Written Answers of 27 November 1998

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Ministerial Travel
  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what was the cost to her Department of travel by Ministers in her Department by (i) RAF and (ii) privately chartered aircraft(a) in the year to 1 May 1997 and (b) since 1 May 1997. [60893]

  Clare Short
  I refer to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary, on 19 November 1998,Official Report, column 710.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  New Opportunities Fund
  Charlotte Atkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to consult on the new set of initiatives in health, education and the environment to be funded by the National Lottery through the New Opportunities Fund. [61785]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  Today I have published and laid before Parliament a consultation document, 'New Links for the Lottery'. Copies are widely available from my Department and through The Stationery Office.

  I believe that the Lottery's long-term success depends on retaining and reinforcing public confidence in its power to address the issues that most concern people across the UK. The initiatives we are proposing—cancer prevention, detection, treatment and care; green spaces and sustainable communities; and community access to lifelong learning—demonstrate our commitment to see the benefits of Lottery money more widely spread. The document also contains proposals to increase the number of summer school places for school children, to increase the benefits to people with disabilities and to build on the contribution the Lottery can make to volunteering and community involvement. I believe that our proposals will receive widespread support, and I look forward to receiving views on how best to take them forward.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Royal Hospital, Haslar
  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Attorney-General for what reasons he decided that it was not in the public interest to prosecute following an investigation into the circumstances of the disposal of clinical waste at Royal Hospital, Haslar. [61031]

  The Solicitor-General
  The investigation by the Ministry of Defence police to which the hon. Member refers commenced with the arrest and initial interviews of 18
  2 suspects on 15 April 1997. Following further inquiries, they were charged on 1 December 1997 with offences of corruption and bailed to appear at Fareham Magistrates Court on 2 February 1998. However, the case had not been fully prepared for committal by the time of a hearing on 18 June 1998 and the court discharged the 2 defendants.

  On 10 September 1998 my office received from the Crown Prosecution Service a request for consent to proceed against the two defendants for offences under Section 1 of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1906; a case may not proceed beyond committal until such consent has been given.

  In considering the application, I was mindful of the history of the case. I weighed the seriousness of the alleged offences (including the loss alleged to have been suffered by the Ministry of Defence and the alleged benefits to the defendants) against the fact that the defendants had already faced court proceedings stretching over some 7 months. Almost 3 months further had elapsed. I formed a provisional view that the circumstances were not such as to justify the institution of a further prosecution. I caused inquiries to be made to ascertain what, if any, disciplinary action had been taken against the Ministry of Defence employee involved. I learned that he had been dismissed. I therefore declined to consent.

PRIME MINISTER

  Ministerial Travel
  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Prime Minister if drafts of the answers given to the hon. Member for Stratford-on-Avon by various departments on 19 November in respect of ministerial travel, were seen by anyone in his Office before publication. [60910]

  The Prime Minister
  In line with the practice of successive Administrations, this Government seek to secure proper co-ordination where identical questions are tabled to a number of Departments, including my Office.

  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Prime Minister (1) what was the cost to his Office of travel in aircraft (i) belonging to the RAF and (ii) privately chartered(a) in the year to 1 May 1997 and (b) since 1 May 1997; [60902]

  (2) by what means he returned from Toulouse to London in August. [60901]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 19 November 1998,Official Report, columns 742–46.

  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Prime Minister (1) if he will list the people who accompanied him on the flight he made in September from Lyneham to Highgrove: what was the cost of the flight; and by what means they then returned to London; [60899]

  (2) what form his bilateral discussions took in (a) Bologna in August and (b) Toulouse in August; and how many officials attended each with him. [60900]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave him on 19 November 1998,Official Report, columns 742–46. All relevant information concerning flights was provided in that Answer.
  19
  In line with the practice adopted by the previous Administration appropriate officials and security personnel accompanied me for each meeting. In addition to my bilateral with Mr. Jospin, I also undertook an official visit to the Airbus facility in Toulouse.

  My discussions with Mr. Jospin and Mr. Prodi, like all discussions between heads of Government, were on the basis that they would remain private.

  European Parliament
  Mr Wigley
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the electoral system to be used for elections for the European Parliament in June 1999. [61047]

  The Prime Minister
  As my right hon. Friend the President of the Council made clear on 26 November 1998,Official Report, column 315, the Government are re-introducing the European (Parliamentary Elections) Bill. This would establish a proportional representation system for the European parliamentary elections as promised in our Manifesto.

TREASURY

  VAT (Registration)
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the net annual gain to the Exchequer consequent on lowering the threshold for compulsory VAT registration to(a) £40,000 per annum and (b) £30,000 per annum. [61168]

  Dawn Primarolo
  No estimate of the net annual gain to the Exchequer consequent on lowering the threshold for compulsory VAT registration for the two cases mentioned is available.

  Rules on Expenditure (Harmonisation)
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many representations he has received on HM Customs and Excise's consultation paper on European harmonisation of rules on expenditure which is not eligible for full input tax deduction; and if he will make a statement. [60874]

  Dawn Primarolo
  So far, there have been twenty one (21) responses to the consultation paper. The closing date for comments is 11 December 1998.

  VAT (Property Repairs)
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the effect on revenue of the Edinburgh VAT and Duties Tribunal ruling (EDN/97/33) relating to VAT on work arranged by a local authority to repair property; and if this ruling will be applied to the rest of the United Kingdom. [60875]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Following the Tribunal decision Customs repaid over £22 million to Glasgow City Council and clarified the correct VAT treatment applicable to authorities throughout the United Kingdom.

  VAT (Dried Fruit)
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the revenue forgone as a result of 20
  HM Customs and Excise's decision not to recover VAT wrongly charged to 1 January 1999 on sweetened dried fruit. [60876]

  Dawn Primarolo
  On 11 September 1998, HM Customs and Excise announced the outcome of a review which clarifies the VAT liability of sweetened dried fruit. It allows suppliers who received an earlier zero-rated ruling and whose products are now properly standard-rated to apply the liability change from 1 January 1999. The revenue is estimated to be negligible.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the revenue which would be raised if naturally sweetened dried fruit with no sweetening matter were subject to VAT at the standard rate. [60879]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Using information on sales of dried fruit, HM Customs and Excise estimate the annual revenue which would be raised to be about £15 million.

  ECOFIN
  Mr. Caplin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the council meeting of the Economic and Finance Ministers of the European Union held on 23 November. [61908]

  Mr. Gordon Brown
  I attended the Economic and Finance Council—ECOFIN—of the European Union in Brussels on 23 November. The Economic Secretary accompanied me.

  In the context of Agenda 2000, ECOFIN discussed the EC's future financial framework and in particular the stabilisation of EC spending by 2006 at its present real-terms level of around 85 billion euro. There was increasing support for this idea, which the UK supports, not least because it will help prepare the EU for enlargement. We asked that this issue be put on the table for the Vienna European Council. I made it clear that stabilisation was compatible with CAP reform.

  The Council discussed reform of the Common Agricultural Policy and Own Resources issues. I made clear the UK's willingness to find a package of measures to address other states' large net contributions, whilst making it clear that, in moderating their problems, it would be unjust to make ours worse. Stabilisation of spending should form part of this package. The Presidency undertook to prepare a report of all the Agenda 2000 discussions so far, to be submitted to the European Council at Vienna.

  Commissioner Van Miert presented a paper on banks providing services of general economic interest. There was a discussion during which the German delegation said it would pursue the matter bilaterally with the Commission. Commissioner Monti proposed a framework for action in financial services. I make it clear that the UK did not support all aspects of the Commission's paper but welcomed action to improve the single market in financial services. The Council decided that a Financial Services Policy Group should be established, with the personal representatives of Finance Ministers, to identify priorities in improving the Single Market in Financial Services. The Economic Secretary will represent the UK.
  21
  The Commission introduced the 1999 Employment Guidelines, and the Chairman of the Economic Policy Committee gave his Committee's opinion on the Guidelines. The Council welcomed the Guidelines and the EPC's opinion on them.

  The Council discussed the 1999 EC Budget. The Presidency concluded that a number of delegations had stressed the need for budget discipline, and several countries had also expressed concern about adequate funding for structural policies.

  The Council discussed measures to take forward the Sound and Efficient Management 2000 initiative. The proposed conclusions were adopted. Commissioner Gradin made a presentation describing the progress made in the Fight against Fraud in recent years. The adoption by Council of the joint guideline on inspections of Community Own Resources was blocked by Spain and is to be remitted to Coreper.

  The Council discussed combating the counterfeiting of the euro. The Presidency concluded that the Monetary Committee's recommendations would be adopted as Council conclusions. The Council discussed the issue of collector coins in the euro area. The Presidency adopted the Monetary Committee's recommendations.

  The Council agreed that there will be a special ECOFIN on 31 December in Brussels to fix the exchange rates of those participating in the 3rd stage of EMU.

  Population Statistics
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people aged(a) between 65 and 69, (b) between 70 and 74, (c) between 75 and 79 and (d) 80 or over years of age there are in each region within Great Britain. [61151]

  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. Steve Webb, dated 27 November 1998:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent question asking for the number of people aged (a) between 65 and 69, (b) between 70 and 74, (c) between 75 and 79 and (d) 80 or over in each region within Great Britain.The following table provides the information for the ages requested for each region within Great Britain. These are the mid-1997 population estimates compiled by ONS for England and Wales and by the General Register Office for Scotland, which are the most recent available.

  Mid-1997 population estimates by age and region of Great Britain

  Thousand

  Regions

  65–69

  70–74

  75–79

  80+

  Great Britain

  2,569.6

  2,313.2

  1,859.6

  2,311.9

  England

  2,189.3

  1,974.9

  1,596.1

  2,004.7

  North East

  125.3

  112.0

  84.9

  93.4

  North West

  243.2

  220.6

  175.8

  213.7

  Merseyside

  68.4

  57.9

  45.6

  56.5

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  225.5

  206.5

  164.1

  202.3

  East Midlands

  189.7

  172.4

  136.9

  162.5

  West Midlands

  243.6

  216.6

  172.3

  199.2

  South West

  239.8

  225.5

  189.2

  249.3

  Eastern

  242.5

  217.2

  176.1

  219.2

  London

  258.8

  228.9

  186.2

  254.6

  22

  Mid-1997 population estimates by age and region of Great Britain

  Thousand

  Regions

  65–69

  70–74

  75–79

  80+

  South East

  352.4

  317.2

  264.9

  354.1

  Scotland

  238.3

  204.9

  157.4

  181.5

  Wales

  142.1

  133.4

  106.1

  125.7

  National Debt
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list in rank order the top five creditors to whom the United Kingdom Government are indebted. [60912]

  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. Maria Fyfe, dated 27 November 1998:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent parliamentary question on the UK national debt.The ONS does not compile any information relating to the top five countries nor companies nor individuals to whom the UK is indebted. The ONS last published broad splits of "Debt of the public sector: nominal amounts outstanding" in table S I of Financial Statistics in April 1998. Table S I provides splits of public sector debt held outside the public sector in terms of sterling and foreign currency both by the private sector and the rest of the world.The information is collected, largely by the Bank of England, by type of instrument. These instruments are the means by which central government raises money and include a wide range of instrument issues such as British Government Securities (Gilts) and National Savings. No published records are available as to the individual ownership of these. The National Debt currently stands at around £400 billion. The largest component is in the form of British Government Securities (total liability about £280 billion) of which about a half are held by UK life assurance and pension funds, and about £55 billion are held abroad. National savings are held by UK households and account for more than £60 billion. The ONS published detailed instrument information, on an international basis, in the Maastricht First Release, on 28 August 1998.The Bank of England provides the ONS with the vast majority of information on the National Debt. The Bank of England Statistical Abstract contains information on the holdings of sterling national debt by sector on tables 13.3 and 13.4. The largest holdings are by the insurance and pension funds sectors. Copies of the above publications are available from the House of Commons Library.

  Corporation Tax
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he intends to implement the group payment arrangements for quarterly corporation tax payment; and how he proposes to do it. [61045]

  Dawn Primarolo
  We plan to have the arrangements in place first for companies with accounting periods ending on 31 December 1999, with a first quarterly instalment payment due on 14 July 1999. Details of how the arrangements will work will be published in due course.

  Financial Services Authority
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many staff have transferred from the Insurance Directorate of his Department to the Financial Services Authority. [61040]
  23
  Ms Hewitt
  None. Transfer is intended to take place on 1 January 1999. It is too early to give definitive figures for the numbers of staff who will transfer.

  Insurance Directorate
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many staff in his Department were employed in the Insurance Directorate on(a) 31 December 1996 and (b) 31 December 1997. [61039]

  Ms Hewitt
  None, since the Insurance Directorate was until 5 January 1998 part of the Department of Trade and Industry. I understand, however, that the numbers of permanent staff in post, on a full-time equivalent basis, at 1 January 1997 and 1 January 1998 were 91.6 and 93.6 respectively.

  Overseas Investments
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate his Department has made of the revenue which would be raised from the abolition of the deductability of interest on overseas investments. [61042]

  Dawn Primarolo
  No such estimate has been made.

  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. [60898]

  Ms Hewitt
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer the Chancellor of the Exchequer gave him on 19 November 1998,Official Report, column 849.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Race Employment and Education Forum
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when the Race Employment and Education Forum was established; and how many times it has met. [61171]

  Ms Hodge
  The Race Employment and Education Forum replaces the Race Relations Employment Advisory Group and was established on 23 September 1998. It has met once, on 20 October 1998.

  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what budget has been allocated to the Race Employment and Education Forum for(a) 1997–98 and (b) 1998–99. [61172]

  Ms Hodge
  There is no separate budget for the Race Employment and Education Forum; its costs are met from the Department's overall budget.
  24
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment who the members of the Race Employment and Education Forum are; and what were the criteria for their appointment. [61170]

  Ms Hodge
  There are twenty two members of the Race Employment and Education Forum. They are:Mr. Nadeem Ahmad, Principal Policy Officer (Racial Equality), Newcastle upon Tyne City Council; Mr. Stephen Alambritis, Head of Parliamentary Affairs, Federation of Small Businesses;
  Mr. Sher Azam MBE, Bradford businessman; Mr. Wally Brown, Principal, Liverpool Community College; Ms Andrea Callender, Campaign Director, Race for Opportunity; Mr. John Cridland Director of Human Resources Policy, Confederation of British Industry; Ms Sandy Finnigan Chief Executive, Careers Bradford Ltd; Mr Len Jackson, Managing Director, Pork Farm Bowyers; Miss Mei Sim Lai, Partner, Pridie Brewster Chartered Accountants; Ms Kaliani Lyle, Chief Executive, Citizens Advice Scotland; Ms Thalia Marriott, Deputy Principal, South Thames College; Ms Gloria Mills, Director of Equal Opportunities, UNISON; Professor Tariq Modood Professor of Sociology, Politics and Public Policy, University of Bristol; Sir Herman Ouseley Chairman, Commission for Racial Equality; Mr. Ambar Paul, Chief Executive, Caparo Group Ltd.;
  Mr. Clyde Pile, Managing Director, Glass Processing Midlands; Mr. Mohammed Shafiq, Equal Opportunities Manager, Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, Training and Enterprise;
  Mr. Sanjeev Sharma, Head of Human Resources, NatWest Life Assurance Ltd.; Ms Cherry Short, Chair Cardiff and Vale Race Equality Council and CRE Commissioner; Ms Sukhvinder Stubbs, Chief Executive, Runnymede Trust; Ms Christine Taylor-Ozgen, Head of Training and Employment, Refugee Council; Professor Gajendra Verma, Professor of Education, University of Manchester.

  The criteria for membership were that both professional and lay members should have practical experience and knowledge of the issues affecting ethnic minorities in the labour market, education or training, and should be geographically representative of the country at large.

  Social Affairs Council
  Maria Eagle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the outcome of the EU Social Affairs Council meeting on 20 November. [61787]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  I attended the Council of Employment and Social Affairs Ministers in Brussels on 20 November.

  The Council discussed the Commission's draft European Employment Guidelines for 1999 and the draft Joint Report on member states' implementation of their National Employment Action Plans in 1998.

  The Presidency circulated the first draft of its own revised version of the Guidelines and undertook to produce a further draft for discussion at the joint ECOFIN/Social Affairs Council on 1 December in the light of any comments by member states.

  The Guidelines and Joint Report will be put to the European Council for agreement in Vienna on 11–12 December.

  Access to Work Support
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if the activities of Members
  25
  of the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh and London assemblies will constitute paid employment for the purposes of Access to Work support. [61046]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  This has not yet been determined.

  Teacher Induction Arrangements
  Caroline Flint
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the outcome of the consultation on the new teacher induction arrangements. [61786]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  We received 569 responses to the consultation document from schools, local education authorities, teacher training institutions, teacher unions and other professional organisations. I am pleased to announce that there was almost universal support for the introduction of a structured induction programme for new teachers along the lines we proposed. I have placed a summary of the main outcomes of the consultation in the Library.

  Single Gateway
  Caroline Flint
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the 12 areas to pilot the Single Work Focused Gateway. [61788]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security and I have decided on twelve areas to pilot the Single Work Focused Gateway.

  From June 1999, Essex South East, Warwickshire, Clyde Coast & Renfrew and Lea Roding (East London) will be the first pilot areas. From November 1999 Somerset, Buckinghamshire, Gwent Borders and Calderdale & Kirklees will test the benefits call centre technology can bring to the Gateway process. At the same time, private or voluntary sector providers will be invited to lead pilots in Suffolk, North Nottinghamshire, Leeds and North Cheshire to test out whether they can bring extra value through innovative approaches to the Gateway.

  These twelve pilot areas will play a vital part in the development of a new welfare state based on rights and responsibilities—work for those who can and support for those who cannot. They will also be at the forefront of providing the excellent service to clients that we are determined to provide.

  The Single Gateway marks a step change in our welfare system. Currently, our system puts clients in boxes, depending on whether they are unemployed, lone parents, carers or face illness or disability. Under the Gateway, after an initial 'registration and orientation' phase, all clients will be allocated a personal adviser. The adviser will be responsible for working with individual clients to establish their individual needs and provide them with the help they need to become independent and move towards work. Of course, for some clients—such as the recently bereaved—it may not be appropriate to have an initial focus on work. In these cases, the personal adviser will keep the case under review and contact the client at a more appropriate stage to discuss their needs. The
  26
  Gateway will be the cornerstone of our philosophy for welfare reform—work for those who can, support for those who cannot.

  Local authorities will be invited to work with the Employment Service and Benefits Agency to provide a seamless and responsive service to all benefit clients.

HEALTH

  Acquired Brain Injuries
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what guidance his Department provides to health and social services to ensure that rehabilitation services for people with acquired brain injury are provided at a time when they are most likely to prove beneficial; [60906]

  (2) if he will review the way in which services for people with acquired brain injuries are co-ordinated. [60908]

  Mr. Milburn
  The Department accepts the need for specialised rehabilitation services for people recovering from brain injury. It commissioned a study on the subject, the National Traumatic Brain Injury Study, which was published in April 1998. Officials are now working on the production of guidance outlining management models for the treatment of traumatic brain injury. Consultation on the guidance will take place with the National Health Service and the voluntary sector.

PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

  Millennium Compliance
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the President of the Council what steps she has taken to establish the millennium compliance status of essential suppliers to central Government. [61135]

  Mrs. Beckett
  It is the responsibility of individual departments to work with their suppliers to obtain compliance information. As part of the quarterly monitoring exercise, central government departments and agencies are asked to report on the steps they have taken and progress made in establishing the millennium compliance of their essential suppliers. The individual returns from the last quarterly review were published on 9 September and are available in the libraries of the House. The returns from the next quarterly review will be published shortly.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Disability Benefits
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will introduce a trigger in the benefits system to ensure that those who are not in receipt of income support at the time of disability living allowance being awarded are invited to claim income support. [60917]

  Mr. Timms
  There are no current plans to invite claims to Income Support (IS) when an award of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) has been made. DLA provides a contribution towards the extra costs associated with disability. When a claim to DLA is received from a
  27
  customer there is insufficient data to indicate whether the customer would be entitled to IS. However, the leaflet issued with DLA award notices contains information about other benefits, including Income Support.

  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to means-test disability living allowance. [60918]

  Mr. Timms
  We have concluded and made clear in the Green Paper "New Ambitions for our Country: A New Contract For Welfare" (Cm 3805) that Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance will remain universal, national benefits and as such they will not be subject to a means test.

  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has for benefits for those who are severely disabled and are older than 20 years of age. [60915]

  Mr. Timms
  The proposals for the reform of Severe Disablement Allowance (SDA) as set out in the Consultation Paper—"Support for Disabled People", would apply to new claims only. Existing SDA recipients aged 20 or over at the point of change would be protected and continue to receive benefit as now. Under the new arrangements, people who become severely disabled after the age of 20 would no longer be able to claim SDA.

  However, around 70 per cent. of those currently receiving SDA also receive Income Support (IS) and it is likely that the same proportion would continue to qualify for IS following the introduction of the proposals. This group would, therefore, see no change to their overall level of income. Disability Living Allowance is also available to help with the additional costs of disability.

  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what plans he has for the relative levels of(a) disability living allowance and (b) incapacity benefit; and what decisions he has made about the minimum level of each; [60914]

  (2) what plans he has for the future level of incapacity benefit. [60888]

  Mr. Timms
  Disability Living Allowance and Incapacity Benefit are awarded where specific entitlement conditions are met. There is no relationship between the relative levels of the benefits. There are no plans to change the amounts of the benefits, but they will continue to be reviewed as part of the normal uprating process.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many current recipients of(a) incapacity benefit and (b) invalidity benefit who are aged under state pension age, are receiving occupational or personal pensions of (i) £0.01 to £9.99, (ii) £10 to £19.99, (iii) £20 to £29.99, (iv) £30 to £39.99, (v) £40 to £49.99, (vi) £50 to £59.99, (vii) £60 to £69.99 and (viii) £70 or above per week. [60922]

  Mr. Timms
  Information is not available in the format requested. Such information that is available is in the table.28

  Incapacity benefit recipients' pension income 1996–97

  Thousand

  £ per week

  Occupational pensions

  Personal/other pensions

  Total

  0.01–9.99

  42

  23

  53

  10–19.99

  41

  13

  52

  20–29.99

  36

  5

  40

  30–39.99

  43

  3

  45

  40–49.99

  53

  3

  55

  50–59.99

  47

  6

  52

  60–69.99

  50

  1

  52

  70 or more

  290

  4

  293

  Notes:

  1. Incapacity Benefit replaced Sickness Benefit and Invalidity Benefit in April 1995. All existing recipients at that date became Incapacity Benefit recipients.

  2. Figures include 11,000 Severe Disablement Allowance recipients.

  3. Other pensions includes Widows, Trade Union and Friendly Society pensions and Annuities regulated by the Pensions Act 1995 but not purchased with tax relieved pension savings.

  4. Some Incapacity Benefit recipients will receive both occupational and personal/other pensions. Aggregating occupational and other pension income causes some cases to be shifted into a different band, consequently the total in the third column is not the sum of the first two.

  5. Figures include a number of former Invalidity Benefit recipients above State pension age who were able to elect to remain on benefit for up to 5 years. From April 1995 Incapacity Benefit is not payable above State pension age.

  6. No existing recipient of Incapacity Benefit at the point of change will have their entitlement affected by the proposal to take some account of occupational and personal pension income above £50 a week in assessing future Incapacity Benefit claims.

  Source:

  1996–97 Family Resources Survey

  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the criteria for the award of incapacity benefit and disability living allowance; and in what circumstances a person may be awarded both. [60889]

  Mr. Timms
  Incapacity Benefit is a contributory benefit to help replace the income of people unable to work because of an illness or disability. It is paid to people who have the necessary National Insurance contributions and who pass the appropriate test of incapacity.

  Disability Living Allowance is a non-means-tested, non-contributory benefit which can be claimed by people aged under 65 for extra care or mobility needs arising from their disability.

  Both benefits may be paid if the conditions for entitlement are satisfied. Entitlement to one does not affect, and is not dependent on, entitlement to the other.

  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if carers who have not made national insurance contributions in the recent past will be refused incapacity benefit, but will be eligible for disability living allowance. [60913]

  Mr. Timms
  Carers currently have to pay a minimum amount of National Insurance contributions at some point prior to the claim, in order to qualify for Incapacity Benefit. This will continue to be the case in the future. However, as we made clear in our consultation paper "A New Contract for Welfare: Support for Disabled People" we are planning to modify the proposed new contribution test so that carers who received Invalid Care Allowance
  29
  are not disadvantaged because they were unable to pay contributions due to their caring responsibilities in one of the two tax years before the claim.

  In addition, disabled carers will continue to be eligible for Disability Living Allowance if they meet the conditions of entitlement for that benefit.

  Pensions
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the value of the basic state pension for(a) someone of minimum state pension age and (b) someone aged 80 years as a percentage of average earnings in (i) 1980 and (ii) 1998; and if he will provide corresponding estimates for (1) all other EU countries, (2) all non-EU G7 countries and (3) other OECD nations for which similar figures are available. [60923]

  Mr. Denham
  The information on the value of the UK pension as percentage of average earnings is in the tables. Information on other countries is not available in the format requested and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Year

  Basic pension at April (£)

  AverageEarnings atApril (£)

  Basic pensionas a percentageof average earnings (%)

  1980

  Minimum pension age

  23.30

  109.50

  21.3

  Recipient aged 80

  23.55

  109.50

  21.5

  1998

  Minimum pension age

  64.70

  384.50

  16.8

  Recipient aged 80

  64.95

  384.50

  16.9

  Note:

  The average earnings of full time employees was calculated using the New Earnings Survey produced by the Office for National Statistics

  Attendance Allowance
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will take steps to provide that the affirmative statutory instrument procedure is used for changes in attendance allowance. [60881]

  Mr. Timms
  Proposals for Attendance Allowance would follow the normal procedure to change the eligibility criteria for Social Security benefits. This allows for regulations which are subject to the negative resolution Parliamentary procedure.

  Income support claimants aged 65 and over, by region—May 1998

  Thousand

  Region

  All claimants

  Aged 65–69

  Aged 70–74

  Aged 75–79

  Aged 80 and over

  Great Britain

  1,362

  213

  218

  264

  666

  North

  86

  14

  15

  18

  39

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  123

  18

  19

  25

  61

  East Midlands

  102

  15

  15

  19

  53

  East Anglia

  46

  6

  6

  9

  25

  London and South East

  360

  61

  57

  65

  178

  South West

  105

  13

  15

  19

  58

  West Midlands

  141

  21

  24

  30

  66

  30

  Cold Weather Payments
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate his Department has made of the extra numbers of cold weather payments which would have been paid for the winter of 1997 to 1998 if the wind chill factor had been incorporated into the measure of temperature, for each region within Great Britain. [61153]

  Angela Eagle
  No criterion combining wind speed and external air temperature has been prescribed on which to make such an estimate.

  Pensioners (Means-tested Benefits)
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the amount of each means-tested benefit which is currently unclaimed by pensioners for each region within Great Britain. [61155]

  Mr. Denham
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is set out in the table.

  Amount of unclaimed Income Support and Council Tax Benefit by pensioners, by region, for the year

  £ million

  Government region

  Amount of Income Support unclaimed

  Amount of Council Tax Benefit unclaimed

  North East

  30

  20

  North West and Merseyside

  100

  50

  Yorkshire and the Humber

  65

  35

  East Midlands

  40

  30

  West Midlands

  60

  40

  Eastern

  50

  30

  London

  80

  60

  South East

  85

  60

  South West

  65

  40

  Wales

  80

  20

  Scotland

  55

  50

  Total

  710

  435

  Notes:

  1. All estimates are rounded to the nearest 5 million.

  2. Due to small sample sizes across all regions, estimates for Housing Benefit are not available.

  3. These figures do not take account of potential biases. The true figure may therefore be higher or lower than those quoted.

  Source:

  1996–97 Family Resources Survey

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many pensioners are in receipt of income support and are(a) between 65 and 69 years of age, (b) between 70 and 74 years of age, (c) between 75 and 79 years of age and (d) 80 or over years of age in each region within Great Britain. [61147]

  Mr. Denham
  The information is in the table.
  31

  Income support claimants aged 65 and over, by region—May 1998

  Thousand

  Region

  All claimants

  Aged 65–69

  Aged 70–74

  Aged 75–79

  Aged 80 and over

  North West

  181

  29

  30

  36

  85

  Wales

  81

  12

  13

  17

  38

  Scotland

  137

  23

  24

  28

  62

  Notes:

  1. Figures are based on a 5 per cent. sample of all cases and as such are subject to a degree of sampling error. For example, for an estimate of 10,000 the figure could lie between 9,100 and 10,900.

  2. Figures do not sum due to rounding to the nearest thousand.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the cost of raising the lower capital limit for income support for pensioner claimants from £3,000 to(a) the level it would have been if it has been uprated by prices since 1988, (b) £10,000, (c) £15,000 and (d) £20,000, assuming no upper limit in all cases. [61148]

  Mr. Denham
  The estimated Income Support costs in 1999–2000 are(a) £50 million; (b) £110 million; (c) £135 million; (d) £155 million.

  Notes:

  1. Variant (a) has been based upon raising the lower capital limit to £4,662. This is based upon the assumption of the £3,000 lower capital limit being uprated by the increase in the RPI between April 1988 and September 1998 (for uprating), to the nearest pound.

  2. These figures are rounded to the nearest £5 million and are based upon the Department's Policy Simulation Model of income-related benefits. This model draws data from the 1995–96 Family Resources Survey, uprated to 1999–2000 levels, and calibrates results to forecast benefit caseloads consistent with the Comprehensive Spending Review forecasts.

  3. Estimates relate only to Income Support costs. No assumptions has been made about how this might feasibly be aligned through the other income-related benefits.

  4. For capital costings, estimates are further adjusted using May 1997 administrative data in order to bring results into line with known reported capital of benefit cases. In the absence of any other information, the same adjustments have been applied to estimated existing gainers and floaters-on. Estimates from household surveys based on reported capital holdings are subject to low levels of response and high levels of imputation. Consequently they should not be interpreted as precise point estimates, but rather as indicative of broad magnitudes.

  5. Estimates do not include cases in Residential Care and Nursing Homes.

  Widows' Benefits
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what will be the effect on the number of people dependent on means-tested benefits of his proposed reforms to widows' benefits. [60926]

  Angela Eagle
  Information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is as set out.

  The increase in the numbers on each of the means tested benefits following introduction of Bereavement Allowance for women is less than 5,000 in each of the first two years. In the third year, the increase for Income Support/Income Based Jobseeker's Allowance is estimated to be 10,000, the increase for each of the other means-tested benefits is less than 5,000.
  32
  The reduction in the numbers on each of the means-tested benefits following introduction of Bereavement Allowance for men is less than 5,000 in each of the first three years.

  The reduction in the numbers on each of the means tested benefits following introduction of Widowed Parents' Allowance for men is less than 5,000 in each of the first three years.

  The increase in the numbers on each of the means tested benefits following introduction of the £10 disregard of Widowed Parents' Allowance is less than 5,000 in each of the first three years.

  Notes:

  1. Means tested benefits include Income Support, Income Based Jobseeker's Allowance, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Working Families Tax Credit.

  2. Estimates are broad orders of magnitude. They are rounded to the nearest 10,000 but are not necessarily accurate to that degree.

  3. Estimates assume that a constant proportion of those affected by the proposed changes to Bereavement Benefits move on or off each of the means-tested benefits.

  4. Estimates use information from the 1995–96 Family Resources Survey, the Income Support Quarterly Statistical Enquiry and forecasts from the Government Actuary's Department concerning the number of men and women affected by the proposed changes.

  5. Estimates across means-tested benefits cannot be summed to provide an estimate of the total number of people affected by the changes.

  Pensioner Incomes
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the number of pensioners in each region in Great Britain who have income(a) before housing costs and (b) after housing costs below half the national average. [61154]

  Mr. Denham
  The information is in the table.

  Numbers of pensioners with below half average income, analysed by Government office region, 1995–96 and 1996–97

  Government office region

  Before housing costs

  After housing costs

  North

  *100,000

  140,000

  North West and Merseyside

  240,000

  300,000

  Yorkshire and the Humber

  220,000

  240,000

  East Midlands

  160,000

  200,000

  West Midlands

  200,000

  240,000

  Eastern

  200,000

  240,000

  London

  180,000

  320,000

  South

  240,000

  320,000

  33

  Numbers of pensioners with below half average income, analysed by Government office region, 1995–96 and 1996–97

  Government office region

  Before housing costs

  After housing costs

  South West

  220,000

  260,000

  Wales

  *120,000

  140,000

  Scotland

  200,000

  240,000

  Notes:

  1. The data are from the Households Below Average Income dataset based on the Family Resources Survey (FRS).

  2. The sample sizes for pensioners by region are small. The numbers given are the average of the numbers of pensioners below the contemporary thresholds in 1995–96 and 1996–97. The data marked with an asterisk are based on particularly small samples where the dataset's estimates of numbers below half average income varied significantly between the two years.

  3. Figures have been rounded to the nearest 20,000 but are not necessarily accurate to that level.

  4. The FRS grossing regime is designed to match population estimates by age band at national level, not at regional level.

  Social Security Spending
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the proportion of growth in spending in each Parliament since 1979 which was attributed to(a) demographic changes, (b) growth in expenditure on SERPS, (c) discretionary policy changes and (d) other factors. [60924]

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

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  EU Industry Council
  Yvette Cooper
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the outcome of the EU Industry Council held on 16 November. [61909]

  Mr. Mandelson
  My noble Friend the Minister for Trade and Competitiveness in Europe represented the UK at the EU Industry Council on 16 November.

  The Council agreed to tighten the rules on government aid to industry. A new Regulation will codify the existing Commission procedures for the control of state aid and it will also strengthen the ability of the Commission both to recover aid paid illegally and to undertake on-site monitoring of companies receiving state aid. The Commission agreed to publish final state aid decisions in all the languages of the Official Journal and to take a formal decision before compelling a company to co-operate where it refused to allow on-site monitoring. With these two amendments, all outstanding reserves were lifted. The Presidency concluded that a political agreement had been reached on the text of the Regulation while the Council awaited the opinion of the European Parliament.

  This was followed by a discussion on a Commission monitoring report on aid to certain shipyards in Germany and Spain and a brief presentation by the Commission on the impact of the crisis in Korea on shipbuilding.

  The Council had an open debate on the Competitiveness of European Industry. The Commission opened the debate and noted that European industry was
  34
  catching up with world competition, but that worker productivity was still behind the USA and Japan. This was followed by a round table discussion on competitiveness, which included the results of four benchmarking studies and the Commission's response to the Business Environment Simplification Task Force (BEST) report.

  The Council adopted conclusions on benchmarking and the competitiveness of business services. The Presidency concluded the debate by welcoming the progress on benchmarking and invited COREPER to take forward further work on this and the Commission response to the BEST Report.

  A meeting with Industry Ministers from the CEEs and Cyprus began in formal session and continued over lunch. A number of applicant states made prepared statements describing the reforms they are undertaking. During the discussion, it was emphasised that applicant states needed both to complete industrial restructuring and to take on the regulatory aquis before accession. The Commission also proposed a closer working-level dialogue in eight key sectors, including coal, steel and automotive industries, which could provide analysis of the CEEs' progress. The Presidency concluded that this should be followed up and that there was a general consensus for increasing bilateral contacts and advice to the applicants.

  An orientation debate was held on the draft directive on late payment in commercial transactions. During this debate, all member states expressed support for the objective of the proposal, but had concerns on the degree of harmonisation of other aspects of national civil law. The Presidency concluded that discussions should be continued at official level with a view to reaching a Common Position as soon as possible. The Council also adopted Conclusions on the restructuring of the steel industry and the competitiveness of the recycling industry.

  The Commission gave presentations on the Ottawa Conference on Electronic Commerce, the 10th Monitoring Report on the control of aid to the Steel Industry, the 27th Annual Report on Competition Policy, the Observatory for Textiles and Clothing and Delocalisation.

  EU Internal Market Council
  Yvette Cooper
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the outcome of the EU Internal Market Council on 9 November. [61910]

  Mr. Mandelson
  My noble Friend the Minister for Trade and Competitiveness in Europe represented the UK at the Internal Market Council in Brussels on 9 November.

  The Council considered three elements of the Single Market Action Plan, which aims to improve the operation of the Single Market. It discussed the rolling Joint Work Programme of the three Presidencies; Member States' progress towards implementation of the Single Market Action Plan; and mutual recognition. The Commission presented the latest Single Market Scoreboard, which showed that the number of directives not yet implemented in all Member States had been cut from 26.7 per cent. last November to 14.9 per cent. currently and noted that, at 15 October, 40 actions out of 66 of the Single Market Action Plan had been completed. There was agreement that the Single Market Scoreboard should be regularly

  35
  updated to help maintain progress in building the Internal Market. The Commission gave a progress report on its work on mutual recognition of national standards.

  The Commission introduced an open debate on legislative simplification with a report on the simpler Legislation for the Internal Market (SLIM) initiative. The Council expressed general support for continuing SLIM and Business Test Panels, the Commission initiative aimed at improving consultation with business on the likely impact of selected legislative proposals.

  The Commission represented reports on: the Expert Committee on Commercial Communications, which is addressing trade barriers in the field of advertising, Public Procurement; a proposal for a directive which aims to set noise limits for tyres; the Euro-Mediterranean partnership and the Single Market; the intervention mechanism aimed at removing obstacles to the Free Movement; the intervention mechanism aimed at removing obstacles to the Free Movement of Goods; and Units of Measurements (Supplementary Indications), with the Commission announcing its intention to extend dual metric-imperial marketing for a further ten years.

  The Council reached political agreement on a measure on cableways, which harmonises safety aspect of cableways installations, and on the fee arrangements structure for the European Medicine Evaluation Agency (by a qualified majority with UK and Germany maintaining scrutiny reserves).

  The Council also briefly discussed the draft chocolate directive and agreed to reconsider the dossier after further work by the Commission.

  Over lunch, Ministers discussed the issue of economic reform and organisation of Council business.

  EU Funding (Documents)
  Mrs. Browning
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he will release documents to the solicitors of C. A. Barnes and Partners of Morebath, Devon in respect of the entry for Bampton, Oakford and Tiverton in the original text of Commission decision 94/197/EC. [60909]

  Mrs. Roche
  The Department plans to provide documents relating to Bampton, Oakford and Tiverton to Mr. Barnes' solicitors in December.

  Raw Milk
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects the MMC report into the Supply of Raw Milk to be published; and if he will list all those(a) who have given evidence and (b) who are due to give evidence to the MMC inquiry. [61032]

  Dr. Howells
  The Monopolies and Mergers Commission (MMC) is due to deliver its report on the supply of raw milk in Great Britain to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry by 26 January 1999. The report will be published as soon as practicable after that date. The Department has an administrative (non-statutory) target to publish monopoly reports within 10 weeks of receipt of the report by the Secretary of State from the MMC.
  36
  It is the practice of the MMC to list in the published report those parties which have given evidence in the course of the inquiry. It is for the MMC to decide what factors they will take into consideration in the course of their inquiry, and which parties should be asked to give evidence to the inquiry, within the terms of the reference. However, anyone wishing to make their views known to the MMC should write to:
  The Reference Secretary (Milk), Monopolies and Mergers Commission, New Court, Carey Street, London WC2A 2JT.

  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what are the terms of reference of the MMC inquiry into the supply of raw milk. [61033]

  Dr. Howells
  The Director General of Fair Trading (DGFT) asked the Monopolies and Mergers Commission (MMC) to investigate the supply of raw milk in Great Britain on 27 January 1998, under the monopoly provisions of the Fair Trading Act 1973. The full terms of reference were attached to the DGFT's press notice announcing the referral and I am arranging for a copy to be placed in the Library of the House.

  On 14 September 1998, I announced that I had agreed to a request by the MMC for an extension until 26 January of the time allowed for the inquiry. I am arranging for a copy of that press notice to be placed in the Library of the House.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Intervention Board
  Mr. David Taylor
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to publish the Annual report and Accounts 1996–97 for the Intervention Board Executive Agency. [61789]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  I am pleased to advise that the Annual Report and Accounts 1996–97 has been published and copies have been placed in the Libraries of the House.

DEFENCE

  Military Uniforms
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what instructions have been issued by(a) ministers and (b) the chain of command regarding the change of policy on the wearing of military uniforms in public; and if he will make a statement. [60975]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Following the announcement to the House by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence on 19 October 1998,Official Report, columns 968–69, of the adoption of a more open approach to the wearing of uniform in public, the single-Service Chiefs of Staff each issued guidelines to their respective service. The new guidelines came into force on 1 November 1998 for mainland Great Britain and have since been extended to include those serving abroad, taking due account of local security situations.
  37
  The guidelines allow personnel to wear uniform subject to the following caveats:

  a. Personnel will not be compelled to wear uniform, other than on duty should they wish to protect their anonymity.

  b. Mixed civilian and military clothing is not permitted except to cover up from residence to place of duty using private transport, when an individual or individual's family wish to protect anonymity.

  c. The single Services will decide on the forms of uniform that are permissible in public.

  d. For practical reasons, civilian clothes will continue to be worn by military staff in selected MOD buildings.

  e. Personnel may not wear uniform when representing a third party.

  f. Personnel may not consume alcohol, or visit places of entertainment, in uniform, other than on duty.

  It is our intention that the adoption of a more open approach to the wearing of uniform in public will increase the visibility of Service personnel in society and enhance the public awareness of Armed Forces.

  Kosovo
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the decision was taken under Article J.4.2 of the Maastricht Treaty to use the Western European Union satellite centre in Spain to contribute to monitoring the situation in Kosovo; what will be the cost; and if he will make a statement. [60976]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The WEU Council decided on 25 November 1998 to task its Satellite Centre to carry out general security surveillance of the Kosovo region in accordance with a request under Article J.4.2. of the Treaty on European Union adopted by the EU Council on 13 November. Funding of this operation until the end of the calendar year will be met from the existing WEU Satellite Centre budget. A full cost estimate is not yet available.

  NATO Meeting (Virginia)
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the British representatives who(a) attended and (b) gave presentations at the NATO meeting in Norfolk, Virginia, on 12 and 13 November; what was discussed; and if he will make a statement. [60977]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  The British representatives who attended the meeting in Norfolk were: Mr. Jon Day, Director of Defence Policy, United Kingdom Ministry of Defence; Brigadier Richard Baly, Military Attaché, British Embassy Washington; and Mr. William Shapcott, First Secretary, British Embassy Washington. Mr. Day gave a presentation on the United Kingdom's Strategic Defence Review. The focus of the conference was on improving interoperability between NATO Allies as part of the preparation for the Washington Summit in April 1999.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  European Arms Agency
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the terms of the agreement he made at the WEU ministerial council in 38
  Rome on 16 November to create a European arms agency; if he will list the countries involved; and if he will make a statement. [60979]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The Rome WEU Council adopted the conclusions of the Western European Armaments Group (WEAG).

  The Defence Ministers of WEAG reaffirmed their intention to create a European Armaments Agency (EAA). They agreed that WEAG's recently developed Masterplan should serve as the basis for further development of the EAA.

  WEAG membership comprises: Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, UK, Iceland, Norway and Turkey.

  I have arranged for the conclusions of the WEAG meeting and of the Masterplan to be placed in the library.

  Armaments Exports
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the timing and contents of his Department's first annual accounting report of British armaments exports. [61030]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  As to timing, we will publish the Government's first annual report on strategic export controls as soon as is possible. As to its contents, I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Selly Oak (Dr. Jones), on 14 July 1998,Official Report, column 149.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Rural Policies
  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the Government's policies for rural areas in England. [61622]

  Mr. Prescott
  When I announced the Urban White Paper on 20 October 1998,Official Report, column 1064, I said I would be making an announcement shortly about our policies for rural areas.

  We have introduced a range of new policies to implement our commitment to sustainable development and to foster a modern, inclusive society with fairness and opportunity for all. Rural communities are an integral part of our vision with the whole country and are already benefiting from our new approach. Our manifesto pledges on education, health, crime and the economy apply just as much to rural areas as to urban. Rural areas have many distinctive features and needs. In our Manifesto, we pledged to recognise these special needs and to stop the decline in rural public and transport services, give greater protection to wildlife, and give greater freedom for people to explore our open countryside.

  Already we have taken action to support these pledges. We have given an extra £50 million a year to rural transport; given greater protection to the countryside by

  39
  increasing the target for housing development on brownfield sites; and announced our decision to bring together the Rural Development Commission and Countryside Commission to create the new Countryside Agency to champion rural England and the English countryside. As a result of the Comprehensive Spending Review, expenditure on DETR countryside programmes will increase very significantly—from £128 million this year to £174 million in 2001–02. We are committed to restoring confidence in the farming industry and have just announced an additional aid package for the UK livestock sector that will be worth some £120 million. We have also secured the lifting of the ban on beef exports. At a regional level, the new Regional Development Agencies will bring a more strategic approach to regional development taking full account of their rural areas.

  As our range of new policies bear fruit, we are determined to ensure that they come together in a holistic way to fit rural circumstances. Our vision is of a living, working, accessible and sustainable countryside, with thriving rural communities where public services are properly supported, which is contributing fully to the life and economy of the nation, and where the natural and cultural heritage is conserved and enhanced for everyone to enjoy.

  We now propose to set out more details of our vision, and what we are doing to achieve it in a White Paper on rural England. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and I have therefore agreed that preparation of this new White Paper will be led jointly by our two Departments. We will also be working closely with colleagues in many other Departments to ensure that Government activity across the board is tailored and integrated to reflect rural circumstances and the distinctive contribution that rural areas make to all our lives. We will be involving the Countryside Agency and the Regional Development Agencies in drawing up the White Paper.

  The White Paper will explore how our policies on matters such as the economy, health, transport, education, housing, crime, agriculture, energy efficiency and planning will support sustainable rural communities and how rural areas can contribute to the fulfilment of the government's objectives in these matters, and give rural people the opportunity to participate fully in our society. It will examine the way we are conserving and enhancing the countryside as a resource and amenity for all to appreciate and enjoy. Most importantly, it will consider how our overall environmental, social and economic objectives will be integrated in rural areas.

  The White Paper will assess what more needs to be done by government, other organisation and individuals. We are determined to ensure that the links between towns, cities and rural areas are properly considered. Work on the Rural White Paper will complement that on the Urban White Paper.

  There has already been much debate about the countryside. We will continue to listen to views and engage in discussions as we prepare the White Paper. I am sure many organisations and people will wish to contribute.
  40
  Rural England is a precious national resource for everyone. Our White Paper will set out a positive new strategy for the future.

  Coach Services
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he had with National Express prior to their announcement of the withdrawal of a number of long-distance services. [61443]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  None.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he will take to ensure the continued operation of a minimum network of long-distance coach routes. [61442]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  We have no present plans to change the current arrangements under which the provision of long-distance coach services is a matter for coach operators, in the light of customer demand.

  Bus Industry
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will introduce a regulatory framework and a regulator for the bus industry. [61441]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Our proposals for enhancements to the existing regulatory framework for the bus industry were set out in the White Paper'A New Deal For Transport'.

  Rail Franchises
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will set out for each of the current rail franchises(a) how many Mark 1 trains are currently in use, (b) what the franchise agreement for each train-operating company originally stated as the replacement date for Mark 1 trains and (c) what revisions have been agreed to the original replacement date. [60907]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The latest information available in terms of rail vehicles is as follows. Where franchises have committed to replacement of Mark 1 stock none of the original replacement dates has been revised.

  Operator

  Number of Mark 1 vehicles

  Franchise commitments for replacement

  Connex South Eastern

  583

  Class 411 stock by September 2000

  Class 423 by 2005 and 421 by 2006; all with new build

  Connex South Central

  602

  —

  South West Trains

  429

  —

  North Western Trains

  75

  All with 70 new vehicles by March 2000

  Anglia Railways

  11

  —

  Northern Spirit

  63

  Class 308 (i.e. all) by December 2000

  ScotRail

  189

  —

  1 On short term lease expiring in 1999

  Ministerial Travel
  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list commercial charter flights used by himself or his Ministers since 1 May 1997. [60897]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Ministers in this Department have not used any commercial charter flights since 1 May 1997.

  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) following his flight to Blackpool on 26 September, what engagements he undertook while in the Blackpool area; [60896]

  (2) what has been the cost to his Department of travel by Ministers in his Department in (i) RAF and (ii) privately chartered aircraft (a) in the year to 1 May 1997 and (b) since 1 May 1997. [60894]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to him on 19 November 1998,Official Report, columns 838–39.

  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions where the flight by a Minister in his Department in an RAF aircraft on 3 May 1997 began and ended; and who were the two people accompanying the Minister. [60895]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 19 November 1998,Official Report, columns 838–39.

  The RAF helicopter flight began at Wembley and ended at Kensington Palace. It was the only means by which my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister could travel from Wembley, where he was presenting the Rugby League Challenge Cup in his capacity as Deputy Prime Minister, to Kensington Palace in time to attend the Privy Council meeting to receive his Seals of Office. He was accompanied by my right hon. Friend the Chief Whip and two members of his family.

  Millennium Dome (Transport)
  Mr. Ottaway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will list the members of the task force which is preparing contingency plans for transport to the Millennium Dome; [60884]

  (2) what is the remit for the task force preparing contingency plans for transport to the Dome; [60886]

  (3) on what dates the task force preparing contingency plans for transport to the Dome (a) has already met and (b) will be meeting; [60885]

  (4) when he expects the task force preparing contingency plans for transport to the Dome to have completed its task. [60887]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  I have, through my Millennium Access Co-ordination Group, asked London Underground Limited to lead the production of contingency plans for transport to the Millennium Dome. Their remit is to prepare contingency arrangements to manage problems on any of the main transport links to the Dome site.
  42
  This work is being undertaken through a working group which involves the following organisations:

  Association of London Government (ALG),

  Association of Train Operating Companies,

  British Transport Police,

  Connex South Eastern,

  Docklands Light Railway Limited,

  Government Office for London,

  Great Eastern Railway,

  Highways Agency,

  London Borough of Greenwich,

  London River Services Limited,

  London Transport Buses,

  New Millennium Experience Company,

  Silverlink Trains Limited, and

  Traffic Director for London.

  It was recently expanded to include the ALG, the Borough of Greenwich and the Traffic Director.

  The working group has met four times and the fifth meeting is on 30 November. London Underground Limited have also held a number of separate workshops with individual members. Further sessions will be held over the coming months as the plans are developed in more detail.

  It is expected that the contingency will be ready to be called upon from Autumn 1999 onwards.

  Mr. Ottaway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the expected number of passengers who will travel (i) to the Dome and (ii) from the Dome via (1) Charing Cross, (2) Euston, (3) King's Cross, (4) London Bridge Station, (5) Waterloo International Station, (6) Stratford Station, (7) Liverpool Street Station, (8) Canning Town Station and (9) City Airport, on London Underground(a) Monday to Friday and (b) at weekends during 2000. [61144]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  I am advised by London Underground Limited that this information is not available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Ottaway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many (i) eastbound and (ii) westbound underground trains will pass through North Greenwich station per hour on(a) Monday to Friday and (b) weekends in the year 2000. [61137]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The signalling capacity available by the year 2000 will be 24 trains per hour in each direction. The number of trains run will depend on demand. I understand that London Underground are currently working on the timetable based on projected demand. Details will be made available to the public in advance of line opening.
  43
  Mr. Ottaway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the expected number of passengers per hour(a) Monday to Friday and (b) at weekends who will use the Jubilee Line extension to travel (i) to and (ii) from the Dome. [61138]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  London Underground's current projected figures for the numbers of passengers who will use the Jubilee line extension to travel to and from the Dome, based on a peak day (which could be any day of the week) are as follows:

  Hour

  Arriving at Dome

  Leaving Dome

  0800

  570

  —

  0900

  3,990

  —

  1000

  9,690

  —

  1100

  5,130

  —

  1200

  570

  —

  1300

  —

  570

  1400

  —

  1,710

  1500

  —

  2,280

  1600

  2,850

  3,420

  1700

  5,130

  4,560

  1800

  2,280

  2,850

  1900

  1,140

  2,280

  2000

  —

  2,280

  2100

  —

  1,710

  2200

  —

  2,280

  2300

  —

  6,270

  0000

  —

  1,140

  Totals

  31,350

  31,350

  Mr. Ottaway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the expected times of first and last trains on the Jubilee line extension on(a) Monday to Friday and (b) at weekends at North Greenwich Underground station (i) eastbound and (ii) westbound in the year 2000. [61136]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  I understand that specific times are not yet available, but that London Underground are currently working on the timetable. Details will be made available to the public in advance of the line opening. First and last train times will be similar to those already in operation on the Jubilee Line and elsewhere on the Underground network (i.e. between approximately 0500hrs and 0045hrs, with slightly later opening times on Sundays).

  Jubilee Line Extension
  Mr. Ottaway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the expected date for opening to the public of each underground station on the Jubilee line extension. [61140]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  London Transport, following advice from Bechtel (the international company appointed to oversee the run up to line opening) plan to open the Jubilee Line Extension in three phases, beginning at the eastern end of the line.

  London Transport plan to open phase one, between Stratford and North Greenwich, in late Spring 1999. This section includes four stations: Stratford, West Ham,
  44
  Canning Town and North Greenwich. Phase two is planned for late Summer 1999. This section includes six stations: Canary Wharf, Canada Water, Bermondsey, London Bridge, Southwark and Waterloo. The third and final phase, to complete the extended line by linking Westminster station with the existing line at Green Park, is planned for late Autumn 1999.

  Mr. Ottaway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the expected daily opening and closing times of Underground stations on the Jubilee Line Extension in the year 2000. [61139]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Underground station opening times are a matter for London Underground Limited. I understand that Jubilee Line Extension stations will open and close in line with the vast majority of stations elsewhere on the Underground network. On that basis, stations will open between approximately 0500hrs and 0045hrs. Opening times are slightly later on Sundays.

  Northern Line
  Mr. Ottaway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the difficulties which are delaying the introduction of new trains into service on the Northern Line, stating the date when each one is expected to be resolved. [60890]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  This information is not available in the form requested. As I said in my answer to the hon. Member for Chipping Barnet (Sir S. Chapman) of 17 November 1998,Official Report, columns 744–45, the delivery of new trains was delayed by more than a year. This was due to design changes specified by London Underground and production problems at ALSTOM' s train-building plant.

  There have been a number of other problems including the computer software on trains, a delay in delivering the train simulator (and subsequent delays to driver training) and delays in proving that all train systems, such as the CCTV link to train drivers, are operationally satisfactory and reliable. In testing and commissioning new trains, snagging problems arise on each train and are addressed on an on-going basis.

  ALSTOM and London Underground are working together to introduce the trains at as fast a rate as possible, and London Underground expects that a full Northern Line service will be provided with new trains by early autumn 1999.

  London Underground
  Mr. Ottaway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the percentage increase in passenger growth per annum on each London Underground line since 1990; and what the predicted increases are for (i) 1999 and (ii) 2000. [61145]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  London Transport do not keep passenger numbers for the years 1992 and 1993 centrally and figures for 1997 are currently being adjusted. However, available figures are as follows:
  45

  Passenger numbers per day (in thousands)

  1991

  1994

  1995

  (% increase on 1994)

  1996

  (% increase on 1995)

  Bakerloo

  246

  250

  255

  (2.0)

  260

  (2.0)

  Central

  514

  475

  502

  (5.7)

  512

  (2.0)

  District

  576

  564

  574

  (1.8)

  552

  (-3.8)

  East London

  25

  26

  26

  (0)

  0

  (-100)

  Jubilee

  179

  170

  177

  (4.1)

  186

  (5.1)

  Metropolitan, Circle, Hammersmith and City

  536

  535

  525

  (-1.9)

  532

  (1.3)

  Northern

  545

  544

  548

  (0.7)

  544

  (-0.7)

  Piccadilly

  504

  495

  515

  (4.0)

  513

  (-0.4)

  Victoria

  448

  420

  439

  (4.5)

  454

  (3.4)

  Total

  3,573

  3,479

  3,561

  (2.4)

  3,553

  (-0.2)

  Forecast percentage increases in passenger volumes from 1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  Bakerloo

  2.1

  2.5

  Central

  2.1

  2.7

  District

  1.8

  1.7

  Jubilee and East London

  18.4

  112.0

  Metropolitan, Circle and Hammersmith & City

  2.5

  2.1

  Northern

  1.8

  1.6

  Piccadilly

  -0.1

  0.9

  Victoria

  0.6

  1.1

  Total

  2.0

  2.5

  1 Reflects opening of the Jubilee Line Extension

  Mr. Ottaway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will list the maximum number of passengers who can be carried by each London Underground line per day(a) Monday to Friday and (b) at weekends in 1998; [61141]

  Train kilometres per annum (in thousands)

  1998–99 (planned)

  1990–2000 (planned)

  2000–01 (planned)

  Bakerloo

  3,695

  3,766

  3,779

  Central

  9,244

  9,605

  11,878

  District

  9,207

  9,977

  10,060

  East London

  703

  703

  781

  Jubilee (+ Jubilee Line Extension)

  3,458

  4,091 (7,654)

  4,108 (7,686)

  Metropolitan, Circle, Hammersmith & City

  10,433

  10,956

  11,224

  Northern

  10,748

  12,573

  12,576

  Piccadilly

  12,761

  12,888

  13,023

  Victoria

  5,183

  5,183

  5,891

  Total

  65.43

  73.31

  76.9

  46
  (2) if he will list the expected maximum number of passengers to be carried by each London Underground line per day (a) Monday to Friday and (b) at weekends in 1999; [61142]

  (3) if he will list the expected maximum number of passengers to be carried by each London Underground line per day (a) Monday to Friday and (b) at weekends in 2000. [61143]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Such figures could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. They would depend critically on the assumptions made, especially about trip length. (For example, average trip length varies by line: if all customers were to travel just one stop more could be carried than if they all travelled several stops.)

  The table gives the figures available from London Transport for the number of train kilometres planned to be run per line per annum.