognised at the ceremony at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday.

  I understand from the Royal British Legion, who are responsible for organising the march past the Cenotaph which follows the official ceremony on Remembrance Sunday, that they intend to make proposals which will allow greater participation in future years by non ex-Service groups and individuals.

  Security Services
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Prime Minister how many hon. Members have been identified by the security services as a security risk. [60433]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Leyton and Wanstead (Mr. Cohen) on 2 November 1998,Official Report, column 402.

  It is not appropriate to comment in detail on security matters. However, in its recent annual report the Intelligence and Security Committee referred to the process and gave an indication of the numbers of honourable Members involved.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  New Deal
  Ms Blears
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what provision can be made to enable young people participating in the new deal to acquire basic skills to enhance their prospects of employment. [59116]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  One of the key roles for New Deal Personal Advisers is to identify young people with basic skills needs. A range of help is available which is in place, including assessment, advice and access to training in basic literacy, numeracy and IT.

  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many young people within his Department have been employed under the New Deal arrangements. [60367]

  Mr. Mudie
  As at 18 November, the information on Civil Service Departments (including their Agencies) participating or intending to participate as employers in the New Deal is as follows:

  Main department name (including their agencies

  New Deal staff employed

  Additional posts allocated but not yet filled

  Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  1

  3

  Cabinet Office

  4

  4

  Culture, Media and Sport

  0

  3

  Education and Employment

  131

  116

  Environment, Transport and the Regions

  0

  11

  Foreign and Commonwealth Office

  0

  8

  Health

  2

  10

  Home Office

  0

  15

  International Development

  0

  10

  Lord Chancellor's

  0

  6

  Ministry of Defence

  5

  16

  Northern Ireland Office

  2

  8

  Scottish Office

  7

  43

  Social Security

  0

  10

  Trade and Industry

  18

  14

  HM Treasury

  3

  6

  Welsh Office

  4

  16

  Total

  177

  169

  1 These departments (including their Agencies) are allocating posts to be taken up within the next few months

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will place in the Library a copy of the tender document which was sent to those wishing to participate in the forthcoming New Deal pilot schemes for those aged 25 years or over. [60853]

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many New Deal clients in Hendon have(a) had interviews with personal advisers, (b) proceeded through the Gateway, (c) had interviews with prospective employers and (d) obtained employment; and if he will make a statement. [60421]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  I will write to the hon. Member and my hon. Friend and place a copy of the letter in the Library.
  756
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimate he has made of the number of people taken on under the New Deal arrangements by non-departmental bodies in receipt of financial support from his Department. [60529]

  Mr. Mudie
  NDPBs are encouraged to participate as an employer in New Deal. Information on the numbers of people taken under the New Deal by Non-Departmental bodies is not held centrally.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many new courses or new places on existing courses have been provided for 18 to 24 year olds undertaking education and training under the New Deal(a) nationally, (b) by delivery unit and (c) by New Deal option. [59200]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  To the end of August, there have been 5,600 starts on the Full Time Education and Training option. Figures for individual units of delivery are available in the Library.

  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the responsibilities of each agency in relation to the health and safety of New Deal clients who have taken the option of a subsidised job. [60400]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The New Deal Employment Option aims to encourage employers to take on long-term unemployed people by the payment of a subsidy. Once recruited, the status of people who take subsidised jobs is identical to that of any other employee. Their health and safety is the responsibility of the employer, and is handled in accordance with the employer' s established procedure for meeting the requirements of health and safety legislation.

  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what progress has been made in securing employer involvement in the New Deal for the young unemployed. [59113]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  I refer my hon. Friend to the oral reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Swindon, South (Ms Drown) on 19 November 1998,Official Report, column 1093.

  Special Needs
  Angela Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations he has received regarding provision for children with special educational needs in Essex. [59117]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Over the past year, my Department has received some 250 letters from members of the public, the Essex Local Education Authority, hon. Members and others about provision for children with special educational needs in Essex. These include responses to the Green Paper "Excellence for all children".

  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to support children with special educational needs. [59124]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Our plans for supporting children with special educational needs (SEN) are set out in
  757
  Meeting Special Educational Needs: A programme of action, published on 5 November. They include:
  better support and advice for parents and carers of children with SEN;
  improving the SEN framework, but retaining parents' rights to seek a statutory assessment and statement of SEN;
  developing a more inclusive education system;
  developing the knowledge and skills of all staff working with children with SEN; and
  promoting partnership in SEN locally, regionally and nationally.

  Implementation of the Action Programme will be supported by funding of almost £60 million in 1999–2000.

  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on his policy towards integrating children with special educational needs into mainstream schools. [59128]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Action Programme—"Meeting Special Educational Needs"—published on 5 November, sets out steps to promote further inclusion of children with special educational needs where parents want it and appropriate support can be provided. We are providing financial support of up to £8 million in 1999–2000 through the SEN Standards Fund to promote inclusion, and increasing the capital support under the Schools Access Initiative from the £4 million we inherited to £20 million.

  Dr. Desmond Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on his proposal to enhance the early detection and support provision for children with learning difficulties. [59134]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  On 5 November 1998 we published Meeting Special Educational Needs: A programme for action. This explains how through our early years policies such as the new Sure Start programme, the Early Years Development and Child Care Planning process, our Early Excellence Centres, the introduction of baseline assessment and the National Literacy and Numeracy Strategies we will encourage earlier identification of difficulties and appropriate early intervention. It also sets out the practical steps we will take to support children with special educational needs, including those with learning difficulties.

  Ms Shipley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if the £56 million for funding of an early intervention programme includes funding for a specific training module for special educational needs for new teachers at teacher training college. [56900]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  There are no specific modules for special educational needs which trainees must take as part of their initial training. However since May this year, in order successfully to complete a course of initial training, all trainee teachers must have demonstrated that they can identify pupils who have special educational needs and know where to get help in order to give positive and targeted support.

  Universities (Selection Procedures)
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the fairness of the present methods used by universities to select students. [59119]

  Mr. Mudie
  The selection of students is a matter for individual universities, but the Department, UCAS and other agencies monitor and analyse the overall profile of student entry. We encourage all universities and colleges to be flexible and imaginative in assessing the potential of applicants, so that selection is fair to applicants from all backgrounds.

  Further Education
  Mr. Illsley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the future of off-site collaborative provision in further education colleges. [59121]

  Mr. Mudie
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State considers that cost-effective and high quality collaborative provision can make a significant contribution to the lifelong learning agenda. But some aspects of collaborative provision have caused concern. We shall keep those under review with the Further Education Funding Council.

  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he is taking to improve standards of achievement in further and higher education. [59120]

  Mr. Mudie
  The Government's commitment to raising standards throughout Further and Higher Education is being taken forward through active collaboration with the funding councils and other partners. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will announce details shortly, building on our plans announced in The Learning Age.

  Under-fives
  Shona McIsaac
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on his plans for provision for the under-fives. [59122]

  Ms Hodge
  A free, high quality, early education place is available across England for four year olds; and two thirds of three year-olds will have places by 2002. Early Years Development and Childcare Plans will show how this is to be integrated locally with daycare.

  Computer Technology
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement about the use of computer technology in schools. [59123]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Government view the use of new technologies as an integral part of their education and lifelong learning policies aimed at raising standards in schools, modernising Britain and equipping us to compete in the global economy of the Information Age. These plans are being backed with an investment of over £lbn over the next four years. A full statement of the Government's plans for the use of new technologies in
  759
  schools and other learning institutions can be found in Open for Learning, Open for Business, a copy of which is lodged in the House of Commons Library.

  Primary Teachers (Training)
  Ms Dari Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what measures his Department is taking to improve the training of primary school teachers. [59125]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what measures his Department is taking to improve the training of primary school teachers. [59136]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  From September this year all those training to become primary school teachers must follow a national training curriculum in English and mathematics which specifies the essential core of knowledge, understanding and skills which all trainees must be taught, know and be able to do in relation to primary English and mathematics.

  As part of the National Literacy and Numeracy Strategies, all serving primary teachers will receive training in the most effective methods of teaching these key skills.

  Maintained Schools
  Mr. St. Aubyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the role of the private sector in the management of schools. [59129]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Responsibility for managing maintained schools which have delegated budgets rests in law with the governing body, with support as necessary from the local education authority. Governing bodies and local authorities may purchase advice or services from the private sector to help them meet their statutory duties.

  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to his answer of 3 November 1998,Official Report, column 524, on the cost of qualifications in maintained schools, if he will rank each local education authority in order of the cost per (a) A level and (b) GCSE, by dividing the education standard spending assessment per secondary school pupil by the number of qualifications obtained in each authority. [60094]

  Mr. Mudie
  [holding answer 16 November 1998]: I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Townend
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimate he has made of the number of persons granted asylum who have obtained employment in each of the last three years. [59130]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  No such estimate has been made.

  Young Unemployed (Remedial Training)
  Mr. Sutcliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he is taking to 760
  improve literacy and numeracy skills among the young unemployed. [59131]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  In the New Deal for 18-24 year olds young people who lack the basic skills they need to enter employment will be given help to gain those skills, and to pursue an appropriate qualification. Depending on their level of need, help can be in the form of short, intensive courses, while they are on the Gateway, full-time study through the Full-Time Education and Training option, or, for those on one of the three work-based options, study towards a qualification one day per week, or the equivalent.

  Sixteen and 17 year olds in Work-based Training for Young People may also receive help to improve their literacy and numeracy skills, where this will help them to achieve their vocational objective.

  Teachers (Recruitment and Retention)
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he proposes to increase recruitment and retention of teachers(a) in London and (b) elsewhere. [59132]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  We will publish before the end of the year a Green Paper on the teaching profession which will propose a range of reforms to improve the attractiveness of teaching as a career. In addition to this, my hon. Friend the Minister for School Standards announced last month a £130 million package of measures designed to boost teacher recruitment in the short term. This includes the establishment of a network of local recruitment advisers in areas with high teacher vacancies. Eleven London boroughs—including Southwark—already know they will benefit from these additional resources. These measures will add to the strong programme of action already being taken forward by the Teacher Training Agency. This includes a number of activities focused specifically on London including next month's Teaching in London Event.

  Family-friendly Employment
  Ms Ward
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he is taking to promote family-friendly employment practices. [59133]

  Ms Hodge
  Our detailed plans were set out in the recently published Home Office consultation document "Supporting Families". Over the coming months, building on the legislative agenda set out in the "Fairness at Work" White Paper and working in partnership with other Governmental Departments, employers and other key players, we will be taking forward an awareness and promotional campaign to promote the benefits of family friendly working practices.

  Learning Direct Helpline
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the progress of the learning direct advice and information line. [59135]

  Mr. Mudie
  Learning Direct has been a resounding success. Since its launch in February it has given over 370,000 callers free high quality impartial information
  761
  and advice on learning opportunities. The freephone number (0800 100 900) has been trailed on all five terrestrial television channels.

  Learning Direct has a key role in the Government's commitment to creating a learning society. Because of its success, we recently announced an increase in its budget to £6.25 million for the 1999–2000 financial year. This will enable us to develop and expand the service to prepare for the extra demand for learning advice and information created by the University for Industry, scheduled to be launched in the year 2000.

  Primary Schools (Standards)
  Mr. Pond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what measures he is taking to improve standards of numeracy and literacy in primary schools. [59137]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  We are providing significant investment to support the implementation of both the National Literacy and Numeracy Strategies in primary schools. We have allocated almost £60 million to the literacy strategy in 1998–99, and committed a further £120 million per annum over the next three years to both strategies. This will support a comprehensive professional development and training programme for teachers designed to raise literacy and numeracy standards in schools.

  Postgraduate Student Loans
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the uptake of career development loans by postgraduate students in Great Britain. [59138]

  Mr. Mudie
  The information requested is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Training and Enterprise Councils
  Mr. Pearson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to improve the performance of training and enterprise councils. [59139]

  Mr. Mudie
  We are currently considering the results of a consultation on the future role of Training and Enterprise Councils which ended on 30 September. The consultation paper "TECs: Meeting the Challenge of the Millennium" covered a range of proposals designed to improve the performance of TECs. Copies of this document are available in the Library. We will be announcing the outcome in the coming months.

  Local Management of Schools
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he is taking to encourage local initiatives in school governance and management. [59140]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  Education Action Zones provide considerable scope for innovation in school governance and management. My Department is also sponsoring demonstration projects to show how schools can set up streamlined administrative systems. In addition, we are 762
  keen to build on the many excellent initiatives being developed around the country through identifying and spreading good practice. With this in mind, we plan to issue good practice guidance on governor training next year.

  Adult and Community Learning Fund
  Jane Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the progress of the adult and community learning fund. [59141]

  Mr. Mudie
  The Adult and Community Learning Fund prospectus was published on 28 August 1998. We received nearly 400 applications in the first round of bidding which closed on 5 October. Following consideration by the Department's independent Advisory Panel we announced funding in principle for 65 projects covering a wide range of local activities to involve more people in learning relevant to their lives. The closing date for the second round of applications, including re-submissions of first round bids referred back for further development, is 30 November 1998.

  Pre-school Playgroups
  Dr. George Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what role he plans for preschool playgroups and nurseries in the national childcare strategy; and how he will support that role. [59127]

  Ms Hodge
  The Green Paper "Meeting the Childcare Challenge" which was published in May, sets out the Government's plans for a National Childcare Strategy to raise their quality of care, to make childcare more affordable and to make it more accessible.

  The private and voluntary sector has an important role to play in delivering the objectives of the National Childcare Strategy and in meeting our commitment of a free nursery place for every four year old.

  Women (Employment)
  Mr. Leigh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the percentage of women with a child aged between 10 and 15 years who(a) work full-time, (b) work part-time (c) are unemployed and (d) are economically inactive. [60769]

  Ms Hewitt
  I have been asked to reply.

  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Director of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Edward Leigh, dated 19 November 1998:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent parliamentary questions (60765, 60766, 60767, 60768, 60769 and 60770) about the economic status of mothers with dependent children.
  Tables attached show data from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) which is the ONS major source of labour market data on individuals.
  The first table shows the latest available quarterly data for the United Kingdom. The second table gives the same analysis for Great Britain for the average of the period from spring 1996 to winter 1996/7 i.e. on a geography and time period consistent with the answers to your other three questions about demographic data.

  763
  In the General Household Survey (GHS), adults and children in each household are assigned to families: married couple families; cohabiting couple families and lone parent families. Children belong to the appropriate family either by virtue of being the natural children of both the parents forming the couple, or of the lone parent, or else, if they are adoptive or stepchildren, by belonging to the same family as their adoptive/step parents. Foster children, however are not regarded part of their foster parent family since they are not related to them. For the purpose of answering this question, it has been assumed that the natural/adoptive/step parent(s) are the adults responsible for the children. Attached are tables from the GHS give the information requested regarding households.

  Economic status of mothers by age of youngest dependent child

  Percentage

  Age of youngest dependent child

  0 to 4

  5 to 9

  10 to 15

  UK, summer 1998, not seasonally adjusted

  In employment:

  50.2

  66.0

  73.9

  Of which full-time

  18.0

  23.8

  34.0

  Of which part-time

  32.2

  42.2

  39.8

  ILO Unemployed

  4.5

  4.7

  3.3

  Inactive

  45.3

  29.3

  22.8

  Total

  100.0

  100.0

  100.0

  GB,average spring 1996 to winter 1996/7

  In employment:

  49.4

  64.7

  74.0

  Of which full-time

  16.7

  21.5

  33.2

  of which part-time

  32.7

  43.1

  40.7

  ILO Unemployed

  4.8

  5.4

  3.6

  Inactive

  45.9

  29.9

  22.4

  Active

  100.0

  100.0

  100.0

  Source:
  Labour Force Survey, ONS

  Percentage of dependent children living in families within private households according to the de facto marital status of the head of family, 1996, Great Britain

  De facto status of head of family

  Percentage

  Married couple

  70

  Cohabiting

  7

  Single (never married)

  8

  Widowed

  1

  Divorced

  8

  Separated

  7

  Source:
  General Household Survey, ONS

  Percentage of families with dependent children by marital status of head of family, 1996, Great Britain

  Type of family with dependent children

  Percentage

  Married couple

  70

  Cohabiting couple

  8

  Lone mother

  20

  Lone father

  2

  Total

  100

  Source:
  General Household Survey, ONS

  Household heads by de facto marital status, 1996, Great Britain

  Household head

  Percentage

  Married

  54

  Cohabiting

  6

  Single (never married)

  13

  764

  Household heads by de facto marital status, 1996, Great Britain

  Household head

  Percentage

  Widowed

  15

  Divorced

  8

  Separated

  3

  Total

  100

  Source:
  General Household Survey, ONS

  Teacher Training
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many initial teacher training places funded by his Department have not been filled by the Teacher Training Agency in each subject for the current year. [59198]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The following table shows the target and actual intake to initial teacher training for the year 1998–99. We continuously monitor recruitment to initial teacher training in order to be responsive to supply and demand. A £130 million package of short-term measures designed to boost teacher recruitment, particularly in the key subject areas of mathematics and science, was announced by my hon. Friend the Minister for School Standards on 27 October. Details of this have been placed in the Library.

  Target and actual recruitment 1 to initial teacher training2 courses in England, 1998–99

  Target

  Actual

  Difference(actual-target)

  Primary3

  11,500

  11,545

  45

  Mathematics

  2,150

  1,120

  -1,030

  English4

  2,200

  1,970

  -230

  Science

  3,050

  2,286

  -764

  Modern foreign languages

  2,300

  1,657

  -643

  Technology5

  3,000

  1,682

  -1,318

  History

  900

  898

  -2

  Geography

  1,000

  747

  -253

  Physical education

  1,450

  1,491

  41

  Art

  1,100

  904

  -196

  Music

  600

  493

  -107

  Religious education

  750

  606

  -144

  Other6

  600

  523

  -77

  Total secondary

  19,100

  14,377

  -4,723

  1 Provisional

  2 Includes School Centred ITT (SCITT)

  3 The primary target includes the 294 places that the TTA allocated to the Open University for a part-time PGCE course commencing in February 1999. These places were relinquished by the OU, subsequently reallocated to providers offering new part-time courses starting in April 1999, and so will not have yet been filled.

  4 The English target given here differs slightly to the one announced by the DfEE in 1997. This is because the target the TTA allocated to 'drama' is currently included in other.

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

  6 Other includes Classics, Economics, Other social sciences, Other subjects and, currently, drama. Therefore, the target for 'other' differs slightly to the one announced at the end of 1997 because of the inclusion of drama.

  Source:
  Recruitment
  TTA Survey of ITT Providers 1998–99
  Target
  DfEE.
  765
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the initial teacher training course providers that have(a) added courses and (b) increased the number of places on offer on existing courses in each subject; and if he will list for each of (a) and (b) the number of places added for the funding years 1997–98 and 1998–99. [59199]

  Additional places on initial teacher training courses 1997–98 and 1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  prim

  prim

  math

  math

  Eng

  Eng

  sci

  sci

  lang

  lang

  Anglia Polytechnic University

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  8

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Bath College of HE

  —

  8

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Billericay Education Consortium

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Bishop Grosseteste College

  1

  5

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Borough of Pool SCITT

  —

  *24

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Bradford & Ilkey Community College

  —

  —

  —

  5

  —

  —

  —

  —

  *15

  —

  Bretton Hall

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Bromley Schools Collegiate

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Brunel University

  —

  —

  —

  —

  5

  6

  —

  —

  5

  —

  Chiltern Training Group

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Canterbury Christ Church College

  7

  50

  —

  —

  3

  5

  —

  —

  20

  —

  Central School of Speech & Drama

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Centre for British Teachers

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Cheltenham and Gloucester CHE

  —

  16

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  —

  —

  3

  Chester College of HE

  —

  —

  —

  5

  —

  6

  —

  —

  *10

  3

  Chichester Institute of HE

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Chiltern Training Group

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Coastal Confederation

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  College of Ripon & York St. John

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  College of St. Mark & St. John

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3

  —

  —

  —

  Corby & District Maths Consortium

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Cumbria Primary Teacher Training

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  De Montfort University

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3

  —

  —

  5

  East Midland Initial Teacher Training

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Edge Hill College of HE

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  60

  —

  8

  31

  —

  Gloucestershire ITE Partnership

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Goldsmiths College

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Grand Union Partnership

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  *6

  —

  —

  —

  Homerton College, Cambridge

  —

  —

  —

  —

  10

  25

  20

  —

  20

  —

  Institute of Education

  4

  30

  —

  —

  5

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Keele University

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  4

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Kent Training Group

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  *4

  —

  *6

  —

  *12

  King Alfred's College, Winchester

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  *13

  —

  —

  —

  King's College London

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Kingston University

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  15

  —

  La Sainte Union College of HE

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Lancaster University

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Marches Consortium

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  *5

  Mid Essex Consortium

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Leeds Metropolitan University

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Lindisfarne SCITT

  —

  *26

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Liverpool Hope College

  3

  3

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  25

  —

  Liverpool John Moores University

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Loughborough University of Technology

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Manchester Metropolitan University

  5

  59

  —

  —

  —

  25

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Marches Consortium

  —

  —

  —

  *3

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Maryvale Institute

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Mid-Essex Consortium

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Middlesex University

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  *18

  2

  Nene College

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Newman Catholic Partnership

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  *20

  Newman College

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  20

  —

  —

  —

  —

  North Bedfordshire Consortium

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  North Riding College

  —

  8

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  North West Kent Teacher Trainers

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Nottingham Trent University

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Open University

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  30

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Oxford Brookes University

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Roehampton Institute

  14

  34

  —

  —

  11

  —

  —

  —

  3

  4

  St. Martin's College

  —

  110

  —

  —

  —

  31

  —

  —

  25

  —

  Sheffield Hallam University

  5

  37

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Solihull Secondary Group

  —

  —

  *10

  —

  10

  —

  *10

  —

  *10

  —

  Somerset SCITT Consortium

  —

  *22

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  South Bank University

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  South West Teacher Training

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  766
  Mr.Charles Clarke
  The Teacher Training Agency's allocations of additional initial teacher training places for individual providers in 1997–98 and 1998–99 are set out in the table; those for new courses are asterisked. The 1997 allocation also awarded some places
  in 1998–99 and these have been included in the 1998–99 coloumn.
  767

  Additional places on initial teacher training courses 1997–98 and 1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  prim

  prim

  math

  math

  Eng

  Eng

  sci

  sci

  lang

  lang

  St. Mary's College

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  St. Thomas High School SCITT

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  *10

  —

  Staffordshire University

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  The Douay Martyrs Consortium

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  The North London Consortium

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  The Oxfordshire Consortium

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  The Shire Foundation

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Thomas Telford

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Titan Partnership

  —

  —

  *5

  —

  *8

  —

  *8

  —

  —

  —

  Trinity & All Saints College

  3

  —

  —

  —

  —

  8

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Bath

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  8

  University of Birmingham

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Brighton

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  9

  University of Bristol

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Cambridge

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Central England

  1

  2

  —

  —

  —

  3

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Derby

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Durham

  —

  24

  —

  —

  —

  20

  —

  —

  —

  30

  University of East Anglia

  2

  17

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  5

  4

  University of East London

  1

  25

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Exeter

  —

  —

  —

  10

  —

  —

  —

  18

  —

  3

  University of Greenwich

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Hertfordshire

  4

  22

  —

  —

  —

  5

  —

  —

  2

  —

  University of Huddersfield

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Hull

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Kent Training Group

  —

  —

  —

  *4

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Leeds

  —

  —

  —

  5

  —

  —

  —

  12

  —

  2

  University of Leicester

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Liverpool

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  7

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Manchester

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  4

  —

  University of Newcastle upon Tyne

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  15

  —

  University of North London

  —

  15

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  4

  —

  University of Northumbria at Newcastle

  3

  30

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  10

  —

  University of Nottingham

  —

  —

  —

  10

  —

  —

  —

  10

  4

  11

  University of Oxford

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Plymouth

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Portsmouth

  —

  —

  5

  —

  —

  5

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Reading

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  6

  —

  —

  15

  —

  University of Sheffield

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Southampton

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  8

  —

  University of Sunderland

  —

  9

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  University of Sussex

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Warwick

  —

  —

  —

  —

  19

  16

  —

  —

  6

  —

  University of West of England

  —

  —

  —

  —

  4

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Wolverhampton

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3

  —

  —

  2

  —

  5

  University of York

  —

  —

  2

  —

  —

  —

  2

  —

  2

  —

  Urban Learning Foundation

  —

  —

  —

  —

  *5

  —

  —

  —

  *8

  —

  Wandsworth Primary Schools' Consortium

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Westhill College

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  West Midlands Consortium

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Westminster College, Oxford

  —

  —

  10

  —

  3

  —

  —

  —

  15

  20

  Additional places on initial teacher training courses 1997–98 and 1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  D&T

  D&T

  IT 97

  IT 98

  other tech

  other tech

  hist

  hist

  geog

  geog

  Anglia Polytechnic University

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Bath College of HE

  26

  —

  *15

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  5

  —

  Billericay Education Consortium

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Bishop Grosseteste College

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Borough of Pool SCITT

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Bradford & Ilkey Community College

  —

  *10

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Bretton Hall

  —

  —

  15

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Bromley Schools Collegiate

  —

  —

  *2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Brunel University

  15

  —

  *16

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  6

  —

  Chiltern Training Group

  —

  —

  *6

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Canterbury Christ Church College

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  10

  10

  8

  5

  Central School of Speech & Drama

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Centre for British Teachers

  *2

  1

  —

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Cheltenham and Gloucester CHE

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Chester College of HE

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Chichester Institute of HE

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  768 769

  Additional places on initial teacher training courses 1997–98 and 1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  D&T

  D&T

  IT 97

  IT 98

  other tech

  other tech

  hist

  hist

  geog

  geog

  Chiltern Training Group

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Coastal Confederation

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  College of Ripon & York St.John

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  College of St.Mark & St.John

  7

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Corby & District Maths Consortium

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Cumbria Primary Teacher Training

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  De Montfort University

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  East Midland Initial Teacher Training

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Edge Hill College of HE

  22

  26

  5

  25

  22

  —

  3

  —

  8

  7

  Gloucestershire ITE Partnership

  —

  —

  *8

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Goldsmiths College

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Grand Union Partnership

  —

  —

  *2

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Homerton College, Cambridge

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Institute of Education

  —

  —

  *20

  10

  —

  —

  —

  2

  8

  —

  Keele University

  —

  —

  7

  —

  —

  —

  5

  —

  —

  —

  Kent Training Group

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  King Alfred's College, Winchester

  2

  4

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  King's College London

  —

  —

  5

  17

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Kingston University

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  La Sainte Union College of HE

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Lancaster University

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Marches Consortium

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Mid Essex Consortium

  —

  —

  —

  *5

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Leeds Metropolitan University

  22

  —

  *33

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Lindisfarne SCITT

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Liverpool Hope College

  —

  —

  *20

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Liverpool John Moores University

  25

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Loughborough University of Technology

  —

  —

  *16

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Manchester Metropolitan University

  —

  *15

  —

  —

  40

  —

  —

  —

  8

  4

  Marches Consortium

  —

  *7

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Maryvale Institute

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Mid-Essex Consortium

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Middlesex University

  6

  —

  —

  *15

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Nene College

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Newman Catholic Partnership

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Newman College

  —

  —

  *25

  11

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  North Bedfordshire Consortium

  —

  7

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  North Riding College

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  North West Kent Teacher Trainers

  —

  —

  —

  —

  *8

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Nottingham Trent University

  —

  10

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Open University

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Oxford Brookes University

  —

  —

  *14

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  5

  —

  Roehampton Institute

  —

  3

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  St. Martin's College

  —

  —

  34

  15

  —

  —

  6

  —

  —

  18

  Sheffield Hallam University

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Solihull Secondary Group

  —

  —

  —

  —

  *6

  —

  *8

  —

  —

  —

  Somerset SCITT Consortium

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  South Bank University

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  South West Teacher Training

  —

  —

  —

  *5

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  St. Mary's College

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  St. Thomas High School SCITT

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Staffordshire University

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  The Douay Martyrs Consortium

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  The North London Consortium

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  The Oxfordshire Consortium

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  The Shire Foundation

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Thomas Telford

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Titan Partnership

  *3

  —

  —

  *6

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Trinity & All Saints College

  —

  6

  1

  3

  2

  9

  4

  —

  —

  —

  University of Bath

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  2

  —

  —

  —

  University of Birmingham

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  —

  2

  8

  University of Brighton

  12

  10

  —

  10

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Bristol

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  5

  —

  —

  —

  University of Cambridge

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3

  —

  —

  —

  University of Central England

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Derby

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Durham

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  8

  —

  4

  4

  University of East Anglia

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  5

  —

  7

  10

  University of East London

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Exeter

  4

  10

  —

  —

  —

  —

  9

  —

  5

  21

  University of Greenwich

  15

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Hertfordshire

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Huddersfield

  21

  —

  1

  5

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Hull

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  —

  1

  —

  770 771

  Additional places on initial teacher training courses 1997–98 and 1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  D&T

  D&T

  IT 97

  IT 98

  other tech

  other tech

  hist

  hist

  geog

  geog

  Kent Training Group

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Leeds

  —

  14

  6

  4

  —

  —

  —

  —

  8

  —

  University of Leicester

  —

  —

  *10

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Liverpool

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Manchester

  7

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Newcastle upon Tyne

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of North London

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Northumbria at Newcastle

  41

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Nottingham

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  7

  2

  4

  7

  University of Oxford

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Plymouth

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Portsmouth

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Reading

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Sheffield

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Southampton

  —

  —

  *15

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Sunderland

  —

  5

  25

  10

  20

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Sussex

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Warwick

  —

  —

  15

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of West of England

  15

  —

  —

  —

  7

  —

  —

  —

  —

  5

  University of Wolverhampton

  —

  4

  —

  —

  —

  3

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of York

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  —

  —

  —

  Urban Learning Foundation

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  *4

  —

  Wandsworth Primary Schools' Consortium

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Westhill College

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  West Midlands Consortium

  —

  5

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Westminster College, Oxford

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Additional places on initial teacher training courses 1997–98 and 1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  PE

  PE

  art

  art

  Music

  Music

  RE

  RE

  Other

  Other

  Anglia Polytechnic University

  —

  —

  6

  32

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Bath College of HE

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  22

  2

  —

  —

  —

  Billericay Education Consortium

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Bishop Grosseteste College

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Borough of Pool SCITT

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Bradford & Ilkey Community College

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Bretton Hall

  —

  —

  —

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  6

  Bromley Schools Collegiate

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Brunel University

  18

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  7

  —

  —

  Chiltern Training Group

  —

  —

  —

  *6

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Canterbury Christ Church College

  10

  —

  —

  —

  —

  6

  —

  —

  —

  *15

  Central School of Speech & Drama

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Centre for British Teachers

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  *2

  Cheltenham and Gloucester CHE

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  8

  —

  —

  Chester College of HE

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  5

  —

  —

  Chichester Institute of HE

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Chiltern Training Group

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Coastal Confederation

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  College of Ripon & York St. John

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  College of St. Mark & St. John

  —

  —

  *14

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Corby & District Maths Consortium

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Cumbria Primary Teacher Training

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  De Montfort University

  9

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3

  —

  —

  —

  East Midland Initial Teacher Training

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Edge Hill College of HE

  *20

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  *20

  Gloucestershire ITE Partnership

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Goldsmiths College

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Grand Union Partnership

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Homerton College, Cambridge

  1

  —

  16

  —

  10

  —

  —

  8

  —

  —

  Institute of Education

  —

  —

  —

  4

  —

  —

  —

  6

  —

  —

  Keele University

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Kent Training Group

  —

  *4

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  King Alfred's College, Winchester

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  King's College London

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Kingston University

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  La Sainte Union College of HE

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Lancaster University

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Marches Consortium

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Mid Essex Consortium

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Leeds Metropolitan University

  46

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  772 773

  Additional places on initial teacher training courses 1997–98 and 1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1997–98

  1998–99

  PE

  PE

  art

  art

  Music

  Music

  RE

  RE

  Other

  Other

  Lindisfarne SCITT

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Liverpool Hope College

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  17

  —

  —

  Liverpool John Moores University

  29

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Loughborough University of Technology

  6

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Manchester Metropolitan University

  4

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  10

  —

  10

  Marches Consortium

  —

  *5

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  *5

  —

  —

  Maryvale Institute

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Mid-Essex Consortium

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Middlesex University

  —

  —

  5

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Nene College

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Newman Catholic Partnership

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Newman College

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  North Bedfordshire Consortium

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  North Riding College

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  North West Kent Teacher Trainers

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Nottingham Trent University

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Open University

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Oxford Brookes University

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Roehampton Institute

  —

  —

  —

  5

  —

  —

  —

  6

  —

  —

  St. Martin's College

  *10

  —

  5

  20

  —

  —

  —

  6

  —

  —

  Sheffield Hallam University

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council

  —

  —

  —

  *10

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Solihull Secondary Group

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Somerset SCITT Consortium

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  South Bank University

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  South West Teacher Training

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  St. Mary's College

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  5

  —

  —

  St. Thomas High School SCITT

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Staffordshire University

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  The Douay Martyrs Consortium

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  The North London Consortium

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  The Oxfordshire Consortium

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  The Shire Foundation

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Thomas Telford

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Titan Partnership

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Trinity & All Saints College

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Bath

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Birmingham

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Brighton

  15

  —

  —

  5

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Bristol

  —

  —

  —

  3

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Cambridge

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3

  —

  University of Central England

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Derby

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Durham

  20

  —

  —

  —

  —

  6

  —

  3

  —

  —

  University of East Anglia

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  6

  —

  —

  University of East London

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Exeter

  12

  —

  4

  20

  —

  —

  —

  4

  —

  —

  University of Greenwich

  15

  —

  —

  6

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Hertfordshire

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Huddersfield

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Hull

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3

  2

  —

  Kent Training Group

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Leeds

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Leicester

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Liverpool

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Manchester

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  6

  —

  University of Newcastle upon Tyne

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of North London

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Northumbria at Newcastle

  *10

  —

  —

  18

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Nottingham

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Oxford

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Plymouth

  —

  —

  —

  8

  —

  4

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Portsmouth

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Reading

  *10

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Sheffield

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Southampton

  5

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Sunderland

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  3

  —

  —

  University of Sussex

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Warwick

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  16

  —

  —

  University of West of England

  —

  —

  15

  5

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  University of Wolverhampton

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  4

  —

  —

  University of York

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Urban Learning Foundation

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  *6

  —

  —

  —

  Wandsworth Primary Schools' Consortium

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Westhill College

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  West Midlands Consortium

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Westminster College, Oxford

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  20

  —

  —

  774

  Special Schools
  Dr. George Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list for each local education authority in England all specialist schools by specialism and pupil numbers and, for each local education authority, the percentage of its pupils in such schools.[59519]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The information on pupil numbers in specialist schools is obtained from the School Performance Tables. The 1998 tables are due to be released in the week commencing 30 November and this information is not available until then. I shall write to my hon. Friend when the figures are available.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many new special schools have been(a) started and (b) completed in each of the last five years, indicating the council areas in which the schools are located. [59350]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The information requested is not held centrally. However, between February 1995 and October 1998, the Secretary of State approved the establishment of 51 special schools. Details of the Local Education Authorities are as follows:February-December 19951: Tower Hamlets, Liverpool, Bradford, Leicestershire (3 schools), Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Wandsworth, Solihull, Nottinghamshire, Leicester City and Barking & Dagenham
  January-December 1996: Hampshire, Durham (3 schools), Gateshead, Hereford & Worcester (2 schools), Hertfordshire, Bolton, Derbyshire (3 schools), Warwickshire and Wakefield
  January-December 1997: Northamptonshire, Somerset, Hampshire, Gloucestershire, Durham, Lancashire (2 schools) and Trafford
  January-October 1998: Waltham Forest, Newcastle (4 schools), Cheshire (2 schools), Wigan (6 schools), Trafford, Wandsworth and Essex
  1First month national data were collected.

  Student Loans Company
  Maria Eagle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the appointment of a new assessor for the Student Loans Company; and if he will publish the assessor's terms of reference. [60840]

  Mr. Mudie
  Dr. Graham Chandler, retired Registrar of the University of Nottingham, has accepted his reappointment as the independent Assessor for the Student Loans Company for a further three-year term from 1 January 1999 to 31 December 2001. I am placing details of his terms of reference in the Library.

  Ministerial Travel
  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the occasions since 1 May 1997 on which a Minister in his Department has used(a) an aircraft belonging to the RAF and (b) a privately chartered aircraft together with (i) details of the take-off and destination points, (ii) ground waiting time, (iii) dates of departure and return, (iv) purpose of the trip, (v) cost of the trip to his Department and (vi) details of people accompanying the Minister, indicating the total
  776
  costs of all such travel borne by his Department (1) since 1 May 1997 and (2) between 1 May 1996 and 1 May 1997. [55550]

  Mr. Mudie
  [holding answer 19 October 1998]: I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Class Sizes
  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many children in Oxfordshire at(a) primary schools and (b) secondary schools were in classes with 31 or more children at the latest available time; and what are the corresponding figures for 12 months ago. [56906]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Education Provision
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what measures his Department has taken since May 1997 to improve the provision of education(a) in Coventry and (b) nationally. [57142]

  Mr. Blunkett
  [holding answer 29 October 1998]: I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Pre-school Education
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the number of pre-school places per 1,000 of the population aged three and four, by local education authority, in each of the last three years. [59202]

  Mr. Hayes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimate he has made of the number of pre-school closures which have resulted from the admission of three and four year olds to primary schools. [59290]

  Ms Hodge
  I will write to the hon. Members and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Union Learning Fund
  Mr. Hesford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the Union Learning Fund. [59346]

  Mr. Mudie
  I will writ to my hon. Friend and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Mature Students
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to encourage more mature students to apply for full-time courses in higher education. [59262]

  Mr. Mudie
  [holding answer 12 November 1998]: I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Older Workers
  Ms Perham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what provision his Department is making to enable workers aged over 50 years to increase their prospects of employment. [59523]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Departmental Registers
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the registers held by his Department which are open for inspection by(a) hon. Members and (b) members of the public. [59746]

  Mr. Mudie
  [holding answer 16 November 1998]: I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  National Vocational Qualifications
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what targets he has set to improve the take-up of NVQs; what financial allocation he has made to achieve these targets; and what is the preferred delivery mechanism. [60153]

  Mr. Mudie
  [holding answer 18 November 1998]: I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  National Textile Training Organisation
  Mr. Woolas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he expects the National Textile Training Organisation to be established. [60172]

  Mr. Mudie
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Comprehensive Secondary Schools
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many local education authority areas were operating(a) wholly and (b) partly, comprehensive secondary school systems in (i) 1968, (ii) 1978, (iii) 1988 and (iv) 1998. [60187]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Schools (Computer Initiative)
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what percentage of teachers in(a) primary schools, (b) secondary schools and (c) special schools, including grant maintained schools in each category in each local education authority have received a laptop computer as a result of Government initiatives. [59186]

  Mr. Mudie
  [holding answer 17 November 1998]: I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Examination Statistics
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what percentage of schools had a smaller percentage of pupils gaining(a) five GCSEs
  778
  at grades A-C and (b) five GCSEs at grades A-G, in 1998 than in 1994; and how many of those schools are in education action zones. [59189]

  Mr. Mudie
  [holding answer 17 November 19981: I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Home Teaching (Don Valley)
  Caroline Flint
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what number of parents in the last year for which figures are available in the Don Valley constituency voluntarily chose to teach their children at home, broken down by age of the child. [60455]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Disability Discrimination Act 1995
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if the Government's proposed regulations under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 relating to the access to goods, services and facilities will exempt minor alterations which do not substantially affect the fabric of the premises. [60500]

  Ms Hodge
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  A-level Results
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what plans he has to require examination boards to bring forward the date on which A-Level results are released;[60505]

  (2) what plans he has to assist pupils who were deprived of a university place on the basis of A level results which initially failed to meet the required grades, but which were subsequently revised by an examination board with an admission of error on the part of the board. [60504]

  Mr. Mudie
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  National Literary Guidance
  Mr. Truswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if schools may adopt national literacy guidance selectively. [60599]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Drugs
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what consultation he has had with the Anti-drugs Coordinator relating to his Department's guidelines on the exclusion of schoolchildren from schools as a result of the misuse of illegal drugs. [60694]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Ethnic Minority Pupils
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he will publish the findings of the study on funding for ethnic minority pupils. [60848]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I have been asked to reply.

  I will write to the hon. Member.

  Children (Care Homes)
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what percentage of children currently educated in a care home with education establishment have a criminal juvenile record; and what is the percentage for each of the last three years. [59210]

  Mr. Hutton
  I have been asked to reply.

  Information is collected centrally on the care histories of children who are looked after. However, this does not include information on a child's criminal record.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Film Industry
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what proposals for action have been received from(a) the voluntary All-industry Fund, (b) the Film Marketing Agency and (c) the Skills Investment Fund in respect of the British film industry; [58488]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the new training strategy for films as envisaged by the Film Policy Review Group. [58487]

  Janet Anderson
  I regret that it has not been possible to provide an answer before Prorogation. I shall therefore write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my reply in the Libraries of the House.

  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on support for the film industry in(a) Britain, (b) other member states of the European Union and (c) the United States of America. [60266]

  Janet Anderson
  (a) My Department's support for the film industry in Britain is channelled through the British Film Institute, the British Film Commission, British Screen and the Arts Council of England. Following the results of my Department's Spending Review, we announced proposals to rationalise the delivery of public support to the film industry by the creation of a new film body, which would be able to take an overall strategic view of support for the film industry as a whole. We are currently holding discussions on the establishment of this new body.

  The report of the Film Policy Review Group, A Bigger Picture, recommended a number of initiatives which would provide further support for the British film industry. Work on implementing those recommendations is underway and we expect the key elements to be in place by April next year.

  (b) All the other member states of the European Union provide support for their film industries. Across the EU as a whole, there are around 54 aid measures distributing total
  780
  public support to the audio-visual industries of around £470 million a year. France accounts for 39 per cent. of this figure, Germany 20 per cent, the UK 6 per cent, Italy 6 per cent., Spain 4.5 per cent. and Ireland 4 per cent. Most of this support is directed to the production sector: currently on Germany and France provide significant amounts of support for the distribution and exhibition sectors, making up 24 per cent. and 20 per cent. of those countries' total public support respectively.

  Generally, support across the EU is geared towards projects rather than companies, but each member state organises its public support mechanisms in a different way. For example, Germany's support is marked by its regional component, France has a centralised structure and Italy draws largely on a credit mechanism and bank guarantees.

  (c) I am not aware of any public support for the commercial film industry in the United States of America, although some states offer tax exemptions for film to attract productions to their area. Film culture and education are supported in the United States at the federal level by the National Endowment for the Arts, which funded programmes in media arts of nearly $3.4 million in 1996. There is also some funding available at the state level for local film commissions, film festivals and study grants to film schools.

  New Deal
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many people within his Department have been employed under the New Deal arrangements. [60373]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  I regret that it has not been possible to provide an answer before prorogation. I shall therefore write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my reply in the Libraries of the House.

  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate he has made of the number of people taken on under the New Deal arrangements by non-departmental bodies in receipt of financial support from his Department. [60522]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  Non-departmental sponsored bodies have been encouraged to take on New Deal recruits. The National Lotteries Charities Board has plans to pilot the scheme with a view to taking on up to 18 New Deal recruits, and the Broadcasting Standards Commission are considering New Deal applicants to fill a current vacancy.

  Museums
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what basis was used to calculate the funding required to compensate national museums which currently charge for admission for his plans to introduce universal free admission by 2001. [59934]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 16 November 1998]: Initial estimates of the requirement were made by Departmental officials. Further work on the detail of requisite funding allocations has been carried out in consultation with the national museums, including the issuing of detailed questionnaires in each case, and the analysis of any VAT implications that may arise.
  781
  Decisions on the adoption of the stages towards free admission remain of course with the Trustees of the individual museums.

  Concessionary Television Licences
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what plans he has to amend the current concessionary television licence scheme for pensioners living in sheltered accommodation; [60392]

  (2) what assessment his Department has made of the appropriateness of the current level of concessionary television licences for pensioners living in sheltered accommodation. [60391]

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the review of legislation relating to BBC funding with particular reference to concessionary licences for disabled people and pensioners. [60422]

  Janet Anderson
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced details of the review of BBC funding on 14 October. It will cover a number of closely defined issues, including the structure of the current concessionary television licence scheme and possible alternative arrangements. The review panel will make recommendations to my right hon. Friend by the end of July next year, after which we shall consult on the panel's findings.

  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) how many pensioners in sheltered accommodation with an on-site warden qualified for a concessionary television licence in(a) 1988 and (b) the last year for which figures are available; and how many claimed their entitlement in each of these years; [60389]

  (2) how many pensioners in sheltered accommodation have had their concessionary television licence withdrawn as a result of the removal of the on-site warden in each of the last 10 years. [60390]

  Janet Anderson
  TV Licensing records total membership of the scheme but cannot provide detailed breakdowns between pensioners and beneficiaries, or between recipients in sheltered housing and those in other qualifying accommodation (i.e. residential homes). Nor is information available on the number of people who are entitled to the concession but fail to apply, though the numbers are likely to be minimal. Approximately 629,000 units of accommodation were covered by a concessionary television licence in December 1988, compared with 644,000 in October 1998.

  Creative Industries
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what action will be taken, following the creative industries mapping exercise, to(a) protect intellectual property rights, (b) stimulate creativity and innovation amongst young people, (c) improve access to venture capital in new ways and (d) promote creative industry exports. [59781]

  Janet Anderson
  The Government are committed to ensuring that British talent is able to reap the rewards of its creativity. We are negotiating in Europe on the draft 782
  Copyright Directive and with counterparts in other countries on frameworks for intellectual property management and ways of helping industry combat piracy.

  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment set up the National Advisory Committee on Creative and Cultural Education last year to look at creative and cultural development in young people. We expect a draft report shortly and we shall consider its recommendations in detail.

  My Department is reviewing a possible networking seminar in conjunction with the DTI in the first half of next year, to bring together creative entrepreneurs with venture capitalists, corporate venturers and business angels, in order to facilitate understanding between them and establish ways in which they can work together.

  The Creative Industries Export Promotion Advisory Group, which was set up at the Creative Industries Task Force's recommendation, is drawing up a series of export strategies based on clusters of creative industries which share certain characteristics. We anticipate that we will publish those in the course of next year.

  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the total cost was of the creative industries task force; what the cost was of printing and distributing the mapping documents; how many mapping documents were printed; and what the cost of each document was. [59780]

  Janet Anderson
  The only quantifiable cost relating to the Creative Industries Task Force (CITF) is that of refreshments for meetings, which amount to £156 since its first meeting on 8 October 1997. Costs incurred by my department in copying and circulating papers for CITF are not separately recorded.

  Publication of the mapping document, including design, print and paper costs and arrangements for the launch cost £53,000. We estimate that the full costs was around £ 110,000, but sponsorship secured us substantial savings on hire of the launch venue, print, paper and other costs. In addition, much of the initial research was done on Task Force's behalf free of charge.

  5,000 copies of the document were printed. Distribution costs cannot be extrapolated from my Department's budget for postage and parcels. Although costs relating to the document's launch are included in the sum of £53,000, we cannot disaggregate these from publication costs. We therefore arrive at a cost per document of £10.60.

  Sporting Events
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on what dates in(a) July, (b) August, (c) September and (d) October he attended sporting events; and if he will list what these events were and where they took place. [59907]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  I attended the following events:Wimbledon Men's Final on Sunday 5 July
  Preston North End vs Gillingham at Deepdale Stadium on Saturday 26 September
  In addition in May and June I attended:
  Silk Cut Challenge Cup Final at Wembley on Saturday 2 May
  Arsenal vs Everton at Highbury on Sunday 3 May

  783
  FA Cup Final at Wembley on Saturday 16 May
  Second Cornhill Insurance Test Match between England and South Africa at Lord's on Sunday 21 June
  World Cup: England vs Colombia in Lens on Friday 26 June.

  My hon. Friend the Minister for Sport has attended the following events during the same period. They were:
  Wimbledon Ladies Final on Saturday 4 July
  Amateur Athletics Association Championships at the NEC, Birmingham on Saturday 25 July
  1998 INAS-FMS World Football Championships for Players with Learning Disabilities at Leicester City Football Ground on Thursday 30 July
  Super Cup Match: Real Madrid vs Chelsea in Monte Carlo on Friday 28 August
  Cornhill Insurance Test Match England vs Sir Lanka at Lord's on Monday 31 August
  International Amateur Athletics Federation 8th World Cup in Johannesburg on Saturday 12 September
  Surrey vs Leicestershire at the Oval on Friday 18 September
  London Triathlon 1998 at the Docks on Sunday 20 September
  The All Ireland Football Finals in Dublin on Sunday 27 September
  England vs Bulgaria at Wembley on Saturday 10 October.

  Civil Servants (Ethnic Minorities)
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) if he will provide a breakdown, in numerical and percentage terms, of the ethnic origin of civil servants in his private office, as at 1 October 1997; [56784]

  (2) if he will provide a breakdown, in numerical and percentage terms, of the ethnic origin of civil servants in his Department, by grade, as at 1 October 1997. [56785]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  I regret that it has not been possible to provide an answer before Prorogation. I shall therefore write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my reply in the Libraries of the House.

  Ministerial Travel
  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the occasions since 1 May 1997 on which a Minister in his Department has used(a) an aircraft belonging to the RAF and (b) a privately chartered aircraft together with (i) details of the take-off and destination points, (ii) ground waiting time, (iii) dates of departure and return, (iv) purpose of the trip, (v) cost of the trip to his Department and (vi) details of people accompanying the Minister, and indicating the total costs of all such travel borne by his Department (1) since 1 May 1997 and (2) between 1 May 1996 and 1 May 1997. [55549]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 19 October 1998]: There have been no occasions on which I or Ministers in my Department have used RAF or privately charted aircraft.

  Stonehenge
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what sum of money English Heritage has agreed to contribute towards the proposed road works in the vicinity of Stonehenge. [59426]
  784
  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 12 November 1998]: English Heritage has offered to contribute £10m towards the cost of these works.

  Royal Opera House
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) if he will make a statement on the present relationship between the Royal Opera House and its principal private sponsors; [59933]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the future of the Royal Opera House. [59932]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  [holding answer 16 November 1998]: The Government are wholly committed to a secure long-term future for opera and ballet of the highest quality in the redeveloped Royal Opera House. Convent Garden, post-reopening, will be a magnificent building, one of the most advanced and exciting venues for lyric theatre anywhere, and will provide a fitting stage for the dedicated artists of the Royal Ballet and Royal Opera. The building work at Convent Garden is now well advanced. We expect the House to reopen in late 1999, on time and on budget.

  The Government are determined that the reopened House should be used to improve access to the arts, in particular through work to develop new audiences and education programmes, and to address fully the recommendations made by Sir Richard Eyre in his recent review of the future of lyric theatre in London.

  In September, the Royal Opera House Board announced a radical strategy to put the House's affairs on a proper footing. The Government fully support this strategy. Constructive discussions have taken place between the management and trade unions towards flexible new working arrangements and I hope final agreement can be reached soon.

  The future success of the House will depend on a close partnership of public and private investment. A key element of this will be the continued support of the private and corporate donors, whose great generosity and commitment to the House have not always been properly recognised. I pay tribute to their passionate support for the House and for the arts in this country. The personal involvement of the donors and their capacity for raising funds from the private sector should be warmly applauded.

  Lottery Grants (East Midlands)
  Mr. Skinner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many Lottery grants were awarded to the East Midlands Region in(a) the last 12 months and (b) 1996; and of these how many in each period were for projects relating to (i) sports facilities, (ii) the theatre, (iii) music, (iv) dance and (v) the preservation of sites of historical interest. [59591]

  Mr. Banks
  To date the National Lottery has made 31,782 awards worth £5.53 billion across the UK. In the East Midlands there have been 1,700 awards worth £215.37m.

  In the last 12 months to 31 October 1998 the East Midlands has received 246 awards worth £41.62m. In 1996, 297 awards were made in the East Midlands to the value of £29.31m. The table sets out the awards to sports

  785
  facilities, the theatre, music, dance and preservation of historical interest during these two periods. These are based on information provided by distributors.

  National Lottery Awards to the East Midlands for the periods 1 January 1996–31 December 1996 and 1 November 1997–31 October 1998

  Distributing body

  Sport facilities

  Theatre

  Music

  Dance

  Preservation

  Total

  1/11/97 to 31/10/98

  Arts Council of England

  Value

  —

  £557,686

  £2,347,590

  £457,546

  —

  £3,362,822

  No. of Awards

  —

  10

  21

  4

  —

  35

  Heritage Lottery Fund

  Value

  —

  —

  —

  —

  £6,621,277

  £9,659,417

  No. of Awards

  —

  —

  —

  —

  44

  61

  National Lottery Charities Board

  Value

  £16,119

  —

  —

  —

  —

  £12,653,833

  No. of Awards

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  154

  The English Sports Council

  Value

  £8,814,970

  —

  —

  —

  —

  £8,814,970

  No. of Awards

  48

  —

  —

  —

  —

  48

  Millennium Commission

  Value

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  £16,790,538

  No. of Awards

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  9

  Total Value

  £8,831,089

  £557,686

  £2,347,590

  £457,546

  £6,621,277

  £51,281,580

  Total No. of Awards

  49

  10

  21

  4

  44

  307

  1/1/96 to 31/12/96

  Arts Council of England

  Value

  —

  £1,907,331

  £1,228,291

  £1,849,721

  —

  £4,985,343

  No. of Awards

  —

  5

  20

  5

  —

  30

  Heritage Lottery Fund

  Value

  —

  —

  —

  —

  £9981,194

  £54,556,956

  No. of Awards

  —

  —

  —

  —

  12

  17

  National Lottery Charities Board

  Value

  —

  £238,162

  £38,291

  £71,114

  —

  £16,728,051

  No. of Awards

  —

  1

  1

  2

  —

  229

  The English Sports Council

  Value

  £17,053,420

  —

  —

  —

  —

  £7,359,095

  No. of Awards

  76

  —

  —

  —

  —

  37

  Millennium Commission

  Value

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  £243,600

  No. of Awards

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  Total Value

  £17,053,420

  £2,145,493

  £1,266,582

  £1,920,835

  £9,981,194

  £83,873,045

  Total No. of Awards

  76

  6

  21

  7

  12

  314

  5,076,059,057.00

  450,000,000.00

  5,526,059,057.00

  LEA Music Services
  Ms Keeble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement about the arrangements for funding of LEA music services. [60431]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  I have been asked to reply.

  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Food Standards Agency
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the Food Standards Agency will be independent of Government departments. [59154]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 10 November 1998]: This question is addressed in Chapter 6 of the White Paper "The Food Standards Agency: A Force For Change" (Cm3830), to which I have nothing further to add.

  Genetically Modified Organisms
  Ms Drown
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the dates of meetings over the last year which he has held about genetically modified organisms with(a) companies, indicating the name of the company in each case, (b) environmental non-Governmental organisations and (c) English Nature. [60604]
  786
  Information on lottery awards is available on the Department's website www.lottery.culture.gov.uk.

  Mr. Rooker
  In the past year MAFF Ministers have held the following meetings with companies, environmental non-governmental organisations and English Nature at which genetically modified organisms have been discussed.

  Dates

  6 November 1997

  Green City Wholefoods

  Minister of State

  Rainbow Wholefoods

  25 November 1997

  Consumers Association

  Minister of State

  2 December 1997

  Greenpeace

  Minister of State

  19 January 1998

  Greenpeace

  Minister of State and the Parliamentary Secretary (Commons)

  Gene Watch

  Rainbow Wholefoods

  Holland and Barrett

  Iceland

  Nestle

  Redwood Company

  Safeways

  J Sainsbury PLC

  Swedish Foods

  Unilever

  1 April 1998

  Iceland

  Parliamentary Secretary (Lords)

  29 June 1998

  Monsanto

  Minister of State

  8 July 1998

  Gene Watch

  Minister of State

  Womens Environmental Network

  15 July 1998

  Monsanto

  Minister

  12 October 1998

  Friends of the Earth

  Minister of State

  27 October 1998

  RSPB

  Minister

  16 November 1998

  English Nature

  Minister of State

  Agricultural Compensation
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what amounts have been available in other EU member states for agricultural compensation since 1 May 1997(a) directly from the EU budget and (b) as permitted by the Commission from member states' budgets; and what percentage of this has been claimed. [59658]

  Mr. Rooker
  Apart from the UK only three other Member States, Sweden, Italy and Ireland have been eligible for agrimonetary compensation since 1 May 1997. According to information supplied by the Commission, aid available from 1 May 1997, and amounts claimed, in these Member States is as follows:

  Agrimonetary compensation available and claimed in other EU Member States since 1 May 1997 (all amounts stated in Mecu)

  Available

  Claim notified

  EU funded

  Nationally funded

  EU funded

  Nationally funded

  Ireland

  123.15

  123.15

  122.9 (99.8%)

  28.7 (23.3%)

  Italy

  206.1

  206.1

  123.65 (60%)

  0.35 (0.16%)

  Sweden

  11.6

  11.6

  11.6 (100%)

  6.1 (52.9%)

  Meat Inspection
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish comparisons of charges made to ensure public health in respect of slaughter processing in the United Kingdom and in other EU states. [58446]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him on 17 November 1998,Official Report, column 577.

  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish comparisons of the amounts of state subsidy given to farmers and abattoirs in EU countries for meat inspection. [58447]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  In Great Britain the meat industry pays the full cost of the hygiene/welfare inspections carried out by the Meat Hygiene Service in licensed meat plants. However, the Government currently meet the cost of enforcing SRM controls in licensed slaughterhouses having announced on 25 February that these would not be recovered from industry from 1 April 1998 as had been planned.

  So far as other EU Member States are concerned, I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Ludlow (Mr. Gill) on 9 November 1998, Official Report, column 104.

  Pig Industry
  Mr. David Taylor
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he has taken to ensure that (i) welfare, (ii) quality and (iii) traceability standards in the pig industry are raised in the European and international contexts; and if he will make a statement. [57787]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 3 November 1998): The Government have made clear their view that EU Directive 91/630 does not adequately protect the welfare of pigs and that EU standards should be improved to address their welfare needs. We will continue to press the European
  788
  Commission for the early publication of its proposals for revision of the Directive. During the UK Presidency, the need for the EU to develop a strategy for achieving a more global basis for high farm animal welfare standards was placed firmly on the EU agenda.

  I believe the higher quality standards met by British pig producers are a positive marketing advantage. The Government and the Meat and Livestock Commission are supporting the UK pig industry's initiatives to improve the quality of the domestic product. This will be emphasised by the introduction of the British Meat Standard for Quality Assured Pigmeat; a single independently audited quality assurance scheme. Such a scheme will allow retailers and caterers to highlight the advantages of the British product to the consumer.

  The principal Community rules relating to the traceability standards for pigs are laid down in Council Directive 92/102/EEC on the identification and registration of animals. The European Commission sent a report to the Council earlier this year on the operation of this Directive. We have consulted with interested organisations on the report and are ready to discuss the issues in both the European and, as necessary, the international context.

  Flood Prevention (Hendon)
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on progress in relation to flood alleviation measures in the Edgware, Burnt Oak and Colindale areas of Hendon constituency. [60420]

  Mr. Morley
  The Environment Agency has prepared an outline flood alleviation strategy for the whole of the Silk Stream catchment. The Ministry will be providing the Agency with feedback on the technical, economic and environmental aspects of this outline strategy shortly. It will then be for the Agency to continue to prepare a more detailed strategy with a view to obtaining the necessary approvals.

  Taskforce 2000
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the conclusions of Taskforce 2000 published on 11 November in respect of his Department's most recent quarterly return on plans and progress towards Year 2000 readiness. [60225]

  Mr. Morley
  I note that the Taskforce 2000 analysis published on 11 November concludes that MAFF has made good progress with its millennium programme. We remain on schedule to complete work on business-critical systems by April 1999, but recognise that much work still remains to be done, for which resources have been allocated, if we are to achieve that target.

  The results of the next quarterly review will be announced shortly to the House and copies of MAFF's latest quarterly return will be placed in the Library of the House and published on the Internet.

  Fishing
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will(a) establish and (b) financially assist an early retirement scheme for fishermen as a means of reducing fishing effort. [60179]

  Mr. Morley
  I have no plans to do so.

  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assistance he will offer for the installation of safety equipment on fishing vessels under 10 metres in length. [60180]

  Mr. Morley
  Grants for the installation of safety equipment are currently available for fishing vessels of 12 m and over in length. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency are consulting the fishing industry on a Safety Code for under 12 m vessels. Once these consultations are complete and decisions have been taken on the code, I will consider the implications for vessel safety grants.

  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food with which other states he has discussed the concept of coastal or zonal state management proposed by the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations and the Scottish Fishermen's Federation. [59827]

  Mr. Morley
  There has not yet been an opportunity to discuss the NFFO and SFF's proposals formally with other Member States. However, the NFFO and SFF have themselves been discussing their ideas with their counterparts in other Member States and I shall be interested to see the outcome of these contacts.

  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to introduce a scrap and build programme for fishing vessels under 10 m. [60182]

  Mr. Morley
  None.

  Countryside Stewardship Scheme
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what criteria will be used to determine which applicants will be accepted into the Countryside Stewardship Scheme in 1999; and if he will make a statement on the effects of the recent £1 million addition to the scheme's budget. [60175]

  Mr. Morley
  All applications for grants under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme are assessed against the aims and objectives of the Scheme and local priorities which are set at country level in consultation with MAFF's statutory advisers and interested organisations. Applications which offer the best environmental value for money are offered agreements.

  The £1 million addition to the Countryside Stewardship budget announced recently is part of a total increase in scheme expenditure of £2 million.

  The £1 million will be used to provide new Stewardship agreements in the upland areas of England. This will bring the total budget available for new agreements in 1999 to £7.5 million.

  £0.5 million will be used to fund the Countryside Stewardship elements of the upland experiments in the Forest of Bowland and on Bodmin Moor. The aim of
  790
  the experiment is to test how an integrated programme of agri-environment and rural development funds can work on a practical day to day level.

  The remaining £0.5 million is to keep open the pilot Arable Stewardship scheme in 1999.

  Calf Processing Scheme
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has for changes in the calf processing scheme; and if he will postpone the changes until such time as the live export trade in calves reverts to its level in 1990. [60584]

  Mr. Rooker
  I refer to my right hon. Friend the Minister's statement to the House on 16 November 1998,Official Report, columns 624-40. This is an EU scheme which is voluntary as from 1 December 1998, but the scheme lapses totally at the end of 1999. We could not, therefore, even if we were minded to do so, maintain it indefinitely.

  Feedstuff Regulations
  Mr. Truswell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the additional costs to local authorities of implementing the Feeding Stuffs (Establishments and Intermediaries) Regulations; and how these will be met. [60585]

  Mr. Rooker
  Local Authorities are to provide information shortly on the costs of enforcing these Regulations. When I have this information I will be able to make decisions on the funding of this work.

  Fur Breeding Farms
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many licensed fur breeding farms there are in England and Wales. [57409]

  Mr. Morley
  As at 30 October 1998, there were 14 licensed mink farms in England. There are currently no licensed fur farms in Wales.

  Millennium Compliance
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the problems which have arisen in(a) his Department, (b) its agencies and (c) other public bodies for which his Department is responsible from millennium compliance; if he will make a statement on progress to date in tackling such problems; and what are the priority areas for remedial work. [60139]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 17 November 1998]: No particular problems have arisen in my Department, its Agencies or Non-Departmental Public Bodies from millennium compliance, other than those of a general nature facing most organisations and concerned with funding and accommodating a major and diverse programme of activity with potential wide impact.

  Systems/services have been prioritised, and priority is being given to those of a business-critical nature, which will be compliant by April 1999. I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him on 17 November 1998, Official Report, column 579, regarding the availability of further information on progress to date.

  Nitrates
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he plans to take to reduce the elevated nitrate levels in streams and lakes. [59611]

  Mr. Meale
  I have been asked to reply.

  Measures to combat elevated nitrate levels in streams and lakes are included in the requirements of the EC Urban Waste Treatment Directive (in relation to point sources of pollution such as sewage treatment works) and the EC Nitrate Directive, which aims to combat pollution of waters by agricultural sources of nitrate.

  In both cases action is required where monitoring indicates that nitrate exceeds a level of 50mg/litre in surface or ground waters. Where levels of nitrate exceed this threshold, Nitrate Vulnerable Zones are designated under the terms of the Nitrate Directive. In Nitrate Vulnerable Zones farmers are required to take measures under action programmes, which are based on good agricultural practice for the use of fertilisers and manure.

  Under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, waters where nitrate levels exceed 50mg/litre are designated as Sensitive Areas (Nitrate). Within these areas qualifying sewage treatment works are required to remove nitrogen from sewage effluent before it is discharged to the receiving waters.

WALES

  Ministerial Travel
  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the occasions since 1 May 1997 on which a Minister in his Department has used(a) an aircraft belonging to the RAF and (b) a privately chartered aircraft together with (i) details of the take-off and destination points, (ii) ground waiting time, (iii) dates of departure and return, (iv) purpose of the trip, (v) cost of the trip to his Department and (vi) details of people accompanying the Minister, indicating the total costs of all such travel borne by his Department (1) since 1 May 1997 and (2) between 1 May 1996 and 1 May 1997. [55557]

  OHMCI net administrative costs and programme expenditure

  £000

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  Administrative Costs1

  2,471

  2,670

  4,570

  3,122

  3,208

  3,374

  2,974

  2,720

  Programme Costs2

  3n/a

  3n/a

  64

  837

  2,435

  3,922

  5,009

  4,783

  Total

  2,471

  2,670

  4,634

  3,959

  5,643

  7,296

  7,983

  7,503

  1 Administrative costs are net expenditure on salaries and general administrative expenditure.

  2 Programme costs exclude capital expenditure and administrative costs, otherwise all net expenditure is shown—including school inspection, the training of Registered Inspectors and the provision of information services.

  3 Prior to 1992, there was a single budget line for all expenditure relating to the inspection of schools. Following the establishment in 1992 of OHMCI as a non-ministerial Government Department, programme costs relating to the statutory inspection cycle were identified separately.

  Agricultural Production
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received concerning the problems facing sheepmeat, beef and dairy production; and if he will make a statement. [59517]
  792
  Mr. Hain
  [holding answer 19 October 1998]: Ministers are required under the terms of the Ministerial Code always to make efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements. The rules on travel for Ministers are the same as those that applied under the previous Administration.

  Since May 1997, no Minister in my Department has used an aircraft belonging to the RAF or privately chartered an aircraft. In the year 1 May 1996 to 30 April 1997, the Department incurred costs of £7,837.27 on such travel.

  School Inspections
  Mr. bails
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the total cost of school inspections in Wales in each year from 1990 to 1997 indicating separately(a) the administration costs of the Office of Her Majesty's Inspector of Schools in Wales, (b) payments made by OHMCI, (c) costs to schools and (d) costs to local authorities. [58579]

  Mr. Hain
  Prior to 1992, HMI's main role was school inspection. Since 1992 inspections have increasingly been contracted out to Registered Inspectors enabling OHMCI to focus on its responsibilities for raising standards in schools, nursery settings and teacher training institutions. The frequency of school inspection has been increased so that all schools are inspected over a cycle of 5 years (6 years in the new cycle). OHMCI also inspects LEAs according to the requirements in the Education Act 1997 and assesses the quality and standards of work in further education colleges at the request of the Further Education Funding Council in Wales. From April 1999, OHMCI will also be responsible for inspecting the work of the Government funded training institutions and the Careers Service—giving them the widest remit of any comparable inspectorate in the UK. The rise in OHMCI's administrative costs between 1990 and 1998 reflects these evolving responsibilities.

  The purpose of school inspection is to identify strengths and weaknesses so that schools may improve the quality of the education they provide and raise educational standards achieved by pupils. Schools and local authorities are not charged for school inspection.

  OHMCI's administrative and programme costs are shown in the table:

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  Welsh Office Ministers have received numerous representations on the problems facing the livestock and dairy sectors and have met with both the farming unions and farmers' deputations on several occasions.
  793
  The Government have just announced a further major aid package totalling more than £120 million which will provide valuable immediate assistance to the industry. Welsh farmers will receive over £21 million of this, which will mean around on average £1,500 extra for cattle and sheep farmers in the Less Favoured Areas of Wales.

  We appreciate that this is only a short-term solution and both my right hon. Friend and I are concerned to help farming in Wales adapt so that it can have a viable and prosperous long-term future. This is why the Welsh Office has established three industry-led working groups to develop action plans for taking forward the Food Strategy in the lamb and beef, dairy and organic food sectors. The action plans are due to be published in the New Year and the Welsh Office and the WDA will be working with the industry to take these plans forward.

  Educational Psychologists
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the number of Welsh-speaking educational psychologists in Wales. [60386]

  Mr. Hain
  The information requested is not available centrally. The training and recruitment of educational psychologists and Welsh speaking educational psychologists in particular was an issue recognised in our Special Educational Needs (SEN) Green Paper review and is being considered by the Department and the Welsh Advisory Group on SEN (WAGSEN).

  Poll Tax
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will estimate the amount of money owed relating to the former poll tax, indicating the former district and borough councils affected; and if he will make a statement. [60549]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The latest available information on community charge arrears for the former district and borough councils is given in the table.

  Arrears of community charge are now collected by unitary authorities. These figures cannot be split into figures for the former district and borough councils. The total amount in arrears as at 31 March 1998 was £10.5 million.

  Estimated arrears of community charge at 31 March 1996

  £000

  Aberconwy

  256

  Alyn and Deeside

  213

  Arfon

  532

  Blaenau Gwent

  523

  Brecknock

  125

  Cardiff

  3,413

  Carmarthen

  216

  Ceredigion

  367

  Colwyn

  303

  Cynon Valley

  239

  Delyn

  191

  Dinefwr

  464

  Dwyfor

  32

  Glyndwr

  183

  Islwyn

  373

  Llanelli

  561

  Lliw Valley

  170

  Meirionnydd

  63

  Merthyr Tydfil

  245

  794

  Estimated arrears of community charge at 31 March 1996

  £000

  Monmouth

  438

  Montgomeryshire

  89

  Neath

  405

  Newport

  1,545

  Ogwr

  1,253

  Port Talbot

  213

  Preseli Pembrokeshire

  172

  Radnorshire

  36

  Rhondda

  184

  Rhuddlan

  818

  Rhymney Valley

  638

  South Pembrokeshire

  287

  Swansea

  1,139

  Taff Ely

  529

  Torfaen

  847

  Vale of Glamorgan

  645

  Wrexham Maelor

  1,985

  Ynys Mon

  482

  Total Wales

  20,174

  Note:
  The figures shown are the amounts outstanding at 31 March 1995, less amounts collected between 1 April 1995 and 31 march 1996.

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the amount so far of council house sales receipts that he has released to each of the housing authorities of Wales to date; what amounts he proposes to release; what amount of sales receipts each housing authority in Wales holds; and if he will make a statement. [60556]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The amounts allocated to each of the unitary authorities in Wales under the Capital Receipts Initiative (CRI) in 1997–98 and 1998–99, and the amounts of receipts from the sale of council housing held by each unitary authority in Wales at 31 March 1998, are in the tables. The distributions under the CRI took account of the cumulative set aside receipts for each authority since 1990, not the cash held from set aside receipts.

  My right hon. Friend is currently consulting on spending plans for Welsh Office programmes for the next three financial years and on changes to the local authority housing capital distribution arrangements. He will announce his decisions later in the year.

  Allocations under the capitail receipts initiative

  £000

  Unitary authority

  1997–98

  1998–99

  Blaenau Gwent

  327

  1,059

  Bridgend

  378

  1,223

  Caerphilly

  646

  2,097

  Cardiff

  883

  2,861

  Carmarthenshire

  641

  2,083

  Ceredigion

  184

  599

  Conwy

  257

  836

  Denbighshire

  217

  708

  Flintshire

  364

  1,181

  Gwynedd

  401

  1,305

  Isle of Anglesey

  174

  561

  Merthyr Tydfil

  214

  693

  Monmouthshire

  289

  932

  Neath Port Talbot

  593

  1,919

  Newport

  411

  1,327

  795

  Allocations under the capital receipts initiative

  £000

  Unitary authority

  1997–98

  1998–99

  Pembrokeshire

  395

  1,286

  Powys

  360

  1,162

  Rhondda Cynon Taff

  734

  2,380

  Swansea

  742

  2,407

  Torfaen

  464

  1,496

  Vale of Glamorgan

  308

  995

  Wrexham

  558

  1,810

  Total available for capital spending

  9,540

  30,920

  Revenue cover for additional consequent borrowing charges

  —

  2,460

  Total

  9,540

  33,380

  Receipts held from the sale of council housing, at 31 March 1998

  £000

  Unitary authority

  Amount

  Blaenau Gwent

  5,793

  Bridgend

  1,084

  Caerphilly

  21,601

  Cardiff

  12,797

  Carmarthenshire

  11,575

  Ceredigion

  10,670

  Conwy

  7,348

  Denbighshire

  786

  Flintshire

  181

  Gwynedd

  5,043

  Isle of Anglesey

  0

  Merthyr Tydfil

  6

  Monmouthshire

  14,374

  Neath Port Talbot

  22,177

  Newport

  20,621

  Pembrokeshire

  8,071

  Powys

  1,152

  Rhondda Cynon Taff

  0

  Swansea

  1,231

  Torfaen

  2,592

  Vale of Glamorgan

  31,193

  Wrexham

  65

  Wales

  185,102

  Minimum Wage
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the number of(a) men, (b) women and (c) young people who will benefit from the National Minimum Wage Act 1998 indicating the employment sectors in which the main impact of the Act will be felt.[60548]

  Mr. Hain
  Figures provided by the Office for National Statistics estimate that 578,000 men and 1,388,000 women in the UK will benefit from the National Minimum Wage Act 1998. Of these 1,966,000, 221,000 are young people aged between 18 and 21.

  Comparable figures are not available for Wales. However, it is estimated that 133,000 people in Wales should benefit.
  796
  The economic sectors in the UK in which the impact of the Act are expected to be felt are: Hotels and Restaurants; Agriculture, Hunting and Forestry; Other Community Workers; Wholesale and Retail; Health and Social Work. It is not possible to produce a similar analysis for Wales.

  Disabled People
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the number of people in Wales with disabilities broken down by disability group. [60547]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The number of people on local authority disability registers in Wales at 31 March 1998 is shown, by register category in the Registers of people with physical and sensory disabilities:

  Disability registers

  Number

  Deaf with speech

  1,497

  Deaf without speech

  955

  Hard of hearing

  5,658

  Blind

  8,958

  Partially sighted

  8,681

  General classes1

  72,839

  Total for registers of people with physical and sensory disabilities

  98,588

  Registers of people with learning disabilities

  11,771

  Total of all people on disability

  110,359

  Rate per 1,000 population—all people on disability registers

  37.7

  1 Includes 1997 data for 2 authorities

  The Register of physically and sensorily disabled persons includes people registered under Section 29 of the National Assistance Act 1948. The Register of persons with learning disabilities is based on people identified and known to local authorities. The numbers of these registers are believed to understate the total number of people with disabilities as some people choose not to be included.

  The most recent comprehensive sample survey was the OPCS survey of disability in Great Britain, published in 1988, which showed that the estimated prevalence of disability in Wales, per thousand population, was 170 for people aged 16 or over and 31 for children. Applying these rates to the 1997 population of Wales would give an estimated number of 414,000 people with disabilities (an overall rate of 141 per thousand population).

  New Deal
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the number of people taken on by training and enterprise councils under the New Deal arrangements. [60413]

  Mr. Hain
  One Training and Enterprise Council in Wales has signed a New Deal employer agreement. By the end of October 1998, no New Deal participants had been recruited by Training and Enterprise Councils.

  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the number of people taken on by(a) health authorities and (b) health trusts under the New Deal arrangements. [60411]
  797
  Mr. Hain
  Sixteen Health Trusts and one Health Authority in Wales have signed New Deal employer agreements. By the end of October 1998, five New Deal participants had been recruited by Health Trust and none by Health Authorities.

  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the number of people taken on under the New Deal arrangements by non-departmental bodies in receipt of grant aid from his Department. [60536]

  Mr. Hain
  By the end of October 1998, no New Deal participants had been recruited by Non-Departmental Public Bodies in receipt of grant aid from the Welsh Office.

  I and my Ministerial colleagues will be writing shortly to all Non-Departmental Public Bodies funded by the Welsh Office to encourage them to recruit New Deal participants.

  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the number of people taken on under the New Deal arrangements by each of the health authorities in Wales.[60534]

  Mr. Hain
  One Health Authority in Wales has signed a New Deal employer agreement. By the end of October 1998, no New Deal participants had been recruited by Health Authorities.

  Health Structures Reorganisation
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his policy in respect of the links between Llandudno General Hospital and Ysbytu Gwynedd, Bangor, following the current reorganisation of health structures in North Wales. [60396]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  An announcement on the proposals to reconfigure NHS trusts in Wales will be made shortly. This will take account of the management arrangements for Llandudno General Hospital.

  Prescriptions
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will estimate the(a) number and (b) cost of prescriptions written by GPs in Wales in the last year for those drug products which were signalled in the new edition of the British National Formulary as less than suitable for prescribing. [60397]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  I shall write to the right hon. Member as soon as possible, and place a copy of the reply in the Library of the House.

  Occupational Therapists
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the number of occupational therapists working in Wales. [60393]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  Information on the number of occupational therapy staff directly employed by the NHS is given in the table.798

  Occupational therapy staff in post at 30 June 1998 (whole-time equivalents)

  Number

  Qualified staff

  Manager

  19

  Therapist

  445

  Instructor/teacher

  198

  Tutor

  2

  Other staff

  Helper/assistant

  122

  Health care assistant

  7

  Other support staff

  14

  Local Authority Ward Boundaries
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the areas where the boundaries for local authority wards for 1999 elections have not yet been determined. [60394]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  To date, we have received reports from the Local Government Boundary Commission covering 17 authorities as follows: Neath Port Talbot, Denbighshire, Swansea, Powys, Carmarthenshire, Flintshire, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Wrexham, Merthyr Tydfil, Caerphilly, Pembrokeshire, Conwy, the Vale of Glamorgan, Bridgend, Newport, Gwynedd and Cardiff.

  The recommendations made by the Commission in all but Newport, Vale of Glamorgan and Gwynedd have been accepted and will be implemented in time for the 1999 elections. Draft orders will be laid before the House shortly.

  We have recently asked the Commission to look again at its recommendations for Newport and the Vale of Glamorgan.

  A revised report covering Gwynedd was submitted to us by the Commission in September. This was then subject to a statutory six week consultation period, which has only recently finished. We will be considering the Commission's proposals for Gwynedd shortly. If agreed, it will be too late for implementation by the May 1999 elections as preparations for these elections are already in hand.

  The Commission has until December 1999 to report on electoral arrangements in Anglesey, Ceredigion, Monmouthshire, Blaenau Gwent, and Torfaen.

  Noise Mitigation
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to introduce revised criteria for dealing with requests for noise mitigation on existing trunk roads built before current standards were introduced. [60696]

  Mr. Hain
  Our plans to introduce revised criteria relating to noise mitigation matters were included (at paragraph 3.8) in the report on the review of the Welsh trunk road programme "Driving Wales Forward" published on 28 July. We are liaising with the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions on this matter and a separate announcement will be made in due course.

  Millennium Stadium
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with representatives of Laing concerning the completion of the Millennium Stadium. [60458]

  Mr. Hain
  None. This is a matter for Millennium Stadium plc.

  Welsh Assembly Site
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will review the decision on the site for the Welsh Assembly. [60460]

  Mr. Michael
  I am still receiving briefing on the present proposals from my officials.

  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the Leader of Cardiff County Council concerning the use of Cardiff City Hall as the site of the Welsh Assembly. [60459]

  Mr. Michael
  None.

  Health Trust Mergers
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he intends to announce the results of his review of health trust mergers. [60461]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  An announcement will be made shortly.

  Testicular Cancer
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many cases of testicular cancer have occurred in Wales in i(a) each of the last three years and (b) during the period 1985 to 1988. [60802]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  Information for the latest three years for which data are available and for 1985 to 1988 is as follows:

  New casts of testicular cancer registered

  Year

  Amount

  1985

  56

  1986

  68

  1987

  75

  1988

  70

  1992

  67

  1993

  72

  1994

  72

  Breast Cancer
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement about the level of audit by health authorities of breast cancer treatment outcomes. [60601]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The Public Health Common Data Set contains mortality data for breast cancer by health authority but information on survival is not yet collected. The current development by the Cancer Services Co-ordinating Group of a cancer information strategy for Wales to be put in place during 1999 will address this issue.
  800
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement about the level of training provided in each health authority for general practitioners in breast cancer follow up. [60609]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  This information is not held centrally. Responsibility for postgraduate education for general practitioners rests with the GP Sub Dean in the School of Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education based in the University of Wales College of Medicine.

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what(a) number and (b) percentage of (i) doctors, (ii) nurses and (iii) administrative staff involved in providing breast care services have received training in communication skills. [60614]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  This information is not held centrally. However, all doctors and nurses have to undergo training in communications skills as part of their pre-registration curriculum.

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what percentage of women receive the triple assessment for breast cancer recommended in "Improving Outcomes in Breast Cancer"; [60607]

  (2) what percentage of test results for breast cancer patients are available within five working days. [60613]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  This information is not held centrally. However, such information will be obtained from a prospective audit of referrals to specialist breast teams to be undertaken in January 1999 by the Cancer Services Co-ordinating Group.

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the location of multi-disciplinary breast cancer teams working with a written protocol as a benchmark to manage co-ordinated care. [60610]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The location of multidisciplinary breast cancer teams in Wales was published on 4 November 1998 in the Annual Report of the Cancer Services Co-ordinating Group. I will arrange for copies of the report to be placed in the Library of the House. All multi-disciplinary teams are required to work to the minimum standards for breast cancer care which include the requirement to work within documented evidence-based local policies based on national guidelines.

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement about the involvement of general practitioners in each health authority in developing local arrangements for the follow up of primary breast cancer patients. [60611]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  General Practitioners should, with their local multi-disciplinary team for breast cancer, develop arrangements to ensure patients receive continuing care. The new Local Health Groups will have an important role to ensure that this happens.

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many trusts which provide a breast cancer service have(a) a written communications policy and (b) a protocol for communication with patients. [60612]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  This information is not held centrally. However, the cancer centres in Velindre and Singleton NHS trusts are piloting patient-held records with a view to improving communication between trusts, primary care and patients, their families and carers.

  Prostate Cancer
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many cases of prostate cancer have occurred in Wales(a) in each of the last three years and (b) during the period 1985 to 1988. [60619]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  Information for the latest three years for which data are available and for 1985 to 1988 is as follows:

  New cases of prostate cancer registered in Wales

  Year

  Amount

  1985

  693

  1986

  676

  1987

  698

  1988

  726

  1992

  1,008

  1993

  1,156

  1994

  1,219

  1997 death rate per 100,000 population

  ICD9 code1

  Persons

  Males

  Females

  Lip, oral cavity and pharynx

  140-149

  3.5

  4.5

  2.5

  Digestive organs and peritoneum

  150-159

  84.2

  92.8

  76.0

  Of which:

  Oesophagus

  150

  13.8

  16.5

  113

  Stomach

  151

  15.5

  20.0

  11.2

  Small intestine and colon

  152-153

  25.0

  24.9

  25.2

  Colon

  153

  24.5

  24.6

  24.4

  Rectum, rectosigmoid junction and anus

  154

  9.6

  11.9

  7.4

  Liver, gallbladder and bile ducts

  155-156

  5.2

  5.5

  5.0

  Pancreas

  157

  11.8

  10.7

  12.8

  Larynx

  161

  2.0

  3.6

  0.5

  Trachea, bronchus and lung

  162

  61.4

  78.5

  44.9

  Skin

  172-173

  3.2

  2.7

  3.7

  Female breast

  174

  —

  —

  47.7

  Genitourinary organs

  179-189

  46.9

  58.1

  36.2

  Of which:

  Uterus, other and unspecified

  179,182

  —

  —

  5.5

  Cervix uteri

  180

  —

  —

  4.8

  Ovary

  183

  —

  —

  15.3

  Prostate

  185

  —

  37.3

  —

  Testis

  186

  —

  0.3

  —

  Bladder

  188

  8.6

  13.0

  4.4

  Kidney

  189

  5.2

  6.7

  3.7

  Nervous system

  191-192

  5.5

  6.8

  4.2

  Lympathic and haematopoietic tissue

  200-208

  20.1

  22.5

  17.7

  Of which:

  Hodgkin's disease

  201

  0.5

  0.7

  0.4

  Other malignant neoplasm of lymphoid and histiocytic tissue

  202

  7.5

  8.3

  6.7

  Multiple myeloma and immunoproliterative neoplasms

  203

  3.9

  4.3

  3.5

  Leukaemia

  204.208

  8.1

  9.1

  7.1

  Myeloid leukaemia

  205

  4.6

  4.7

  4.5

  All malignant neoplasms

  140-208

  282.7

  302.5

  263.8

  1 International Classification of Diseases 9th revision

  Education Spending (Pupils)
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list by local authority the spending per

  Cancer (Survival and Death Rates)
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list by tumour site the cancer(a) survival and (b) death rates in the last year for which figures are available. [60608]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  Data on survival rates, for England and Wales, were published by the Office for National Statistics in 'Population and Health' Monitor MB1 98/1, a copy of which is in the Library of the House. Data relating to Wales only are not currently available.

  The available information on deaths by site of cancer, from the Office for National Statistics, is detailed in the following table. The data relate to deaths of Welsh residents occurring in 1997.

  pupil in (a) cash and (b) real terms in each of the last three years for which figures are available. [60615]

  Mr. Hain
  The information requested is given in the table.
  803

  (a) Gross revenue expenditure on schools

  Expenditure per pupil(£)

  Cash values

  Constant 1998–99 prices

  Local authority

  (b) 1996–97

  (c) 1997–98

  (c) 1998–99

  (b) 1996–97

  (c) 1997–98

  (c) 1998–99

  Blaenau Gwent

  2,321

  2,170

  2,402

  2,447

  2,230

  2,402

  Bridgend

  2,303

  2,176

  2,388

  2,428

  2,236

  2,388

  Caerphilly

  2,253

  2,129

  2,323

  2,376

  2,187

  2,323

  Cardiff

  2,131

  2,041

  2,245

  2,246

  2,097

  2,245

  Carmarthenshire

  2,428

  2,490

  2,750

  2,560

  2,559

  2,750

  Ceredigion

  2,723

  2,680

  3,015

  2,870

  2,754

  3,015

  Conwy

  2,265

  2,072

  2,350

  2,388

  2,129

  2,350

  Denbighshire

  2,224

  2,032

  2,305

  2,344

  2,088

  2,305

  Flintshire

  2,132

  2,087

  2,321

  2,247

  2,144

  2,321

  Gwynedd

  2,527

  2,406

  2,608

  2,664

  2,473

  2,608

  Isle of Anglesey

  2,362

  2,345

  2,541

  2,490

  2,409

  2,541

  Merthyr Tydfil

  2,319

  2,305

  2,471

  2,444

  2,369

  2,471

  Monmouthshire

  2,208

  2,208

  2,422

  2,327

  2,269

  2,422

  Neath Port Talbot

  2,334

  2,355

  2,502

  2,461

  2,419

  2,502

  Newport

  2,155

  2,170

  2,377

  2,271

  2,230

  2,377

  Pembrokeshire

  2,460

  2,412

  2,625

  2,594

  2,479

  2,625

  Powys

  2,597

  2,555

  2,819

  2,737

  2,625

  2,819

  Rhondda Cynon Taff

  2,317

  2,385

  2,505

  2,443

  2,450

  2,505

  Swansea

  2,259

  2,195

  2,339

  2,382

  2,255

  2,339

  Torfaen

  2,161

  2,099

  2,274

  2,278

  2,157

  2,274

  Vale of Glamorgan

  2,072

  1,903

  2,141

  2,184

  1,956

  2,141

  Wrexham

  2,179

  2,047

  2,339

  2,297

  2,103

  2,339

  Wales

  2,283

  2,223

  2,431

  2,407

  2,284

  2,431

  Notes:

  (a) Includes all pre primary, primary, secondary and special schools, including grant maintained schools, plus pupil referral units. Includes re-charged schools management and administration costs, recoupment, school meals and the use of specific grants and reserves. Excludes nursery vouchers for 1997–98 and education service strategy and regulation throughout. The pupil numbers use the headcount of part time pupils, rather that the full time equivalent

  (b) Outturn

  (c) Budgets

  Departmental Support (Jobs)
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the number of(a) new jobs created and (b) existing jobs protected since May 1997 by the provision of financial support from his Department. [60618]

  Mr. Hain
  A range of services which include the provision of financial support are operated by the Welsh Office. Information on all of these is not held centrally in the form requested.

  The main form of direct financial support available to companies wishing to pursue investment projects in Wales is Regional Selective Assistance (RSA).

  Since 1 May 1997, RSA offers worth £133 million have been accepted by firms toward 193 projects. This amount was in total associated with the creation of 14,744 new jobs and the safeguarding of 2,957 existing jobs over the estimated 3 to 5 year life of each project.

  Funding (Farmers)
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the additional funding he has made available to farmers since May 1997 to cover the costs of food safety and public assurance measures which would otherwise have been met by the agricultural sector. [60716]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  Separate figures for Wales are not available. However, the Government decided that charges for implementing the Specified Risk Material (SRM) controls in licensed slaughterhouses and cutting 804
  plants would not be recovered from the industry from 1 April 1998 as originally intended. This represents a saving to the industry in Great Britain of around £35 million.

  The Government also decided to meet the costs of setting up the Cattle Tracing System (CTS) and of running it for its first full year of operation; the CTS became operational in September this year. This represents another total saving of £35 million to the industry in Great Britain, £15 million in start-up costs and £20 million in running costs including enforcement.

  HELIOS Programme
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement about Welsh involvement in the HELIOS programme of the European Union since its inception. [60617]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  HELIOS II was established by a decision of the European Council in February 1993. The key aims of the programme were to promote the integration of, and equal opportunities for disabled people.

  Four organisations from Wales were selected to take part in the HELIOS II programme. The Welsh Office was a member of the HELIOS II Co-ordinating Committee. The programme finished in 1996 and no successor programme has been established.

  Housing Starts
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what were the(a) planned and (b) actual housing starts made by housing associations in each of the last four years for which figures are available. [60620]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The information requested is:

  Year

  Planned starts

  Actual starts

  1994–95

  3,900

  3,614

  1995–96

  3,500

  3,688

  1996–97

  2,900

  3,200

  1997–98

  2,000

  2,468

  Inter-sector Working Relationships
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list his policies which are aimed at promoting better working relationships between(a) his Department and the voluntary sector and (b) local government and the voluntary sector. [60616]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales launched the Compact between the Government and the voluntary sector in Wales (Cm 4107) at the Conference of the Wales Council for Voluntary Action in Llandudno this morning. We will be promoting the principles contained within the Compact to all public bodies in Wales including local authorities building on the work carried out jointly by the Welsh Local Government Association and Wales Council for Voluntary Action in the document "Achieving Shared Aims" which the Under-Secretary my hon. Friend the Member for Neath (Mr. Hain), launched last February.

  Health Trusts (New Deal)
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the number of people taken on under the New Deal arrangements by each of the health trusts in Wales.[60535]

  Mr. Hain
  By the end of October 1998, five New Deal participants had been recruited by Health Trusts in Wales:

  1 by Clwydian Community Care NHS Trust;

  1 by Glan Clwyd DGH NHS Trust;

  1 by Glan Y Mor NHS Trust;

  1 by Llanelli Dinefwr NHS Trust;

  1 by Nevill Hall and District NHS Trust.

  In addition, 11 other Health Trusts have signed New Deal employer agreements.

  Housing Stock
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much money(a) the Welsh Office (b) Tai Cymru and (c) local authorities invested in improving housing stock in Wales in (i) 1996, (ii) 1997 and (iii) 1998; and what is the projected figure for 1999. [60659]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The available information is as set out.
  806
  Total Welsh Office allocations for housing capital expenditure to Tai Cymru and unitary authorities for new build and improvements:

  1996–97 £343 million;

  1997–98 £274 million;

  1998–99 £277 million.

  Housing capital expenditure by unitary authorities:

  1996–97 £266 million;

  1997–98 £236 million (provisional);

  1998–99 £226 million (provisional).

  Tai Cymru gross capital expenditure:

  1996–97 £99 million;

  1997–98 £71 million;

  1998–99 £71 million (provisional).

  My right hon. Friend is currently consulting on spending plans for Welsh Office programmes for the next three financial years. He will announce his decisions later in the year.

  County Council Wards
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what response he plans to make to the recommendation of the Boundary Commission on the configuration of county council wards in(a) the Tremadog and Beddgelert areas and (b) the Talysarn and Nantlle area of Gwynedd. [60724]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  We received the revised report for Gwynedd from the Local Government Boundary Commission in September. The statutory six week consultation period has come to an end only recently and we will be considering the Commission's recommendations shortly. In coming to a view, we will, of course, take into account any representations that have been made in response to the Commission's recommendations.

  Loan Debt
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the outstanding(a) total and (b) per capita levels of loan debt by each local authority in Wales at 31 March 1997. [60819]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The information requested is given in the table.

  Outstanding loan debt as at 31 March 19971

  £000

  £per head

  Blaenau Gwent

  62,544

  857

  Bridgend

  90,155

  690

  Caerphilly

  94,757

  560

  Cardiff

  210,456

  668

  Carmarthenshire

  114,822

  679

  Ceredigion

  44,380

  638

  Conwy

  75,111

  679

  Denbighshire

  69,231

  766

  Flintshire

  102,728

  709

  Gwynedd

  86,287

  733

  Isle of Anglesey

  55,723

  831

  Merthyr Tydfil

  41,480

  714

  Monmouthshire

  44,522

  513

  Neath Port Talbot

  108,393

  777

  Newport

  114,482

  837

  Pembrokeshire

  85,934

  756

  Powys

  101,715

  818

  807

  Outstanding loan debt as at 31 March 19971

  £000

  £ per head

  Rhondda, Cynon, Taff

  139,068

  579

  Torfaen

  76,066

  841

  The Vale of Glamorgan

  78,033

  657

  Wrexham

  83,316

  666

  Wales

  2,075,253

  710

  1 Net of amounts set-aside as provision for credit liabilities. Includes amounts inherited from predecessor authorities and administered on behalf of other authorities.

  Source:
  The Local Government Finance Report (Wales) 1998–99 (Revised)

  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the outstanding(a) total and (b) per capita levels of loan debt by each local authority in Wales at 31 March 1998. [60832]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The information is currently being collected. The total amount of outstanding loan debt at 31 March 1998 and information on relevant populations will be published in the Local Government Finance Report (Wales) 1999–2000 in February 1999.

  Rural Development Grant Scheme
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the projects approved and awaiting the release of funding under the Rural Development Grant Scheme. [60821]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible and place a copy of my reply in the Library of the House.

  European Structural Funds
  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales which projects that received conditional approval under the 7th round of the EAGGF Objective 5b programme before 30 June are still awaiting confirmation of rural development grant matching funding; and if he will make a statement. [60822]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  Twenty-one bids for Rural Development Grant (RDG) matching funding have been received under Round 7. The details remain commercial in confidence between the Department and the applicants.

  RDG is a grant of last resort designed to pump prime projects where there is a shortfall of alternative public support funding. The grant awards will be decided at the conclusion of the Department's Internal Review Process.

  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects to make an announcement on the allocation of rural development grants for the 8th round of the EAGGF project applications. [60823]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will make a decision on the allocations at the conclusion of the Department's Internal Review process.

  Mr. Livsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects(a) the 7th round rural development grants to be paid and (b) the Welsh Office Internal Review to be completed. [60824]
  808
  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  Payment of Rural Development Grant will depend on the phasing of expenditure on the individual projects.

  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State intends to make an announcement about allocations for future spending plans in the near future.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Ministerial Travel
  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the occasions since 1 May 1997 on which a Minister in his Department has used(a) an aircraft belonging to the RAF and (b) a privately chartered aircraft together with (i) details of the take-off and destination points, (ii) ground waiting time, (iii) dates of departure and return, (iv) purpose of the trip, (v) cost of the trip to his Department and (vi) details of people accompanying the Minister, indicating the total costs of all such travel borne by his Department (1) since 1 May 1997 and (2) between 1 May 1996 and 1 May 1997. [55546]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  [holding answer 19 October 1998]: My noble Friend the Under-Secretary will write to the hon. Member shortly.

  Business Euro Label
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the planned use of the Business Euro label. [59796]

  Ms Quin
  I shall write to the hon. Member shortly.

  European Adventure Project
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the (i) purpose, (ii) cost and (iii) target audience of the European Adventure Project, Llandaff. [59805]

  Ms Quin
  I shall write to the hon. Member shortly.

  London Conference (European Association)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the role of his Department in the organisation of the London Conference held on 3 April to promote the role of associations and foundations in Europe, pursuant to COM 97/241; what the cost was; if he will list those organisations which took part; and what the relevant budget line was. [59795]

  Ms Quin
  I shall write to the hon. Member shortly.

  Our Europe Association
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will deposit in the Library a list of(a) seminars held by the Our Europe Association for 1997 and (b) criteria for selection of such; what was the UK share of the funding; and if any representatives of Her Majesty's Government attended in an official capacity. [59798]

  Ms Quin
  I shall write to the hon. Member shortly.

  Laos
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his Department's policy on establishing international recognition of the Laos Government; and what support his Department has provided to Laos. [60039]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The United Kingdom recognises states rather than Governments. We have normal diplomatic relations with Laos. The British Ambassador to Bangkok is accredited to Vientiane and visits regularly. The UK provides a small package of bilateral assistance to Laos, concentrating on demining, health, education, and rural development.

  Youth for Europe
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 17 June 1998,Official Report, column 246, if he will make a statement on the plans of Youth for Europe to develop (a) European solidarity and (b) European awareness; and if the definition of Europe is synonymous with the European Union. [59998]

  Ms Quin
  Negotiations are at an advanced stage on a new European youth programme, to incorporate the main features of the current Youth for Europe III and European Voluntary Service programmes, which run out at the end of 1999.

  The aims of the new Youth programme include:
  to promote an active contribution by young people to the building of Europe through their participation in transnational exchanges;
  to strengthen their sense of solidarity through transnational community-service activitie.

  The new programme, like the current Youth for Europe III, will promote exchanges with young people from non member countries. The proposed programme will be open to the participation of the States of the European Free Trade Area as well as the associated Central and Eastern European countries, Turkey, Cyprus, and Malta, according to the conditions established in the respective agreements with these countries. Accordingly, the definition of Europe stretches beyond the European Union. We continue to welcome and support action in this field.

  Visa Applications
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 5 November 1998,Official Report, column 637, of the Minister of State, the right hon. Member for Leeds, Central (Mr. Fatchett), which were the countries of application of those people refused visit visas in the last three years.[59881]

  Mr. Fatchett
  As at 31 December 1997 there were visa issuing Posts in the following countries.

  Algeria

  Angola

  Argentina

  Armenia

  Australia

  Austria

  Azerbaijan

  810

  Bahamas

  Bahrain

  Bangladesh

  Barbados

  Belarus

  Belgium

  Belize

  Bermuda

  Boliva

  Bosnia Herzogovina

  Botswana

  Brazil

  Brunei

  Bulgaria

  Burma

  Cameroon

  Canada

  Chile

  China

  Colombia

  Costa Rica

  Croatia

  Cuba

  Cyprus

  Czech Republic

  Democratic Republic of Congo

  Denmark

  Dominician Republic

  Ecuador

  Egypt

  EL Salvador

  Estonia

  Ethiopia

  Falkland Islands

  Fiji

  Finland

  France

  Gambia, The

  Georgia

  Germany

  Ghana

  Gibraltar

  Greece

  Guatemala

  Guyana

  Honduras

  Hong kong

  Holy See

  Hungary

  Iceland

  India

  Indonesia

  Iran

  Irish Republic

  Israel

  Italy

  Ivory Coast

  Jamaica

  811

  Japan

  Jerusalem

  Jordan

  Kazakhstan

  Kenya

  Korea

  Kuwait

  Latvia

  Lebanon

  Lesotho

  Libya

  Lithuania

  Luxembourg

  Macedonia

  Madagascar

  Malawi

  Malaysia

  Malta

  Mauritius

  Mexico

  Mongolia

  Morocco

  Mozambique

  Namibia

  Nepal

  Netherlands

  New Zealand

  Nicaragua

  Nigeria

  Norway

  Oman

  Pakistan

  Panama

  Papua New Guinea

  Peru

  Philippines

  Poland

  Portugal

  Qatar

  Romania

  Russian Federation

  Rwanda

  Saudi Arabia

  Senegal

  Seychelles

  Singapore

  Slovak Republic

  Solomon Islands

  South Africa

  Spain

  Sri Lanka

  St. Helena

  Sudan

  Swaziland

  Sweden

  Switzerland

  Syria

  Taiwan

  812

  Tanzania

  Thailand

  Tonga

  Trinidad and Tobago

  Tunisia

  Turkmenistan

  Turkey

  Uganda

  Ukraine

  UAE

  United States

  Uruguay

  Uzbekistan

  Vanuatu

  Venezuela

  Vietnam

  Yemen

  Yugoslavia

  Zambia

  Zimbabwe.

  During the period 1995–1997 Posts in all the countries and Dependent Territories listed above, except the following, refused a number of visit visas.

  1995

  1996

  1997

  Algeria

  Algeria

  Algeria

  Argentina

  Ascension Island

  Ascension Island

  Ascension Island

  Bermuda

  Bahamas

  Bahamas

  Bolivia

  Belize

  Bermuda

  Costa Rica

  Bermuda

  Bolivia

  El Salvador

  Costa Rica

  Costa Rica

  Falkland Islands

  Falkland Islands

  El Salvador

  Gibraltar

  Gibraltar

  Falkland Islands

  Guatemala

  Guatemala

  Gibraltar

  Holy See

  Honduras

  Guatemala

  Iceland

  Iceland

  Honduras

  Macedonia

  Libya

  Iceland

  Morocco

  Macedonia

  Lesotho

  Nicaragua

  Morocco

  Macedonia

  Panama

  Nicaragua

  Morocco

  Papua New Guinea

  Panama

  New Zealand

  Solomon Islands

  Solomon Islands

  Nicaragua

  Switzerland

  Spain

  Solomon Islands

  Taiwan

  Switzerland

  Spain

  Tonga

  Taiwan

  Uruguay

  Uruguay

  Tonga

  Switzerland

  Vanuatu

  Turkmenistan

  Taiwan

  Uruguay

  Tonga

  Vanuatu

  This Department publishes visa statistics in the booklet `Global Entry Clearance Statistics'. Copies of this booklet covering the period 1995–1997 will shortly be placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Counter-drug Agreement
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 10 November 1998,Official Report, columns 126-27, when and where he will ratify the agreement by the UK and the USA concerning maritime and aerial operations in the Caribbean, signed in Washington on 13 July. [59813]
  813
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  [holding answer 16 November 1998]: The Agreement between the Governments of the United Kingdom and the United States concerning Maritime and Aerial Operations to Suppress Illicit Trafficking by Sea in Waters of the Caribbean and Bermuda provides for entry into force upon exchange of notes between the parties indicating that they have completed the necessary internal procedures. Before such notification can be made implementing legislation must be in place in the Caribbean Overseas Territories and Bermuda. The Agreement will be published as a Command Paper and laid before Parliament in the usual way by 2 December.

  Radioactive Gases (Cap La Hague)
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the French Government about radioactive gases emitted from the nuclear power station at Cap La Hague. [60110]

  Mr. Fatchett
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has not personally made any representations to the French Government about the nuclear facility at Cap de la Hague. However, British and French officials continue to discuss discharge from nuclear facilities in both countries.

  EU General Affairs Council
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the outcome was of the General Affairs Council in Brussels on 9 and 10 November. [60385]

  Ms Quin
  The General Affairs Council in Brussels on 9-10 November adopted the A points listed in document 12595/98 and noted the resolutions, decisions and opinions adopted by the European Parliament in its session of 19 October to 23 October and listed in document 11727/98. Copies of the documents listing the A points and resolutions will be placed in the House Libraries as soon as they become available.

  On 10 November the EU held successful ministerial meetings of the Accession Conferences with Cyprus, Hungary, Poland, Estonia, the Czech Republic and Slovenia. The Conferences opened substantive negotiations at ministerial level and marked another milestone in the accession process. Association Councils with Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic were also held on 10 November.

  The GAC reviewed progress in the Agenda 2000 negotiation. Many Member States called for an increase in the pace of negotiation, in particular on the Common Agricultural Policy. The Foreign Secretary called for more progress on CAP reform. Subject to the general rule that no element in the package can be agreed finally until there is agreement on the package as a whole, there was widespread agreement in principle to the Commission's draft pre-accession instruments, though Spain maintained a reserve. The Presidency said that there would be a conclave of Foreign Ministers on 6 December. There was also discussion of a number of detailed aspects of structural funding.

  The Commission presented its progress reports on the candidate countries, in advance of discussion at the Vienna European Council.
  814
  The Council discussed the humanitarian situation in Russia and agreed that, should Russia formally request food aid from the EU, the Council would examine urgently a Commission proposal on that basis. The Council will discuss a further report on EU policy and assistance to Russia at the 7 December GAC.

  The Commission presented two draft regulations on funding the European Strategy for Turkey. The Presidency remitted the proposals for further discussion in Coreper.

  The Commission explained progress on the EU/Switzerland negotiations. Ministers urged continued efforts by both sides towards early agreement. The 7 December General Affairs Council may consider this further.

  Ministers had an exchange of views on the Middle East Peace Process with EU Special Envoy Miguel Moratinos present, following the Wye River memorandum. They underlined the importance of the speedy implementation of the Memorandum, the need to avoid unilateral acts, and the need for progress on all tracks of the peace process. The Council condemned in the strongest terms the recent acts of terrorism and urged the Parties to do their utmost both to forestall extremist actions and to deny success to extremists seeking by provocation to frustrate the peace process. Ministers also confirmed EU support for a significant political and economic EU contribution to the implementation of the Wye Memorandum.

  On Kosovo, the Council reiterated its expectation that all parties, the FRY security forces and the armed Kosovo Albanian groups, comply fully with recent UN Security Council Resolutions. It repeated its support for the Kosovo Verification Mission, which should be fully operational as soon as possible, and underlined the need for an early start to political negotiations, with the EU's active involvement. It also condemned the action taken by the FRY authorities to prevent the Prosecutor at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, Louise Arbour, and her team from fulfilling their mission in Kosovo, as well as their recent crackdown on the independent media.

  The Council emphasised the EU's continued commitment to support Albania. It welcomed the successful holding of the International Conference in Tirana on 30 October. The Council repeated the call in the EU's recent declaration to the Democratic Party to participate in the 22 November referendum on the constitution. It welcomed the WEU recommendations on assistance to ensure a viable police force in Albania and confirmed the Union's intention to reinforce its contribution to the re-establishment of such a force.

  The Council reviewed the continuing crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and its implications for the stability of the Great Lakes region. It agreed that the immediate priorities were the cessation of hostilities; the withdrawal of foreign troops; and all-party negotiations aimed at achieving a political settlement as soon as possible. It stressed the need to respect human rights and humanitarian law. It instructed officials to recommend how the EU could help further, in particular to stem the trafficking in small arms in the region.
  815
  At the UK's request, Ministers discussed the situation in Iraq and agreed a declaration emphasising support for UNSCR 1205 and condemning as totally unacceptable Iraq's decision to cease co-operation with UNSCOM.

  The Presidency reported on the meeting of EU Defence Ministers on 3-4 November.

  Taskforce 2000
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the conclusions of Taskforce 2000 published on 11 November in respect of his Department's most recent quarterly return on plans and progress towards Year 2000 readiness.[60211]

  Mr. Fatchett
  [holding answer 18 November 1998]: We are committed to having all its business-critical IT systems year 2000 compliant before the millennium. The report that the FCO will have only "minimal functionality" for some period around the turn of the century is false.

  The FCO had long planned to replace its numerous and outdated office automation systems by year 2000 compliant systems. It still aims to replace as many as possible before the year 2000. In addition, as a contingency measure, the FCO has completed work to make its existing main strategic office automation system year 2000 compliant and will have replacements or acceptable workarounds in place for all other business-critical systems. The FCO's Internal Audit Departments has now begun an audit of the millennium programme.

  The FC0's Global Telecommunications PH contract is still under negotiation. But the FCO has signed an `Instruction to Proceed' to enable replacement of non-compliant telephone switches to proceed while negotiations continue.

  The results of the next quarterly review will be announced shortly to the House and copies of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's latest quarterly return will be placed in the Libraries of the House and published on the Internet.

  VIP Facilities, Heathrow
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to review the procedure for booking VIP facilities for former heads of state and Government at Heathrow. [60428]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The procedure for booking VIP facilities at Heathrow Airport are assessed from time to time, and will be reviewed again in due course.

  Senator Pinochet
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the cost of VIP facilities at Heathrow for Senator Pinochet's visits to the United Kingdom in(a) 1997 and (b) 1998. [60427]
  816
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The costs were as follows:

  (a) 1997

  Arrival at Gatwick on 29 September: £188.00

  Department from Heathrow on 5 October: £160.98

  Arrival at Gatwick on 17 October: £160.98

  Department from Gatwick on 21 October: £188.00

  (b) 1998

  Arrival at Heathrow on 22 September: £160.98.

  Al-Shifa Factory, Sudan
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consultations he had with the Prime Minister about the Al-Shifa factory in Sudan(a) prior to the bombing mission on 20 August and (b) prior to the Prime Minister's appearance on television on 20 August. [60408]

  Mr. Fatchett
  My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister was in France on 20 August and my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary was in Scotland. They were in contact through their officials. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister did not appear on television on 20 August.

  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he was informed of the plans to bomb the Al-Shifa factory on 20 August; and by whom. [60409]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The US Administration informed Her Majesty's Government of their intention to launch an attack shortly before the attack took place.

  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the occasions on which the British Ambassador to the Sudan visited the Al-Shifa factory.[60410]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The British Ambassador to the Sudan has visited the Al-Shifa factory once, on the occasion of the official opening in July 1997.

  Indonesia
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the current human rights situation in Indonesia. [60473]

  Mr. Fatchett
  While welcoming a number of positive developments since May (the release of many political prisoners, trade union reform and a greater freedom of expression), we remain concerned about the overall human rights situation in Indonesia, particularly in the light of recent events. We regret the loss of life and the injuries that resulted from the use of force against demonstrators. We have urged the authorities to show restraint. We are encouraged by the steps towards democratic reform taken at last week's session at the People's Consultative Assembly, including the commitment to hold early elections in May or June next year.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent student demonstrations in Indonesia. [60497]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We regret the loss of life and injuries resulting from the use of force against demonstrators in Jakarta and elsewhere in Indonesia. We have urged the authorities to show restraint.

  Organisation of African Unity
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the meeting of the Organisation of African Unity in Burkina Faso concerning the conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea. [60476]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  At the meeting on 7-8 November in Ouagadougo, a committee of the Organisation of African Unity presented to Ethiopia and Eritrea a set of proposals for the peaceful resolution of the border demarcation dispute that exists between them.

  We have made clear to the OAU and to both parties that Britain, together with EU partners, fully supports the OAU mediation efforts. We hope the OAU proposals may form the basis for a peaceful resolution of the conflict. We welcome Ethiopia's formal acceptance of them, and look to Eritrea to indicate similar acceptance.

  Sri Lanka
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on human rights in Sri Lanka. [60540]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We want to see an end to human rights violations by all sides in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan Government have taken some positive steps to improve their human rights record. We will continue to press them to make further improvements as I did when I visited Sri Lanka on 10 November.

  East Timor
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has taken to mobilise international opinion against the actions of the Indonesian Government in East Timor; and if he will make a statement. [60399]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We support the United Nations efforts to seek a just, comprehensive and internationally acceptable solution to the East Timor issue. We remain in close touch with the UN Secretariat, the Governments of Portugal and Indonesia and other partners.

  Nigeria
  Mr. Tony Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the UK's arms embargo on Nigeria. [60835]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  We will continue to implement rigorously the EU arms embargo against Nigeria. The UK interprets this as covering all goods and technology on the UK Military List which forms Part III to Schedule 1 to the Export of Goods Order 1994, as amended.

  Following consultations with this Department and the Ministry of Defence, the Department of Trade and Industry recently approved, as an exception, a licence for the export of three military listed protected vehicles for use by the Central Bank of Nigeria for the escort of currency. This licence is being granted to permit a civilian end user to meet legitimate security needs and is consistent with the purpose of the embargo.
  818
  Mr. Corbett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how the EU has reacted to the changed political circumstances in Nigeria. [60839]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  In recognition of the progress being made towards respect for human rights and the restoration of a democratic civilian Government in Nigeria, on 1 November the EU adopted a new Common Position, replacing the Common Positions of 20 November 1995 and 4 December 1995. The UK was at the forefront of those advocating this change of policy. As a result the following measures have now been lifted:all visa restrictions;
  the ban on high level visits;
  the ban on sporting contacts;
  the ban on the appointment of European military personnel to diplomatic missions in Nigeria and Nigerian military personnel in the European Union.

  The following measures continue to apply:
  suspension of military co-operation;
  cancellation of training courses for all Nigerian military personnel, except for non-combative courses to encourage respect for human rights and to prepare the military for the democratic control by a civilian Government of the armed forces;
  an embargo on arms, munitions and military equipment.
  A dialogue on development co-operation may now be resumed with a view to re-engagement after the installation of a democratically elected civilian Government.

  The European Union also re-affirmed its willingness to strengthen a constructive dialogue with Nigeria and to support the electoral process. It also re-iterated its support for Nigeria's regional peacekeeping activities.

  The new Common Position will be reviewed no later than 1 June 1999. Should there be any deterioration in the respect for human rights or the democratic processes, the Council will immediately review the Common Position with a view to adopting additional measures.

  A copy of the new Common Position on Nigeria has been placed in the library of both Houses.

  European Information Association
  Sir Richard Body
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his Department's involvement with the European Information Association. [60640]

  Ms Quin
  The FCO is aware of the activities of the European Information Association and subscribes to its publications.

  EU Information Projects (Funding)
  Sir Richard Body
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in the Library a breakdown of the current expenditure in the United Kingdom under EU budget lines (i) B3-300 and (ii) B3-301. [60641]

  Ms Quin
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle upon Tyne, North (Mr. Henderson), the then Minister of State with responsibility for Europe, to the hon. Member for South-West Devon (Mr. Streeter) on 3 February 1998,Official Report, column 597. It explained that budget lines

  819
  B3-300 and B3-301 of the EC budget, which fund information activity within the EU, are not broken down by Member State.

  General Pinochet
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what instructions have been given to Her Majesty's Ambassador in Chile concerning the current position of General Pinochet. [60467]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The Ambassador has been asked to make clear to the Chilean Government that the question of Senator Pinochet's immunity is for the courts and not for the Government.

  Cyprus
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will make a statement on the education facilities available to Greek Cypriot children who live in the Rizokarpaso area in occupied northern Cyprus; and if, when the British High Commissioner for Cyprus or one of his officials last visited this area, they visited the Greek Cypriot schools in the area; [60703]

  (2) when the British High Commissioner to Cyprus, or one of his officials last visited the Rizokarpaso area in occupied northern Cyprus; and what report he has submitted on the findings of the visit. [60704]

  Ms Quin
  There is one functioning Greek Cypriot primary school in Rizokarpaso. This school serves Greek Cypriot children from all the villages in the area. There are no facilities for secondary education for Greek Cypriot children in the Karpas. These children have to come to the south of the island to complete their education. Officials from the British High Commission in Nicosia make regular visits to the area. The last such visit on 20 October included a visit to the school, and discussions with the teachers, children and parents. We continue to urge the Turkish Cypriot authorities to co-operate with UNFICYP in respect of their humanitarian mandate towards Greek Cypriots and Maronites in the northern part of the island.

  Kosovo
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made in bringing to an end acts of repression against civilians by Serbian security forces in Kosovo; and what progress has been made in securing a political dialogue between the two sides. [59443]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  As a result of sustained NATO pressure, there were significant withdrawals from Kosovo of army and police units which had been responsible for repression in late October. The situation on the ground is now generally quiet, if tense, with sporadic acts of violence and provocation from both sides. Displaced persons have begun to return home. We continue to monitor the situation closely. The deployment of the first contingent of 50 British personnel to verify compliance with UNSCRs 1199 and 1203 was completed on 12 November.

  Contact Group Experts met on 11 November to consider progress on the political track. The Contact Group endorsed US Envoy Ambassador Hill's plans to
  820
  return to the region with EU Envoy Petritsch to press ahead rapidly with the negotiation process. Indirect negotiations are continuing and we support the efforts of US Envoy Hill to secure both sides agreement to an interim political settlement in the next few weeks.

  Commonwealth Institute
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what progress has been made on the new constitutional basis and financial support system for the Commonwealth Institute; and if he will make a statement; [60689]

  (2) what discussions his Department has had with the Commonwealth Institute on the future of the institute; and if he will make a statement. [60690]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  There are frequent consultations between Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials and senior management of the Commonwealth Institute, primarily about the Institute's strategic direction and the funding it needs to achieve its goals. We are currently considering a proposal from the Institute, which, if agreed, would enable the Institute, while remaining a charity, to become a company limited by guarantee. If agreement can be reached with the Institute, on both the new constitution and the level of funding necessary to secure the Institute's future, the proposed change in the constitutional relationship would be laid before both Houses of Parliament.

  New Deal
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many young people within his Department have been employed under the New Deal arrangements. [60368]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  Six New Deal applicants have been selected to work in the FCO (subject to security clearance).

  We are in touch with the Westminster Job Centre (and through them other Job Centres) in an on-going programme to identify future candidates. We hope to increase the FC0's intake of New Deal personnel next year.

  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made of the number of people taken on under the New Deal arrangements by non-departmental bodies in receipt of financial support from his Department. [60527]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  Information on the numbers of people taken on under the New Deal by non-departmental public bodies is not held centrally.

  It is Government policy to encourage NDPBs to participate in the New Deal.

  Pakistan
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has received concerning religious persecution in Pakistan; and if he will make a statement. [60710]
  821
  Mr. Fatchett
  We have received representations expressing concern about religious minorities in Pakistan and its blasphemy laws. We share these concerns. I raised the issue of religious minorities with the Interior Minister during my visit to Pakistan last year, as did my noble Friend the Under-Secretary in January this year. As Presidency we led an EU démarche on the blasphemy laws on 14 May and participated in a further EU démarche on 19 October. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and raise our concerns with the Pakistan authorities.

  Drug Gangs (Latin America)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many reports on the purchase of advanced military hardware by drug gangs in Latin America have been compiled by his Department since January 1997; and what is their current security classification. [60695]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  It is difficult for this Department to collate comprehensive data on these types of purchase, given the clandestine nature of the operations on the drugs cartels. We do actively monitor reports from a variety of sources in the capabilities of drug gangs to get as much information as we can. We have no reason to suppose that advanced military hardware manufactured in the UK has ended up in the hands of drug gangs.

  Research Papers
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list each series of research papers which his Department currently produces. [60692]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The Foreign and Commonwealth Office issues research papers in the following series:

  Library and Records Department

  History notes

  Occasional papers

  Information Department

  Background briefs

  Wilton Park

  Occasional papers

  Wilton Park papers.

  A list of publications, some of which are available on the Internet, is included in the FC0' s annual report. Research Analysts and Economic Advisers also produce internal series of note and memoranda.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Northern Spirit
  Mr. Truswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received concerning the performance of Northern Spirit in West Yorkshire in respect of cancelled and late services, short formations, and overall capacity; and what steps he plans to take to improve the franchising arrangements in West Yorkshire.[59657]
  822
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Franchising Director and I have received 216 representations specifically about Northern Spirit's performance on the overall franchise since the General Election.

  My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister has said that the books are open for the renegotiation of franchise agreements, and he would consider any proposals to improve franchising arrangements. He will involve Passenger Transport Executives (PTEs) where they are signatories to the franchise agreement.

  Drivers (Drug Tests)
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what results are available of the police pilot sweat/saliva tests of drug use among drivers in Strathclyde, Sussex, Cleveland and Lancashire. [60322]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I have him on 24 February 1998,Official Report, column 146.

  The trials undertaken by the police in March and April this year were for the purpose of assessing two examples of drug screening equipment for their practicality, robustness and suitability for general day-to-day police work, and not to detect drug use amongst drivers. The Department has discussed the outcome of the trials with the equipment suppliers.

  Bridge Strengthening
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the cost is of strengthening the Avonmouth Bridge to comply with EC loading standards; what the total cost is of bridge strengthening work in the United Kingdom in order to comply with the EC directive allowing 40 tonne lorries; and how much of this cost has been met from public funds. [60267]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The current expected cost of the strengthening of the M5 Avonmouth Bridge is about £88 million.

  A total cost for bridge strengthening work in the UK is not available, but in England, the total funds available to local authorities for bridge maintenance assessment and strengthening on their roads between 1 April 1992 and 31 March 1998 was £915 million. This figure does not distinguish between strengthening and maintenance needed to carry 40 tonne vehicles or 11.5 tonne axles and that needed to restore bridges' capacity to carry present vehicle traffic.

  In Wales it is for individual local authorities to determine the level of resources to allocate to their assessment and strengthening programmes from annual settlements which are not attributed to particular services.

  On all other roads in the UK, the costs of strengthening bridges owned by highway authorities is estimated to be some £700 million.

  All the above costs are met from public funds.

  Road Hauliers
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to
  823
  the oral Statement by the Economic Secretary to the Treasury of 11 November 1998, Official Report, column 349, on taxation of road hauliers, if he will list examples of continental hauliers who have chosen to register their truck in the UK; and how many foreign-owned trucks have been registered in the UK by continental hauliers. [59885]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  This information is not held by my Department. As my hon. Friend the Economic Secretary stated on 11 November 1998, there has been a report in the trade press of French hauliers registering their businesses in the UK to take advantage of lower business costs.

  London Underground
  Mr. Ottaway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress has been made on his proposals for a public/private partnership for the management and operation of London Underground; and if he will make a statement. [60323]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  London Transport has completed a market sounding exercise to get the views of potential bidders and much has been done to take forward the detail needed to implement the public/private partnership policy announced in March. London Transport and

  Company

  Number of BPUs in place 31 January 1998

  Number of BPUs in place and still capale of disconnecting 30 September 1998

  Number of BPUs in place without valuve, 30 September 1998

  Anglian

  575

  0

  575

  Bournemouth and West Hants

  348

  104

  200

  Cambridge

  443

  159

  247

  Welsh Water

  28,144

  125,169

  672

  Mid Kent

  1,739

  112

  1,435

  North Surrey

  17

  0

  17

  North West

  1,310

  24

  1,042

  Servern Trent

  1,612

  162

  397

  South East

  109

  0

  0

  South Staffordshire

  7

  0

  0

  South West

  463

  1

  427

  Southern

  87

  4

  0

  Three Valleys

  20

  1

  3

  Wessex

  2,995

  988

  1,730

  Yorkshire

  29

  0

  0

  1 Of these, the company have converted 1,011 to a reduced flow valve.

  Private Hire and Taxi Licences
  Mr. Truswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will review the operation of the provisions of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 relating to the revoking and reinstatement of private hire or taxi drivers' operating licences by local authorities in cases of conviction for dishonesty, indecency or violence. [60324]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Exercise of the powers concerned is a matter for local authorities. It is they who are best placed to reach a decision, in the light of the circumstances of each particular case. The Act gives drivers a right of appeal to the local magistrates' court. I have at present no plans for a review.
  824
  the Government are drawing together the results of the consultation with potential bidders, and finalising the detailed structure of the public/private partnership.

  Water Budget Payment Units
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many homes in each UK region have water budget payment units; and if he will make a statement. [59913]

  Mr. Meale
  The Government welcomed the High Court ruling earlier this year that budget payment units with a closure valve which could cut off the flow of water were unlawful. The fifteen water undertakers in England and Wales who had previously installed budget payment units are complying with the court ruling by removing either the closure valves or the complete units. The information in the table, collected by the Office of Water Services for each company's area, shows the progress made as at 30 September 1998 and the number of units remaining to be dealt with. Information on the use of budget payment units is not available by region.

  The Office of Water Services is pressing companies to act rapidly and is monitoring each company's progress in complying with the court ruling. The bulk of the units still with a closure valve are in Wales and OFWAT has told Welsh Water that it must comply or enforcement action will be taken.

  Rail Ticket Prices
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to review the regulation of long-distance rail saver tickets by OPRAF. [60363]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Saver fares are protected by the Franchising Director. The current controls are a consequence of legally binding franchise agreements inherited from the previous Government.

  Through Ticketing
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what guidelines he has issued to the Rail Regulator on the matter of through ticketing arrangements. [60361]
  825
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  None. This is a matter for the Rail Regulator, who requires all train operators to offer through ticketing for all rail journeys.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received concerning the continuation of through rail ticketing arrangements. [60360]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  We have received no representations about the continuation of through ticketing arrangements for rail journeys. The Rail Regulator requires all train operators to offer through ticketing for all rail journeys.

  Packaging Waste Regulations 1997
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received relating to the impact of the Packaging Waste Regulations 1997. [60489]

  Mr. Meacher
  A total number of the 356 responses were received to the consultation document we published on 30 July. Of the responses, 66 were from Trade Associations, 141 were individual businesses and 66 from local authorities. Comments were made on a wide range of issues regarding the Packaging Waste Regulations, all of which are being considered and will be taken into account in formulating proposals which we hope to announce shortly.

  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to review the operation of the Packaging Waste Regulations 1997 and correct market distortions produced by the malfunctioning of the PRN system. [60487]

  Mr. Meacher
  We published a consultation paper on 30 July this year. The paper proposed a number of amendments to the Regulations and further developments to the non-statutory approach to the Packaging Waste Recovery Note (PRN) system. We are presently considering the 356 responses to the document and hope to make an announcement shortly.

  Teesside International Nature Reserve
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will make a statement on the arrangements made at the demise of the Teesside Development Corporation for the future of the Teesside International Nature Reserve; [60541]

  (2) if he will list the owners of land allocated for the Nature Reserve following the demise of Teesside Development Corporation. [60502]

  Mr. Meale
  Prior to its wind up, the Teesside Development Corporation entered into contractual arrangements whereby its leasehold interest in the land would be assigned to the Teesside Environmental Trust Limited, subject to the consent of ICI as the freeholders; its freehold interest would similarly be transferred to the Trust; two landfill operators would commit landfill tax credits to the nature reserve; and one of the landfill operators would have the right to extract clay, thereby creating water features, in return for which the operator would pay royalties to the Trust.
  826
  Upon the Development Corporation's wind up at the end of March, its freehold and leasehold interests in the land were transferred to the Commission for the New Towns. The Commission still holds these interests, with ICI owning the freehold of the land leased by the Commission.

  Commission for the New Towns
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the office accommodation formerly rented by the Teesside Development Corporation which has been passed on to the Commission for the New Towns. [60503]

  Mr. Meale
  The Commission for the New Towns inherited the Teesside Development Corporation's freehold interest in Dunedin House, with a commitment to take a lease of the third floor thereof when the freehold is disposed. The Commission also inherited the Development Corporation's leasehold interest in office space at Tees house and Stephenson House.

  National Air Traffic Services
  Ms Osborne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the forecast expenditure by National Air Traffic Services over the next 10 years as a percentage of his Department's budget. [59952]

  Dr. Reid
  [holding answer 15 November 1998]: The figures for National Air Traffic Services' forecast capital expenditure over the next 10 years are as follows:

  £ million

  Year

  NATS capital expenditure

  1999–2000

  51.2

  2000–01

  91.2

  2001–02

  122.9

  2002–03

  104.3

  2003–04

  75.7

  2004–05

  47.9

  2005–06

  37.0

  2006–07

  40.0

  2007–08

  38.4

  This expenditure is funded through NATS' operating surplus, contributions by the Ministry of Defence, and from borrowing from the National Loans Fund which counts against the Public Sector Borrowing Requirement. The above figures exclude spending on projects which will go forward under the Public Finance Initiative and spending to date on the New En Route Centre at Swanwick, due to become operational during the period in question.

  Figures for DETR budgeted expenditure are available for the next 3 years only, and are as follows:

  Year

  £ million

  1999–2000

  9,729

  2000–01

  10,582

  2001–02

  12,000

  New Deal (Young People)
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many young people within his Department have been employed under the New Deal arrangements. [60378]

  Mr. Meale
  None as yet. Within my Department 11 posts have so far been identified as suitable for people under the New Deal programme. We aim to fill as many of these posts as possible through the programme, subject to suitable candidates being found.

  Latex Allergy
  Mr. Frank Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what(a) guidance and (b) training is given to Health and Safety Executive inspectors on the issue of latex allergy; and how many enforcement actions have been taken by the Health and Safety Executive against NHS trusts over failures to implement legislation in relation to latex allergy in each of the past 10 years. [60576]

  Mr. Meale
  Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspectors enforce occupational health and safety law including the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1988 (COSHH). These regulations deal with, amongst other things, latex allergy. Latex allergy is included in one of HSE's Field Operations Directorate's key national objectives for health services. The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) and HSE produce a wide range of COSHH guidance material, some of which deals specifically with latex allergy. The Medical Devices Agency of the Department of Health have also produced guidance on latex allergy, in consultation with HSE. Further detailed guidance by HSE to inspectors on latex allergy is in preparation and will be issued next week.

  All HSE inspectors receive training in COSHH and the related Approved Codes of Practice. These relate to latex allergy. As part of HSE's recent Good Health aids Good Business Campaign a number of internal training initiatives were held for inspectors which included such issues as occupational asthma and dermatitis.

  Date

  Application

  London borough

  10 September

  St. Paul's Hospital, Endell Street, WC2

  Camden

  30 September

  Battersea Bus Garage/Albion Wharf, Hester Road, SW11

  Wandsworth

  12 November

  Friends Provident Site, Brewhouse Street, SW15

  Wandsworth

  12 November

  Tooting Bec Hospital (Phase 2), Tooting Bec Road/Church Lane SW17

  Wandsworth

  10 November

  Gargoyle Wharf, York Road, SW18

  Wandsworth

  Local Government
  Sir Paul Beresford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the local authorities that have(a) formally notified his Department of their intention to change to and (b) have changed to a cabinet system of local government decision-making. [60589]

  Mr. Raynsford
  We are aware that a number of councils are already seeking to streamline their decision-making arrangements, with the adoption of cabinet type structures. However, under the current legislative framework it is not open to councils to adopt the full
  828
  Since the National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990 and the establishment of NHS trusts the following enforcement action under COSHH has been taken:

  Year

  Improvement notices

  Prohibition notices

  Informations laid

  1990–91

  43

  2

  1

  1991–92

  57

  0

  0

  1992–93

  78

  0

  1

  1993–94

  55

  4

  3

  1994–95

  54

  3

  1

  1995–96

  38

  4

  0

  1996–97

  45

  3

  0

  1997–98 (Provisional)

  25

  2

  0

  Enforcement data related specifically to latex are not maintained.

  Animal Deaths (Railways)
  Mr. Peter Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate how many domestic animals were killed or injured on railway tracks in England and Wales in each of the last five years. [60501]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Health and Safety Executive's Railway Inspectorate does not record this information. Under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR 95) these types of incidents are reportable to the Health and Safety Executive's Railway Inspectorate only if damage is caused to the train necessitating immediate temporary or permanent repair.

  Section 14 Notices
  Sir Paul Beresford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many section 14 notices he has placed on planning applications in inner London boroughs during the last 12 weeks indicating the(a) dates, (b) applications and (c) boroughs concerned in each case. [60509]

  Mr. Caborn
  Five such article 14 directions have been given.

  cabinet model, with individual councillors having executive responsibility, as proposed in the White Paper "Modern Local Government—In touch with the People" (Cm 4014).

  Official Visits (Dorneywood)
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the dates since 1 May 1997 on which he made official visits to Dorneywood, indicating in each case the(a) purpose, (b) dates of the visit and (c) individuals who accompanied him; and if he will make a statement. [60671]
  829
  Mr. Prescott
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 10 February 1998,Official Report, column 132. I have used Dorneywood on a number of further occasions since then.

  Bathing Water
  Mr. Burgon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will announce the bathing water compliance results for 1998; and if he will make a statement. [60801]

  Mr. Meacher
  Overall UK compliance with the mandatory coliform bacteria standards in the Bathing Water Directive was 89 per cent. compared with 88 per cent. in 1997 and 90 per cent. in 1996.

  I am pleased that this year more bathing waters in England met the mandatory coliform bacteria standards than ever before. I recognise the action taken by the Environment Agency and water companies in response to pressure from Government to achieve this. 90 per cent. of the identified coastal bathing waters passed, compared with 88 per cent. in 1997. But there are still too many bathing waters which fail regularly and compliance remains very poor in the north west, in particular, where only 62 per cent. achieved the standards. An overall failure rate of one in ten bathing waters is not good enough and I want to see significant improvements and our bathing waters to be regarded as among the best in Europe.

  When I announced the results last year, I wrote to the Chairman of the Environment Agency asking for a detailed report on the prospects for compliance and the action needed on persistent failures. I also commented on the disappointing results in the north west and asked North West Water to work with the Agency to sort out the remaining problems in the region, particularly in the Blackpool, Fylde coast area.

  The Agency has produced a comprehensive report and must build on their analysis and devise a well-targeted programme of action, with particular emphasis being given to persistent mandatory failures. By 2005, I want to see a further significant increase in bathing water quality, particularly in the level of compliance with higher, guideline standards.

  Inland bathing waters are included for the first time and all 9 passed the mandatory coliform bacteria standards.

  A record number of coastal bathing waters in England–349—met the Directive's coliform standards and of the 40 which failed, half of them missed compliance by only 1 of the 20 samples. Results in the north east were worse than in 1997 but in other regions percentage compliance was either better or the same as last year. I am pleased that Anglian region, again, achieved the mandatory coliform standards at all their bathing waters. Thames regional also achieved 100 per cent. and Southern region had only 2 failures compared with 8 last year.

  More English coastal bathing waters (146) met the "guideline" standard needed for a European Blue Flag than in 1997 (136) and I hope that where those beaches achieve the appropriate beach management standards more local authorities will apply for this internationally recognised and valued award.
  830
  The main results for the UK are summarised in the table. This information, together with details for each bathing water in England, will be placed in the Libraries of the House today. Detailed results for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will be published by the Departments concerned. A report with more detailed results for the UK will be available around the turn of the year.

  Bathing water survey–1998 results for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland (Compliance with Bathing Water Directive (76/160/EEC): Coliform Standards)

  Pass

  (1997 result)

  Fail

  (1997 result)

  Total

  (1997 result)

  Coastal bathing waters

  Environment Agency—Operational Regions (England)

  Northumbrian1

  26

  (32)

  8

  (2)

  34

  (34)

  Yorkshire1

  21

  (19)

  1

  (3)

  22

  (22)

  Anglian

  36

  (35)

  0

  (0)

  36

  (35)

  Thames

  3

  (3)

  0

  (0)

  3

  (3)

  Southern

  75

  (67)

  2

  (8)

  77

  (75)

  Wessex1

  40

  (39)

  3

  (4)

  43

  (43)

  South West1

  127

  (125)

  13

  (12)

  2140

  (137)

  North West

  21

  (17)

  13

  (17)

  34

  (34)

  England

  349

  (337)

  40

  (46)

  389

  (383)

  Wales

  64

  (60)

  4

  (4)

  68

  (64)

  Scotland

  12

  (18)

  11

  (5)

  23

  (23)

  Northern Ireland

  15

  (14)

  1

  (2)

  16

  (16)

  Total coastal Waters

  440

  (429)

  56

  (57)

  496

  (486)

  Inland bathing waters

  Environment Agency—Operational Regions

  Thames

  6

  (—)

  0

  (—)

  6

  (—)

  North West

  3

  (—)

  0

  (—)

  3

  (—)

  Total inland waters

  9

  (—)

  0

  (—)

  9

  (—)

  1 Northumbrian and Yorkshire, South west and Wessex Regions were amalgamated in 1993, results are recorded separately here to enable comparison to be made either years.

  2 One bathing water, Redgate, in the South West was closed during the 1998 bathing season and is therefore not included in compliance assessment for 1998.

  London Government Headquarters
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish his Department's evaluation of the various bids for shortlisting for the prospective headquarters for London Government. [60782]

  Mr. Raynsford
  No. The information provided by the seven short-listed developers on which the evaluation was based was supplied on a commercially confidential basis.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what independent advice he sought on(a) value for money, (b) architectural merit and (c) social impact on neighbouring boroughs before making his decision on the shortlisting of prospective headquarters for London Government. [60781]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Turner & Townsend Project Management, Knight Frank and the Property Advisers to the Civil Estate (PACE) are advising on property related matters, including value for money and the availability of local amenities. A small design advisory group is advising me on the architectural merit of each proposal and the
  831
  London Boroughs of Camden and Southwark are working closely with the teams responsible for the two short-listed proposals.

  Vehicle Licence Fraud
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) in how many cases of vehicle licence fraud prosecutions(a) fines and (b) the maximum fine were imposed in the last year for which figures are available; [60645]

  (2) how many cases of vehicle licence fraud investigated by the DVLA proceeded to prosecutions in the last year for which figures are available; [60647]

  (3) how many investigations were carried out into vehicle licence evasions (i) in total and (ii) as a percentage of the total number of licensed vehicles in the last year for which figures are available. [60646]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  London Airports
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what planning assumptions the Government have made about the number and type of aircraft movements at the London airports in 15 years' time. [60644]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  In 1997, my Department published "Air Traffic Forecasts for the United Kingdom", which look ahead to 2015 and include assumptions about the number of aircraft movements and average plane loads in the London airports system. Copies of this document are available in the House library. BAA and other London airport operators also prepare forecasts of this nature. The implications of these forecasts will be considered during the preparation of the UK airports policy announced in the "New Deal for Transport" White Paper.

  Airports Policy
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects his Department to issue the first consultation draft of the airports policy.[60643]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Government are currently considering the precise scope and timing of the airports policy statement promised in their White Paper "A New Deal for Transport", and will announce their conclusions in due course. They will also consider what steps might be taken to develop thinking and focus the debate on the way forward including proposals for consultation.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to ensure that his Department's paper on an airport strategy will be published after the publication of the inspector's report on the Terminal 5 inquiry at Heathrow; and if he will make a statement. [60751]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  In their White Paper "A New Deal for Transport", the Government said:"We will prepare a UK airports policy looking some 30 years ahead. This will develop the application to UK airport of the policies set out in this White Paper—of sustainable development, integration with surface transport and contribution to regional growth. It will
  832
  provide the framework within which those concerned can plan for the future with greater certainty. We will consult widely in preparing the new policy and will take account of the Inspector's report on the Heathrow Terminal 5 inquiry".

  The Government are currently considering the precise scope and timing of the airports policy statement in their White Paper "A New Deal for Transport", and will announce their conclusions in due course.

  London Underground Delays
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the causes of disruption and delays on London Underground in the past year, with particular reference to shortages of spare parts. [60743]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The figures for cause of delays, of 2 minutes and over, on London Underground during the year 1997–98 and in the 32 weeks of the year 1998–99 so far, are set out in the table under the categories London Transport record:

  Cause

  Delays in 1997–98

  Delays in 1998–99 (First 32 weeks only)

  Antisocial behaviour

  5,645

  3,172

  Passenger ill/injured

  676

  462

  Person on track

  375

  241

  Unattended luggage

  482

  198

  Terminus management

  8,315

  6,823

  Driving technique

  747

  511

  Possession overrun

  114

  92

  Signals/point

  2,827

  1,371

  Other track

  907

  473

  Rolling stock

  18,088

  11,241

  All other incidents

  1,427

  847

  Total

  39,603

  25,431

  LT do not separately log delays due to a shortage of spare parts. This information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Standards of Performance Scheme
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the Government's examination of the possibility of an extension of the standards of performance scheme will include consultation with(a) consumers', energy efficiency and environmental organisations and (b) the energy industry; and if he will place a copy of the accompanying paper in the Library. [60650]

  Mr. Meale
  As indicated in "UK Climate Change Programme—Consultation Paper", the Government are exploring with the energy industry and others the possibility of promoting energy efficiency through a new standards of performance scheme. Discussions will include consumers', energy efficiency and environmental organisations. I have placed in the Library a copy of the discussion note on the issues circulated to the industry and others.

  Genetically Modified Organisms
  Ms Drown
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the dates of meetings over the last year, which he has held
  833
  about genetically modified organisms with (a) companies, indicating the name of the company in each case, (b) environmental non-Governmental organisations and (c) English Nature. [60603]

  Mr. Meale
  I refer to the answer given by the then Under-Secretary, my hon. Friend the Member of Wallesey (Angela Eagle), on 20 May 1998,Official Report, column 369. Since that date, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions has had no meetings to discuss genetically modified organisms. My right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment has had the following meetings:

  Date

  (a)

  Monsanto

  14 October

  British Society of Plant Breeders (SCIMAC group)

  5 November

  (b)

  Green Alliance

  2 June

  RSPB

  2 June

  Nuffield Council on Bioethics

  7 October

  Genetics Forum

  15 October

  (c)

  English Nature

  2 June

  Genetically Modified Crops
  Ms Drown
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has for a certification scheme to regulate the commercial release of genetically modified crops. [60602]

  Mr. Meale
  Commercial release of genetically modified crops is regulated under part VI of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release) Regulations 1992 (amended). Together these implement European Directive 90/220/EEC (Amended) on the Deliberate Release of Genetically Modified Organisms. Under this regulatory framework genetically modified crops cannot be released commercially without prior marketing consent within the European Community. Applications for marketing consent are underpinned by a detailed risk assessment of the genetically modified crop and its intended use.

  Ms Drown
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to license commercial releases of genetically modified crops in 1999; which genetically modified crops will be released in that year; and what form the scientific evidence from the farm-scale trials will take. [60605]

  Mr. Meale
  The commercial release of genetically modified crops is licenced at European Community level under part C (marketing consent) of Directive 90/220/EEC. No decision has been made about which crops will be included in the farm-scale evaluations in 1999, but we expect that they will include Plant Genetic System's herbicide tolerant oilseed rape (European Community refs C/GB/94/M1/1 and C/GB/95/05–01 A and B). The specification and scientific details of the ecological monitoring of farm-scale plantings of GM crops are still in the early stage of development. An announcement will be made in due course.

  Millennium Compliance
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures he is taking to ensure that local authorities are prepared in respect of the millennium bug. [60437]

  Mr. Raynsford
  We attach the highest importance to all councils being properly prepared to deal with the millennium bug. To pursue this we are working closely with the Local Government Association, the Local Government Management Board and the Audit Commission. My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister has, jointly with Sir Jeremy Beecham, Chairman of the Local Government Association, written twice this year to each council leader stressing the importance of their taking action. Council leaders have been asked specifically to sign Pledge 2000 and to nominate a senior member to take public responsibility for seeing that action on the Millennium Bug issue is driven forward throughout their local authority.

  Waste Paper Sludge
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what consultation his Department proposes to hold on new controls for the disposal to landspreading of waste paper sludge; and if he will make a statement. [60675]

  Mr. Meale
  The landspreading of waste paper sludge is mostly carried out, as a waste recovery operation, under the terms of the exemption from waste management licensing in paragraph 7 of Schedule 3 to the Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994. We have given a commitment to review this exemption in the light of research carried out to develop further the criteria that determine in what circumstances the landspreading of waste benefits agriculture or results in ecological improvement. Copies of the research report on the "Investigation Of The Criteria For, And Guidance On, The Landspreading Of Industrial Waste" have been placed in the library of the House.

  The present position is that the Environment Agency is considering the project's findings and aims to make its recommendations to us shortly. Following receipt and consideration of the Agency's recommendations we intend to carry out a public consultation exercise on the revision of the landspreading controls in the 1994 Regulations.

  New Deal
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the number of people taken on under the New Deal arrangements by non-departmental bodies in receipt of financial support from his Department. [60528]

  Mr. Meale
  Non-departmental public bodies are encouraged to participate as an employer in New Deal. Information on the numbers of people taken under the New Deal by non-departmental public bodies is not held centrally.

  Rail Users Consultative Committees
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what
  835
  assessment he has made of the adequacy of the staffing and information technology available to the Rail Users Consultative Committees. [60809]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The responsibility for the Rail Users' Consultative Committees and the Central Rail Users' Consultative Committee rests with the Office of the Rail Regulator.

  Following a request from that Office, I have agreed that my officials should undertake a staff inspection of these Committees. Work on this began earlier this week.

  Sellafield
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, North (Ms Walley) of 16 November 1998,Official Report, column 349, if he will list the authors of the representations on the Environment Agency decisions on Sellafield, and if they were in favour of or opposed to the recommendations; and what representations he received in the two months prior to the release of the Environment Agency documents concerning the Sellafield mox plant or discharge authorisations. [60682]

  Mr. Meacher
  I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Landfill Tax Credit
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of landfill tax credit as a means of supporting projects beneficial to the environment; and if he will review the entitlement of local authority schemes to benefit from the credit. [60698]

  Mr. Meale
  The Government welcome the strong support for the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme expressed by respondents to their review of the tax last year. The scheme is proving to be a success with £72 million contributed towards environmental bodies in the last financial year (1997–98).

  My Department is presently fully involved in reviewing the scheme to consider whether it could further be improved and in particular whether it could be amended to bring recycling within its scope, for example to support Local Authority recycling. If any changes result from this review they will be announced in Spring 1999.

  Great Western Train Services
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 2 November 1998,Official Report, column 306, on the punctuality of Great Western train services, if he will provide a breakdown of the total punctuality and cancellation payments made by the company to date between the three categories identified in his answer. [60621]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Under their incentive regime Great Western Trains pay approximately £125,000 per period up front as a benchmark figure. Depending on performance they then receive money back or pay OPRAF a further sum. The up front payments to the end of September amount to £765,753. They have paid a836
  further £486,000 for cancellations and delays of over 20 minutes. It is not possible to provide a more detailed breakdown because of commercial confidentiality.

  Mortgage Repossessions
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment his Department has made of the benefits of a public-private partnership approach to reducing the number of mortgage repossessions. [60718]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Government recognise that providing protection for home buyers experiencing difficulty with their mortgage payments is an area where closer co-operation between the Government and lenders and insurers could be fruitful. We are exploring with the Council of Mortgage Lenders and the Association of British Insurers their proposals for closer integration of an improved private sector safety net with the existing state support.

  Oil Production Vessels
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will review his policy in respect of health and safety measures on oil production vessels; and if he will make a statement. [60807]

  Mr. Meale
  Health and safety measures on all offshore oil and gas installations, including production vessels, in UK waters are kept under constant review by the Health and Safety Commission and its Executive. These installations are subject to a modern regime of goal-setting health and safety regulations introduced in response to Lord Cullen's recommendations following the Piper Alpha disaster in July 1988. In particular, no installation may operate in UK waters without a safety case which has been accepted by the Executive. The effectiveness of this regime is currently being evaluated. If as a result of this evaluation the Commission decides to make proposals for further health and safety measures offshore I will given them the most serious consideration.

  Planning (Minerals)
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps will be taken to integrate the planning of mineral requirements with the development of regional bodies. [60815]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The primary responsibility for mineral planning in England will remain with the county and unitary councils, which are the mineral planning authorities. But the extraction of minerals is already one of the topics covered in Regional Planning Guidance. This will continue under the new arrangements for the preparation of this guidance by the regional planning bodies, working with the Government Offices and regional stakeholders. We shall also be consulting next year on how the present arrangements for the sub-regional apportionment of the national guidelines on the provision of construction aggregates should be adapted to take account of the development of a stronger system of regional planning.

  Sustainable Development
  Dr. Whitehead
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he intends to publish his proposals for a set of headline indicators of sustainable development. [60844]

  Mr. Prescott
  I will be publishing my proposals in a consultation paper, entitled `Sustainability counts', on Monday 23 November 1998. Copies of this paper will be placed in the Library of the House. The indicators will cover economic, social and environmental issues, reflecting the broad objectives of sustainable development. I hope they will help people to understand what sustainable development means, and that they will be reported regularly on television, radio and in the newspapers.

  Buenos Aires Conference
  Ms Ryan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the outcome of the Buenos Aires climate change conference. [60842]

  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on progress made at the Buenos Aires climate change conference. [60845]

  Mr. Prescott
  We achieved very significant progress in Buenos Aires.

  Decisions were needed at COP 4 to prepare for the future entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol and, to strengthen the implementation of the Convention itself. It was also crucial to maintain the political momentum of Kyoto and to send out a clear signal that Governments are serious about tackling the threat of climate change.

  The Conference achieved those goals. After extended negotiations, in which the UK again played a major role, we were able to reach agreement on a number of key issues. The most important of these was adoption of a decision setting out a work programme to put in place rules for the operation of the "Kyoto mechanisms". These mechanisms—emissions trading, joint implementation and the clean development mechanism—will have an important role to play in support of domestic action to enable countries to meet their Kyoto targets. The decision agreed a two year deadline for completion of the work.

  Date

  Destination

  Purpose

  Numbers accompanying Minister

  3 May 1997

  Kensington Palace

  Privy Council meeting

  3

  23 July 1997

  Manchester

  Local Government Association first Annual Conference

  1—

  27 October 1997

  Luxembourg/Copenhagen/Oslo

  Pre UK Presidency Bilateral

  4

  20 November 1997

  Villaconblay/Frankfurt/Stockholm

  Pre UK Presidency Bilateral

  3

  24 November 1997

  Lisbon/Madrid/Amsterdam/Vienna

  Pre UK Presidency Bilateral

  4

  22 January 1998

  Riga

  Heads of Government meeting of the Baltic Sea States

  2

  23 March 1998

  Brussels

  Environment Council Meeting

  2

  29 June 1998

  Brussels

  Environment Council Meeting

  5

  16 August 1998

  Omagh

  Visit Omagh following bomb attack

  3

  22 August 1998

  Omagh

  Attend Omagh Memorial Service

  3

  26 September 1998

  Blackpool

  Switch on Illuminations

  1

  1Shared flight with Chancellor—accompanied by 4 DETR officials

  838
  We also secured agreement on elements of a workplan and a target date for completion of important procedures and guidelines on other key issues—such as a comprehensive compliance regime, including the strengthening of systems for compiling and reporting national inventories of greenhouse gas emissions and for the review of countries' performance in meeting commitments.

  We were also able to agree a package of measures to enhance the technological and financial assistance which we are committed to providing developing countries.

  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals were agreed to at the Buenos Aires conference on climate change to(a) monitor, (b) regulate and (c) enforce (i) reforestation programmes and (ii) carbon trading; and if he will make a statement. [60846]

  Mr. Prescott
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my response in the Library.

  Ministerial Travel
  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the occasions since 1 May 1997 on which a Minister in his Department has used(a) an aircraft belonging to the RAF and (b) a privately chartered aircraft together with (i) details of the take-off and destination points, (ii) ground waiting time, (iii) dates of departure and return, (iv) purpose of the trip, (v) cost of the trip to his Department and (vi) details of people accompanying the Minister, indicating the total costs of all such travel borne by his Department (1) since 1 May 1997 and (2) between 1 May 1996 and 1 May 1997. [55551]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  [holding answer 19 November 1998]: This question could be answered in full only at disproportionate cost. Ministers are required under the terms of the Ministerial Code always to make efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements. The rules on travel for Ministers are the same as those that applied under the previous Administration.

  The volume of travel by RAF aircraft reflects our Presidency of the European Union. Between 2 May 1997 and 30 September 1998, Ministers in this Department have used RAF aircraft on the following occasions:
  839
  The average cost to the Department of the flights taken to meet these trips for the 17 months between May 1997 and September 1998 is £3,063.

  My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister, travelled by a privately chartered aircraft to Calcutta on 11 September 1997 to represent the UK Government at the funeral of Mother Theresa. He was accompanied by 2 of his staff and a member of the Royal Family and her staff. There was no cost to the Department.

TREASURY

  IMF and World Bank (Voting)
  Mr. Rowe
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take steps to encourage formal votes to be taken and the results published in(a) the IMF and (b) World bank.[57829]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 11 November 1998]: In common with the Executive Boards of other International Financial Institutions (IFIs), the Executive Boards of the IMF and World bank aim to operate by consensus, and formal votes are rare. My right hon. Friends the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for International Development, as Governors of the IMF and World bank respectively, have no plans to encourage formal votes to be taken. However, they have called upon all IFIs to adopt a presumption in favour of release of information, except where this might compromise confidentiality.

  In their statement of 30 October, G7 Executive Directors of the IMF called on the IMF to provide that full written summaries on a broader range of Executive Board meetings were made available to the public by issuing Public Information Notices following a discussion of: an IMF program or program review in which there is a Letter of Intent (LOI), Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or Policy Framework Paper (PFP); changes in general Fund policy; and Article IV consultations. They called for IMF policies to make provision for the timely release of LOIs, MOUs, or PFPs following Board consideration.

  Social Security
  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will account for the increase in forecast of social security contributions for 1999–2000, 2000–01 and 2001–02 between Table B8 of the Financial Statement and Budget report 1998 and Table B9 of the pre-Budget report. [59098]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 10 November 1998]: As paragraph B1 of the Report said, national insurance contributions have been especially buoyant in the first half of the year. Higher than expected outturns in the first half of 1998–99 are assumed to carry forward into future years. The forecasts of social security contributions as a per cent. of GDP are little changed since the Budget, reflecting upward revisions to the projections of money GDP (see table B5 of the Pre-Budget Report and table BI of the FSBR).
  840
  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the effect on the forecast social security contributions in Table B9 of the pre-Budget report if the employee and employer national insurance contribution starting points were uprated each year in line with inflation. [59099]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 10 November 1998]: The Pre-Budget Report projections for social security contributions assume that lower and upper earnings limits are uprated annually in line with inflation.

  Millennium Compliance
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the problems which have arisen in(a) his Department, (b) his agencies and (c) other public bodies for which his Department is responsible arising from millennium compliance; if he will make a statement on progress to date in tackling such problems; and what are the priority areas for remedial work. [60065]

  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the conclusions of Taskforce 2000 published on 11 November in respect of his Department's most recent quarterly return on plans and progress towards Year 2000 readiness. [60212]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answers 17 and 18 November 1998]: The Year 2000 problem is being addressed as the highest priority in all the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Departments.

  Progress in these Departments is reported to Parliament on a quarterly basis. The results of the next quarterly review will be announced shortly to the House and copies of the latest quarterly returns will be placed in the Library of the House and published on the Internet.

  Observations by organisations such as Taskforce 2000 are taken very seriously and are taken into account by management in assessing the work that still remains to be done and how it should be taken forward.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what allocations have been made to date from the Contingency Reserve in relation to the millennium computer problem in(a) Her Majesty's Treasury and (b) other departments; and if he will make a statement. [59947]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 17 November 1998]: No allocations have been made from the Reserve in relation to the costs of ensuring Year 2000 compliance for IT systems either in HM Treasury or elsewhere in Government. The millennium computer problem has long been anticipated and departments are expected to deal with it within existing resources.

  Vehicle Excise Duty
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what research he has commissioned on the effects of different forms of variable vehicle excise duty; and when he will publish the results. [60151]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 18 November 1998]: The options on reforming vehicle excise duty are set out in the consultation document published on 3 November, which will inform the next Budget.

  International Monetary Fund
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the measure announced in the G7 statement in respect of making countries borrowing from the IMF treat foreign and domestic debtors alike. [59442]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 18 November 1998]: On 30 October 1998, IMF Executive Directors of the G7 issued a statement on the work programme for strengthening the architecture of the international monetary system. The G7 IMF Executive Directors' statement complemented the Declaration of G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors issued the same day. With the support of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, G7 IMF Executive Directors called for the policies on the use of IMF resources to include requirements that the borrower, in accordance with a schedule for action, adopt policies to provide a legal basis for non-discriminatory treatment in insolvency proceedings between domestic and foreign creditors and for debtors and other concerned persons.

  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps the Government are taking to improve the transparency of IMF accounting practices. [56527]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 26 October 1998]: The IMF's financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and are certified as representing a true and fair view of the Fund's financial position by an external audit committee.

  My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has encouraged the IMF to continue looking for ways to improve the format, readability and clarity of their financial data.

  The IMF Executive Board recently decided to publish on a monthly basis, information on the IMF's financial resources and liquidity position. The latest copy of the table and explanatory note have been placed in the House of Commons Library.

  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is Her Majesty's Government's policy on(a) a revaluation and (b) the sale of the IMF's gold reserves. [56524]

  Ms Hewitt
  The UK Government support, and have been pressing for, the sale of a proportion of the IMF gold reserves to provide financing for the HIPC initiative. The UK will continue to press for gold sales in the IMF Executive Board. Gold sales require the approval of the Executive Board by a majority of 85 per cent., and we are therefore working closely with other members at the IMF to secure Board approval. We would expect gold to be sold on the basis of market prices, in line with the provisions set out in the IMF Articles of Agreement.

  The IMF can use its gold only by selling it. Under the Second Amendment to the IMF Articles of Agreement, it cannot use gold in loans, leases or as collateral in transactions and operations. Revaluation of gold in the IMF accounts would not therefore provide any additional resources for IMF lending or financing.
  842
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate his Department has made of the interest forgone on that part of the UK's reserves that are notionally allocated to the IMF. [56523]

  Ms Hewitt
  The latest estimate, made last year, is that the cost of IMF membership to the UK averages £38 million per annum. This primarily reflects the interest forgone on reserves.

  Single European Currency
  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to introduce a co-ordinated Government public information campaign about the implications of the introduction of the single European currency. [58915]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 18 November 1998]: The Government's communication campaign on the euro is not a general public information campaign but is specifically targeted at ensuring that UK businesses, especially small and medium firms, are aware of the implications of the introduction of the single currency from 1 January 1999 and have the information they need to address the issues arising from this.

  Public Service Agreements
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to publish the public service agreements between departments and the Treasury; and if he will make a statement. [59424]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 12 November 1998]: The Public Service Agreements will be published next month.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what external scrutiny of performance against public service agreements is planned; and if he will make a statement.[59425]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 12 November 1998]: The public service agreements will set out clear objectives and performance and efficiency targets for public services. Performance against these objectives and targets will be reported annually to Parliament and the public.

  Privatisations
  Ms Osborne
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many previous privatisations have involved Government golden shares; and how many of these remain. [59958]

  Mr. Geoffrey Robinson
  [holding answer 18 November 1998]: The Government have issued 51 golden shares in privatisations. Most of the temporary golden shares have since expired. The table shows the Government's remaining holdings of 20 golden shares in privatised companies.

  UK Government's holdings of golden shares

  Company

  Expires

  Cable & Wireless

  Non time limited

  Sealink Stena Line

  Non time limited

  British Aerospace

  Non time limited

  VSEL Consortium

  Non time limited

  BG plc.

  Non time limited

  Rolls Royce

  Non time limited

  BAA

  Non time limited

  National Grid Group

  Non time limited

  843

  UK Government's holdings of golden shares

  Company

  Expires

  National Power

  Non time limited

  PowerGen

  Non time limited

  Scottish Power

  Non time limited

  Scottish Hydro Electric

  Non time limited

  Northern Ireland Electricity

  Non time limited

  Belfast International Airport

  Non time limited

  British Energy

  1Non time limited

  Nuclear Electric

  Non time limited

  Scottish Nuclear

  Non time limited

  AEA Technology

  30 September 1999

  Rosyth Royal Dockyard

  (On completion of nuclear works)

  Devonport Royal Dockyard

  (On completion of nuclear works)

  1 but may he redeemed after 30 September 2006

  Smuggling (Petroleum Products)
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the(a) tonnage, (b) retail value, (c) excise duty content and (d) liability for VAT of (1) petroleum products and (2) diesel products subject to cross border smuggling into Northern Ireland for each year since 1995. [60435]

  Ms Hewitt
  No. HM Customs and Excise do not publish such information.

  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many vehicles have been impounded by HM Customs and Excise for alleged smuggling of petroleum products into Northern Ireland; and what was the tonnage of fuel carried for each of the last three years. [60637]

  Dawn Primarolo
  In 1998 to date, 48 vehicles have been seized by Customs for alleged smuggling of petroleum products into Northern Ireland. In addition 412,598 litres of fuel have been seized, with admission of smuggling of a further 24,195,569 litres.

  The problem of petroleum smuggling into Northern Ireland has been evident only since late 1997 and indeed this is the reverse of the situation which existed a few years ago when people from the Republic of Ireland would travel to Northern Ireland to purchase cheaper fuel. There were no seizures of vehicles or fuel in years prior to 1998.

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many successful prosecutions there have been in 1998 for smuggling petroleum products into Northern Ireland. [60436]

  Ms Hewitt
  There have been 2 successful prosecutions to date, with a further 10 cases with the Director of Public Prosecutions (Northern Ireland) awaiting trial. The successful prosecutions resulted in a fine of £3,500 and an 18 months suspended sentence. In addition, arrears of £500,000 of duty were recovered and costs of £25,000 awarded.

  In 1998 to date, Customs have seized 48 vehicles and 412,598 litres of fuel, with admissions of smuggling a further 24,195,569 litres. A total of 25 people have been arrested and 6 cases have been the subject of compound penalties to a total of £59,300 and arrears of duty of £200,000. Wherever possible, cases are progressed with a view to criminal prosecution of the individuals involved.
  844
  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many successful prosecutions there have been in each of the last three years for smuggling petroleum products into Northern Ireland. [60636]

  Ms Hewitt
  These have been two successful prosecutions in 1998 to date, with a further ten cases with a Director of Public Prosecutions (Northern Ireland) awaiting trial. The successful prosecutions resulted in a fine of £3,500 and an 18 months suspended sentence. In addition arrears of £500,000 of duty were recovered and costs of £25,000 awarded.

  The problem of petroleum smuggling into Northern Ireland has been evident only since 1997 and indeed this is the reverse of situation which existed a few years ago when people from the Republic of Ireland would travel to Northern Ireland to purchase cheaper fuel. There were no prosecutions for smuggling of petroleum in years prior to 1998.

  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer for what reasons his Ministers have declined to meet the President and officers of the Petrol Retailers Association to discuss petroleum smuggling in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [60639]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Petrol Retailers have met with officials, and with Customs staff in Northern Ireland. Ministers have been fully briefed by officials and are aware of the representations that have been made.

  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what measures he is taking to tackle cross-border smuggling of petroleum products into Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [60638]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Government and Customs are both aware of this problem and recognise that it is serious in revenue terms and, just as importantly, disadvantages legitimate traders. Customs are deploying resources and actively mounting investigations against those involved to counter the threat posed to the revenue and to the Northern Ireland business community.

  Cross-border issues such as this are common throughout the European Union and are a powerful argument for the programme to harmonise further duty rates between Member States. One of the ways to achieve this is by increasing EU minimum rates and this Government continue to press for this.

  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what meetings have taken place between Ministers or officials and their Irish counterparts to discuss the smuggling of petroleum products into Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [60635]

  Dawn Primarolo
  No meetings have taken place between Ministers and their Irish counterparts to discuss the smuggling of petroleum products into Northern Ireland. However, meetings have taken place between operational staff. Where inquiries have extended to the Republic of Ireland jurisdiction requests have been made by Customs under the Convention for Mutual Assistance between Member States of the EU to the Irish Customs Investigation Branch for discovery of documentation at premises of oils suppliers in the Republic of Ireland to support intended criminal proceedings in Northern Ireland.

  Working Families Tax Credit
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer where a couple have opted that the working families tax credit is to be paid to a male earner, how a female parent with care will ensure that payment is transferred to her following the breakdown of the relationship; and if he will estimate the length of time such a transfer will take. [60511]

  Dawn Primarolo
  In the situation described, the remaining partner either would claim Working Families Tax Credit themselves or, if they were not working, could claim Income Support or Job Seeker's Allowance. This will ensure that the support the remaining partner receives is appropriate to her personal circumstances, and the deserting partner's claim for WFTC is ended. How long this would take would depend on how quickly the remaining partner made the claim.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the proportion of those couples who will be entitled to the working families tax credit where the female partner is the principal earner. [60539]

  Dawn Primarolo
  It is estimated that about 20 per cent. of couples entitled to the Working Families Tax Credit will have the female partner as the main earner, and that about 90 per cent. of lone parents entitled to the Working Families Tax Credits will be female.

  Indonesia
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the total loans by(a) the IMF and (b) the World Bank to Indonesia have been in each year since 1995; what (i) environmental, (ii) human rights and (iii) economic conditions were applied; and what monitoring has taken place in respect of these conditions. [57515]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 2 November 1998]: Total loan disbursements from the IMF and World Bank to Indonesia since 1995 (US$ millions) are as follows:

  IMF

  World Bank

  1995

  —

  1,144

  1996

  —

  959

  1997

  3,000

  916

  1998 (expected)

  5,500

  659

  Note:
  (a) (i) No environmental conditions are attached to IFM loans.
  (ii) No human rights conditions are attached to IMF loans.
  (iii) IMF financing to Indonesia has been conditioned on a programme of economic adjustment, involving a macroeconomic framework conducive to the return of economic and financial stability, a comprehensive strategy to restructure the financial sector, further trade and capital account liberalisation, and improvements in corporate structure and governance.
  (b) (i) All World Bank projects and programmes take account of environmental guidelines issued by the World Bank and agreed by the Board. A copy of the guidelines has been placed in the House of Commons Library.
  (ii) No human rights conditions are attached to World Bank loans.
  (iii) Different conditions are applied to different projects and programmes; adjustment operations in countries affected by crisis typically focus on mitigating the effects on the poorest groups in society and on promoting structural reforms.

  Conditions for both IMF and World Bank programmes are monitored carefully, and their fulfilment is a requirement for the release of subsequent loan tranches.

  Malaysia
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the total loans by(a) the IMF and (b) the World Bank have been since 1995 to Malaysia; what (i) environmental, (ii) human rights and (iii) economic conditions were applied; and what monitoring has taken place in respect of these conditions. [57522]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 2 November 1998]: Total loan disbursements by the IMF and World Bank to Malaysia since 1995 (US$ million) are as follows:

  IMF

  ld Bank

  1995

  —

  28.9

  1996

  —

  6.0

  1997

  —

  9.1

  1998 (expected)

  —

  339.9

  (a) Malaysia has not had an IMF programme in the years since 1995, and so has not received any disbursements from the IMF.
  (b) (i) All World Bank projects and programmes take account of environmental guidelines issued by the World Bank and agreed by the Board. A copy of the guidelines has been placed in the House of Commons library.
  (ii) No human rights conditions are attached to World Bank loans.
  (iii) Different conditions are applied to different projects and programmes; adjustment operations in countries affected by crisis typically focus on mitigating the effects on the poorest groups in society and on promoting structural reforms.

  Conditions are monitored carefully, and their fulfilment is a requirement for the release of subsequent loan tranches.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish the terms of reference of the second review by Sir Malcolm Bates of the Private Finance Initiative. [60686]

  Mr. Geoffrey Robinson
  The terms of reference of the review to be conducted by Sir Malcolm Bates were set out in a Press Notice issued by the Treasury on 12 November 1998.

  Mr. Caplin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish figures showing(a) the total value of private sector investment in the period covered by the comprehensive spending review, resulting from PFI projects and (b) the public spending commitments from 1999–2000 onwards resulting from PFI projects signed or expected to be signed by the end of the comprehensive spending review period. [60837]

  Mr. Geoffrey Robinson
  The figures are set out in the tables.

  Total capital investment by private sector

  £million

  Sponsor Department

  1998–99

  1999–00

  2000–01

  2001–02

  Defence

  340

  300

  220

  220

  Foreign Office and Overseas Development

  20

  30

  0

  0

  Agriculture1

  50

  20

  20

  10

  Trade and Industry2,3

  30

  50

  20

  10

  Environment, Transport and the Regions

  470

  1,050

  940

  1,160

  Education and Employmene4,5

  10

  20

  30

  10

  Home Office

  70

  270

  280

  190

  Legal Departments

  30

  30

  20

  10

  Culture. Media and Sport

  10

  20

  10

  0

  847

  Total capital investment by private sector

  £million

  Sponsor Department

  1998–99

  1999–00

  2000–01

  2001–02

  Health

  310

  610

  740

  690

  Social Security

  90

  260

  170

  20

  Scotland

  310

  520

  320

  60

  Wales

  110

  150

  120

  70

  Northern Ireland

  20

  40

  60

  20

  Chancellors Departments

  30

  50

  30

  20

  Local Authorities5

  300

  600

  600

  600

  Total

  2,200

  4,020

  3.580

  3,090

  1Includes Forestry Commission

  2 In June 1998 the Deputy Prime Minister announced that the CTRL deal was being restructured. The figures above reflect the current most likely profile for private sector investment although the profile may change as result of on-going negotiations. A further announcement will be made to Parliament on the outcome of the current negotiations in due course.

  3 In addition substantial private sector investment is levered in through housing, urban generation and other programmes.

  4 Excludes PFUPPP activity in education institutions classified to the private sector. The estimated total capital investment for major PFUPPP projects for these institutions is expected to be £93m in 1998–99

  5PFI in Local Authority schools is included in the Local Authorities line

  Public Sector Spending Commitments

  Year

  £million

  1999–00

  1,580

  2000–01

  2,030

  2001–02

  2,390

  2002–03

  2,780

  2003–04

  2,990

  2004–05

  3,240

  2005–06

  3,220

  2006–07

  3,200

  2007–08

  3,130

  2008–09

  3,010

  2009–10

  3,040

  2010–11

  3,090

  2011–12

  3,120

  2012–13

  3,020

  2013–14

  2,810

  2014–15

  2,770

  2015–16

  2,560

  2016–17

  2,560

  2017–18

  2,540

  2018–19

  2,110

  2019–20

  2,110

  2020–21

  2,080

  2021–22

  2,110

  2022–23

  2,030

  2023–24

  1,920

  2024–25

  1,860

  2025–26

  1,530

  2026–27

  1.400

  European Central Bank
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the cost of meeting the United Kingdom's liability to pay up 5 per cent. of its shares in the subscribed capital of the European Central Bank. [60792]

  Ms Hewitt
  In accordance with Article 48 of the ESCB Statute and Paragraph 9c of Protocol No. 11 to the EC Treaty, and following the decision of the ECB General Council in September 1998, the Bank of England will pay 848
  up 36,777,250 euro to cover its share in the ECB's subscribed capital. This payment will be offset against the proceeds of the liquidation of the EMI.

  UK Productivity Report
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total cost to public funds of the report on United Kingdom productivity which he commissioned from the consultants McKinsey and Company; what is the length of the main report submitted; and what is the cost per page.[60649]

  Mr. Geoffrey Robinson
  The Government did not commission the report. It was independently produced. There was no cost to the public purse of the report on productivity by McKinsey and Company.

  Labour Statistics
  Mr. Pond
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will list for April 1998 the number and proportion of (1) part-time manual, (2) part-time non-manual and (3) all part-time employees on adult rates earning less than (A) £3.51, (B) £4.79, (C) £6.38 and (D) £6.90 per hour excluding overtime for(a) men, (b) women and (c) both sexes and for (i) each county and unitary authority in England, (ii) each unitary authority in Wales, (iii) each London borough, (iv) each unitary authority in Scotland, (v) Great Britain as a whole, (vi) England as a whole and (vii) each Government Office region; [60442]

  (2) if he will list for April 1998 the number and proportion of (1) full-time manual, (2) full-time non-manual and (3) all full-time employees on adult rates earning less than (A) £3.51, (B) £4.79, (C) £6.38 and (D) £6.90 per hour excluding overtime for (a) men, (b) women and (c) both sexes and for (i) each county and unitary authority in England, (ii) each unitary authority in Wales, (iii) each London borough, (iv) each unitary authority in Scotland, (v) Great Britain as a whole,
  (vi) England as a whole and (vii) each Government Office region. [60443]

  Ms Hewitt
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Director of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Chris Pond, dated 19 November 1998:
  As the Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent parliamentary questions on earnings information for a range of geographical areas.
  The latest available information, from the New Earnings Survey (NES) April 1998, is contained in the attached tables. These tables are voluminous and copies of them are being placed in the Library of the House rather than reproduced in Hansard.

  Caroline Flint
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the number of people in the Don Valley constituency who have changed employment in the most recent 12-month period for which figures are available; and what proportion of the total workforce they comprise. [60453]

  Ms Hewitt
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Director of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to reply.
  849
  Letter from Tim Holt to Caroline Flint, dated 18 November 1998:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent parliamentary question on employment in the Don Valley constituency.
  The Labour Force Survey (LFS) is the ONS's major source of labour market data on individuals. It can provide information on whether people have changed jobs in the previous 12 months. However, no LFS data is available at constituency level, and no data below county level is available for such analyses. As with any sample survey estimates from the LFS are subject to sampling error and such analyses of data below county level would not produce reliable estimates. Unfortunately no other official source can provide the information requested either.

  Ministerial Travel
  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the occasions since 1 May 1997 on which a Minister in his Department has used(a) an aircraft belonging to the RAF and (b) a privately chartered aircraft together with (i) details of take-off and destination points, (ii) ground waiting time, (iii) dates of departure and return, (iv) purpose of the trip, (v) cost of the trip to his Department and (vi) details of people accompanying the Minister, indicating the total costs of all such travel borne by his Department (1) since 1 May 1997 and (2) between 1 May 1996 and 1 May 1997. [58587]

  Mr. Gordon Brown
  Treasury Ministers have made use of non-scheduled special flights for travel to and from various official meetings. All arrangements for these flights are in line with the Ministerial Code and Cabinet Office guidance on travel by Ministers.

  Independent Financial Advisers
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the additional costs that will he incurred by independent financial advisers consequent upon phase 2 of the Financial Service Review of Pensions. [60763]

  Ms Hewitt
  This is a matter for the Financial Services Authority.

  Pre-Budget Report
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will explain the phrase"the context of room for manoeuvre"
  used in paragraph A5 of the Pre-Budget Report. [60685]

  Ms Hewitt
  The phrase used in paragraph A5 is based on the Treasury paper "Delivering Economic Stability: Lessons from Macroeconomic Policy Experience" which was published alongside the Pre-Budget Report.

  Dividends (Tax Credit)
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the hon. Members and peers who have made representations to his Department on the ability of non-taxpaying individuals to reclaim the tax credit on dividends. [60684]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The information requested is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Euro (Cross-party Committee)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on his proposed cross-party group of hon. Members to discuss euro preparations. [60687]

  Ms Hewitt
  My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer wrote to each Parliamentary Party on 10 November inviting nominations for representatives for the new Cross-Party Advisory Group on preparations for the euro. Given the importance of ensuring that UK business is prepared for the start of the euro next year, I hope that every Parliamentary Party will wish to be represented on the Group.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he intends to write to the Treasury Spokesmen of Opposition Parties in the House in relation to his plans to establish a cross-party committee to consider preparations for the euro; and if he will make a statement.[60041]

  Ms Hewitt
  My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer wrote to the Treasury spokesmen of each Parliamentary Party on 10 November inviting nominations for representatives for the new Cross-Party Advisory Group on preparations for the euro. Given the importance of ensuring that UK business is prepared for the start of the euro next year, I hope that every Parliamentary Party will wish to be represented on the Group.

  Economic and Monetary Union
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list those organisations invited by the Standing Committee on Preparations for EMU to help to prepare an outline national changeover plan to the single currency. [60633]

  Ms Hewitt
  The following organisations were members of the eight working parties convened to help prepare an outline national changeover plan:

  Age Concern England

  Association of British Insurers

  Association of Convenience Stores

  Association for Payment Clearing Services

  Bank of England

  Bedfordshire County Council

  Bradford and Bingley Building Society

  British Bankers' Association

  British Chambers of Commerce

  British Retail Consortium

  Building Societies Association

  Cabinet Office

  Centrica Plc.

  Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy

  Confederation of British Industry

  Consumers' Association

  Convention of Scottish Local Authorities

  Council for Travel and Tourism

  Department for Education and Employment

  Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions

  Department of Health

  Department of National Savings

  851

  Department of Social Security

  Department of Trade and Industry

  Empire Stores Group

  Engineering Employers Federation

  Federation of Private Business

  Federation of Small Businesses

  Financial Services Authority

  Foreign and Commonwealth Office

  Freight Transport Association

  Halifax Building Society Plc.

  Home Office

  HM Customs and Excise

  Inland Revenue

  Institute of Directors

  John Lewis Partnership

  Local Government Association

  Midland Bank

  National Federation of Retail Newsagents

  NatWest Group

  Northern Ireland Office

  Norwich Union Plc.

  PAL International

  Petroleum Industry Association

  Post Office Counters Ltd.

  Royal Mint

  Royal National Institute for the Blind

  J. Sainsburys

  Scottish Office

  Securitas UK Ltd.

  Selfridges Ltd.

  Severn Trent Plc.

  Treasury Solicitor

  Welsh Office

  Whitbread Restaurants

  Wimpey International Ltd.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the consequences of Sweden's non-inclusion in Phase 3 of EMU for the precondition of two years membership of the ERM prior to any UK participation in EMU. [60004]

  Ms Hewitt
  The Government note that the Council Decision of 3 May avoided a mechanical approach, allowing for the exercise of judgment provided by the Treaty. The decision that Finland and Italy met the conditions to join the single currency, though neither country had been a member of the ERM for two years, demonstrates this exercise of judgment.

  The Council Decision of 3 May, stated that Sweden did not fulfil the necessary conditions for adoption of the single currency for a number of reasons, including the incompatibility of national legislation with the requirements of the Treaty and the Statute of the ESCB.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if applicant members of the EU incapable of joining stage 3 of EMU on accession will be required to participate in an exchange rate mechanism. [59809]
  852
  Ms Hewitt
  The current applicants to the EU are neither required to adopt the euro immediately on accession, nor required to join an exchange rate mechanism.

  Monetary Policy Committee
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much each member of the Monetary Policy Committee is paid for their services. [59529]

  Ms Hewitt
  The pay of the Bank's Governor, Deputy Governors and Executive Directors are set out in the Bank of England Report and Accounts 1998. The pay of external MPC members is a matter for the Bank of England.

  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will enlarge the Monetary Policy Committee to include more people with industrial and manufacturing experience; [59527]

  (2) if he will increase the number of members of the Monetary Policy Committee representing each region of the United Kingdom. [59861]

  Ms Hewitt
  In appointing the members of the MPC, the Chancellor follows the requirement of the Bank of England Act that he be"satisfied that the person has knowledge or experience which is likely to be relevant to the Committee's functions".

  Enhanced Structural Adjustment Facility
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the UK's total exposure in public expenditure terms to the ESAF programme. [56522]

  Ms Hewitt
  The UK has contributed £236.5 million to the ESAF programme. Our projected contribution by 2003 is £310 million.

  Census
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what changes he plans to make to the way the Government categorise people's ethnic origins in the next census. [60486]

  Ms Hewitt
  The Government's proposals for the 2001 Census, including the topics to be covered, and details of the question, relating to ethnicity will be published in a White Paper early next year.

  Smuggling (Alcohol and Tobacco)
  Ms Lawrence
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are his latest estimates of the revenue lost to the Exchequer through(a) smuggling and (b) cross-border shopping of (i) alcohol and (ii) tobacco. [60841]

  Dawn Primarolo
  HM Customs and Excise new estimates for revenue lost (excise duty and VAT) through cross-Channel smuggling in 1998 and cross-border shopping in 1997 are set out in the tables, together with their revised estimates for earlier years.
  853

  Table 1: Revenue lost through cross-Channel smuggling

  £million

  Product type

  1996

  1997

  1998

  Beer

  105

  110

  140

  Wine

  45

  45

  50

  Spirits

  50

  25

  30

  Alcohol

  200

  180

  220

  Hand Rolling Tobacco

  500

  630

  730

  Cigarettes and other tobacco products

  180

  160

  270

  Tobacco

  680

  790

  1,000

  Total

  875

  970

  1,220

  Notes:
  Figures have been independently rounded to £5 million.
  Components may not therefore sum to the totals shown.
  The figures shown use Customs' assumption that between 70 per cent. and 80 per cent. of all alcohol purchased abroad substitutes for similar purchases in the UK.

  Table 2: Revenue lost through cross-border shopping

  £ million

  Product type

  1996

  1997

  Beer

  45

  50

  Wine

  100

  140

  Spirits

  45

  50

  Tobacco Products

  50

  60

  Total

  235

  305

  Notes:
  Figures have been independently rounded to £5 million. Components may not therefore sum to the totals shown.
  The figures shown use Customs' assumption that between 70 per cent. and 80 per cent. of all alcohol purchased abroad substitutes for similar purchases in the UK.

  In addition, Customs and Excise estimate that about £50 million per year is lost through smuggling of cigarettes from non-European Union countries by air passengers.

  The above estimates exclude any amounts for revenue lost on alcoholic drinks and tobacco products smuggled in freight consignments. Customs and Excise have not published any estimates for the extent of these activities.

  A report on Customs' estimates of cross-Channel smuggling and cross-border shopping has been placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Centenarians
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the current number of centenarians by county. [60495]

  Ms Hewitt
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Director of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Michael Jack, dated 19 November 1998:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent parliamentary question asking for the current number of centenarians by county.
  The ONS produces population estimates for local authority districts in England and Wales for all ages up to the age group 85 years and over. Therefore, the centenarians are included in this group and cannot be separately identified.
  The attached table provides the mid-97 population estimates for those aged 85 years and over by county and Unitary Authority.
  854

  Estimated mid-year 1997 resident population, persons 85 and over

  Thousands

  England and Wales

  988.8

  England

  931.1

  Darlington UA

  2.0

  Hartlepool UA

  1.4

  Middlesbrough UA

  2.3

  Redcar and Cleveland UA

  2.0

  Stockton-on-Tees UA

  2.2

  Durham County

  8.2

  Northumberland County

  5.4

  Tyne and Wear Metropolitan County

  19.1

  Former County of Cleveland

  7.9

  Former County of Durham

  10.2

  Cheshire County

  16.1

  Cumbria County

  9.9

  Greater Manchester Metropolitan County

  43.9

  Lancashire County

  29.1

  Merseyside Metropolitan County

  26.0

  East Riding of Yorkshire UA

  6.1

  Kingston upon Hull, City of UA

  4.7

  North East Lincolnshire UA

  2.9

  North Lincolnshire UA

  2.6

  York UA

  3.9

  North Yorkshire County

  13.1

  South Yorkshire Metropolitan County

  22.8

  West Yorkshire Metropolitan County

  37.3

  Former County of Humberside

  16.4

  Former County of North Yorkshire

  17.0

  Derby UA

  4.2

  Leicester UA

  5.2

  Rutland UA

  0.6

  Derbyshire County

  12.8

  Leicestershire County

  10.5

  Lincolnshire County

  12.4

  Northamptonshire County

  10.3

  Nottinghamshire County

  18.0

  Former County of Derbyshire

  17.0

  Former County of Leicestershire

  16.2

  Stoke-on-Trent UA

  4.2

  Hereford and Worcester County

  13.1

  Shropshire County

  7.6

  Staffordshire County

  12.6

  Warwickshire County

  8.4

  West Midlands Metropolitan County

  43.0

  Former County of Staffordshire

  16.8

  Luton UA

  2.2

  Bedfordshire County

  5.6

  Cambridgeshire County

  11.9

  Essex County

  30.1

  Hertfordshire County

  17.5

  Norfolk County

  18.5

  Suffolk County

  14.3

  Former County of Bedfordshire

  7.8

  Greater London

  121.1

  Brighton and Hove UA

  7.1

  Isle of Wight UA

  4.0

  Milton Keynes UA

  2.0

  Portsmouth UA

  4.0

  Southampton UA

  3.9

  Berkshire County

  11.2

  855

  Estimated mid-year 1997 resident population, persons 85 and over

  Thousands

  Buckinghamshire County

  7.7

  East Sussex County

  17.9

  Hampshire County

  22.4

  Kent County

  32.0

  Oxfordshire County

  10.5

  Surrey County

  23.1

  West Sussex County

  21.7

  Former County of Buckinghamshire

  9.7

  Former County of East Sussex

  25.0

  Former County of Hampshire

  30.3

  Former County of Isle of Wight

  4.0

  Bath and North East Somerset UA

  4.1

  Bournemouth UA

  6.2

  Bristol, City of UA

  7.8

  North Somerset UA

  4.9

  Poole UA

  3.8

  South Gloucestershire UA

  3.6

  Swindon UA

  2.4

  Cornwall and Isles of Scilly

  12.2

  Devon County

  29.7

  Dorset County

  11.7

  Gloucestershire County

  11.6

  Somerset County

  11.9

  Wiltshire County

  8.3

  Former County of Avon

  20.3

  Former County of Dorset

  21.7

  Former County of Wiltshire

  10.7

  Wales

  57.8

  Isle of Anglesey UA

  1.4

  Gwynedd UA

  3.0

  Conwy UA

  4.1

  Denbighshire UA

  2.7

  Flintshire UA

  2.3

  Wrexham UA

  2.3

  Powys UA

  2.9

  Ceredigion UA

  1.8

  Pembrokeshire UA

  2.0

  Carmarthenshire UA

  3.8

  Swansea UA

  4.6

  Neath Port Talbot UA

  2.7

  Bridgend UA

  2.4

  The Vale of Glamorgan UA

  2.0

  Rhondda, Cynon, Taff, UA

  3.8

  Merthyr Tydfil UA

  0.9

  Caerphilly UA

  2.4

  Blaenau Gwent UA

  1.3

  Torfaen UA

  1.4

  Monmouthshire UA

  1.9

  Newport UA

  2.3

  Cardiff UA

  5.7

  Notes:

  1. Figures are displayed for local authority boundaries as at 1 April 1997.

  2. Figures may not add exactly because of rounding.

  Source:
  Population Estimates Unit, ONS
  Crown Copyright 1998

  Lead Poisoning
  Mr. Illsley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many deaths occurred through lead poisoning in each of the last 10 years. [60804]
  856
  Ms Hewitt
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Director of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Eric Illsley, dated 19 November 1998:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your parliamentary question on deaths from lead poisoning.
  Between 1988 and 1997, there were no deaths certified as due to lead poisoning in England and Wales.

  Car Imports
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations have been received by his Department and from whom, on the cost to the Exchequer in lost revenue from the parallel import of motor vehicles from the Republic of Ireland to the UK; and what calculations he has made of their effect on the loss of revenue to the Exchequer. [60591]

  Ms Hewitt
  HM Treasury has received a representation from the British Independent Motor Trade Association concerning type approval of imported cars sold to UK customers, which also referred to VAT being paid in the Republic of Ireland rather than the UK.

  No calculations have been made on the revenue effect of parallel imports of motor vehicles from Ireland.

  Financial Services and Markets Bill
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the compatibility of the disciplinary provisions contained in the proposed Financial Services and Markets Bill with the European Convention on Human Rights, with particular reference to Article 6, in the form in which such Convention will be incorporated into the UK law under the Human Rights Act 1998. [60834]

  Ms Hewitt
  A draft of the proposed Financial Services and Markets Bill was published for consultation in July. The Government are now assessing a number of issues that have been raised in the responses which we have received.

  New Deal
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people have been employed in his Department under the New Deal arrangements. [60369]

  Ms Hewitt
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by the Under-Secretary of State for Education and Employment with responsibility for lifelong learning, my hon. Friend the Member for Leeds, East (Mr. Mudie), on 19 November 1998,Official Report, column 755.

  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of people taken on under the New Deal arrangements by non-departmental bodies in receipt of financial support from his Department. [60537]

  Ms Hewitt
  NDPBs are encouraged to participate as an employer in New Deal. Information on the numbers of people taken under the New Deal by non-departmental public bodies is not held centrally.

  Abortions
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of abortions in Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham were funded by the NHS in the last three years for which figures are available. [60346]

  Ms Hewitt
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Director of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Tim Holt to Ms Harriet Harman, dated 19 November 1998:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your parliamentary question on NHS-funded abortions.
  The ONS routinely publishes abortion statistics by regions and health authorities (HA). The following table shows the percentage of abortions funded by the NHS for residents of Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham HA.

  Percentage of abortions funded by the NHS for residents of Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham HA, 1995–97

  Year

  Percentage

  1995

  70

  1996

  68

  19971

  64

  1 Provisional

  Figures for 1995 and 1996 are published in the ONS Annual Reference Volumes: Abortion statistics series AB nos. 22, 23. Provisional figures for 1997 were published in the ONS Monitor Series AB 98/4 Legal abortions 1997: residents of regions and health authorities on 26 June 1998. These are available in the House of Commons library.

  Earnings
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the movement was between 1 April 1975 and 1 April 1998 in(a) the index of average non-manual earnings and (b) the Retail Prices Index. [60507]

  Ms Hewitt
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Director of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Tim Holt to Mrs. Margaret Ewing, dated 19 November 1998:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent question on the movement in the index of average non-manual earnings and the Retail Prices Index.
  The ONS does not produce an index of non-manual earnings. Information on average earnings is available from the New Earnings Survey (NES). Regrettably, the NES cannot provide data on a consistent basis for non-manuals, due to changes in the definition of non-manuals and in the definition of adult rates of pay. Comparisons of non-manual adult earnings over the period should be treated with some caution.
  The NES shows that the average gross weekly earnings for full-time non-manual employees on adult rates, whose pay for the survey period was not affected by absence, was £56.30 and £425.20 at April 1975 and 1998 respectively, an increase of 655 per cent.
  The percentage increase in all items retail prices index between 15th April 1975 and 21st April 1998, the relevant 'index days', was 397 per cent.

  Lost Working Days (Drug Abuse)
  Mr. Baldry
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate his Department has made of the number of working days lost in each of the last three years as a consequence of drug abuse-related absences. [60424]
  858
  Ms Hewitt
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Director of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Tony Baldry, dated 19 November 1998:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent parliamentary question on working days lost as a consequence of drug-related absences.
  The Labour Force Survey (LFS) is the ONS's major source of labour market data on individuals. The LFS collects information on whether people had any time off in the reference week because of sickness or injury. However, no information on the cause or type of sickness is collected. Unfortunately, no other official source can provide the information requested either.

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what(a) advice and (b) instructions have been given by the Treasury to departments in relation to earmarking of reserves within existing departmental budgets; and if he will make a statement. [59439]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 12 November 1998]: I cannot answer substantively before Parliament is prorogued. I will, however, write to the hon. Member.

  Dependent Children
  Mr. Leigh
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will list the percentage of families with dependent children which are(a) married couples (b) cohabiting couples and (c) lone parents, by each gender; [60766]

  (2) if he will list the percentage of children who are in a household where the adult or adults with parental responsibility are (a) married, (b) co-habiting (c) single, (d) widowed, (e) divorced, (f) separated and (g) co-habiting with someone of the same sex; 160765]

  (3) if he will list the percentage of households headed by a person who is (a) married, (b) co-habiting, (c) single, (d) widowed, (e) divorced, (f) separated and (g) co-habiting with someone of the same sex; [60768]

  (4) if he will list the percentage of women with a child aged between five and nine years who (a) work(i) full-time and (ii) part-time, (b) are unemployed and (c) are economically inactive; [60770]

  (5) if he will list the percentage of women with a pre-school child who (a) work (i) full-time and(ii) part-time, (b) are unemployed and (c) are economically inactive; [60767]

  Ms Hewitt
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Director of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Edward Leigh, dated 19 November 1998:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent parliamentary questions (60765, 60766, 60767, 60768, 60769 and 60770) about the economic status of mothers with dependent children.
  Tables attached show data from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) which is the ONS major source of labour market data on individuals.

  859
  The first table shows the latest available quarterly data for the United Kingdom. The second table gives the same analysis for Great Britain for the average of the period from spring 1996 to winter 1996/7 i.e. on a geography and time period consistent with the answers to your other three questions about demographic data.
  In the General Household Survey (GHS), adults and children in each household are assigned to families: married couple families; cohabiting couple families and lone parent families. Children belong to the appropriate family either by virtue of being the natural children of both the parents forming the couple, or of the lone parent, or else, if they are adoptive or stepchildren, by belonging to the same family as their adoptive/step parents. Foster children, however are not regarded part of their foster parent family since they are not related to them. For the purpose of answering this question, it has been assumed that the natural/adoptive/step parent(s) are the adults responsible for the children. Attached are tables from the GHS give the information requested regarding households.

  Economic status of mothers by age of youngest dependent child

  Percentage

  Age of youngest dependent child

  0 to 4

  5 to 9

  10 to 15

  UK, summer 1998, not seasonally adjusted

  In employment;

  50.2

  66.0

  73.9

  Of which full-time

  18.0

  23.8

  34.

  Of which part-time

  32.2

  42.2

  39.8

  ILO Unemployed

  4.5

  29.3

  3.3

  Inactive

  45.3

  29.3

  22.8

  Total

  100.0

  100.0

  100.0

  GB, average spring 1996 to winter 1996/7

  In employment;

  49.4

  64.7

  74.0

  Of which full-time

  16.7

  21.5

  33.2

  Of which part-time

  32.7

  43.1

  40.7

  ILO Unemployed

  4.8

  5.4

  3.6

  Inactive

  45.9

  29.9

  22.4

  Total

  100.0

  100.0

  100.0

  Source
  Labour Force Survey,ONS

  Percentage of dependent children living in families within private households according to the de facto marital status of the head of family, 1996, Great Britain

  De facto status of head of family

  Percentage

  Married couple

  70

  Cohabiting

  7

  Single (never married)

  8

  Widowed

  1

  Divorced

  8

  Separated

  7

  Source:
  General Household Survey, ONS

  Percentage of families with dependent children by marital status of head of family, 1996, Great Britain

  Type of family with dependent children

  Percentage

  Married couple

  70

  Cohabiting couple

  8

  Lone mother

  20

  Lone father

  2

  Total

  100

  Source:
  General Household Survey, ONS

  Household heads by de facto marital status, 1996, Great Britain

  Household head

  Percentage

  Married

  54

  Cohabiting

  6

  Single (never married)

  13

  860

  Household heads by de facto marital status, 1996, Great Britain

  Household head

  Percentage

  Widowed

  15

  Divorced

  8

  Separated

  3

  Total

  100

  Source:
  General Household Survey, ONS

SOCIAL SECURITY

  LOFIT
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what meetings he or members of his ministerial team attended in October with the London Organised Fraud Investigation Team; [59701]

  (2) what the reasons were for the closure of the London Organised Fraud Investigation Team's offices and the serving of summary notices; [59704]

  (3) who will take responsibility for the cases which the London Organised Fraud Investigation Team was pursuing; and if the cases will be proceeded with; [59705]

  (4) if his Department was involved in the decision to close the London Organised Fraud Investigation Team's offices. [59703]

  Mr. Denham
  The London Organised Fraud Investigation Team (LOFIT) was set up by the Association of London Government (ALG). It was a three year pilot, tasked to look at the best ways of tackling organised Housing Benefit fraud. The pilot began in March 1996 and was scheduled to end in March 1999. The Department provided support, including funding. The ALG were responsible for the management of LOFIT and established a management committee to carry out this function on which the DSS had only observer status.

  Following a value for money report from the Audit Commission, DSS and the ALG commissioned an evaluation report on the effectiveness of LOFIT by the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate (BFI). Having received the report we were in no doubt that continued funding of the pilot could not be justified. The ALG agreed and decided to wind down the operation of LOFIT as from 12 October 1998. We agreed to their request for assistance on the implementation of an orderly and properly managed rundown. It was further agreed that the DSS would maintain the relevant funding until such time as that was achieved, subject to a satisfactory closure plan, as well as to provide appropriate technical investigative advice on outstanding cases.

  The ALG took immediate action and has since appointed an administrator to take responsibility for the management of this rundown, along with the disposal of cases which had been referred to LOFIT. The administrator will decide how the team's remaining cases should be handled.

  Neither I nor any members of the ministerial team attended any meetings in October with LOFIT.
  861
  Tackling organised fraud is a demanding task. The Government are pursuing this within the anti-fraud strategy announced earlier this year in the Green Paper "BEATING FRAUD IS EVERYONE'S BUSINESS: Securing the Future". We are continuing to look at ways to strengthen our fight against fraud including establishing better partnerships with local authorities.

  NIRS2 Computer System
  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps he is taking to recover from the supplier the costs incurred by the public purse as a consequence of the Contributions Agency's computer system failure. [60750]

  Mr. Timms
  Compensation of £3.732 million has been paid in respect of changes to the original contract dates.

  Work continues to assess the extent to which additional costs have or will be incurred. Consideration is also being given to the cause of any problems that may result in additional costs to the Department. Any future course of action will depend on the outcome of this work. We have not ruled out the possibility that compensation claims will in future be presented to the Supplier.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 16 November 1998,Official Report, column 396, on problems with the NIRS2 computer system, if he will provide corresponding figures for the basic state pension. [60594]

  Mr. Timms
  The estimated total amount of basic State Pension being underpaid weekly because of problems with the NIRS2 computer is about £38,000. The total amount estimated to have been underpaid since April is about £510,000.

  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the Contributions Agency's computer system will be fully functional. [60748]

  Mr. Timms
  I refer my hon. Friend to the Written Answers I gave to the hon. Members for Newbur(Mr. Rendel) and for Christchurch (Mr. Chope) on 22 October 1998,Official Report, column 1187, and 17 November 1998, Official Report, columns 499-500.

  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what arrangements for compensation are being made for those affected by the failure of the Contributions Agency's computer system; and when and how they will be notified. [60749]

  Mr. Timms
  I refer my hon. Friend to the Written Answer I gave to the hon. Member for Newbury (Mr. Rendel) on 22 October 1998,Official Report, column 1187, and 4 November 1998, Official Report, columns 603-06.

  All Work Test
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the benefits which a person with disabilities will be entitled to if under'the new form of the all work test he agrees to make himself available for limited types and limited amounts of work; and to what extent payment of those benefits will be dependent on his taking any job which is suitable for his capabilities. [60725]
  862
  Mr. Timms
  Reform of the All Work Test will focus on providing additional information about people's capacities which contribute to a wider assessment of employability by a Personal Adviser, to help plan a return to work where this is appropriate. More than a million disabled people say they would like to work and these reforms are intended to help them to realise that ambition.

  The All Work Test will continue to assess incapacity in the same way as now, in order to determine entitlement to benefits (Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance, Income Support paid on the grounds of incapacity, and the disability premium in the income-related benefits). We have no plans to make receipt of these benefits conditional on a claimant's making himself available for work or accepting employment.

  Incapacity Benefit
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many people who have been awarded incapacity benefit since April 1995 and who do not have income from an occupational or private pension also receive one or more of income support, housing benefit and council tax benefit; [60701]

  (2) how many people who have been awarded incapacity benefit since April 1995 also receive one or more of income support, housing benefit and council tax benefit. [60700]

  Mr. Timms
  As at 31 May 1997 there were 664,000 Incapacity Benefit recipients in receipt of one or more of Income Support, Housing Benefit (HB) or Council Tax Benefit (CTB). Information is not available on the number of those whose benefit awards started after April 1995, or of those who do not have occupational or personal pensions.

  Source:
  1 per cent sample of the (HB/CTB) Housing Benefit Management Information System (which are rounded to nearest 10,000 and include estimates), and 5 per cent. sample of Income Support cases (rounded to nearest 1,000).

  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his oral statement of 28 October 1998,Official Report, column 339, if he will indicate the levels of (a) health insurance and (b) pension income thresholds that would lead to dis-entitlement of payment of incapacity benefit.[60590]

  Mr. Timms
  Our proposal is to reduce Incapacity Benefit by 50 per cent. of income in excess of £50.00 a week from occupational or personal pensions, or permanent health insurance arranged by an employer. This will apply to new claims only; existing claimants will not be affected.

  The point at which entitlement to payment of Incapacity Benefit is extinguished will depend on the level of benefit payable.

  At current rates someone qualifying for the basic rate of long-term Incapacity Benefit (£64.70 a week) would need pension income or permanent health insurance of £179.40 to have no entitlement to Incapacity Benefit, and would still have nearly £115.00 more weekly income than someone whose only income is Incapacity Benefit.
  863
  Someone qualifying for an age addition of £6.80 and dependency increases for an adult (f38.70) and one child (£9.90) as well as the basic rate of long-term Incapacity Benefit (total £120.10 a week) would need pension income or permanent health insurance of £290.20 to have no entitlement to Incapacity Benefit, and would still have £170.00 more weekly income than someone whose only income is Incapacity Benefit.

  Ms Ryan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many claimants for incapacity benefit have(a) been found fit to work following an examination by a BAMS doctor and (b) have had this decision overturned on (i) appeal and (ii) reviews. [60654]

  Mr. Timms
  Between April 1995 and 31 August 1998, 321,791 claims for Incapacity Benefit were disallowed following examination under the All Work Test.

  Up to 31 August 1998, 49,951 of these decisions had been reversed by an appeal tribunal and 2,797 on review by the adjudication officer following an appeal by the claimant.

  Ms Ryan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many claimants for incapacity benefit who are from ethnic minority backgrounds have been found fit for work following examination by a BAMS doctor. [60655]

  Mr. Timms
  The information is not available.

  New Deal
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the number of people taken on under the New Deal arrangements by non-departmental bodies in receipt of financial support from his Department. [60519]

  Angela Eagle
  This Department provides financial support to two non-departmental public bodies, the Occupational Pensions Regulatory Authority (OPRA) and the Pensions Compensation Board (PCB). OPRA has not yet recruited anyone under the New Deal but hopes to participate in the near future. PCB does not directly employ any staff so there is no scope for them to recruit under the New Deal arrangements.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if his estimate that lone parents who take paid employment as a result of the New Deal programme and who are £40 per week better off takes account of the value of those passported benefits which are available only to those on income support. [60513]

  Angela Eagle
  The "better off' figure quoted as £40 refers to the sample of around 300 lone parents who moved from Income Support into work (and onto Family Credit) following participation in the New Deal for Lone Parent prototypes. No statistics are collected on those who move off benefit completely. Included in the calculation of the £40 better off figure are Child Benefit, maintenance, Family Credit, net income from earnings, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.

  Family Credit and Income Support recipients are entitled to several additional NHS benefits such as free prescriptions, dental treatment, sight tests, vouchers for glasses, refunds of travel costs to and from hospital for treatment, wigs and fabric supports, as well as dried milk
  864
  for babies under a year old. Income Support recipients are also entitled to additional benefits, such as free school meals for children, which are not available to those on Family Credit. None of the value of these additional benefits is included in any of the above calculations.

  Notes:

  1. Earnings are not assumed in Income Support cases.

  2. The better off figure takes account of assumed rates of Housing Benefit and Council Tax benefit for Income Support cases (set at £54.10 and £8.60 respectively) and a calculated amount for each Family Credit case.

  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many of the total number of lone parents who obtained employment through the New Deal for Lone Parents between July 1997 and September 1998 have subsequently left employment to claim income support. [60702]

  Angela Eagle
  The information requested is not readily available and can be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what the average annual salary of the personal advisers in the New Deal for Lone Parents is; and what the ratio of advisers to lone parents has been in each of the pilot areas. [60744]

  Angela Eagle
  The average annual salary of the personal advisers in the New Deal for Lone Parents (NDLP) is £20,783 gross.

  The table shows the estimated total numbers of lone parents on Income Support in each of the 'pilot' areas at the commencement of Phase 1 of the New Deal for Lone Parents in July 1997 whose youngest child was aged 5 years 3 months and over.

  District

  Estimated number of lone parents on Income Support whose youngest child was agesd 5 yrs 3 mths and over

  Number of advisers

  Estimated ratio of advisers to lone parents

  Cambridgeshire

  4,780

  11

  1 to 434

  Sheffield East

  3,200

  9

  1 to 355

  North Worcestershire

  3,320

  7

  1 to 474

  North Cheshire

  4,330

  10

  1 to 433

  North Surrey

  6,720

  15

  1 to 448

  Cardiff & Vale

  5,020

  11

  1 to 456

  Clyde Valley

  2,710

  6

  1 to 451

  Warwickshire

  3,440

  8

  1 to 430

  Total

  33,520

  77

  1 to 435 (average)

  Notes

  1. The numbers of Advisers shown gives the numbers in post at the commencement of Phase 1 of the New Deal for Lone Parents in July 1997. There were fluctuations in these figures due to staff changing jobs etc., but the number of Advisers throughout Phase 1 of the New Deal for Lone Parents ranged between 72 and 84.

  2. It is important to note that the number of lone parents shown in each of the Districts is the number in the target group—ie. those whose youngest child is aged 5 years 3 months and over. This group represents one half of the total number of lone parents claiming Income Support in each of the areas shown. In addition, lone parents from the non-target group (ie. those whose youngest child was aged below 5 years and three months) also put themselves forward and actually benefited from the New Deal for Lone Parents service.

  865
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many young people within his Department have been employed under the New Deal arrangements. [60374]

  Angela Eagle
  I refer my hon. Friend to the Written Answer given by my hon. Friend the Member for Leeds, East (Mr. Mudie), the Under-Secretary of State for Education and Employment with responsibility for lifelong learning, today,Official Report, column 755.

  This Department has not yet recruited any young people under the New Deal arrangements. The Benefits Agency and the War Pensions Agency have recently signed New Deal contracts with the Employment Service. The other Agencies, and DSS Headquarters, expect to sign contracts shortly. With these agreements in place, we hope to begin recruiting people under the New Deal arrangements.

  Disability Benefits
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the additional number of(a) men and (b) women who will receive means tested benefits as a result of the abolition of severe disablement allowance for adults. [60510]

  Mr. Timms
  Information on the additional number of men and women who will receive means tested benefits as a result of the reforms to Severe Disablement Allowance is not available. However, current statistical data indicate that nearly 70 per cent. of the 10,000 men and 6,000 women who will no longer be able to claim Severe Disablement Allowance will, as now, claim Income Support. Of the remaining 30 per cent., most will not qualify for Income Support due to the level of other income available to them and it is unlikely that they will do so in the future.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many adjudication officers are employed to assess(a) disability living allowance and (b) attendance allowance in disability benefit centres; and what arrangements are made in the event of adjudication officers being (i) sick and (ii) on leave; [60816]

  (2) how many cases are outstanding because of a shortage of adjudication officers at disability benefit centres; [60817]

  (3) what vacancies there are for adjudication officers at disability benefit centres. [60818]

  Mr. Timms
  I will write to the hon. Member.

  Working Families Tax Credit
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the amount of money currently paid to post offices for handling payments of family credit; and if he will make a statement on the implications of the loss of such payments following the introduction of the working families tax credits. [60512]

  Angela Eagle
  The fees paid by this Department to the Post Office are commercial in confidence. However, we can assure the hon. Member that the relevant contracts are scripted to provide flexibility for both increases and decreases in volumes of business and therefore should not be a factor in the implementation of new policies.

  Means-tested Benefits
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 9 November 1998,Official Report, column 96, on means-tested benefits, if he will estimate how many of those listed will be receiving, (a) income support alone, (b) income support and either housing benefit or council tax benefit alone, (c) working families tax credit alone, (d) housing benefit alone, (e) council tax benefit alone, (f) working families tax credit and either housing benefit or council tax benefit and (g) any other combinations of these benefits. [60593]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available was published in the "Cross Benefit Analysis—Population of Working Age on Key Benefits" on 29 October 1998. Copies of this document can be found in the Library.

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he plans to publish the housing benefit review. [60680]

  Angela Eagle
  I refer the hon. Member to the Written Answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Stafford (Mr. Kidney) on 18 November 1998,Official Report, columns 621-22.

  Benefit Interviews
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security in what circumstances, under the single gateway to benefit, attendance at the interview with a special adviser will not be a condition of receiving benefit. [60699]

  Angela Eagle
  We recognise that for some people claiming benefit an immediate interview about work may not be appropriate. For them, the priority will be to pay the benefit to which they are entitled and ensure that all their welfare needs are properly identified. The gateway seeks to treat people as individuals and avoid rigid categorisation. Everyone will be handled with sensitivity, taking account of their particular needs. In some cases, the work-focused interview may have to be deferred.

  Mortgage Protection
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he last met the representatives of the mortgage protection insurance industry to discuss products to meet the needs of people to protect their homes; and with what results. [60717]

  Angela Eagle
  The Government are working in partnership with lenders and insurers to encourage greater provision outside the orbit of government to provide increased security for all home owners. As part of that ongoing process, Ministers from this Department and the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions met representatives of the lending and insurance industries on 20 October, to discuss the industries' proposals for better protection for home owners, in particular the development of a new, standard mortgage payment insurance product.

  Injury Compensation Payments
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to review the rules under which compensation payments following personal injuries are offset against certain social security benefits. [60688]

  Mr. Timms
  None at present. We are monitoring carefully the reformed scheme that began in October last year.

  Benefit Uprating
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the benefit rates and disregards which will not be uprated in line with the relevant price index in April 1999, stating the reason in each case. [59817]

  Mr. Darling
  [holding answer 17 November 1998]: I will write to my hon. Friend.

  Pensions
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the estimate by NatWest Life that 20 per cent. of those currently of working age can expect to be comfortable in old age; and if he will list the policies which he has to ensure that those who are currently unemployed will not require support from means-tested benefits in old age. [60664]

  Mr. Denham
  The estimate by NatWest Life forms part of one of the many surveys on retirement income that are produced from time to time by a wide variety of organisations. It is not the Government's policy to comment on the publication of such reports. The Pensions Review is currently looking at all aspects of the basic State Pension and second pensions. We intend to publish a Green Paper on pensions later this year.

SCOTLAND

  Ministerial Travel
  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the occasions since 1 May 1997 on which a Minister in his Department has used(a) an aircraft belonging to the RAF and (b) a privately chartered aircraft together with (i) details of the take-off and destination points, (ii) ground waiting time, (iii) dates of departure and return, (iv) purpose of the trip, (v) cost of the trip to his Department and (vi) details of people accompanying the Minister, indicating the total costs of all such travel borne by his Department (1) since 1 May 1997 and (2) between I May 1996 and 1 May 1997. [55556]

  Mr. Dewar
  [holding answer 19 October 1998]: I shall write to the hon. Member and arrange for a copy of the letter to be placed in the House Library.

  Task Force Schemes
  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many voluntary sector and environmental task force schemes are operating in Scotland under the New Deal; where they are based; how many young people in each local authority area are 868
  involved in such schemes; and what percentage they are in each local authority area of all young people involved in the New Deal. [58981]

  Mr. Dewar
  [holding answer 11 November 1998]: I shall write to the hon. Member and arrange for a copy of the letter to be placed in the House Library.

  Scottish Parliament (Voting System)
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he proposes to launch the programme of public education about the voting system for the elections to the Scottish Parliament; what form it will take; which non-party agency he will put in charge of it; and how much money is budgeted for this purpose. [60355]

  Mr. McLeish
  We envisage the planned voter education campaign commencing in the New Year. We are currently taking professional advice about the precise form and timing of the campaign and intend to discuss our proposals with the other political parties. We will make decisions on the budget to be assigned to the campaign in the light of those discussions and the professional advice we receive.

  Tourism Grants
  Mr. Alan Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total value of grants awarded in Scotland under section 4 of the Development of Tourism Act 1969 in each year since April 1992. [60596]

  Mr. Macdonald
  The total value of assistance approved by the Scottish Tourist Board in the form of grants and loans was as follows:

  £

  Year

  Value of assistance

  1992–93

  2,863,000

  1993–941

  963.000

  1 The scheme of financial assistance operated by the Scottish Tourist Board under section 4 of the Development of Tourism Act 1969 was suspended with effect from 29 June 1993.

  Chicken Meat Imports
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the volume of chicken meat imported to Scotland from Thailand. [60406]

  Mr. Macdonald
  Information on the value of chicken imports to Scotland is not available.

  Arable Crop Payments
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to speed up the payment to farmers of money owed by his Department in respect of arable crop payments. [60404]

  Mr. Macdonald
  Payments to Scottish farmers under the 1998 Arable Area Payments Scheme (AAPS) started on 16 October, the earliest date allowed under EU legislation, and some two months earlier than in 1997. To date, some 80 per cent. of arable farmers in Scotland have received over £78 million under the 1998 scheme. The remainder will be paid once they have passed all the necessary validation checks.

  Bacon
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has had from pig farmers about labelling of Scottish-produced bacon; and what action he is taking in respect of country of origin(a) labelling and (b) packing. [60405]

  Mr. Macdonald
  My noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State, Lord Sewel has met industry representatives, including pig farmers, on a number of occasions since the collapse in prices in the pig sector. Labelling home-produced bacon and pork was one of the issues discussed. There is no EU legislation governing the labelling of pigmeat. However, under the Food Safety Act 1990 it is an offence to describe a food falsely or make misleading descriptions as to the nature, substance or quality of the food. The information on the food label must also meet the labelling requirement in the Food Labelling (Scotland) Regulations 1984. Food must be labelled with particulars of its place of origin, if failure to give such particulars might mislead a purchaser as to the true origin of the food. The presence of this legislation allows home-produced bacon and pork to be identified to consumers at retail level. The Government are discussing with major retailers, wholesalers and caterers how best to ensure that the consumer can exercise choice.

  Beef on the Bone
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received about the lifting of the ban on beef on the bone. [60407]

  Mr. Macdonald
  A number of farming and meat industry organisations have made such representations to me since the beef on the bone ban took effect last December. In addition, I have received 126 letters from Members of Parliament and private individuals on this issue.

  Teachers' Salaries
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what salary was payable, in real terms to(a) secondary and (b) primary teachers in Scotland at the (i) bottom and (ii) top of the basic scale in the year from (1) 1 April 1975, (2) 1 April 1980, (3) 1 April 1993 and (4) 1 April 1998. [60506]

  Mrs. Liddell
  I shall write to the hon. Member and arrange for a copy of the letter to be placed in the House Library.

  New Deal
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the number of people taken on by health authorities and health trusts under the New Deal arrangements. [60412]

  Mr. Galbraith
  On 16 September I announced that Trusts and Health Boards in Scotland had given a commitment to provide 270 New Deal Welfare-to-Work places. Information on the take up of these places is not available centrally.

  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the number of people taken on by local enterprise councils under the New Deal arrangements. [60414]
  870
  Mr. Macdonald
  I understand that by 31 October 7 persons had been taken on by Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and their networks of local enterprise under the New Deal arrangements, a further 3 are in the process of being recruited and at present 8 more are under consideration for future posts.

  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many young people within his Department have been employed under the New Deal arrangements. [60371]

  Mr. Dewar
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given today,Official Report, column 755, by the Under-Secretary of State for Education and Employment with responsibility for lifelong learning, my hon. Friend the Member for Leeds, East (Mr. Mudie).

  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the number of people taken on under the New Deal arrangements by non-departmental bodies in receipt of financial support from his Department. [60520]

  Mr. Dewar
  NDPBs are encouraged to participate as employers in the New Deal. Information on the numbers of people taken under the New Deal by non-departmental public bodies is not held centrally.

  Police Officers
  Sir Robert Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many police officers(a) were recruited, (b) retired, (c) were dismissed and (d) resigned, in total and as a percentage, per police force in the last year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [60479]

  Mr. McLeish
  I shall write to the hon. Member and arrange for a copy of the letter to be placed in the House Library.

  Prisoners
  Sir Robert Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the percentage of prisoners who have(a) drug and (b) mental health problems; and if he will make a statement. [60448]

  Mr. McLeish
  This information is not readily available. However, in the year 1 April 1997 to 31 March 1998, from 7,070 samples tested under the mandatory drug testing programme, 29 per cent. of prisoners tested positive.

  The rate of psychological disturbance in the prison population is not clear but research suggests that, excluding drug dependence, alcohol dependence and personality disorder, it is estimated to be twice as high as in the general population.

  The following is a summary of information contained in the Third Prison Survey, relating to drug and mental health problems, which was published earlier this year:

  (a) 44 per cent. of prisoners reported that they had used drugs in prison at some point during the past 6 months and 5 per cent. reported injecting drugs during the same period: and

  (b) 32 per cent. of prisoners reported feelings of depression "fairly often" or "very often" and 9 per cent. reported experience of suicidal thoughts with similar frequency in the past 6 months.

  Conviction Statistics
  Sir Robert Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what the total number of convictions was in each category of crime, in each of the last three years for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement; [60451]

  Clear up rates for crimes and persons with a charge proved by main crime in courts in Scotland, 1994–19961

  Persons with a main charge proved

  Clear up rates2

  Number

  Percentage of persons proceeded against

  Type of crime

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1994

  1995

  1996

  Total crimes

  34

  35

  37

  53,425

  52,318

  51,704

  83

  82

  81

  Non-sexual crimes of violence

  64

  65

  67

  3,588

  3,655

  4,303

  73

  74

  75

  Indecency

  75

  74

  76

  1,427

  1,306

  979

  90

  90

  85

  Dishonesty

  28

  28

  30

  31,303

  29,531

  28,094

  85

  84

  83

  Fire-raising and vandalism

  20

  21

  21

  4,781

  4,878

  5,176

  85

  84

  84

  Other crimes3

  100

  100

  99

  12,326

  12.948

  13,152

  82

  81

  76

  1Statistics dealing with court proceedings and recorded crimes are not directly comparable. A person may be proceeded against for more than one offence and it is also possible that the offence recorded by the police may be altered as a result of the judicial proceedings. In some cases the year recorded in the recorded crime statistics may not be the same as the court proceedings.

  2Crime cleared up by the eight Scottish police forces.

  3Most crimes in this category are cleared up immediately because the offender is caught in the act, eg possession of drugs.

  Police (Expenditure)
  Sir Robert Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage of police force expenditure is accounted for by labour costs. [60450]

  Mr. McLeish
  In 1997–98 staff costs accounted for 88 per cent. of police forces' expenditure.

  Prison Populations
  Sir Robert Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what the current prison population per capita is in Scotland; what the comparable figures are in(a) England and Wales, (b) France, (c) Germany, (d) the Republic of Ireland and (e) the United States of America; what is the OECD average; and if he will make a statement. [60449]

  Mr. McLeish
  The available information is provided in the table. An average figure for OECD countries is not available: comparisons between different jurisdictions have to be treated with caution because of the differences in definitions and recording methods used.

  Prison population and rate per 100,000 population by Country as at 1 September 1997

  Country

  Number

  Rate per 100,000 population1

  Scotland2

  6,082

  119

  England and Wales3,4

  61,940

  120

  France5

  54,442

  90

  Germany6

  71,047

  87

  Ireland (Eire)

  2,424

  67

  USA

  1,725,842

  645

  1Based on estimates of national population

  2Average daily population for September 1997

  3At 31 August 1997

  4Includes prisoners held in police cells

  5Metropolitan and overseas departments

  6Data relate to 1996

  7At 30 June 1997

  872
  (2) what were the (a) conviction and (b) clear up rates for each category of crime and in total in each of the last three years for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [60480]

  Mr. McLeish
  Information for the latest 3 years for which complete data are available is given in the table.

  Police Force Structures
  Sir Robert Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the aims and remit of the proposed review of police force structures in Scotland. [60447]

  Mr. McLeish
  When my right hon. Friend announced earlier this year that there was to be a review, he made it clear that the aim was to provide the Scottish Parliament with information on which to make a sound decision on whether the current number of forces in Scotland is right for the future. The process will involve a period of information gathering on the financial costs and benefits of a change in the number of forces. This will be followed by the issue of a consultation document which will allow all interested parties to give their views on the issue. The results of the consultation will be made available to the Scottish Parliament.

  Re-offending Rates
  Sir Robert Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish figures for the re-offending rates, broken down by age group, following(a) custodial sentences, (b) community sentences and (c) fines, in each of the last three years for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [60452]

  Mr. McLeish
  The available information is given in the table. The analysis provides figures on the percentage of individuals sentenced in 1993 who were re-convicted within one, two and three years of the date of sentence, by the type of sentence passed and by the age of the offender at the time of sentence. Convictions for most motoring offences and for some relatively minor statutory offences are excluded. The database does not hold information on the date of release from custody. Re-convictions may therefore include convictions for other crimes committed prior to the date of sentence, thus over-stating the actual rate of re-conviction.
  873

  Percentage of offenders sentenced in 1993 for a crime, breach of the peace or assault who were reconvicted within 3 years of sentence date, by first sentence imposed and age in 1993

  Number of years since first sentenced in 1993

  Type of first sentence in 1993 by age

  Total number of offenders

  One

  Two

  Three

  Aged under 21

  Custody

  1,166

  63

  75

  79

  Community Service Order

  929

  56

  68

  74

  Probation

  1,020

  65

  76

  81

  Monetary

  9,159

  41

  53

  60

  Other

  3,006

  33

  46

  53

  Total

  15,280

  43

  56

  63

  Aged 21-30

  Custody

  2,858

  56

  69

  75

  Community Service Order

  1,203

  35

  47

  55

  Probation

  1,011

  51

  64

  70

  Monetary

  15,557

  31

  42

  49

  Other

  3,017

  23

  33

  40

  Total

  23,646

  34

  46

  52

  Aged over 30

  Custody

  1,359

  45

  54

  59

  Community Service Order

  525

  23

  34

  41

  Probation

  592

  30

  40

  45

  Monetary

  10,218

  23

  33

  39

  Other

  3,056

  17

  25

  30

  Total

  15,750

  24

  34

  40

  All ages1

  Custody

  5,383

  55

  66

  72

  Community Service Order

  2,657

  40

  52

  59

  Probation

  2,623

  52

  63

  69

  Monetary

  34,936

  31

  43

  49

  Other

  9,079

  24

  35

  41

  Total

  54,678

  34

  45

  51

  1Includes 2 persons with age not known.

  Direct Labour Organisations
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the impact on employment of his proposals for privatisation of North Lanarkshire and East Ayrshire DLOs. [60849]

  Mr. McLeish
  I shall write to the hon. Member and arrange for a copy of the letter to be placed in the House Library.

  Social Inclusion
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about social inclusion and active citizenship in respect of community learning plans. [60851]

  Mrs. Liddell
  I shall write to the hon. Member and arrange for a copy of the letter to be placed in the House Library.

  School Exclusions (Drug Offences)
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about his policy on school exclusions in respect of drug offences. [60852]

  Mrs. Liddell
  I shall write to the hon. Member and arrange for a copy of the letter to be placed in the House Library.

  Housing
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many houses and flats were available for rent from(a) local authorities and (b) housing associations in (i) 1978 and (ii) the latest year for which figures are available. [60745]

  Mr. Macdonald
  I shall write to my hon. Friend and arrange for a copy of the letter to be placed in the House Library.

  Public Expenditure
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about the methodology employed by officials in calculating the figures which he has released indicating an excess of Government spending over revenue raised in Scotland. [60669]

  Mr. Dewar
  The methodology, which is unchanged from previous years, is described in Appendices A and B of the "Government Expenditure and Revenue in Scotland 1996–1997" report.

  Hospital Waiting Lists
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will make a statement about the proposals submitted by health boards and trusts for the further reduction of waiting lists in Scotland; [60667]

  (2) if he will make a statement about the number of patients currently awaiting a first appointment with a consultant in Scotland. [60665]

  Mr. Galbraith
  I shall write to the hon. Member and arrange for a copy of the letter to be placed in the House Library.

  Ambulance Service
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how the extra funding announced for the Scottish Ambulance Service will be spent. [60666]

  Mr. Galbraith
  I shall write to the hon. Member and arrange for a copy of the letter to be placed in the House Library.

  A80
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what his current plans are for the A80 road between Glasgow and Stirling. [60796]

  Mr. Macdonald
  Options for upgrading the A80 to motorway standard are being analysed within the Strategic Roads Review.

  PFI Contracts
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the number of PH contracts in which the Government are engaged in Scotland and the annual expenditure to service each of these, over the full term of the contracts in cash and real terms. [60797]

  Mr. Dewar
  I shall write to the hon. Member and arrange for a copy of the letter to be placed in the House Library.

  Local Authority Housing Debt
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total amount of local authority housing debt in Scotland; and what would be the cost of redeeming that debt at the present day. [60798]

  Mr. Macdonald
  At 1 April 1998, local authority housing debt was estimated at £3.9 billion. An estimate of the cost of redeeming the debt could be made only at disproportionate cost, since it would require detailed discussions with all authorities about their debt portfolios.

  Government Expenditure and Revenue Report
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many copies of the Government Expenditure and Revenue in Scotland report have been printed for each edition since 1992; how many have been distributed for each edition; and what was the cost of publication for each edition. [60799]

  Mr. Dewar
  I shall write to the hon. Member and arrange for a copy of the letter to be placed in the House Library.

  Civil Servants (Media Quotations)
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many specific quotations have been attributed in the Scottish media to Scottish Office central administration civil servants since January. [60800]

  Mr. Dewar
  I shall write to the hon. Member and arrange for a copy of the letter to be placed in the House Library.

  Scottish Parliament
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will appoint a representative of the Church of Scotland to the Scottish Parliament Consultative Steering Group. [60670]

  Mr. McLeish
  The Consultative Steering Group has been meeting since January this year and will make its final report to the Secretary of State for Scotland by the end of this year. We have no plans to appoint any further members to the Group. The Church of Scotland took the opportunity to make its views known to CSG in response to the Group's extensive consultation exercise.

HEALTH

  Clinical Perfusionists
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to regulate clinical perfusionists. [60496]

  Mr. Milburn
  Proposals for state registration are a matter for the Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine.

  Chiropody
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to update the regulatory framework for the chiropody profession. [60517]

  Mr. Hutton
  We intend to bring forward for consultation proposals for legislation to replace the Professions Supplementary to Medicine Act 1960, which regulates nine professions including chiropody.

  Car Park Charges
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make it his policy to require health authorities and trusts to consult widely on proposals to introduce car park charges. [60516]

  Mr. Milburn
  Guidance on the implementation of car parking charges was issued to all trusts in 1996. The guidance envisages trusts seeking the views of staff and other interested parties during the development of its plans. It advises trusts that a typical consultation will include seeking the views of local health authorities, general practitioners, staff representative groups and Community Health Councils.

  Value Added Tax Order
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 16 November 1998,Official Report, column 561, concerning VAT Order SI 1997/2744, if he will make a statement on the effects of the VAT Order indicating when his officials will conclude their work on the administrative procedure. [60515]

  Mr. Milburn
  Treasury officials have notified us this week that they have concluded their work on the administrative procedure to ameliorate the effect of the Value Added Tax Order on the supply of certain renal and cancer drugs.

  The position on the supply of pharmaceutical products by retail pharmacists is rather more complicated and some legal issues are still being examined.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 16 November 1998,Official Report, column 561, concerning VAT Order SI 1997/2744, if incontinence supplies are the subject of discussions with Treasury officials in the same way as certain renal and cancer drugs. [60514]

  Mr. Milburn
  Incontinence pads are no longer the subject of discussions with Her Majesty's Treasury officials.

  New Deal
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what estimate he has made of the number of people taken on under the New Deal arrangements by each of the health trusts in England; [60532]

  (2) what estimate he has made of the number of people taken on under the New Deal arrangements by each of the health authorities in England. [60533]

  Mr. Milburn
  We are committed to ensuring that this important strand of government social policy is a success and to this end we are looking to the National Health Service to provide at least 1,000 job opportunities overall to New Deal candidates. We have not set a minimum target for each organisation and we are aware that presently 260 NHS organisations have signed employer agreements. Most recent figures collected by the Department show that at the end of October there were 897 health authority and trusts vacancies registered with the Employment Services.

  Hospital Waiting Lists
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate how many people in each health region are currently waiting for an appointment with a consultant following referral by a general practitioner; if he will provide a breakdown of the length of time for which those people(a) have already waited and (b) are expected to wait; and if he will list for each region the waiting time being issued to new entrants to this waiting list for (i) orthopaedic consultants and (ii) consultants in all other major specialties. [60538]

  Mr. Milburn
  The total number of patients waiting for a first appointment with a consultant following referral by a general practitioner is not collected centrally. The available information is shown in the tables.

  Table 1: Patients waiting over 13 and 26 weeks for a first outpatient appointment following GP referral, at end June 1998, by region—all specialties

  Region

  Number who had been waiting over 13 weeks

  Of which:those who had been waiting over 26 weeks

  Northern and Yorkshire

  44,640

  14,573

  Trent

  47,533

  17,509

  Anglia and Oxford

  38,829

  10,749

  North Thames

  65,243

  16,018

  South Thames

  36,864

  9,015

  South and West

  48,320

  16,912

  West Midlands

  34,608

  7,706

  North West

  61,660

  16,202

  England

  377,697

  108,684

  Table 2: Trauma and orthopaedic patients waiting over 13 and 26 weeks for a first outpatient appointment following GP referral, at end June 1998, by region

  Region

  Number who had been waiting over 13 weeks

  Of which: those who had been waiting over 26 weeks

  Northern and Yorkshire

  12,603

  5,145

  Trent

  10,336

  3,941

  Anglia and Oxford

  10,132

  3,822

  North Thames

  10,462

  2,541

  South Thames

  5,929

  1,352

  South and West

  12,500

  4,907

  West Midlands

  7,233

  1,695

  North West

  13,562

  4,004

  England

  82,757

  27,407

  Table 3: Patients seen at first outpatient appointments within 13 and 26 weeks at the quarter ending June 1998, following referral by a GP, by region—all specialties

  Region

  Percentage of patients seen within 13 weeks of GP referral

  Percentage of patients seen within 26 weeks of GP referral

  Northern and Yorkshire

  83

  96

  Trent

  83

  95

  Anglia and Oxford

  80

  95

  North Thames

  80

  96

  South Thames

  84

  97

  South and West

  83

  96

  West Midlands

  83

  96

  North West

  81

  96

  England

  82

  96

  878

  Table 4: Patients seen at first outpatient appointment within 13 and 26 weeks by trauma and orthopaedic consultants in the quarter ending June 1998, by region

  Region

  Percentage of patients seen within 13 weeks of GP referral

  Percentage of patients seen within 26 weeks of GP referral

  Northern and Yorkshire

  61

  86

  Trent

  64

  87

  Anglia and Oxford

  63

  86

  North Thames

  62

  92

  South Thames

  75

  94

  South and West

  64

  86

  West Midlands

  73

  91

  North West

  66

  91

  England

  66

  89

  Ministerial Travel
  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the occasions since 1 May 1997 on which a Minister in his Department has used(a) an aircraft belonging to the RAF and (b) a privately chartered aircraft together with (i) details of the take-off and destination points, (ii) ground waiting time, (iii) dates of departure and return, (iv) purpose of the trip, (v) cost of the trip to his Department and (vi) details of people accompanying the Minister, indicating the total costs of all such travel borne by his Department (1) since 1 May 1997 and (2) between 1 May 1996 and 1 May 1997. [55552]

  Ms Jowell
  There have been no occasions where a Department of Health Minister has used an RAF or privately chartered aircraft during the period 1 May 1996 to 1 May 1997 or since 1 May 1997.

  Bournewood Judgment
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the Bournewood Judgment. [60293]

  Mr. Hutton
  Preliminary guidance on the implications of the judgment was given in a circular issued by the National Health Service Executive on 10 July (Health Services Circular 1998/999). Further guidance will be included in a revised Code of Practice on the Mental Health Act 1983 which, subject to the approval of the House, will be published early next year. The wider implications of the judgments of the Law Lords are being considered in the context of development of Government policy on mental incapacity more generally, and by the expert group which has been set up to advise the Government on the review of the Mental Health Act.

  Hepatitis C
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Gedling (Mr. Coaker) of 28 July 1998,Official Report, column 179, (1) if he will estimate the cost of providing a hardship fund for people with haemophilia infected with the hepatitis C virus through contaminated blood products similar to the scheme operating for those with HIV infection; [59883]
  879
  (2) how many haemophilia patients were infected with hepatitis C virus through their NHS treatment prior to 1985; how many are currently awaiting liver transplants as a result of the disease; how many are currently undergoing NHS treatment; and how many have died as a result of liver diseases; [59848]

  (3) what is the current medical (a) evidence and (b) advice on the transmission of Hepatitis C virus (i) between partners and (ii) between parents and children. [59843]

  Mr. Hutton
  I refer the hon. Member to the replies I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Bolsover (Mr. Skinner) on 18 November 1998,Official Report, columns 679-99.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Gedling (Mr. Coaker) of 28 July 1998,Official Report, column 179, what representations he has received from the Haemophilia Society concerning abuse and discrimination against hepatitis C infected people. [59884]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Chairman of the Haemophilia Society wrote on 31 July to say that he was aware of difficulties in some cases and of concern among those infected. Some individuals have expressed similar concerns in correspondence. For young people in particular we are funding the Society's youth information and support project aimed at helping them improve their education and employment prospects.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Gedling (Mr. Coaker) of 28 July 1998,Official Report, column 179, what steps he has taken to monitor the take-up of benefits by people infected with the hepatitis C virus through contaminated blood products; and what assessment he has made of the additional costs of care for such people and the loss of income from reduced availability for work. [59882]

  Mr. Hutton
  There is no specific monitoring of benefit claims from people infected with hepatitis C through blood products. Their entitlement to assistance under the benefits system is assessed in the same way as for other people. Entitlement to Disability Living Allowance, for example, does not depend on whether a claimant is working, or on specific disabling conditions, but on the effects of a person's disability on their care andlor mobility needs.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which EU countries provide financial help for haemophiliacs infected with hepatitis C virus through treatment products. [59846]

  Mr. Hutton
  I will write to the hon. Member.

  CS Spray
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment his Department has made of the research by the Bethlem and Maudsley NHS trust on the use of CS spray by the police on people with mental health problems; and what action has been taken following this assessment. [60315]
  880
  Mr. Hutton
  The Department has not made any assessment of this research. However, we understand that the Mental Health Act Commission has written to the President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists suggesting that the College should convene a meeting of the relevant interests with a view to deciding what, if any, action is needed to address the questions raised by the survey.

  Asylum Seekers (Birmingham)
  Mr. John M. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement about Birmingham City Council's method of delivering groceries to asylum seekers in Birmingham. [60247]

  Mr. Hutton
  It is for the individual local authorities to decide on the level and most cost-effective type of service it provides to adult asylum seekers having regard to the needs of the asylum seekers concerned.

  Millennium Compliance
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the conclusions of Taskforce 2000 published on 11 November in respect of his Department's most recent quarterly return on plans and progress towards Year 2000 readiness. [60220]

  Mr. Milburn
  The Taskforce 2000 report provided a comprehensive assessment of the state of preparedness of the Department and its agencies as it existed at the end of the summer. We welcome any independent analysis of our published returns as a double check of analysis done in-house.

  The Medicines Control Agency are well aware of the problems identified and were already acting on these prior to the publication of the Taskforce 2000 report.

  The figures contained in the last published quarterly review for the National Health Services Estates Agency are open to different interpretations, but were classified as 'green' (low risk) by the Central Information Technology Unit in the Cabinet Office.

  The results of the next quarterly review will be announced shortly in the House and copies of the Department's and its agencies' latest quarterly returns will be available in the Library and published on the Internet.

  Opportunities for Volunteering Scheme
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the future of Opportunities For Volunteering grants for 1999–2000. [60401]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Department's Opportunities for Volunteering Scheme is an important part of our overall support for volunteering in health and personal social services, and will remain so in 1999–2000. During 1999, we will consider the most effective way of developing the Department's strategy to promote volunteering. This will be done in consultation with the leading national voluntary organisations who are involved in the Opportunities for Volunteering Scheme. Pending the development of that strategy, we have ensured that grant commitments under the scheme for 1999–2000 will be fully met.
  881
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received in connection with Opportunities For Volunteering grants for 1999–2000. [60402]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Department has received 13 letters about the level of funding for the Opportunities for Volunteering Scheme in 1999–2000. In addition, Departmental officials have been in discussion about funding for 1999–2000 with representatives of the leading voluntary organisations involved in the scheme. I am to meet representatives of those organisations on 24 November to discuss the scheme in the wider context of developing the Department's overall strategy to promote volunteering.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many organisations currently receive Opportunities For Volunteering grants; for how long each organisation has received a grant; and when is the planned end of each organisation's funding from such grants. [60403]

  Mr. Hutton
  Seventeen leading national voluntary organisations receive Opportunities for Volunteering grants directly from the Department. Currently they use that funding to support 526 local volunteering organisations and projects through grants for up to three years. 176 of those local grants are due to end in 1999–2000, and a further 121 in 2000–01.

  Irlen's Syndrome
  Mr. Truswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what evaluation his Department has made of treatments for Irlen's syndrome. [60600]

  Mr. Milburn
  No evaluation of treatments for Irlen's Syndrome has been carried out by the Department.

  Incentive Project Service Payments
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many administrative personnel working for the Hillingdon Health Authority, West Hertfordshire Health Authority, North Thames Regional Executive of the NHS and the Mount Vernon and Watford Hospitals NHS Trust are subject to incentive project reviews; and what posts they hold. [60357]

  Mr. Milburn
  [holding answer 18 November 1998]: Information is not centrally held on individual payments to National Health Service staff or the number of NHS staff who could benefit from them.

  Guidance on Department of Health pay arrangements is set out in the booklet "DH Pay Arrangements—Guidance for Managers and Staff". All staff at NHS Executive Regional Offices receive performance related pay, except Senior Civil Servants, who have separate arrangements. In North Thames Regional Office, for 1997–98, 110 members of staff received pay awards.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Plutonium Discharges
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proportion of the plutonium 882
  reprocessed from spent fuel discharged from BNFL's Calder Hall and Chapel Cross reactors is under safeguards. [60778]

  Mrs. Roche
  All plutonium recovered from the reprocessing of spent fuel from the Calder Hall and Chapel Cross reactors since May 1995 is under Euratom safeguards and subject to the terms of the UK/Euratom/IAEA safeguards agreement. The process of historical accounting announced as part of the outcome of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) will cover all plutonium recovered from the reprocessing of fuel from the Calder Hall and Chapel Cross reactors, irrespective of whether it has been placed under international safeguards or not.

  Defence Exports
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will list the defence equipment exported to Saudi Arabia by Allivane under export licence 1A/4650/87; [60812]

  (2) if export licence number 1A/4650/87 was granted to Allivane for the supply of defence equipment to Saudi Arabia. [60813]

  Mrs. Roche
  Chapter 6, E6.3–6.15 of Sir Richard Scott's 'Report of the Inquiry into the Export of Defence Equipment and Dual-Use Goods to Iraq and Related Prosecutions' recorded that export licence number 1A/4650/87 was issued on 17 June 1987 to Allivane International Limited, and covered the export to the Ministry of Defence and Aviation in Saudi Arabia, of 15,000 rounds of 155mm extended range base-bleed HE ammunition. Information on exports under this licence is also set out there.

  Electronic Commerce
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will introduce measures to promote the growth of electronic commerce, including digital purchases, with particular reference to software, video, audio and intellectual property. [60679]

  Mrs. Roche
  I will set out my proposals, to make the UK the best environment in the world to trade electronically, in the Competitiveness White Paper to be published shortly.

  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will establish a development corporation to encourage Internet-based trading companies, including those facilitating digital purchases, to locate in the UK. [60678]

  Mrs. Roche
  The Invest in Britain Bureau—which promotes the whole of the UK as the number one location for inward investment in Europe—is giving special emphasis to identifying key knowledge-driven potential investors from around the world, including Internet technology producers and trading companies. Cisco systems, one of the world's leading Internet technology companies, announced only a few weeks ago that it will set up a new research and design centre in the UK and today announced it is extending its American Networking Academy Programme to the UK to certify schools in computer networking and Internet applications.

  Ministerial Meetings
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many meetings he has had since his appointment with(a) British Airways, (b) British Airports Authority, (c) British Telecom, (d) British Aerospace, (e) the Ford Motor Company, (f) GEC, (g) Camelot, (h) Thames Water, (i) BSkyB, (j) Marks and Spencer, (k) McDonalds and (l) Tesco; and if civil servants were present. [60432]

  Mr. Mandelson
  Since my appointment as Secretary of State I have had meetings with the named companies on the following occasions. Civil Servants were present at all the meetings.

  Date

  Company

  7 September 1998

  British Aerospace

  21 October 1998

  British Aerospace

  26 October 1998

  British Aerospace

  30 October 1998

  British Telecom

  14 November 1998

  British Aerospace

  Multinational Companies
  Ms Drown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action the Government plans to take to strengthen through international forums the obligations and responsibilities of multinational companies in respect of(a) environmental and (b) labour standards. [60663]

  Mr. Mandelson
  The Government are working to encourage a positive response by United Kingdom companies to calls for socially and environmentally responsible behaviour. We are also working with our OECD counterparts to review the OECD Guidelines on Multinational Enterprises, which set down the firm expectation of how member Governments expect their companies to behave in the areas covered by the Guidelines. As part of this review, we will be calling for the principles of the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work to be incorporated into the Guidelines.

  Multinational Agreement on Investment
  Ms Drown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list those companies which have indicated to the Government a desire to see a multinational agreement on investment in place. [60606]

  Mr. Wilson
  The Government receive regular representations from UK companies, in the course of our normal day-to-day contacts, in favour of further trade and investment liberalisation. The CBI has made specific representations in favour of a multilateral framework of investment rules.

  European Structural Funds
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 4 November 1998,Official Report, column 585, on European structural funds, if he will make a statement on the negotiations within the European Union regarding the European structural funds regime for the West Midlands Region. [60251]
  884
  Mrs. Roche
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 4 November 1998,Official Report, column 585.

  Millennium Dome (Public Toilets)
  Ms Julie Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what provision there will be in the Millennium Dome for public toilets for women and men, including disabled people, and for babies' changing and feeding rooms. [60676]

  Mr. Mandelson
  The Millennium Dome site will have 608 WCs and 247 urinals. Toilet facilities for people with disabilities will be available at each of the service cores in the Dome and elsewhere around the site. The site will also offer adequate facilities for changing and feeding young children.

  Trades Union Recognition
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if his proposals for trades union recognition in workplaces are conditional upon those employees indicating separately that they wish the unions to represent them in collective bargaining with management. [60380]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  The Government intend that there will be three gateways to union recognition: by voluntary agreement, as at present, which is likely to be the most frequently used route; automatically, where a union or group of unions has more than 50% of the relevant employees as members; or by a majority and at least 40% or those eligible to vote supporting recognition in a ballot. The Government will announce in due course detailed measures to give effect to these proposals.

  Fairness at Work
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will place in the Library copies of the submissions on the Fairness at Work White Paper from companies and business organisations. [60762]

  Mr. Mandelson
  The White Paper on Fairness at Work did not say that responses would be made public. Some respondents may have intended their responses to be confidential and it would be wrong to disclose them without permission. However, we have already placed a list of all respondents in the Library so that hon. Members may approach them direct to ask whether they are prepared to release their responses.

  Multinational Enterprise Guidelines
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the current review of the OECD Guidelines on Multinational Enterprises. [60587]

  Mr. Wilson
  The OECD Committee on International Investment and Multinational Enterprises (CIME) agreed at its meeting in June that the OECD Guidelines on Multinational Enterprises should be renewed. The Government, together with the majority of the other delegates, argued that this review should be completed in one year. We are strongly committed to the Guidelines, which set out our firm expectation of how UK companies should act in the areas that they cover. We are in the
  885
  process of developing our detailed objectives for the review, in discussion with business, trade unions and other interested parties.

  Oil Exploration (Atlantic Frontier)
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received on the effect of prevailing weather conditions in the Atlantic Frontier on oil exploration activities. [60806]

  Mr. Battle
  I am unaware of any specific representations about this matter.

  Oil Pollution
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what procedures he has in place to ensure continuous risk assessment and monitoring to prevent serious oil pollution incidents in UK waters arising from oil extraction activities; and if he will make a statement. [60808]

  Mr. Battle
  The recently implemented Merchant Shipping (Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation Convention) Regulations 1998 require that for each installation involved in oil extraction activities a plan is submitted, which includes an assessment of the risk of spills. These plans must be reviewed every 5 years, or earlier if there are any major changes which may affect the validity or effectiveness of the plan.

  DTI inspectors travel offshore to inspect installations on a regular basis to ensure that operators are in compliance with any legislative requirements. In addition, all offshore installations are routinely over-flown by the anti-pollution surveillance aircraft. Operators are obliged by law to report all spills of oil resulting from their activities.

  New Deal
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the number of people taken on under the New Deal arrangements by non-departmental bodies in receipt of financial support from his Department. [60518]

  Dr. Howells
  This Department provides financial support to 37 Non-Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs) which are encouraged to participate as employers in the New Deal. Information on the number of people taken under the New Deal by NDPBs is not held centrally.

  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many people within his Department have been employed under the New Deal arrangements. [60387]

  Dr. Howells
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given today,Official Report, column 755, by the Under-Secretary of State for Education and Employment with responsibility for lifelong learning, my hon. Friend the Member for Leeds, East (Mr. Mudie).

  Environment-friendly Practices
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures he proposes to inform businesses of the benefits of implementing environment-friendly practices. [60482]
  886
  Mr. Battle
  The Department of Trade and Industry actively promotes to business the message that improved environmental performance enhances competitiveness. The main vehicle for this is the Environment Technology Best Practice Programme which is run in partnership with the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. This programme produces high quality technical advice in relation to specific industrial sectors along with generic advice on issues such as waste minimisation. It also runs a Helpline which provides advice on environmental problems faced by business. This programme complements the work done—again in collaboration with DETR—by the Joint Environmental Markets Unit on promoting the capabilities of the UK Environment industry.

  Apart from the programme, advice is made available on specific issues arising from current or forthcoming legislation and policy initiatives: such as guidance on producer responsibility and recycling and on ozone depleting substances. Moreover, the Department works in partnership with national organisations in promoting the business case for environmental performance and funds, through the Government Offices in the regions, local events and projects to raise business awareness of the issues and the services offered by the Department.

  Overseas Visits
  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list those who have accompanied (i) him or his predecessor and (ii) his departmental Ministers on overseas visits since 1 January indicating(a) the venue of the visit, (b) the purpose of the visit, (c) the names of those involved, (d) the job of those involved, (e) the reasons why they were included in the visit and (f) the cost to public funds. [53839]

  Mr. Mandelson
  [holding answer 30 July 1998]: I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  Office Furniture
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received relating to the impact on exceptionally tall people of the most recent CEN recommendations concerning the standard height of office furniture. [59605]

  Mr. Battle
  [holding answer 17 November 1998]: Two European office furniture standards, covering office tables, desks and work chair dimensions, are currently being developed by the European Standardisation Committee (CEN) TC 207, Sub-Committee 3, Office Furniture, on which the British office furniture industry is represented. The draft standards are based on measurements of the European population. In nearly all cases the draft standards are identical to those in existing British Standards; where they differ, they are to the advantage of taller people in the UK population.

  I have not received any representations to date relating to the draft European standards.

  Millennium Experience
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will make a statement on the rights
  887
  Which have been acquired by sponsors of the Millennium Experience over the names and contents of its zones and facilities; [60318]

  (2) if he will publish details of sponsorship agreements between the New Millennium Experience Company and BSkyB. [60320]

  Mr. Mandelson
  Contractual arrangements between the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) and individual sponsors are currently under discussion. These discussions are commercially confidential. To reveal details of these contracts at this stage would damage the NMEC's negotiating position with potential sponsors and contractors.

  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the ticketing arrangements and charges for events in the theatre/cinema complex on the Millennium site. [60319]

  Mr. Mandelson
  The New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) is responsible for ticketing arrangements across the whole Millennium Experience project—including charges. Ticketing arrangements will be finalised in line with the NMEC's timetable as set out in their Corporate Plan for 1997/98–2000/01, copies of which are available in the Libraries of the House.

  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on how many occasions he has been present during discussion of sponsorship by BSkyB of the Millennium Experience. [60321]

  Mr. Mandelson
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Great Grimsby (Mr. Mitchell),Official Report, 27 October 1998, columns 130.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if information about the euro will be included in the Transaction Zone of the Millennium Experience. [60087]

  Mr. Mandelson
  Development of the detailed content of the Transaction Zone is progressing to timetable. The New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) is currently considering with the zone's designers a range of issues, including how information about different currencies might best be presented.

  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the agreements that the Millennium Experience Company has entered into with foreign financial backers which will exclude the display of examples of British culture and industry in the Millennium Dome. [60754]

  Mr. Mandelson
  The New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) has entered into no such agreements.

  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will list the guidelines used by the Millennium Experience Company in determining(a) approaches to potential financial backers of the Millennium Dome displays, (b) acceptance of financial backing for the Millennium Dome displays, (c) the relevance of proposed displays put forward by potential financial backers to British culture and industry and (d) preferences among proposals from potential financial backers which promote exclusively British culture and industry; [60747]
  888
  (2) what proposals the Millennium Experience Company has to ensure that private sector financial backing does not mitigate against the Millennium Dome being a showcase for British culture and industry. [60755]

  Mr. Mandelson
  The New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) has responsibility for maintaining the integrity of the Millennium Experience as the focus for the nation's millennium celebrations. To achieve that the NMEC, in its discussions with private sponsors, retains the overall control of the contents of the exhibit zones within the Millennium Dome.

  I am confident that the Millennium Experience will be a symbol of British confidence; a beacon for British creativity; and a fantastic day out for all who visit.

  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what instructions he has given to the Millennium Experience Company on exclusive franchising arrangements with private sector financial backers that would prevent the display of examples of British culture and industry. [60753]

  Mr. Mandelson
  I have given no such instructions.

  Customer Trolleys
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make regulations to ensure that retail outlets which provide trolleys for customers operate a returnable deposit system. [60235]

  Mr. Battle
  [holding answer 17 November 1998]: Section 99 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 provides local authorities with powers to collect, store and dispose of abandoned trolleys.

  Wherever possible they must inform the trolley owner that they have collected a trolley, and if not collected within 6 weeks that they will dispose of it. Local authorities are able to make a charge to the trolley owner which is sufficient to cover the costs of collection, storage and disposal.

  The Government prefer local authorities to enter into voluntary arrangements with trolley owners. If local traders are unwilling to co-operate then local authorities may decide to use the S.99 powers.

  I have no plans to make any regulations in this area.

  Wellcome Trust Planning Application
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will publish the submissions made by his Department to(a) the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and (b) the Inspector in respect of a planning application by the Wellcome Trust at Hinxton in South Cambridgeshire; [55424]

  (2) when he plans to provide a substantive reply to the question tabled by the hon. Member for South Cambridgeshire on 3 September (ref. 55424) on a planning application by the Wellcome Trust. [60456]

  Mr. Mandelson
  [holding answer 19 October 1998]: My Department has not made any submissions to either the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions or to the Inspector in respect of the Wellcome Trust planning application at Hinxton, Cambridgeshire.
  889
  Following the decision by my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister to reopen thinquiry, my Department will be considering whether to submit views to the Inspector.

  Royal Observatory
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consultations he has had with the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council concerning the winding up of the Royal Observatory. [60101]

  Mr. Battle
  My noble Friend the Minister for Science meets the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC) from time to time to discuss a range of issues. However, it is for the Council to determine the specific priorities for funding within a specific area.

  PPARC decided to concentrate the work it funds at the RGO, which is based at Cambridge and the Royal Observatory Edinburgh (ROE) in a new UK Astronomy Technology Centre (UKATC) at Edinburgh. This decision was a unanimous one by the Council of PPARC. It will allow PPARC to reorganise the Royal Observatories in the way which best meets their scientific requirements. A substantial amount of money, equivalent to 20 per cent. of the budget for astronomy, is being released as a result of this decision which will be reinvested in their scientific programmes.

  Overseas Visits (Advisers)
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the overseas visits between 1 July and 19 October on which Ministers have been accompanied by special advisers and, for each trip,(a) the name of the adviser, (b) the class and cost of travel booked for the adviser, (c) the class of travel actually used by the adviser and (d) the accommodation and ancillary costs for the adviser. [55995]

  Mr. Mandelson
  [holding answer 22 October 1998]: I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  Ministerial Travel
  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the occasions since 1 May 1997 on which a Minister in his Department has used(a) an aircraft belonging to the RAF and (b) a privately chartered aircraft together with (i) details of the take-off and destination points, (ii) ground waiting time, (iii) dates of departure and return, (iv) purpose of the trip, (v) cost of the trip to his Department and (vi) details of people accompanying the Minister, indicating the total costs of all such travel borne by his Department (1) since 1 May 1997 and (2) between 1 May 1996 and 1 May 1997. [55559]
  890
  Mr. Mandelson
  [holding answer 19 October 1998]: This Question could be answered in full only at disproportionate cost. Ministers are required under the terms of the Ministerial Code always to make efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements. The rules on travel for Ministers are the same as those that applied under the previous Administration.

  Between 2 May and 30 September 1998, Ministers in this Department have used RAF aircraft/private charter aircraft on the following occasions:

  Date

  Destination

  Purpose

  Numbers accompanying Minister

  January 1998

  Bonn

  European Aerospace and Defence Restructuring meeting

  2

  February 1998

  Liverpool to London

  Visit to Liverpool

  1

  February 1998

  Madrid-Lisbon

  European Aerospace and Defence Restructuring meeting and EU Presidency meeting

  5

  May 1998

  Berlin

  Airbus Ministers meeting and Air Show

  3

  May 1998

  Paris

  WTO Conference

  3

  June 1998

  Luxembourg

  Social Affairs Council

  1

  July 1998

  Paris

  European Aerospace and Defence Restructuring meeting and Air Show

  2

  July 1998

  Berlin

  European Solutions to German Challenges Conferences

  2

  July 1998

  Swakupmond to Windhoek

  Meeting with South African Minister of Trade

  1

  September 1998

  Farnborough

  Farnborough Air Show

  1

  The average cost of the flights taken to meet these trips for the 17 months between May 1997 and September 1998 is £2,204 compared to an average cost of £6,049 under the last year of the previous Administration.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list his special advisers indicating their(a) remuneration, (b) official accommodation, (c) staff and other resources allocated to them, (d) age, (e) previous employment, (f) subjects on which they advise and (g) restrictions imposed on access to official papers and meetings. [56661]

  Mr. Mandelson
  I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  Radiotherapy Treatment for Breast Cancer: Multi-party Action
  Radiotherapy Treatment for Breast Cancer: Multi-party Action
  Civil Court Fee Structure
  Civil Court Fee Structure
  DTI Press Notices: Electronic Distribution
  DTI Press Notices: Electronic Distribution
  Science and Engineering Personnel
  Science and Engineering Personnel
  Badgers
  Badgers
  Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals
  Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals
  Navy Bean
  Navy Bean
  E.coli
  E.coli
  Fish Landings: New Controls
  Fish Landings: New Controls
  Sea Fish Industry Authority: Charges
  Sea Fish Industry Authority: Charges
  Badgers: "Road Traffic Accidents"
  Badgers: "Road Traffic Accidents"
  Organic Wastes on Agricultural Land
  Organic Wastes on Agricultural Land
  Dangerous Wild Animals Act: Northern Ireland
  Dangerous Wild Animals Act: Northern Ireland
  School Crossing Patrols
  School Crossing Patrols
  Motorways: Weight Restrictions
  Motorways: Weight Restrictions
  Bridges: Weight Limits for Goods Vehicles
  Bridges: Weight Limits for Goods Vehicles
  Pedestrian Underpass: Westminster Bridge to Waterloo
  Pedestrian Underpass: Westminster Bridge to Waterloo
  Vauxhall Cross: Pedestrian Amenities
  Vauxhall Cross: Pedestrian Amenities
  Tyne Tunnel: Claims for Compensation
  Tyne Tunnel: Claims for Compensation
  Helicopters: Roof-top Landing Pads
  Helicopters: Roof-top Landing Pads
  Air Navigation Order Penalties
  Air Navigation Order Penalties
  London and Continental Railways Bond
  London and Continental Railways Bond
  Parking Guidance: Compliance by London Boroughs
  Parking Guidance: Compliance by London Boroughs
  MoD Veterans' Advice Unit
  MoD Veterans' Advice Unit
  Unidentified Flying Objects
  Unidentified Flying Objects
  Operation Granby: Use of Depleted Uranium Ammunition
  Operation Granby: Use of Depleted Uranium Ammunition
  Smallpox Vaccination and Operation Granby
  Smallpox Vaccination and Operation Granby
  Vaccines administered during Operation Granby
  Vaccines administered during Operation Granby
  Nerve Agent Immobilised Enzyme Alarm and Detector
  Nerve Agent Immobilised Enzyme Alarm and Detector
  The Territorial Army
  The Territorial Army
  Khamisiyah Munitions Dumps
  Khamisiyah Munitions Dumps
  Gulf War and the Health of the People of Kuwait
  Gulf War and the Health of the People of Kuwait
  Gulf War and the Health of the people of Iraq
  Gulf War and the Health of the people of Iraq
  NATO Enlargement
  NATO Enlargement
  Commonwealth War Graves Commission: Thiepval Memorial
  Commonwealth War Graves Commission: Thiepval Memorial
  Theatre Ballistic Missile Defence
  Theatre Ballistic Missile Defence
  NATO: Force Structure
  NATO: Force Structure
  Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe
  Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe
  NATO: Security of Sensitive Information
  NATO: Security of Sensitive Information
  RAF Feltwell: 5th Space Surveillance Squadron
  RAF Feltwell: 5th Space Surveillance Squadron
  Human Rights Obligations: Compliance
  Human Rights Obligations: Compliance
  Latin America: Balance of Debts to UK
  Latin America: Balance of Debts to UK
  Arts Council: "Fitness for Purpose" Report
  Arts Council: "Fitness for Purpose" Report
  Lottery Fund Decisions
  Lottery Fund Decisions
  Protection of Wrecks
  Protection of Wrecks
  Braille Grant
  Braille Grant
  Museums: Free Access Implications
  Museums: Free Access Implications
  Humanitarian Projects: NGOs and the ECHO
  Humanitarian Projects: NGOs and the ECHO
  Developing Countries: EU Funding to UK NGOs
  Developing Countries: EU Funding to UK NGOs
  Young Offenders
  Young Offenders
  Crown Dependencies: Financial Regulation Review
  Crown Dependencies: Financial Regulation Review
  Voluntary Sector in Wales: Compact with Government
  Voluntary Sector in Wales: Compact with Government
  Books under Prison Rule 16
  Books under Prison Rule 16
  Immigration Detainees: Prison Service Places
  Immigration Detainees: Prison Service Places
  Preventing Unsuitable People from Working with Children: Working Group
  Preventing Unsuitable People from Working with Children: Working Group
  River Wye Navigation Order
  River Wye Navigation Order
  Quat
  Quat
  Asylum Seekers
  Asylum Seekers
  FCO Diplomatic Missions Abroad: Media Reports of Closures
  FCO Diplomatic Missions Abroad: Media Reports of Closures
  Labour Party Manifesto Commitment to Support NATO
  Labour Party Manifesto Commitment to Support NATO
  Lieutenant-Colonel Tim Spicer
  Lieutenant-Colonel Tim Spicer
  Strategic Exports
  Strategic Exports
  UNSCOM: Disclosures by Iraq
  UNSCOM: Disclosures by Iraq
  Israeli Settlement of Ariel
  Israeli Settlement of Ariel
  UK-based Companies: Health and Safety Responsibilities
  UK-based Companies: Health and Safety Responsibilities
  Turkey: Human Rights
  Turkey: Human Rights
  Kuwaiti Prisoners in Iraq
  Kuwaiti Prisoners in Iraq
  Abu Ghraib Prison, Baghdad
  Abu Ghraib Prison, Baghdad
  Supply of Arms to Sierra Leone: Investigation
  Supply of Arms to Sierra Leone: Investigation
  Algeria: Human Rights
  Algeria: Human Rights
  Algeria: Presidential Elections
  Algeria: Presidential Elections
  General Affairs Council, Brussels: 9–10 November
  General Affairs Council, Brussels: 9–10 November
  Nooh Khalil al-Noor
  Nooh Khalil al-Noor
  Overseas Visits by Peers and MPs
  Overseas Visits by Peers and MPs
  Israeli Settlements at Har Homa
  Israeli Settlements at Har Homa
  Nigeria
  Nigeria
  Dental Treatment and Anaesthesia
  Dental Treatment and Anaesthesia