Written Answers of 19 April 1999

SCOTLAND

  New Opportunities Fund
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he intends to reply to the letter from the hon. and learned Member for Orkney and Shetland of 5 February regarding the operation of the New Opportunities Fund in Scotland. [80933]

  Mr. Dewar
  A reply will be sent very shortly.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Macpherson Inquiry
  Mr. Efford
  To ask the Attorney-General what assessment he has made of the implications for his Department of the Macpherson Inquiry recommendations; and if he will make a statement.[80526]

  The Attorney-General
  I refer my hon. Friend to the written answer given to him by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office on 14 April 1999,Official Report, columns 239–40.

  Glidewell Report
  Mrs. Golding
  To ask the Attorney-General what decisions he has taken on the recommendations on file preparation, case management and witness warning in the report of the Review of the Crown Prosecution Service by the right hon. Sir Iain Glidewell. [81491]

  The Attorney-General
  The interim response to the Report by Sir lain Glidewell which I published on 30 November 1998 drew attention to the fact that these key recommendations (recommendations 13–16, 20 and 31) were being considered by a newly formed Criminal Justice Units Project Group, chaired jointly by the CPS and the Association of Police Officers. The Project Group, which also included representatives from other agencies and an independent member, has now completed its consideration of the Report's recommendations, and has made proposals for taking them forward.

  The Project Group has proposed that there should be a national model for joint administration, which incorporates the principles of flexibility and partnership and which builds on the arrangements currently being piloted to reduce delays under the Narey Reducing Delays initiative. It is important, as the Report recognises, that the new arrangements provide flexibility, so that Chief Crown Prosecutors and Chief Constables can develop local solutions jointly.

  The Government have decided to accept this proposal. This partnership approach between the CPS and the police, reflecting the principles advocated by Glidewell
  398
  and incorporating elements of co-location, common administration and integrated working, will provide the framework for better working relationships between CPS staff and operational police officers and ensure that the work of both agencies is more effective. It will further streamline casework and file handling processes, remove duplication and unnecessary burdens, and reduce delay.

  The new model for joint administration will also enable the police and the CPS to provide a better service to victims and witnesses, building on established arrangements and maintaining the co-ordination of victim and witness care.

  A feature of the new arrangements is that the police will retain their responsibility for file preparation and witness warning, and that accordingly these responsibilities should not be transferred to the CPS as recommended by Glidewell. The Government have decided that it would not be practical, or a proper reflection of the respective constitutional priorities of the CPS and the police, to require a transfer of responsibilities. The new arrangements will, however, ensure closer co-operation between the police and the CPS and improved file preparation.

  Chief Crown Prosecutors and Chief Constables will be asked to submit joint outline implementation plans by the end of November 1999 to a new inter-agency implementation group which we are setting up to oversee these new arrangements.

DEFENCE

  Civil Servants (Appraisal)
  Mr. McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what were the appraisal performance markings awarded to civil servants in 1998 for(a) each agency in his Department and (b) the Department broken down by (i) grade, (ii) gender, (iii) ethnicity, (iv) part-time/ full-time working and (v) disability; and for (1) each agency and (2) the Department whether the Cabinet Office's four fifths rule for detecting potential adverse impact was applied to the appraisal markings of civil servants in the 1998 report round. [78147]

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

  Weather Stations
  Mr. Woolas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the height above sea level of the weather stations at(a) Ashover, Derbyshire, (b) Buxton, Derbyshire, (c) Slaidburn, Lancashire, (d) Emley Moor, West Yorkshire and (e) Sheffield Dore; and what is the average height above sea level for the Oldham, East and Saddleworth constituency. [80278]

  Mr. Spellar
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Meteorological Office. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Ann Tourle to Mr. Phil Woolas, dated 19 April 1999
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the height above sea level of various weather stations. This matter falls within the area of responsibility of the Chief Executive of the Met. Office. As the Chief Executive is on holiday at the moment, I am replying on his behalf.399
  The information you requested is given in the table.

  Weather station

  Height above sea level (metres)1

  Ashover

  178

  Buxton

  307

  Slaidburn2

  192

  Emley Moor

  259

  Sheffield Dore3

  206

  1 All heights refer to height above sea level of station rain gauge

  2 Station closed on 30 June 1996

  3 Station closed on 31 January 1985

  I took advice from the Military Survey Agency on the average height above sea level for the Oldham East and Saddleworth constituency. Based on the mean of the highest and lowest points in the area, which are at Blindstones (541 metres) and Wellihole Bridge (148 metres) respectively, this is 344.5 metres.

  Project Horizon
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on developments in Project Horizon. [81044]

  Mr. Spellar
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence plans to meet his French and Italian colleagues shortly to discuss the way forward for the Horizon programme.

  Location changes

  TA centre

  Announced occupants

  Revised plan

  Middlesborough—(Stockton Road TA Centre)

  Was to be base to full infantry company plus Pioneer detachment

  1. Stockton Road retains infantry company less a Plantoon detachment which will instead be based Coulby Newham TA Centre

  2. Pionner detachment to be based at Cramlington TA Centre

  Scarborough

  Was to be base to full infantry company

  Scarborough retains infantry company less a platoon detachment, to be based at Northallerton TA Centre (Which was to have remained open only for cadets).

  Telford

  Telford to retain two TA Centres (one with ammunition squadron, the other with yeomanry headquarters squadron and surgical squadron)

  Surgical squadron to go to Copthorne Barracks, Shrewsbury (to co-locate with infantry company). Telford still retains two TA Centres.

  Newcastle

  Debdon Gardens was to be base to whole of 219 Field Squadron

  A detachment of 219 Squadron to be based at Sunderland TA Centre. Debdon Gardens remains open for other units.

  Changed timings/rolls

  Unit

  Announced plan

  Proposed plan

  Headquarters Squadron 21 Signal Regiment (a TA sub unit in a regular regiment)

  Due to move from Trowbridge to Oxford become part of new radio support regiment

  Move from Trowbridge as planned but to be housed temporarily at Bath before moving to Oxfoes, upon formation of radio support regiment which is delayed.

  43 Squardron 21 Signal Regiment (a TA sub unit in a regular regiment)

  Due to move from Bridgewater to Bath to become part of new radio support regiment

  Move to Bath as planned but retain current 21 Signal Regiment air support role until later re-roled to radio support regiment

  Royal Yeomanry Squadron, Slough

  Due to disband 1 July 1999

  Retain until 1 June 2000

  Royal Wessex Yeomanry Headquarters Squadron Cirencester

  Was to assume Nuclear Biological and Chemical role

  Assume armoured role. The Second Nuclear Biological and Chemical squadron now to be Royal Yeomanary Headquarters Squadron in London.

  KPMG
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what(a) consultancy and (b) other contracts his Department has had with KPMG since 1 May 1997; and if KPMG is a prospective candidate for future contracts his Department is intending to let. [81419]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Bury St. Edmunds (Mr. Ruffley) on 22 February 1999,Official Report, columns 31–32. I can confirm that the company are prospective candidates for future contracts.

  Territorial Army
  Mr. Andy King
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what changes there have been to the plans for Territorial Army units and their locations contained in the Government publication, "Modern Forces for the Modern World: A Territorial Army for the Future". [81493]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Since the announcement on the structure of the Territorial Army on 17 November 1998,Official Report, columns 749–71, there have been a number of small refinements to the detailed plan. These involve some location changes and some changes in the timing of moves, and these are shown in the table. In addition, this opportunity is being taken to correct several typographical errors in the document and these too are shown in the tables.
  401

  Typographic errors

  Unit

  Printed text

  Corrected text

  105 Regiment Royal Artillery (Volunteers) Light Aid Detachment

  Co-locate with 207 Battery in Glasgow

  Remain with Regimental Headquarters in Edinburgh

  Infantry Detachment Castleford

  Announced incorrectly as a band

  Lowland Battalion

  Company Headquarters in Dumfries; Infantry detachment in Galashiels

  Company Headquarters in Galashiels; Infantry detachment in Dumfries

  256 Field Hospital

  Headquarters in Hammersmith Road Squadron in Braganza Street

  Headquarters in Braganza Street; Squadron in Hammersmith Road

  Aldershot for Cadet Unit Training

  Seeley House, Shoe Lane, Aldershot

  Seely House, Shoe Lane, Aldershot

  Kosovo
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the integration of the frigate Somerset into a French-led naval group off Kosovo, with particular reference to the role of (i) the WEU, (ii) NATO and (iii) the St. Malo Accords in the formulation of this policy. [81045]

  Mr. George Robertson
  HMS Somerset has been attached to the French Task Group, led by the French aircraft carrier FOCH, since 14 February and is scheduled to revert to national tasking shortly. The integration of Somerset was at the invitation of the French authorities immediately following the St. Malo Summit. Initially scheduled as a training mission to the Indian Ocean, the Task Group was diverted for operations in the Adriatic following the deterioration of the situation in Kosovo. The integration is purely a bilateral arrangement between the UK and France and has no particular reference to WEU or NATO.

  The concept of a combined deployment is very much in the spirit of closer military co-operation between the UK and France, reinforced by the signing of the Letter of Intent at the St. Malo Summit in December 1998. It also takes forward the navy-to-navy Letter of Intent signed in 1996, which tasked our two navies
  "to continue to investigate the possibilities for the attachment of units for extended periods".
  The integration is an excellent means to further strengthen our bilateral links and provides a practical dimension to the present debate on European security and defence.

  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the refugee camps built by British forces in Albania and the former Yugoslavia as a result of the current Kosovo crisis; and if he will make a statement. [80925]

  Mr. George Robertson
  British Forces have assisted in the construction of the Bojane camp 15 km west of the Macedonian capital Skopje and the refugee handling centre 10 km north of Skopje consisting of the Brazde, Stenkovac and Eurotrade sites.

  Service Personnel (Incapacity Benefit)
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received concerning the eligibility for higher rate incapacity benefit of service personnel who are on sick leave when discharged. [80698]

  Mr. Bayley
  I have been asked to reply.
  402
  No such representations have been received

  On discharge from the forces, former service personnel who are sick or disabled can claim Incapacity Benefit. The short-term higher rate of Incapacity Benefit is payable after 28 weeks and the long-term rate after 52 weeks.

  Periods of sickness before discharge do not count towards the qualifying periods for the higher rates of Incapacity Benefit. Rules do, however, protect potential entitlement to the age addition payable with long-term Incapacity Benefit. For former members of the forces, it is the earliest date that the person became sick that is relevant in deciding entitlement to the age addition.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Football
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what requirements(a) exist and (b) he plans to introduce for staff who work with junior footballers to have qualifications in (i) first aid and (ii) vocational training. [79911]

  Mr. Banks
  The football authorities are responsible for the development of football in this country. The Football Association has developed coaching courses for coaches, teachers and those connected with junior football teams. These courses include in their curricula teaching and coaching techniques and principles of play, together with first aid training. The FA lays down specific requirements for those working in Centres of Excellence and Football Academies to hold the relevant qualifications. As part of the 'Charter for Quality', the FA will be introducing at the end of 1999 a national, voluntary, kite-mark scheme of 'Chartermark' clubs to recognise clubs in junior football that meet specific conditions, including the requirement that junior managers and coaches hold FA approved first aid and coaching qualifications.

PRIME MINISTER

  Social Chapter (Civil Servants)
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list those elements of the Social Chapter which have been covered by letters sent out by Government Departments inviting civil servants to waive their rights under them. [80449]
  403
  The Prime Minister
  There are no Social Chapter measures for which Government Departments have invited civil servants to waive their rights.

  European Commission President
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Prime Minister what discussions the Government are having with the President-nominate of the European Commission on use of his veto in the selection of fellow commissioners. [81039]

  The Prime Minister
  The Amsterdam Treaty states that the nominee for President shall work with Member States to nominate other Commissioners by common accord. The Government will be happy to work with Mr. Prodi in the selection of UK nominees.

  Treaty of Amsterdam
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Prime Minister what measures the Government are planning to mark final ratification of the Treaty of Amsterdam. [81040]

  The Prime Minister
  The Foreign and Commonwealth Office will issue a press release before the Amsterdam treaty enters into force on 1 May, outlining some of the key new elements. Other Government Departments may issue press releases highlighting areas where the Amsterdam Treaty will affect their departmental business.

  Euro Task Forces
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list those UK-appointed members of euro task forces whose views on UK participation in the single currency are known to the Government.[81047]

  The Prime Minister
  In October 1997 my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer set up a Business Advisory Group (BAG), headed by Lord Simon, to advise on the practical issues associated with UK membership. Representative organisations were invited to send their own nominated members. Subsequently, working groups were set up to look at sectoral preparations. In total over 100 individuals and representative organisations were consulted in producing the outline national changeover plan.

  BAG members were chosen as representatives of their organisations, not because of any particular view they hold on participation in the single currency. The organisations represented on the BAG are the Institute of Directors, Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, Council for Travel and Tourism, British Bankers' Association, Association of Payment Clearing Services, British Retail Consortium, Confederation of British Industry, Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accounting, Trades Union Congress, Consumers' Association, British Chamber of Commerce, Association of Corporate Treasurers, Computer Services and Software Association, Bank of England, Association of British Insurers, Building Societies Association, Forum of Private Business, Federation of Small Businesses, Law Society, Engineering Employers' Federation, Hundred Group of Finance Directors.

  Single Currency
  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 13 April 1999,Official Report, columns 2–3,
  404
  for what reasons the determining factor on any Government decision underpinning membership of a single currency is whether the economic case for the United Kingdom joining is clear and unambiguous rather than the constitutional and political implications of that decision. [81147]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer the hon. Member to my statement in the House on 23 February 1999,Official Report, column 179, where I said:
  "I do not dismiss the constitutional or political issues … If joining a single currency is good for British jobs and British industry, if it enhances British influence and power, I believe it is right for Britain to overcome these constitutional and political arguments and fears behind them. For the very reason of the sensitivity of those arguments, we have said very clearly that the Government can recommend, but the people will decide in a referendum."

  Macedonia
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Prime Minister what measures he is taking to extend the mandate of the UN Preventive Deployment Force in Macedonia; and what assessment he has made of the effect on efforts to achieve this on the number of UK troops in the region. [81248]

  The Prime Minister
  The Mandate of the UN Preventative Force (UNPREDEP) expired on 28 February 1999 because there was no consensus within the UN Security Council to renew its mandate. Its role was entirely separate from that of the NATO forces in Macedonia. As there was no UK contingent in UNPPREDEP, its demise has had no effect on the build-up of UK forces in Macedonia.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Prime Minister when he expects to reply to(a) the letter from the hon. Member for North Essex concerning Reeves Transport Services Ltd and (b) the letters he has received from Reeves Transport Services Ltd. [81360]

  The Prime Minister
  I have replied to the hon. Member today. Similarly, my office has replied direct to Reeves Transport Ltd. today.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Sierra Leone
  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if discussions on possible questions were held between a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and(a) himself, (b) his other departmental Ministers, (c) his departmental parliamentary private secretaries, (d) his civil servants or (e) his departmental special advisers prior to his evidence sessions with the Committee in the course of its Sierra Leone inquiry. [76083]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  [holding answer I1 March 1999]No.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the total number
  405
  of occasions when (a) departmental and (b) non-departmental special advisers have travelled abroad in an official capacity since 2 May 1997. [76829]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  Between 2 May 1997 and 28 February 1999, my special advisers have made visits overseas on 28 occasions in an official capacity. All travel complied with the requirements of the Ministerial Code and the Civil Service Management Code.

  EC Budget
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if budget line A-3021 of the European Communities budget is open to organisations which advance the idea of a non-federal Europe. [80159]

  Ms Quin
  The Official Journal of the European Communities describes Budget line A-3021 as providing grants to organisations advancing the idea of Europe, in particular those working actively for European integration. There is no reference to the promotion of federalism in Europe.

  Séminaire Franco-Britannique
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in the Library a copy of the speeches delivered at the Seminaire Franco-Britannique sur l'Euro by representatives of the British Government. [80158]

  Ms Quin
  We are arranging to have copies placed in the Libraries of the House.

  St. Malo Accord
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made in Franco-British co-operation since the signing of the St. Malo Accord. [80148]

  Ms Quin
  The St. Malo Summit identified a broad variety of areas for enhanced Franco-British co-operation: European defence, crisis management, common foreign and security policy, Africa, EU institutions, integrated transport issues, duty free, the entrepreneurship taskforce, the millennium bug, the Franco-British electronic village, dialogue 2000, Paris-London 2000, the audio-visual working group, and this year's British-French summit. The pace of progress will differ from subject to subject, but the summit gave considerable impetus to a closer relationship, and work is ongoing in these and other areas to ensure that there is the closest bilateral engagement.

  In some aspects this has already yielded concrete progress—for example, the proposed joint Foreign Ministers' visit and Heads of Mission Conference in Africa took place in February and proved the effectiveness of such shared contacts on African issues. There have been very productive bilateral meetings between Ministers, including myself and M. Moscovici, my French counterpart, on 14 January, as well as between senior officials, and more are planned for the near future, for example, meetings between the Ministers of Tourism.

  Falklands
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent 406
  representations he has made to the Government of Chile about the prospective removal of the Lan Chile air link to the Falklands. [80216]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  We expressed our regret to the Chilean Government over their decision last December to ask Chilean carriers not to fly to the Falklands and said that we did not believe this to be justified. When we became aware recently that the Chilean Government were considering publishing a decree prohibiting Chilean carriers from flying to the Falklands, we told them that we would strongly regret such a measure. We are very disappointed that they have nevertheless published such a decree. Lan Chile have not been able to fly to the Islands since their contract with the Falkland Islands Development Corporation expired on 31 March. While we hope that they will be allowed to resume the flights, other options are under consideration. We are in close touch with the Falkland Islands Government on this.

  Maastricht Treaty
  Mr. Lilley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list decision-making powers which have been restored to the United Kingdom from EU institutions " since the Maastricht Treaty came into effect. [80234]

  Ms Quin
  The issue of repatriation of powers from the EU to Member States was not on the agenda for either the Maastricht or Amsterdam IGCs.

  The Maastricht Treaty, however, introduced the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality into EC law, both of which were given further effect by the Protocol agreed at Amsterdam. The principle of subsidiarity aims to ensure that decisions are taken at the most appropriate level in areas of shared competence between the EC and Member States. Its application is one way of ensuring that decisions are taken as close to the citizen as possible.

  Written Answers
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for how many written parliamentary questions he has referred the interrogator to a previous answer since 1 May 1997; and if he will break this down by subject area. [80451]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  The information requested is not kept centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate diversion of staff time.

  Treaty of Amsterdam
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list each of the new responsibilities which he will assume when the signed Treaty of Amsterdam takes effect and for each(a) the likely effect on departmental staffing, (b) the bodies or persons in the European Union principally concerned and (c) the relevant section of that treaty and the consolidated treaties of the European Union and European Community. [80416]

  Ms Quin
  I do not expect implementation of the Treaty of Amsterdam to add significantly to my Department's responsibilities.

  Peru
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the President of Peru on the release of prisoners found innocent by the Ad Hoc Commission. [80080]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  We have made no representations personally to President Fujimori. However, during my visit to Peru in January, I discussed the issue with both the Technical Adviser to the Ad Hoc Commission, Dr. Gina Costa, and the Human Rights Ombudsman, Jorge Santistevan. During 1998, the Commission continued to recommend presidential pardons for applicants, and won the release of an additional 102 detainees, bringing the total of those pardoned to 462.

  The British Embassy in Lima has raised this issue with the Ad Hoc Commission. We also intend to discuss this, and other human rights issues, with the Peruvian delegation in Geneva, in the margins of the Commission on Human Rights (22 March-30 April).

  Arms Brokering
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions took place on the issue of brokering in the meeting of the Council of Ministers COARM working group on 18 March; and what position was taken by the United Kingdom representative. [81103]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  [holding answer 16 April 1999]There was no substantive discussion of the issue of controls on arms trafficking and brokering at COARM on 18 March.

  We have already told EU partners that the UK welcomes the initiative taken by the German Presidency to discuss within the EU the question of uniform national controls on arms trafficking and brokering, and intends to participate constructively in the debate. We have also drawn the attention of EU partners to the proposals for national controls on trafficking and brokering as set out in the White Paper on Strategic Export Controls presented to Parliament by the President of the Board of Trade in July 1998 (Cm 3989), which differ in a number of respects from the initial Presidency proposals.

CHURCH COMMISSIONERS

  Macpherson Inquiry
  Mr. Efford
  To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough (Mr. Bell), representing the Church Commissioners, what assessment he has made of the implications for the Commissioners of the Macpherson inquiry recommendations; and if he will make a statement. [80536]

  Mr. Stuart Bell
  Ensuring equal opportunity and the demonstration of fairness in all aspects of conduct within the Commissioners' office is something the Commissioners and indeed all the other central Church institutions take extremely seriously.

  The Commissioners have followed equal opportunity practice in their recruitment and promotion procedures for many years and equal opportunities training for those
  408
  operating these areas has been provided. Human resources departments across the national Church institutions were merged in 1998 in anticipation of the creation of the Archbishops' Council from January 1999. Equal opportunities awareness training has been offered to all of the central Church institutions' staff and this year we introduced a new Equal Opportunities Policy.

  The Policy states our belief that we benefit from a workforce drawn from a wide cross-section of the community and confirms our commitment to developing and supporting all staff. Particularly relevant to the question is the definition of and procedure for dealing with racial harassment; recruitment and selection procedures including advertisement in publications with a predominantly ethnic readership where those groups are under-represented in our workforce; and training in equal opportunity awareness.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Macpherson Inquiry
  Mr. Efford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the implications for his Department of the Macpherson Inquiry recommendations; and if he will make a statement. [80520]

  Mr. Meale
  I refer to the answer which my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster gave my hon. Friend on 14 April 1999,Official Report, column 239–40.

  In addition, the British Transport Police Service is currently studying Sir William Macpherson's report. It will be implementing any appropriate recommendations in a process of consultation with the rest of the police service. A team headed by Chief Officers has already been appointed to identify areas from the report that can be taken forward.

  Vehicle Registration
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of vehicles below 1100cc were first registered before 1992. [79929]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  At the end of September 1998–the latest date for which information is available–72 per cent. of vehicles licensed in the Private and Light Goods class at or below 1100cc were first registered before 1992.

  Vehicle Emissions
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what plans he has to increase the fixed penalty levied on vehicles which fail to pass MOT emissions standards; [81050]

  (2) what progress he has made on the implementation of roadside vehicle testing schemes; [81049]

  (3) what plans he has to allow (a) environmental health officers and (b) traffic wardens to undertake roadside emission testing without a police officer present. [81051]
  409
  Dr. Reid
  The trial scheme involving seven local authorities in roadside emissions testing has been running for just over a year. I am currently evaluating the results of their work and hope to make an announcement in due course about whether the scheme might continue.

  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the average level of emissions per mile from cars of(a) under 1100 cc, (b) 1101–1500 cc, (c) 1501–2000 cc, (d) 2001–3000 cc and (e) over 3000 cc. [81257]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Department does not calculate the average emissions per mile for cars by engine size. Emissions of local air pollutants from all cars, regardless of their engine size, are regulated by the same mandatory emission standards.

  But cars with larger engine sizes tend to consume more fuel and emit more CO2 emissions, although emissions from different models with the same engine size can vary considerably, depending on fuel type, engine technology and vehicle weight. To illustrate this trend, the following table provides estimates by engine size of the average CO2 emissions per kilometre from all new petrol cars sold in 1997, based on official fuel consumption tests using a combined driving cycle.

  Engine size

  Average CO2emissions (g/km)

  up to 1100cc

  139

  1101–1500cc

  160

  1501–2000cc

  193

  2001–3000cc

  241

  over 3000cc

  301

  Air Quality
  Mrs. Brinton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what advice he has issued to local authorities on the use of equipment to monitor compliance with national air quality objectives for particles. [80783]

  Mr. Meale
  Part IV of the Environment Act 1995 requires every local authority periodically to review air quality in its area. The Air Quality Regulations 1997 prescribe air quality objectives for seven pollutants, including particles (PM10), to be achieved by 2005. Local authorities have to consider the present quality of air and the likely future quality of air, and assess whether prescribed objectives are likely to be achieved by the end of 2005. To assist local authorities the Secretary of State has issued a series of guidance under section 88(1) of the Environment Act 1995. One of these guidance notes, "Monitoring for air quality reviews and assessments" LAQM.TG1(98), includes guidance on monitoring particles.

  The Government recently published their proposals for review of the National Air Quality Strategy (NAQS), and, in particular, their proposals for revised and additional objectives for the pollutants. During the review process, as a result of the better understanding of the sources and types of particles in the UK provided by the work of the Airborne Particles Expert Group, it became apparent that the current PM10 objective would not be achievable in a number of local authority areas with any measures that are currently practicable. The Group's work also revealed
  410
  the importance of non-UK sources and the limit to which local authority action could control levels of PM10. The Government are therefore consulting on a proposal to replace the objective with the Stage 1 limit values in the EC Air Quality Daughter Directive, while retaining it as an indicative level. Discussions are also in progress with the UK's EC partners to explore ways of reducing the transboundary particle problem.

  Should the Government decide to proceed with their proposal, such a change would have significant implications for the scale of work local authorities would need to undertake on the review and assessment of PM10 and the conclusions they reach. To help local authorities, and without prejudice to the outcome of the consultation process, my officials have written to local authorities with further information on how they might proceed with the review and assessment process ahead of a decision on the Strategy review.

  Copies of the Secretary of State's guidance note and the further information provided by officials, both mentioned above, have been placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Ruddy Ducks
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what advice he has received from (i) English Nature and (ii) other agencies regarding the cull of the Ruddy Duck; what advice he has received as to the cost of the cull; if he has put the contract for the cull out to tender; and what plans he has to take powers of compulsory access to enforce the cull. [80796]

  Mr. Meacher
  In July 1998, I set up a Task Force to advise on the action required in the United Kingdom to conserve the globally threatened white-headed duck. This Task Force included representation from English Nature, other conservation agencies and non-Governmental organisations. In January this year I accepted the recommendations of the Task Force that a control trial should be undertaken to test the feasibility of eradicating the UK's population of ruddy duck.

  The cost of the control trial is approximately £800,000 over 4 financial years. The Central Science Laboratory has been contracted to undertake the work. An assessment of whether or not compulsory access would be required to ensure success in any future eradication programme is a key objective of the control trial.

  Council Tax
  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish the criteria which will be used to determine for capping purposes whether council tax rises are unjustifiable. [80788]

  Ms Armstrong
  My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister announced on 13 April 1999, Official Report, columns 50–51, that most local authorities have set sensible budgets this year and that we will not be capping any councils.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what
  411
  steps his Department has taken to implement the recommendation of the Bates report on the PFI that it should conduct an urgent review into planning procedures. [81122]

  Mr. Raynsford
  In the light of the conclusions of the Bates report in June 1997, the Department discussed with the Treasury Taskforce and other Departments, the instances that had led to the Report's recommendation. The conclusion reached was that review of the planning system was not required but that my Department would work with other Departments sponsoring PFI projects as necessary to seek to resolve any difficulties that might arise in respect of the planning process. We will keep under review the need for guidance to clarify how PFI schemes can be taken forward efficiently within the existing planning system.

  Channel Tunnel Rail Link
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects the Channel Tunnel Rail Link to be completed in its entirety; and if he will make a statement. [81352]

  Dr. Reid
  I understand from London & Continental Railways, the company contracted to build the whole of the Rail Link under the terms of the CTRL Development Agreement, that the first section (from the Channel Tunnel to Fawkham Junction near Gravesend) should be completed in 2003. They expect the second section (from Fawkham Junction to St. Pancras) to be completed in 2007.

  Genetically Modified Crops
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the qualitative difference in terms of impact on the environment between the growing of genetically modified crops(a) in farm-scale field trials and (b) on a commercial basis. [81268]

  Mr. Meacher
  There should be no difference apart from one of scale. The genetically modified crops in the farm-scale evaluations will be grown under normal commercial conditions following the suppliers' recommendations and requirements for the use of seed and herbicide.

  Rural Transport
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions in respect of the £50 million allocated in the 1998 Budget for rural bus services, how much has been spent, how much has been allocated but not yet spent, and how many extra bus journeys have run as a consequence of this extra money. [81264]

  Dr. Reid
  Of the £50 million a year for rural transport in the United Kingdom announced in the 1998 Budget, £37.5 million a year was allocated for rural bus services in England. Final figures for actual spend in 1998–99 are not yet available but local authorities have previously estimated that they would spend £25 million in that financial year, reflecting the fact that less than a full year was available for spend.
  412
  Results from an interim survey of local authorities shows that by the end of 1998–99 over 550 new services are being operated as a result of the new finance, with a further 740 services improved in frequency or coverage. We are undertaking with local authorities a fuller survey of the results of the new funding. Data on the precise number of additional bus journeys are not available.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the rural transport partnership scheme. [81265]

  Dr. Reid
  The Government have provided £4.2 million per annum for the Rural Transport Partnership scheme. The overarching aim of the scheme is to promote social inclusion by enhancing rural transport services and securing a long-term improvement in the accessibility of rural people to jobs, services and social activity. The Countryside Agency is working to stimulate interest in the scheme and is providing advice to prospective partnerships. A number of schemes have been accepted for funding, and I look forward to seeing the fruits of these partnerships soon.

  Carbon Dioxide Emissions
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the steps taken since 1 May 1997 to reduce total carbon dioxide emissions from the transport sector.[81267]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Action to reduce CO12 emissions from transport is a key element of our approach to tackling climate change. Since coming into office, this Government have taken a number of measures designed to reduce transport CO2 emissions. These include the integrated transport measures detailed in last year's White Paper, "A New Deal for Transport", the proposed reforms of vehicle excise duty and company car taxation, and also raising the annual increase in fuel duty to 6 per cent. In addition, we fully support the European Union's strategy for reducing CO2 emissions from cars, including the voluntary agreement with European car manufacturers, which commits them to a 25 per cent. reduction in average new car fuel consumption by 2008.

  Sale West Race Course Estate
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which hon. Members have made representations to his Department in relation to the proposed transfer of the Sale West Race Course Estate, located in the Altrincham and Sale, West constituency.[81255]

  Mr. Raynsford
  In addition to the hon. Member, my hon. Friend the Member for Stretford and Urmston, (Ms Hughes), has made representations in connection with the proposed transfer of the Sale West Race Course Estate.

  Packaging Waste
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant o his answer to the hon. Member for Elmet, (Mr. Burgon), of 28 January 1999, Official Report, columns 335–37, by

  413
  what date consultation with EU member states relating to his proposed amendments to the packaging waste regulations is planned to begin. [81389]

  Mr. Meacher
  Some amendments have already been notified to the European Commission and others will be notified as soon as possible.

  Countryside Agency
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list(a) the members appointed to the Board of the Countryside Agency, (b) the date of their appointment, (c) their salaries and (d) their other occupations. [81149]

  Mr. Meacher
  The members of the Board of the Countryside Agency are as follows:

  Ewen Cameron FRICS DL (Chairman)

  Cllr. Pam Warhurst (Deputy Chair)

  Kate Ashbrook Janet Bradbury

  Right Rev. Alan Chesters

  Martin Doughty

  Dr. Victoria Edwards

  Prof. Philip Lowe Catherine Mack

  Miles Middleton CBE FCA

  Frances Rowe

  David Woodhall CBE.

  All appointments run from 1 April 1999. The Chairman's salary is £41,620 a year; Ewen Cameron does not intend to draw the full amount. The Deputy Chair's salary is £12,950 a year. All other members will receive an annual salary of £5,975.

  I will write to the hon. Member about Board members' other occupations after confirming the details with those involved.

  Herbicides
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research his Department has commissioned on the effects on biodiversity of the increased use of herbicides in farming. [81253]

  Mr. Meacher
  My Department, together with the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, commissioned a report on the indirect effects of pesticides, including herbicides, on birds which was published in 1997. Further research on this topic is being funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food which funds a wide programme of research on the effects of pesticides. My Department intends to commission a complementary study this year.

  Railtrack
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures he will take, pursuant to the publication of Railtrack's Network Management Statement, to facilitate fulfilment of the proposed investment programme. [81356]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  We made it clear at the National Rail Summit in February that the Government are prepared to work in partnership with the railway industry 414
  to deliver a better rail service and increased investment. But Rai1track must play its part in creating a high quality, high growth, high investment railway. We have appointed Sir Alastair Morton to lead the shadow Strategic Rail Authority, and Tom Winsor as Rail Regulator, to ensure that that investment is delivered.

  Passenger Rail Franchises
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what are the key criteria for the renegotiation of passenger rail franchises; and if he will make a statement. [81362]

  Dr. Reid
  We announced at the National Rail Summit on 25 February that all requests for franchise re-negotiations will be judged against the following criteria: current performance; proposed accelerated or new investment; willingness to commit to a more demanding enforcement regime and higher quality standards; willingness to give passengers a greater say in the level and standard of services; willingness to commit to initiatives which would promote integrated transport; and value for the taxpayer.

  Rail Summit
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the purpose of the rail summit next Spring, indicating the date on which it will be held. [81354]

  Dr. Reid
  The purpose of the next National Rail Summit will be to review progress with the rail industry's commitment to deliver real year-on-year performance improvements and to maintain the momentum created by the Summit on 25 February. No date has yet been fixed for the next Summit.

  National Cycling Strategy
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will next publish an assessment of the National Cycling Strategy; and if he will make a statement. [81358]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Good progress continues to be made on achieving the objectives of the National Cycling Strategy (NCS). A second year report will be published shortly by the Department on behalf of the National Cycling Forum, which is co-ordinating and monitoring progress in implementing the NCS.

  Railways
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what has been the growth in(a) freight and (b) passenger volumes on the railways since 1 May 1997; and if he will make a statement. [81355]

  Dr. Reid
  During 1997–98, freight tonne kilometres on the railway grew by 12 per cent. and total passenger journeys grew by 6 per cent. For the half year from April to September 1998, freight tonne kilometres grew by 7 per cent. and total passenger journeys by 5 per cent. over the corresponding period in the previous year. We are achieving our goal of winning more passengers and freight on to the railways.

  Council Tax Rebates
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will introduce legislation to give council tax rebates to elderly people living alone. [81271]

  Ms Armstrong
  Elderly people who live alone, as with other single person households, are already entitled to a 25 per cent. reduction in their council tax. We believe that additional help with council tax bills should be given to people on low incomes through the means tested benefit system. There are already special provisions for pensioners which mean that they are entitled to council tax benefit at higher levels of income than most other people.

  Lake Windermere
  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he plans to make a statement on the review concerning the proposed 10 mph speed limit on Lake Windermere. [80810]

  Mr. Meale
  The Windermere Navigation (Amendment) (No. 2) Byelaws 1992 are before the Secretary of State for his decision whether or not to confirm them. We are considering representations from a large number of individuals and organisations and hope to make an announcement shortly.

  GJW
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the meetings his Department has had with the lobbying firm GJW since 1 May 1997. [81583]

  Mr. Meale
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Lewes (Mr. Baker) on 9 March 1999,Official Report, column 168.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Correspondence
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the hon. Member for Walsall, North will receive a reply to his letter of 9 March concerning a constituent (HO Reference 4068/99). [80800]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I wrote to my hon. Friend on 15 April.

  Environmental Appraisals
  Mr. Truswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what environmental appraisals of policy his Department has(a) completed, (b) started and (c) planned. [79630]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to him by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on 13 April 1999,Official Report, column 66.

  Uninsured Vehicles
  Mr. Caplin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many proceedings there have been at magistrates' courts for the offence of using a motor vehicle uninsured against third party risks in each of the past five years. [80471]

  Mr. Boateng
  The numbers of proceedings at magistrates' courts for the offence of using a motor vehicle uninsured against third party risks in each of the past five years, are given in the table.

  Proceedings at magistrates' courts for the offence of using a motor vehicle uninsured against third party risks England and Wales

  Year

  Number of offences

  1993

  446,568

  1994

  446,559

  1995

  441,241

  1996

  415,015

  1997 (provisional)

  396,912

  Macpherson Inquiry
  Mr. Efford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the implications for his Department of the Macpherson Inquiry recommendations; and if he will make a statement. [80527]

  Mr. Straw
  I refer to the reply which my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster gave on 14 April 1999,Official Report, columns 239–40. This referred to the Action Plan I published on 23 March containing the detailed response to the recommendations of the Macpherson Inquiry. That plan is a long term programme to deliver permanent improvements to policing in every area.

  The plan makes it clear that progress on policing must be part of a wider context and commits the Government to setting out, over coming months, how they will take forward their wider vision of an anti-racist society. I have already announced that the Government will legislate to extend the Race Relations Act 1976 not just to the police service as the Inquiry recommended but across all public services.

  I will take personal responsibility for oversight of this programme. I am, therefore, establishing a steering group which I will chair which will include members from the police service, other relevant organisations as well as substantial representation from minority ethnic communities. The steering group will meet for the first time next month.

  The Home Office Management Board has been working since early 1998 on taking forward at corporate level the commitment to race equality within the department. The Departmental Race Equality Action Plan includes commitments by the Board agreed following its first race equality training day in October 1998. Since publication of the Inquiry report, the Management Board held a further race equality seminar on 25–26 March and identified progress to date and further action points to take forward the Departmental Race Equality Action Plan.

  Treaty of Amsterdam
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list each of the new responsibilities which he will assume when the signed Treaty of Amsterdam takes effect and for each(a) the likely effect on departmental staffing, (b) the bodies or persons in the European Union principally concerned and (c) the relevant section of that treaty and the consolidated treaties of the European Union and European Community. [80414]

  Kate Hoey
  The Treaty of Amsterdam will, in general, have minimal impact on the responsibilities of my Department and its staffing. However, as my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary announced on 12 March 1999,Official Report, columns 380–82, we are seeking to participate in certain areas of co-operation hitherto embodied in the Schengen agreements which are being incorporated into the European Union Treaty framework. These are new areas of co-operation for the Home Office. It will not be possible to assess the resource and other implications of such participation until the necessary negotiations are concluded.

  Consultations (Postal Costs)
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will pay the postal costs of voluntary bodies and registered charities requested to respond to Government consultation documents; and if he will make a statement. [80921]

  Mr. Straw
  When voluntary bodies and registered charities are invited to respond to a Home Office consultation paper, postal costs are not automatically covered. However, each case is considered on its merits, taking account of such factors as the scale of the consultation exercise and the nature of the information requested.

  The Home Office does not pay postal costs incurred by organisations responding to consultation documents from other Government Departments. It is a matter for individual Departments to decide whether to cover these.

  Ministerial Meetings (US)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many times Ministers in his Department met their counterparts in the US Administration between 1 January 1998 and 1 June 1998, indicating the dates and locations of each meeting, the Ministers involved and the name of the US counterpart. [80830]

  Mr. Straw
  I met the United States Attorney-General, Janet Reno, on 6 February 1998, during a visit to Washington, and have spoken to her by telephone from time to time.

  Between January and June 1998, there have been no other meetings between Ministers in my Department and their United States counterparts.

  Kosovo Liberation Army
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what staff under his control are 418
  engaged in monitoring criminal activity by elements of the Kosovo Liberation Army; what is the nature of that activity; and if he will make a statement. [81243]

  Mr. Straw
  The investigation of criminal activity is an operational police matter and responsibility rests with the Chief Officer of the force in the area concerned.

  I am not aware of any evidence that members of the Kosovo Liberation Army are committing criminal offences in this country.

  Mutual Legal Assistance
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 17 December 1998,Official Report, columns 726–27, if he will make a further statement on the Government's policy in respect of proposals discussed at the meeting in Brussels of the European Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance as they relate to the interception of communications. [81274]

  Mr. Straw
  I refer the hon. Member to the replies given to the right hon. Member for Penrith and The Border (Mr. Maclean) on 23 and 25 March 1999,Official Report, columns 176 and 384 respectively.

  Prison Service (Portland)
  Mr. Ian Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people are employed(a) directly and (b) indirectly by the Prison Service in the three prison establishments in Portland. [81254]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The information requested is given in the table.

  Prison service staff employed at Portland prisons as at 31 March 1999

  Prison

  Number of directly employed staff

  Number of indirectly employed staff1

  Portland

  285.5

  71

  The Verne

  268

  47.5

  Weare

  200

  46

  1These figures include: education staff, probation staff, healthcare staff, chaplaincy staff, drug counsellors, ship's crew (Weare), hairdressers and librarians. The figures do not include works contractors.

  Braille Template
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress he has made on developing a Braille template to enable blind people to vote in person and unaided. [81066]

  Mr. George Howarth
  It has not so far proved possible to develop a practicable proposal, but I am always ready to consider suggestions in this area.

  Polling Stations (Access)
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how much his Department has spent in each of the last five years on the making of grants to local authorities for the purpose of improving access to polling places; and how much he expects to spend in the current year; [81067]
  419
  (2) how many local authorities in each of the last five years have (a) applied for and (b) received grants for the purpose of improving access to polling places; and what was the average amount of grant paid to a local authority in each year. [81068]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The information requested is set out in the tables. These show grants from central exchequer for the purchase or hire of temporary ramps to improve

  Grants for purchase/hire of temporary ramps

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  Number of local authorities applying

  27

  22

  20

  36

  18

  Number of local authorities receiving grants

  27

  22

  20

  36

  18

  Total amount granted for year (£)

  71,481

  34,500

  47,069

  62,043

  21,146

  Average per authority (£)

  2,647

  1,568

  2,353

  1,723

  1,175

  Grants for the purchase of adapted polling screens

  1997–98

  1998–99

  Number of local authorities applying

  27

  22

  Number of local authorities receiving grants

  27

  22

  Total amount granted for year (£)

  138,298

  109,855

  Average per authority (£)

  5,122

  4,993

  Augusto Pinochet
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he plans to exercise his discretion regarding the proposed extradition of Augusto Pinochet following the most recent decision of the Judicial Committee of the House of Lords. [81365]

  Mr. Straw
  I refer to the reply I gave on 15 April 1999,Official Report, columns 311 –16, to my hon. Friend the Member for Halifax (Mrs. Mahon).

  Remand Prisoners
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average time spent in prison on remand by those(a) under the age of 25 years and (b) of all ages; what percentage of those people are found guilty and given custodial sentences; what is the average age of remand prisoners; what plans he has to review the system of remand; and if he will make a statement. [81260]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Provisional information on the estimated average number of days in custody for untried and convicted unsentenced prisoners held in prisons in England and Wales in 1998, by age, is given in the table. During 1998, the average age of all untried prisoners was 29 years, whilst for all convicted unsentenced prisoners it was 27 years.

  The available information on the numbers remanded to custody that subsequently received a custodial sentence is for 1997 and shows that 42 per cent. of all persons remanded were sentenced to immediate custody. This information is published in "Criminal statistics England and Wales" (table 8.8 of the 1997 edition), a copy of which is in the Library.

  Remand decisions are a matter for the courts in the exercise of their judicial discretion in accordance with the Bail Act 1976. We have no plans to alter the present arrangements.
  420
  access to polling places for the years from 1994–95 to 1998–99 and, separately, grants provided for polling screens adapted for use by disabled voters. These latter figures are available separately only for 1997–98 and 1998–99. There is no limit on the level of grants provided for these purposes and local authorities are actively encouraged to apply for them.

  Estimated average time spent in custody for untried and convicted unsentenced prisoners in prisons in England and Wales in 1998, by age1

  Estimated average number of days in custody2

  Age unsentenced3

  Untried4

  Convicted

  Aged under 25 years

  39

  37

  All ages

  46

  38

  1 Provisional figures

  2Estimated from number of receptions and average population Time spent in Prison Service establishments after conviction

  3Time spent in Prison Service establishments after conviction

  4Time spent in Prison Service establishments before conviction

  Home Office Business Plan
  Mr. Salter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish a Home Office business plan for 1999–2000. [81479]

  Mr. Straw
  The Home Office Business Plan for 1999–2000 is being published today.

  The Business Plan complements the Home Office Annual Report—published on 26 March—and provides a comprehensive picture of Home Office aims, objectives, resources, performance measures and targets for 1999–2000. This includes the high level Home Office targets set out in the White Paper "Public Services for the Future: Modernisation, Reform, Accountability, Comprehensive Spending Review: Public Service Agreements 1999–2002" published in December 1998.

  Copies of the Business Plan have been placed in the Library and are available on the Home Office web site on the internet.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  National Overseas Debts
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list those countries that are classified as poor countries which have had national overseas debts written off within the last 12 months. [80641]

  Clare Short
  We classify poor countries as those listed in Part 1 of the Development Assistance Committee List of Aid Recipients. In the 1998–99 financial year the following countries benefited from debt write-offs for outstanding aid loans made by my Department.
  421
  Afghanistan

  Antigua and Barbuda

  Bangladesh Barbados

  Belize

  Botswana

  Cote D'Ivoire

  Dominica

  Egypt

  Ethiopia

  Gambia

  Ghana

  Grenada

  Guyana

  Honduras

  Indonesia

  Jamaica

  Jordan

  Laos

  Malawi

  Mauritius

  Mozambique

  Nicaragua

  Pakistan

  Peru

  Senegal

  Sierra Leone

  Solomon Islands

  Sri Lanka

  St. Lucia

  Sudan

  Turks and Cairos Islands

  Tonga

  Western Samoa

  Zambia.

  Kosovo
  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she has taken to ensure that privately donated aid destined for refugees from Kosovo is not being delayed by unnecessary bureaucracy; and if she will investigate the reasons for a lorry loaded by NMT Crane Hire of Bedfordshire with aid not being allowed to leave Bishops Stortford for Albania during the past week. [81106]

  Clare Short
  My Department is taking an international lead in urgently working for organisation of the humanitarian relief effort for refugees from Kosovo. The problem to date has not been lack of resources but inadequate organisation. We have no knowledge of the problems to which the hon. Gentleman's questions refers.

  We greatly welcome the spontaneous generosity of the British people but we are fully stretched attempting to improve the effectiveness of the international system.

  We have discussed this issue with the Disasters Emergency Committee which is the alliance of charities co-ordinating private contributions for Kosovo. We are
  422
  informed that even as organisational arrangements improve, the priority for private donations will be to receive financial contributions rather than material ones.

HEALTH

  Nurses
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what provision has been made for funding courses for general nurses not in employment to convert to Level One. [80261]

  Mr. Denham
  In September 1998 we announced an investment of £50 million from the Modernisation Fund to support initiatives which widen access to nursing and midwifery diploma programmes. This funding is for the period 1999 to 2002 and covers the costs of enabling enrolled nurses to retrain/upgrade their qualifications and return to the National Health Service. The funding will also enable existing NHS staff (previously only available for Health Care Assistants) to access pre-registration nursing and midwifery diploma programmes. The cost of expanding part time and flexible pre-registration nursing and midwifery diploma programmes is also being met from this investment in order to give those who might not normally be able to access nursing and midwifery education, for example those with family responsibilities, the opportunity to do so.

  Interstitial Cystitis
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what support his Department is giving to the sufferers of interstitial cystitis; how much funding his Department has donated in the last five years to research into the causes of interstitial cystitis; and what action his Department is taking to encourage research into the treatment of interstitial cystitis. [80237]

  Mr. Hutton
  The National Health Service provides investigations, care and treatment for people with interstitial cystitis. There is already a body of international research evidence published in the world-wide literature, and some NHS research has been supported through the NHS research and development levy. In addition, the Medical Research Council welcomes high quality research applications into any aspect of human health and regional offices of the NHS Executive run response mode funding schemes for NHS research proposals.

  A and E Departments
  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much money will be available to the accident and emergency departments at(a) Ashford, Middlesex Hospital and (b) St. Peter's, Chertsey Hospital in the financial year 1999–2000 in addition to the money allocated under his three year plan. [80428]

  Mr. Denham
  Negotiations with local commissioners about overall funding for the new combined Ashford and St. Peter's National Health Service Trust in 1999–2000 are currently being concluded.

  The accident and emergency team led by Mike Lambert, accident and emergency consultant at Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, are presently reviewing bids for

  423
  funds as part of the accident and emergency modernisation programme and final decisions will be taken shortly.

  Multiple Sclerosis
  Audrey Wise
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the impact of multiple sclerosis specialist nursing on patient care. [80597]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Department has not made an assessment of the impact of multiple sclerosis specialist nursing on patient care. However, we will continue to liaise with the Multiple Sclerosis Society who have set up a £2 million fund for the development of specialist nursing.

  Maternity Units
  Audrey Wise
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the(a) professional and (b) lay members of the intercollegiate working party convened to set criteria for the restructuring or closure of maternity units; and what are its remit and terms of reference. [80598]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Multidisciplinary Working Party to Consider Maternity Services is an intercollegiate working party set up by the Royal Colleges of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Midwives, and Paediatrics and Child Health.

  The current membership of the Multidisciplinary Working Party to Consider Maternity Services is as follows:

  Professor W. Dunlop FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist (Chairman)

  Mr. A. J. Evans MRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

  Mr. R. J. Porter FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

  Dr. K. Dodd FRCPH, Consultant Paediatrician

  Professor A. Wilkinson FRCPH, Neonatal Paediatrics

  Ms H. Camm, Head of Midwifery Services

  Dr. S. Downe, Research Midwife

  Dr. G. Lewis, Principal Medical Officer, Department of Health.

  The Working Party is not funded by the Department of Health. It is a new group and first met on 18 February.

  The Working Party's current terms of reference are to set criteria for consideration when restructuring or closing maternity units.

  Lamotrigine
  Mr. Lock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many deaths have been reported to his Department since the drug, Lamotrigine, has been licensed for use in Britain arising out of or related to the use of this drug or arising out of or connected to side effects suspected to be related to the use of this drug; [67007]

  (2) pursuant to his answer of 30 March 1999, Official Report, columns 656–57, on Lamotrigine, how many suspected deaths have been reported to his Department or the Medicines Control Agency arising out of or related to Lamotrigine. [80230]
  424
  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 13 April 1999]There have been a total of 1,333 reports of suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) made via the UK spontaneous reporting scheme (the Yellow Card Scheme) associated with lamotrigine, of which 42 were fatal. Eighteen of the fatalities were associated with convulsions (the condition for which the drug was prescribed) and therefore it is difficult to establish what role, if any, the drug played in these cases. In general, doctors are asked to report suspected adverse drug reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme and therefore it is not possible to definitely attribute causality. Factors such as the patients' underlying illnesses and other medication may have contributed to the reactions.

  Primary Care Groups
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) Conservative, (b) Liberal Democrat and (c) Labour councillors have been appointed to primary care group boards. [81390]

  Mr. Denham
  The information requested is not available centrally. The details we are currently collecting on the composition of Primary Care Group Boards will not include party political affiliation.

  Joint Investment Plans
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will set out the client groups that will be covered by the joint investment plans that health authorities and social services departments will be required to produce during 1999–2000. [81252]

  Mr. Hutton
  Health authorities and social services departments were required, by April 1999, to produce joint investment plans for older people, including those with mental health problems, with preparatory information to support the National Service Framework for mental health services. We are considering what other client groups will be covered from April 2000 and will issue guidance shortly.

  Teenage Pregnancies
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects the Social Exclusion Unit to report its findings on the investigation into teenage pregnancies. [81071]

  Ms Jowell
  There has been extensive consultation with interested organisations and individuals from outside Government and with young people and parents on the Teenage Pregnancy report.

  The report will be published shortly.

  Emergency Contraception
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if emergency contraception will be available in the health shop scheme. [81072]

  Ms Jowell
  The first 20 "Walk-in" Centres will be set up during this year. Services provided in each centre will be based on an assessment of local needs, which may include the need for additional access to contraceptive advice or services.

TREASURY

  Children's Tax Credit
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the rate at which a tax credit for pre-school children could have been introduced into the proposed working families tax credit if it were to be financed by not introducing the proposed childcare tax credit.[76100]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 11 March 1999]The cost of the childcare tax credit in the Working Families Tax Credit is estimated to be about £200 million in 2000– 01, the first full year of the tax credit. If the childcare tax credit within Working Families Tax Credit was not introduced and the money spent instead on an additional tax credit for children under 5, then, taking into account reductions in income related benefits, the credit could be set at about £5 a week on top of the rates announced by the Chancellor in the Budget.

  Inland Revenue
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if it is the Inland Revenue's policy to warn taxpayers that they are likely to issue a section 20 Taxes Management Act 1970 notice in circumstances where a taxpayer appeals against a section 19A Taxes Management Act 1970 notice for information. [80256]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The powers in section 19A and section 20 Taxes Management Act 1970 are not mutually exclusive. However, the Inland Revenue would not normally issue a notice under section 20 in order to obtain information that they had failed to obtain under section 19A. Very rarely, it might become clear, after the taxpayer had appealed against a section 19A notice, that section 20 was in fact the more appropriate section to use. A notice under section 20 cannot be issued by an inspector unless the taxpayer has failed to take an opportunity to provide the information voluntarily, and may be issued only with the consent of an independent Appeal Commissioner.

  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much the Inland Revenue has paid in incorrect tax repayments as a result of processing errors since the introduction of self-assessment. [802591]

  Dawn Primarolo
  In 1997–98 the Revenue made 2.180 million self assessment repayments and a further 2.812 million in 1998–99, totalling £1.536 billion and £2.431 billion respectively. The Revenue has processes in place designed to ensure that its staff accurately capture information from returns on to their computer systems. It also has processes in place designed specifically to risk assess repayments both before and after they are issued. It has no evidence to suggest that tax was over or under repaid as a result of processing errors in other than a very small number of cases.

  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what Inland Revenue review process takes place to ensure processing errors are detected. [80258]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Inland Revenue carries out various activities in Self Assessment to ensure that processing errors are avoided or detected. These include full training for staff on carrying out processing work, computer validations on the processing of information,426
  reviews by staff to ensure they have captured information correctly, and quality monitoring of processing work after the event.

  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans the Inland Revenue has to improve the presentation of statements of account for self-assessment purposes. [80257]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Inland Revenue has made a number of improvements to the presentation of the statements of account since they were introduced. Further improvements are planned before the next widespread issue of statements of account in January 2000. All improvements are subject to consultation with the main representative bodies, including accountancy bodies, and revised statements are tested for usability with taxpayers before changes are introduced.

  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of Inland Revenue correspondence from taxpayers is(a) replied to and (b) replied to with a substantive reply within 28 days. [80142]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Inland Revenue does not publish its performance against annual targets until appropriate validation and checking of figures has been carried out.

  On latest provisional information, the Department is on course to meet its 1998–99 target of 75 per cent. for providing replies to correspondence, which includes correspondence from taxpayers, within 28 days.

  In 1997–98 the Inland Revenue dealt with about 85 million items of post. The Department provided a full response within 28 days in 74 per cent. of cases.'

  Note:

  Figures are for the Inland Revenue's network of local offices which is administered by ten Regional Executive Offices.

  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the Inland Revenue target for dealing with taxpayers' correspondence; and what is the procedure for opening and logging such correspondence. [80143]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Inland Revenue target for dealing with correspondence within 28 calendar days, which includes taxpayers' correspondence, was 75 per cent. in 1998–99.

  The target for 1999–2000 is under discussion. The final figure will be included in the Inland Revenue Plan which is expected to be published in May.

  The Department has a procedure in place to measure performance against its customer service standard of responding fully to all correspondence within 28 days. The procedure involves offices sampling a representative number of items of correspondence over the year, and monitoring the time taken to provide a full reply to every question or issue raised.

  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which department of the Inland Revenue is responsible for the collection of form P14. [80584]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The local tax office is responsible for the collection of forms P14.

  Capital Allowance
  Mr. O'Neill
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the cost of(a) increasing the existing 40 per cent. first year capital allowance to 100 per cent. on a permanent basis and (b) the additional cost of extending these allowances to assets leased by SMEs. [R] [80495]

  Dawn Primarolo
  If the extension by one year of 40 per cent. first year allowances for SMEs announced in the Budget were made permanent and increased to 100 per cent., the additional Exchequer cost would be £0.75 billion in 2000–01 and £1.3 billion in 2001–02. From 2002–03, annual costs would decrease steadily to reach £0.5 billion a year.

  The cost of extending these allowances to include assets leased by SMEs is not available.

  Additional Personal Tax Allowance
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many(a) men and (b) women are currently entitled to the additional personal tax allowance; and how many of those men and women are (i) parents and (ii) carers; [80935]

  (2) what is the current take-up rate of the additional personal tax allowance; and what estimate he has made of the additional cost should full take-up occur. [809361]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 16 April 1999]I regret that no information is available on either the total number of people eligible to claim the additional personal allowance or on the proportion who are carers. Therefore no estimates can be made of the take-up rates or of the additional cost should full take-up occur.

  Vehicle Excise Duty
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact of UK vehicle excise duty rates on the competitiveness of the UK haulage industry, with particular reference to the rates of duty for(a) 40 and (b) 41 tonne articulated lorries.[81359]

  Mr. Milburn
  In formulating vehicle taxation policy the Government give careful consideration to its overall effects on the UK road haulage industry.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for North Essex of 6 March concerning the road haulage industry and the Budget. [81361]

  Ms Hewitt
  I have done so.

  Fixed Profit Car Scheme
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to change the fixed profit car scheme in respect of the relationship between engine size and mileage rates. [812691]

  Ms Hewitt
  None.

  Payroll Software
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which software house will be preparing the new Government-supported standard payroll software for small employers and at what cost to(a) the Exchequer and (b) the user. [80815]
  428
  Mr. Wills
  I have been asked to reply.

  There are a number of options available for delivering the Automated Payroll System (APS) which we are currently considering. No decisions have yet been made.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Macpherson Inquiry
  Mr. Efford
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he has made of the implications for his Department of the Macpherson Inquiry recommendations; and if he will make a statement. [80529]

  Mr. Hoon
  I refer my hon. Friend to the written answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office on 14 April 1999,Official Report, columns 23940.

  Multi-disciplinary Partnerships
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to permit the development of multi-disciplinary partnerships in the legal profession; and if he will make a statement. [R] [81094]

  Mr. Hoon
  This is a matter for the legal professional bodies. The rules of the Bar Council and the Law Society prohibit such arrangements. The Bar Council has no current plans for change. The Law Society issued a consultation paper in October 1998 on the possibility of allowing solicitors to enter multi-disciplinary partnerships; the responses are currently being analysed. Under the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990, it could fall to the Lord Chancellor and the designated judges to approve any proposed changes to those rules, if such changes came into the scope of Schedule 4 of that Act.

  Complaints Procedures
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to review the complaints procedures applying(a) to solicitors and (b) to barristers; and if he will make a statement.[R] [81095]

  Mr. Hoon
  Government plans for the handling of complaints about members of the legal professional bodies were announced during the Second Reading of the Access to Justice Bill on 14 April 1999, Official Report, columns 230–325. There is currently a good deal of public concern that the Office for the Supervision of Solicitors is failing to deal adequately with complaints. The Government share this concern. We therefore propose to establish a new post with the responsibility for setting targets for complaints handling and making recommendations about complaints systems. These powers would, however, be held in reserve unless and until the professions are seen not to be making real progress; that progress will be measured against targets which the bodies would be encouraged to set. The new powers would cover all the authorised bodies including the Law Society, the Bar Council and the Institute of Legal Executives.

  Barristers (Limited Liability)
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to permit barristers to practise in(a) partnerships and (b) limited liability companies; and if he will make a statement. [81096]

  Mr. Hoon
  This is a matter for the General Council of the Bar. Practising barristers are currently prohibited by their professional rules from entering into partnerships. Under the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990, it could fall to the Lord Chancellor and the designated judges to approve any proposed changes to those rules, if such changes came into the scope of Schedule 4 of that Act.

  Stow-on-the-Wold Magistrates Court
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what representations he has received from(a) Gloucestershire County Council and (b) other parties opposing the proposed closure of Stow-on-the-Wold Magistrates Court; when he expects to make a final decision on the future of that court; and if he will make a statement.[81259]

  Mr. Hoon
  Gloucestershire Magistrates Courts Committee has determined to close the Stow-on-the-Wold Magistrates Court with effect from 1 July 1999. Gloucestershire County Council has appealed against this determination. A total of 21 other representation, opposed to the proposed closure, have been received.

  The appeal process is proceeding. The two parties are being given the opportunity to put their case forward and make comments. This will continue until both parties are satisfied that they have nothing further to add. A final decision will not be made until that time. Magistrates courts are locally managed by magistrates' courts committee under the provisions of the Justices of the Peace Act 1997. Decisions concerning the future of magistrates courts in their area are for the relevant magistrates courts committee to determine. A local authority that contributes financially may appeal to the Lord Chancellor against a proposed closure. The procedure for such appeals is set out in section 56 of the Justices of the Peace Act 1997.

WALES

  Primary Care Groups
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many primary care groups are operative in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [80837]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  On 1 April, 22 Local Health Groups became operational as sub committees of their health authorities. They are expected to make a major contribution in three main areas:

  the development of health improvement programmes

  developing the principles of clinical governance to improve the quality of primary health care; and

  informing and developing the commissioning of hospital and community health services.
  430
  Local Health Groups are coterminous with unitary authorities, with representatives of the local authorities on their boards; which will allow for more effective use of resources across the range of health and social services expenditure.

  Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what(a) guidance and (b) new money he has given to primary care groups. [80836]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  Welsh Office guidance on establishing Local Health Groups was issued in October, followed by guidance on Remuneration and Human Resource, issued in December 1998.

  £8.9 million previously used for the GP Fundholder Management allowance will be allocated to health authorities this year to cover the start up and operating costs of LHGs.

  Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

  NHS Dentistry
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the level of NHS dentistry in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [80838]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  In Wales at the end of September 1998, 60 per cent. of children and 46 per cent. of adults were registered with NHS dentists, having visited them at least once during the preceding 15 months.

  NHS net spending on general dental services in Wales in 1997/98 rose to £56.2 million, a 6 per cent. increase over the previous year. Over the same period, the number of courses of NHS treatment, for adults in Wales, rose by nearly 7 per cent. to 1.446 million. The number of dentists treating patients under NHS arrangements in Wales reached an all-time high of 960 by the end of 1998.

  The Welsh Office dental initiative, first launched in 1995, has enabled Welsh Health Authorities to offer unprecedented levels of grant (up to £50,000 in some areas) to attract new dentists and for the expansion of the Community Dental Service. It has been very successful for Wales as a whole but there are still some areas where certain categories of patients may find it difficult to register with an NHS dentist close to home.

  The initiative was modified and re-launched in July 1998. The modified scheme provides more flexibility in terms of the extent and length of commitment required and offers more flexible conditions which are specifically designed to address the particular problems of rural areas.

  Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Macpherson Inquiry
  Mr. Efford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made
  431
  of the implications for his Department of the Macpherson inquiry recommendations; and if he will make a statement. [80531]

  Ms Hodge
  The Home Office published an Action Plan on 23 March containing the Government's detailed response to the specific recommendation of the Macpherson inquiry. The plan commits the Government to setting out over the coming months how they will take forward their broader vision of an anti-racist society.

  The Government have already announced that they will legislate to apply the Race Relations Act 1976 not just to the police service, but across public services as whole. The Government are seeking to ensure that policy development takes account of any race equality implications.

  There were three recommendations that related specifically to education and a detailed response to them is contained in the Action Plan.

  In summary, the Government agree that the National Curriculum must properly reflect the needs of a diverse society and we are actively considering the recommendation for preventing and addressing racism in schools. Guidance will be issued to make it clear that schools must record all racist incidents and this information will be made available to parents, governors and Local Education Authorities. The Government do not, however, agree with the recommendation to publish the number of racist incidents on a school by school basis, which would risk discouraging the reporting of racist incidents. On inspection of schools, Ofsted will ensure that the important issues raised in the report are addressed during inspections and that appropriate training is put in place for Inspectors.

  Work Permits
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many work permits were granted during the last 12 months. [80644]

  Ms Hodge
  During the 12-month period from 1 April 1998 to 31 March 1999 a total of 68,527 work permits were granted.

  Grant Maintained Schools
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will state aggregated by local education authority and for the three most recent years for which information is available(a) the total annual maintenance grant paid to grant maintained schools, (b) the total annual maintenance grant paid to grant maintained schools divided by the number of pupils, (c) the total of special purpose and other non-capital grants paid to grant maintained schools and (d) the total of special purpose and other non-capital grants paid to grant maintained schools divided by the number of pupils. [80671]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  [holding answer 15 April 1999]The calculation of the annual maintenance grants (AMG), and of the special purpose and other non-capital grants (SPGs) for Grant Maintained (GM) schools, has been a matter for the Funding Agency for Schools. I have placed in the Library tables which contain figures for the AMG by Local Education Authority, both in total and per pupil,432
  for the years 1998–99, 1997–98 and 1996–97. The tables also give figures for SPGs, both in total and per pupil, for the years 1997–98 and 1996–97. These figures have been calculated using data recently provided by the Funding Agency.

  School Budgets
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list for each local education authority in England for the three most recent years for which information is available(a) the budgeted expenditure per pupil and (b) the total budgeted expenditure within (i) the aggregate schools' budget, (ii) the general schools' budget and (iii) the general schools' budget allocated to capital charges. [80670]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  [holding answer 15 April 19991 I have placed in the Library a table which shows, for each local education authority in England for the financial years 1996–97, 1997–98 and 1998–99,(a) the budgeted expenditure per pupil and (b) the total budgeted expenditure each within (i) the Aggregated Schools Budget, (ii) the General Schools Budget and (iii) the General Schools Budget allocated to capital.

  New Deal (Young People)
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the average length of time spent on the Gateway of the New Deal for 18 to 25-year-olds by those(a) going directly into unsubsidised employment, (b) entering each of the New Deal Options subsequently chosen, (c) transferring to other benefits, (d) taking other options and (e) for whom no ultimate destination is known. [81110]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The information set out in the following table shows the average length of time spent on the New Deal Gateway by immediate destination, for those young people who had left the Gateway by the end of January 1999.

  Destination on leaving the Gateway

  Average length of time spent on Gateway (in days)

  Unsubsidised employment

  70

  Options

  Employer Option

  68

  Full-time Education or Training Option

  91

  Voluntary Sector Option

  123

  Environment Task Force Option

  128

  Other benefits

  79

  Other known destinations

  82

  Unknown destinations

  76

  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what percentage of those joining each of the options of the New Deal for 18 to 24-year-olds in each month since January 1998 have had(a) no qualifications (b) foundation level qualifications, (c) NVQ Level 1, (d) NVQ Level 2, (e) NVQ Level 3, (f) NVQ Level 4 and (g) other qualifications. [81093]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The information is set out in the following tables and is drawn from data listing qualifications supplied by the participant.
  433

  Percentage

  Highest qualification held on entry to New Deal

  None

  Other

  Foundation

  NVQ/SVQ Level 1

  NVQ/SVQ Level 2

  NVQ/SVQ Level 3

  NVQ/SVQ Level 4+

  Total

  Month of entering of employer option

  January 1998

  27

  3

  0

  24

  21

  18

  6

  100

  February 1998

  16

  2

  8

  26

  38

  7

  3

  100

  March 1998

  20

  8

  8

  24

  30

  9

  2

  100

  April 1998

  26

  8

  8

  16

  30

  7

  5

  100

  May 1998

  21

  18

  7

  18

  25

  7

  3

  100

  June 1998

  24

  22

  7

  14

  24

  6

  2

  100

  July 1998

  24

  21

  6

  16

  25

  6

  2

  100

  August 1998

  27

  23

  7

  12

  23

  6

  2

  100

  September 1998

  24

  24

  5

  14

  25

  6

  2

  100

  October 1998

  26

  23

  6

  14

  23

  6

  2

  100

  November 1998

  24

  23

  7

  13

  25

  6

  2

  100

  December 1998

  23

  24

  6

  12

  28

  5

  2

  100

  January 1999

  23

  20

  8

  16

  23

  6

  4

  100

  Total

  24

  21

  7

  15

  25

  6

  2

  100

  Month of entering full time education and training option

  January 1998

  29

  0

  0

  18

  41

  0

  12

  100

  February 1998

  19

  0

  10

  32

  29

  5

  5

  100

  March 1998

  24

  3

  13

  25

  28

  4

  4

  100

  April 1998

  21

  6

  11

  25

  27

  7

  3

  100

  May 1998

  26

  6

  11

  23

  22

  6

  6

  100

  June 1998

  29

  13

  11

  20

  20

  4

  4

  100

  July 1998

  30

  16

  10

  18

  20

  4

  2

  100

  August 1998

  30

  21

  9

  17

  18

  3

  2

  100

  September 1998

  27

  24

  7

  16

  21

  4

  1

  100

  October 1998

  29

  22

  9

  16

  20

  4

  1

  100

  November 1998

  32

  19

  9

  16

  18

  4

  2

  100

  December 1998

  32

  20

  8

  16

  19

  3

  1

  100

  January 1998

  33

  20

  8

  17

  17

  3

  2

  100

  Total

  29

  20

  8

  17

  20

  4

  2

  100

  Month of entering full time education and training option

  January 1998

  0

  0

  20

  0

  0

  40

  40

  100

  February 1998

  0

  0

  13

  33

  27

  20

  7

  100

  March 1998

  13

  3

  13

  11

  45

  8

  8

  100

  April 1998

  23

  0

  10

  20

  17

  3

  27

  100

  May 1998

  16

  9

  11

  17

  25

  12

  11

  100

  June 1998

  15

  11

  15

  20

  25

  7

  7

  100

  July 1998

  23

  15

  11

  18

  21

  6

  6

  100

  August 1998

  27

  21

  7

  16

  17

  7

  4

  100

  September 1998

  29

  24

  8

  14

  15

  7

  3

  100

  October 1998

  28

  23

  7

  16

  18

  5

  2

  100

  November 1998

  29

  23

  6

  14

  20

  5

  2

  100

  December 1998

  31

  20

  6

  16

  18

  5

  3

  100

  January 1999

  32

  19

  8

  15

  18

  6

  2

  100

  Total

  28

  20

  8

  16

  19

  6

  4

  100

  Month of entering environment task force option

  February 1998

  14

  0

  14

  0

  14

  29

  29

  100

  March 1998

  19

  7

  7

  33

  11

  4

  19

  100

  April 1998

  27

  4

  15

  17

  21

  6

  10

  100

  May 1998

  33

  8

  4

  16

  20

  8

  10

  100

  June 1998

  35

  4

  17

  20

  16

  4

  5

  100

  July 1998

  44

  6

  13

  19

  11

  4

  3

  100

  August 1998

  43

  12

  12

  15

  14

  4

  1

  100

  September 1998

  45

  18

  9

  15

  10

  2

  1

  100

  October 1998

  48

  16

  8

  14

  11

  2

  1

  100

  November 1998

  50

  17

  7

  11

  12

  2

  1

  100

  December 1998

  49

  15

  8

  14

  10

  2

  0

  100

  January 1999

  47

  16

  7

  13

  13

  2

  2

  100

  Total

  46

  15

  9

  14

  12

  3

  2

  100

  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the procedure under the New Deal for Young Unemployed for dealing with a person who disappears from an option and then returns to claim benefit. [81363]
  434
  Mr. Andrew Smith
  Young people who return to claim Jobseekers Allowance within 13 weeks of leaving a New Deal option are taken back into New Deal. All cases are referred to adjudication for a decision on whether the young person had "good cause" for leaving the option early.

  Action Zones
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment which of the first-round education action zones have applied to vary the details of their original bids; and if he will set out the details of such variations. [81144]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  None so far. Each EAZ submitted a detailed action plan on 31 March 1999. The action plans are currently being assessed and decisions on their approval will be made shortly.

  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the time limits on the existence of the education and employment action zones.[80893]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  Education Action Zones are established for three years in the first instance. Zones which are successfully meeting their aims and targets for raising standards, and can continue to contribute significantly to raising standards, will be extended to five years; some may be extended beyond this.

  Employment Action Zones will operate for two years in 14 areas, from April 2000, helping 48,000 long-term unemployed people find and keep work.

  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to his answer of 27 January 1999,Official Report, column 293, if he will list the expenditure by his Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies on (a) market research, (b) conferences, (c) direct mail, (d) advertising and

  Key stage 1 and 2 classes, average class size of single teacher classes in maintained primary and secondary schools. Local Education Authority areas, January 1998 and 1999

  Key Stage 1

  Key Stage 2

  England

  27.1

  26.5

  28.3

  28.4

  North East

  26.9

  25.8

  27.8

  27.6

  Hartlepool

  27.9

  25.7

  28.2

  28.0

  Middlesbrough

  26.7

  26.0

  27.5

  27.2

  Redcar and Cleveland

  26.8

  26.1

  27.9

  27.3

  Stockton-on-Tees

  26.7

  26.0

  28.3

  27.8

  Darlington

  29.3

  25.9

  29.2

  28.4

  Durham

  27.2

  29.4

  29.1

  30.2

  Northumberland

  27.3

  25.9

  29.0

  28.4

  Gateshead

  25.8

  25.4

  26.6

  26.9

  Newcastle-upon-Tyne

  27.4

  25.4

  27.8

  27.7

  North Tyneside

  27.2

  26.5

  27.6

  27.5

  South Tyneside

  27.0

  25.0

  26.7

  26.8

  Sunderland

  25.2

  24.7

  26.4

  26.6

  North West and Merseyside

  27.5

  26.6

  28.5

  28.6

  North West

  27.7

  26.7

  28.7

  28.9

  Cheshire1

  26.4

  —

  28.0

  —

  Cheshire2

  —

  26.4

  —

  28.3

  Halton

  —

  24.9

  —

  27.8

  Warrington

  —

  27.3

  —

  28.8

  Cumbria

  25.7

  25.0

  26.7

  26.8

  Bolton

  28.3

  27.8

  29.2

  29.6

  Bury

  29.3

  25.3

  29.7

  29.5

  Manchester

  27.1

  26.6

  27.9

  28.1

  Oldham

  29.1

  28.3

  30.1

  29.8

  Rochdale

  28.9

  27.8

  30.0

  29.9

  Salford

  26.9

  25.7

  27.5

  28.3

  Stockport

  28.1

  27.1

  29.1

  29.2

  Tameside

  29.2

  27.5

  30.2

  29.3

  436
  publicity, (e) web sites, (f) hospitality, (g) salaries and relevant expenses of administrative staff and (h) external consultants and advisers which is included in the expenditure on education action zones.. [81152]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  Expenditure, during the financial year 1998–99, was as follows:

  £

  (a) Market research

  0

  (b) Conferences

  254,735

  (c) Direct mail

  3,496

  (d) Advertising and publicity

  124,825

  (e) Website

  0

  (f) Hospitality

  1,200

  (g) Central administration costs

  539,693

  (h) External consultants and advisers

  219,202

  Single Teacher Classes
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what was the average size of single teacher classes for Key Stage One pupils in January 1999(a) in each local education authority and (b) in total; and what were the corresponding figures in January 1998; [80684]

  (2) what was the average size of single teacher classes for Key Stage Two pupils in January 1999 (a) in each local education authority and (b) in total; and what were the corresponding figures in January 1998. [80685]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  [holding answer 15 April 1999]The information requested is shown in the following table.
  437

  Key stage 1 and 2 classes, average class size of single teacher classes in maintained primary and secondary schools. Local Education Authority areas, January 1998 and 1999

  Key Stage 1

  Key Stage 2

  1998

  1999(provisional)

  1998

  1999(provisional)

  Trafford

  28.7

  27.8

  29.3

  29.2

  Wigan

  28.1

  26.0

  28.3

  28.3

  Lancashire1

  28.3

  —

  29.6

  —

  Lancashire2

  —

  26.8

  —

  29.6

  Blackburn and Darwen—

  —

  28.4

  —

  29.7

  Blackpool

  —

  28.7

  —

  31.1

  Merseyside

  26.9

  26.3

  27.6

  27.6

  Knowsley

  27.4

  27.2

  28.5

  28.1

  Liverpool

  26.7

  26.2

  27.2

  27.0

  St. Helens

  27.3

  26.8

  28.2

  28.5

  Sefton

  27.4

  26.3

  28.3

  28.8

  Wirral

  26.0

  25.6

  27.0

  26.8

  Yorkshire and Humber

  27.3

  26.3

  28.9

  28.8

  East Riding of Yorkshire

  28.0

  27.0

  29.1

  29.2

  City of Kingston-upon-Hull

  28.0

  27.0

  30.0

  29.7

  North East Lincolnshire

  28.9

  27.5

  29.4

  28.9

  North Lincolnshire

  28.5

  23.9

  28.9

  28.6

  York

  26.2

  25.4

  29.0

  28.0

  North Yorkshire

  25.5

  25.0

  28.1

  28.2

  Barnsley

  27.6

  26.8

  30.4

  30.1

  Doncaster

  28.0

  27.6

  28.4

  28.5

  Rotherham

  25.8

  24.8

  29.4

  28.9

  Sheffield

  25.9

  24.9

  27.3

  27.3

  Bradford

  28.4

  27.2

  29.3

  28.6

  Calderdale

  27.3

  26.7

  28.8

  28.8

  Kirklees

  28.5

  26.7

  30.1

  30.2

  Leeds

  27.7

  26.9

  28.4

  28.7

  Wakefield

  27.4

  26.8

  29.5

  29.3

  East Midlands

  26.8

  25.9

  28.9

  28.9

  Derby

  28.5

  24.8

  30.7

  30.9

  Derbyshire

  28.0

  25.9

  30.8

  30.3

  Leicester City

  26.5

  24.9

  27.5

  27.3

  Rutland

  25.4

  25.1

  26.1

  27.0

  Leicestershire

  25.8

  25.4

  27.8

  28.0

  Lincolnshire

  26.1

  26.2

  27.8

  28.3

  Northamptonshire

  27.1

  26.8

  27.6

  27.9

  Nottinghamshire1

  26.8

  —

  29.9

  —

  Nottinghamshire2

  —

  26.4

  —

  29.6

  City of Nottingham

  —

  25.4

  —

  29.0

  West Midlands

  27.0

  26.1

  28.0

  28.0

  Hereford and Worcester

  26.1

  —

  27.3

  —

  Herefordshire

  —

  24.0

  —

  27.0

  Worcestershire

  —

  26.0

  —

  28.0

  Shropshire1

  25.2

  —

  29.1

  —

  Shropshire2

  —

  24.3

  —

  29.3

  Telford and Wrekin

  —

  25.8

  —

  30.1

  Stoke

  26.7

  26.0

  27.6

  27.5

  Staffordshire

  26.4

  25.7

  28.3

  28.2

  Warwickshire

  27.7

  26.3

  29.2

  28.7

  Birmingham

  27.5

  27.2

  27.5

  27.6

  Coventry

  27.3

  25.2

  28.1

  28.0

  Dudley

  26.6

  26.6

  26.7

  26.6

  Sandwell

  28.4

  25.7

  29.0

  28.9

  Solihull

  29.1

  25.8

  27.9

  28.6

  Walsall

  26.3

  26.2

  28.6

  27.7

  Wolverhampton

  27.7

  27.8

  26.7

  27.4

  Eastern

  26.4

  26.2

  28.1

  28.2

  Luton

  27.9

  28.2

  26.9

  26.7

  Bedfordshire

  26.4

  —

  27.8

  —

  Bedfordshire

  —

  25.9

  —

  27.4

  Peterborough

  —

  27.1

  —

  29.4

  Cambridgeshire

  27.8

  27.4

  29.3

  29.8

  Essex1

  26.6

  —

  28.6

  —

  Essex2

  —

  26.5

  —

  28.7

  Southend

  —

  27.4

  —

  29.5

  Thurrock

  —

  26.4

  —

  28.6

  438 439

  Key stage 1 and 2 classes, average class size of single teacher classes in maintained primary and secondary schools. Local Education Authority areas, January 1998 and 1999

  Key Stage 1

  Key Stage 2

  1998

  1999 (provisional)

  1998

  1999 (provisional)

  Hertfordshire

  26.6

  26.0

  28.0

  28.2

  Norfolk

  26.1

  25.8

  27.4

  27.0

  Suffolk

  24.1

  24.1

  26.3

  26.3

  London

  27.2

  27.1

  27.6

  27.7

  Inner London

  26.4

  26.8

  26.9

  27.1

  City of London

  25.0

  0.0

  27.0

  27.5

  Camden

  27.3

  27.0

  27.4

  27.5

  Hackney

  25.6

  26.4

  26.2

  26.8

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  24.9

  25.6

  26.7

  26.7

  Haringey

  27.4

  27.7

  27.3

  27.4

  Islington

  27.1

  27.3

  27.7

  27.2

  Kensington and Chelsea

  24.8

  24.8

  25.8

  26.3

  Lambeth

  26.1

  26.6

  26.0

  26.3

  Lewisham

  25.9

  26.5

  26.5

  26.9

  Newham

  27.8

  28.0

  28.8

  28.9

  Southwark

  26.5

  26.6

  27.1

  27.2

  Tower Hamlets

  26.8

  27.0

  27.4

  27.3

  Wandsworth

  25.8

  26.3

  25.2

  25.7

  Westminster

  22.9

  24.5

  25.6

  26.2

  Outer London

  27.6

  27.3

  27.9

  28.0

  Barking and Dagenham

  27.4

  27.6

  26.5

  26.9

  Barnet

  27.4

  27.3

  26.3

  26.6

  Bexley

  28.9

  27.2

  29.5

  29.6

  Brent

  26.2

  27.3

  26.9

  26.5

  Bromley

  28.5

  27.2

  29.2

  28.6

  Croydon

  28.2

  27.6

  28.4

  28.4

  Ealing

  27.5

  26.5

  27.5

  28.1

  Enfield

  29.2

  29.0

  29.1

  28.9

  Greenwich

  24.7

  25.0

  27.1

  27.1

  Harrow

  28.4

  28.0

  28.2

  28.1

  Havering

  27.8

  28.1

  28.2

  28.3

  Hillingdon

  27.1

  25.3

  27.6

  27.5

  Hounslow

  27.3

  27.9

  26.6

  26.6

  Kingston-upon-Thames

  30.2

  30.4

  28.5

  29.0

  Merton

  27.4

  26.7

  28.7

  28.0

  Redbridge

  27.4

  27.5

  30.0

  29.6

  Richmond-upon-Thames

  28.2

  28.3

  26.4

  26.7

  Sutton

  27.1

  26.5

  28.6

  29.3

  Waltham Forest

  26.4

  26.6

  27.4

  27.9

  South East

  27.1

  26.9

  28.5

  28.5

  Berkshire

  26.4

  —

  28.6

  —

  Bracknell Forest

  —

  26.5

  —

  28.5

  Windsor and Maidenhead

  —

  25.5

  —

  27.6

  West Berkshire

  —

  24.0

  —

  27.9

  Reading

  —

  25.5

  —

  28.9

  Slough

  —

  27.6

  —

  28.1

  Wokingham

  —

  26.6

  —

  29.3

  Milton Keynes

  27.4

  26.6

  27.4

  28.1

  Buckinghamshire

  27.3

  26.4

  29.7

  29.5

  Brighton and Hove

  28.5

  28.0

  28.9

  29.2

  East Sussex

  27.3

  27.5

  29.4

  29.9

  Portsmouth

  27.8

  27.5

  28.1

  28.7

  Southampton

  27.0

  27.0

  28.8

  28.4

  Hampshire

  28.0

  27.8

  28.6

  28.6

  Isle of Wight

  25.7

  23.8

  27.6

  28.3

  Kent1

  27.6

  —

  29.0

  —

  Kent2

  —

  27.5

  —

  28.9

  Medway

  —

  28.0

  —

  28.5

  Oxfordshire

  26.0

  24.8

  29.0

  29.2

  Surrey

  26.7

  26.9

  26.8

  27.1

  West Sussex

  26.1

  26.4

  27.8

  28.2

  South West

  27.0

  26.4

  28.9

  29.0

  Bath and North East Somerset

  26.3

  26.4

  27,3

  28.1

  City of Bristol

  27.4

  27.5

  28.1

  28.0

  North Somerset

  27.7

  27.4

  28.9

  29.4

  South Gloucestershire

  28.3

  26.7

  29.1

  29.1

  Cornwall

  26.3

  26.3

  29.0

  29.5

  440 441

  Key stage 1 and 2 classes, average class size of single teacher classes in maintained primary and secondary schools. Local Education Authority areas, January 1998 and 1999

  Key Stage 1

  Key Stage 2

  1998

  1999 (provisional)

  1998

  1999 (provisional)

  Isles of Scilly

  16.3

  18.0

  20.8

  18.4

  Devon

  26.8

  —

  29.3

  —

  Devon

  —

  24.8

  —

  28.9

  City of Plymouth

  —

  25.6

  —

  29.0

  Torbay

  —

  26.9

  —

  30.2

  Bournemouth

  29.2

  29.2

  30.2

  29.4

  Poole

  29.9

  30.0

  29.9

  30.3

  Dorset

  26.2

  25.4

  28.9

  29.0

  Gloucestershire

  26.8

  26.6

  28.3

  28.6

  Somerset

  26.7

  26.8

  29.1

  29.5

  Swindon

  28.5

  28.4

  30.2

  29.6

  Wiltshire

  25.8

  25.9

  28.7

  28.8

  1Before Local Government re-organisation of April 1998.

  2After Local Government re-organisation of April 1998.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list by local education authority(a) how many Key Stage One and Key Stage Two pupils in maintained schools were being educated in the same class in January 1999 and (b) how many pupils were being educated in mixed year group classes in maintained primary schools in January 1999. [80680]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  [holding answer 15 April 19991 Information about the number of Key Stage One and Key Stage Two pupils who are being educated in the same class is not collected centrally. However, the following table shows the number of mixed Key Stage classes in primary schools in January 1999. This will include some mixed Key Stage Two and Key Stage Three classes. The proportion of pupils in mixed year classes has fallen in primary schools from 27 per cent. in 1998 to 26 per cent. in 1999.

  Numbers of pupils educated in mixed key stage and mixed year group classes in maintained primary schools by local education authority area in England1 January 1999 2

  Number of pupils in mixed Key stage classes3

  Number of pupils in mixed year group classes4

  England

  82,514

  969,460

  North East

  4,722

  51,723

  Hartlepool

  548

  3,267

  Middlesbrough

  115

  2,818

  Redcar and Cleveland

  261

  4,254

  Stockton-on-Tees

  188

  4,072

  Darlington

  107

  1,803

  Durham

  1,161

  14,282

  Northumberland

  882

  7,036

  Gateshead

  419

  4,136

  Newcastle-upon-Tyne

  490

  4,128

  North Tyneside

  258

  1,580

  South Tyneside

  51

  959

  Sunderland

  242

  3,388

  North West and Merseyside

  9,856

  128,915

  North West

  8,093

  112,735

  Cheshire

  1,371

  21,314

  Halton

  146

  3,843

  Warrington

  498

  3,598

  Cumbria

  1,361

  15,130

  Bolton

  103

  3,530

  Bury

  121

  3,012

  442

  Numbers of pupils educated in mixed key stage and mixed year group classes in maintained primary schools by local education authority area in England1 January 1999 2

  Number of pupils in mixed Key stage classes3

  Number of pupils in mixed year group classes4

  Manchester

  443

  5,660

  Oldham

  239

  4,477

  Rochdale

  289

  4,218

  Salford

  237

  3,918

  Stockport

  512

  4,712

  Tameside

  294

  3,531

  Trafford

  233

  2,777

  Wigan

  198

  3,057

  Lancashire

  1,985

  27,596

  Blackburn and Darwen

  63

  2,082

  Blackpool

  0

  280

  Merseyside

  1,763

  16,180

  Knowsley

  417

  2,656

  Liverpool

  397

  3,725

  St. Helens

  22

  893

  Sefton

  487

  3,060

  Wirral

  440

  5,846

  Yorkshire and Humber

  8,316

  117,745

  East Riding of Yorkshire

  757

  9,371

  City of Kingston-Upon-Hull

  357

  6,856

  North East Lincolnshire

  283

  3,013

  North Lincolnshire

  103

  3,025

  York

  178

  4,505

  North Yorkshire

  2,467

  24,627

  Barnsley

  663

  6,111

  Doncaster

  255

  5,275

  Rotherham

  290

  5,065

  Sheffield

  48

  6,043

  Bradford

  824

  7,784

  Calderdale

  384

  6,751

  Kirklees

  489

  9,411

  Leeds

  686

  12,503

  Wakefield

  532

  7,405

  East Midlands

  9,200

  132,270

  Derby

  82

  5,668

  Derbyshire

  1,085

  24,677

  Leicester City

  661

  5,731

  Rutland

  81

  1,446

  Leicestershire

  1,283

  17,498

  Lincolnshire

  1,707

  23,467

  Northamptonshire

  1,276

  16,286

  Nottinghamshire

  2,139

  27,840

  City of Nottingham

  886

  9,657

  443

  Numbers of pupils educated in mixed key stage and mixed year group classes in maintained primary schools by local education authority area in England1 January 1999 2

  Number of pupils in mixed Key stage classes3

  Number of pupils in mixed year group classes4

  West Midlands

  7,130

  86,431

  Herefordshire

  517

  5,557

  Worcestershire

  1,109

  10,185

  Shropshire

  1,263

  12,608

  Telford and Wrekin

  168

  5,338

  Stoke

  199

  2,726

  Staffordshire

  1,906

  16,022

  Warwickshire

  873

  9,549

  Birmingham

  528

  4,714

  Coventry

  171

  5,974

  Dudley

  26

  2,950

  Sandwell

  175

  3,301

  Solihull

  62

  1,288

  Walsall

  104

  4,209

  Wolverhampton

  29

  2,010

  Eastern

  11,438

  119,498

  Luton

  80

  1,457

  Bedfordshire

  641

  6,756

  Cambridgeshire

  1,081

  17,543

  City of Peterborough

  305

  5,104

  Essex

  2,693

  31,034

  Southend

  41

  1,802

  Thurrock

  669

  4,074

  Hertfordshire

  1,146

  19,326

  Norfolk

  3,619

  17,264

  Suffolk

  1,163

  15,138

  Greater London

  2,814

  47,340

  Inner London

  1,272

  21,258

  City of London

  0

  0

  Camden

  0

  691

  Hackney

  26

  1,627

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  10

  899

  Haringey

  0

  313

  Islington

  192

  1,711

  Kensington and Chelsea

  29

  343

  Lambeth

  141

  2,365

  Lewisham

  140

  1,939

  Newham

  354

  3,011

  Southwark

  29

  3,279

  Tower Hamlets

  30

  2,275

  Wandsworth

  268

  2,255

  Westminster

  53

  550

  Outer London

  1,542

  26,082

  Barking and Dagenham

  56

  749

  Barnet

  12

  1,468

  Bexley

  73

  1,856

  Brent

  6

  1,005

  Bromley

  58

  2,969

  Croydon

  61

  993

  Ealing

  78

  1,336

  Enfield

  21

  1,035

  Greenwich

  92

  3,236

  Harrow

  55

  310

  Havering

  131

  3,525

  Hillingdon

  85

  1,880

  Hounslow

  31

  784

  Kingston-upon-Thames

  31

  493

  Merton

  263

  643

  Redbridge

  0

  843

  Richmond-upon-Thames

  29

  305

  Sutton

  232

  1,207

  Waltham Forest

  228

  1,445

  South East

  14,485

  147,801

  Bracknell Forest

  89

  1,652

  Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

  31

  3,556

  West Berkshire

  442

  5,299

  444

  Numbers of pupils educated in mixed key stage and mixed year group classes in maintained primary schools by local education authority area in England1 January 1999 2

  Number of pupils in mixed Key stage classes3

  Number of pupils in mixed year group classes4

  Reading

  159

  4,101

  Slough

  33

  567

  Wokingham

  389

  3,862

  Milton Keynes

  1,000

  3,771

  Buckinghamshire

  985

  6,975

  Brighton and Hove

  436

  1,424

  East Sussex

  662

  10,432

  Portsmouth

  110

  1,232

  Southampton

  104

  1,364

  Hampshire

  2,130

  24,000

  Isle of Wight

  381

  1,990

  Kent

  2,482

  28,270

  Medway

  204

  2,876

  Oxfordshire

  1,946

  21,936

  Surrey

  906

  10,197

  West Sussex

  1,996

  14,297

  South West

  14,553

  137,737

  Bath and North East Somerset

  340

  3,482

  City of Bristol

  196

  6,996

  North Somerset

  179

  5,093

  South Gloucestershire

  518

  6,737

  Cornwall

  2,400

  16,994

  Isles of Scilly

  10

  156

  Devon

  2,803

  23,013

  City of Plymouth

  496

  6,193

  Torbay

  85

  1,937

  Bournemouth

  0

  259

  Poole

  0

  269

  Dorset

  689

  7,351

  Gloucestershire

  2,147

  18,422

  Somerset

  2,188

  16,241

  Swindon

  526

  4,901

  Wiltshire

  1,976

  19,693

  1Classes as taught during a single selected period in each school on the day of the census in January.

  2 Provisional

  3Includes a small number of pupils in mixed key stage 2 and 3 classes.

  4 Includes pupils in mixed classes of reception age to year group 7.

  Rainsford School, Chelmsford
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to his answer of 5 March 1999,Official Report, column 951, on Rainsford School, Chelmsford, when he expects to reach a decision on the appeal from Rainsford School, Chelmsford against the direction made by Essex County Council to admit a pupil, whose name has been sent to him, to that school. [81069]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  We asked Essex Local Education Authority to provide details on this pupil and their handling of the direction process, along with full information about alternative local schools, by Monday 15 March. The information requested was necessarily full and complex, and Essex LEA were not in a position to respond before Monday 12 April. Officials are now giving urgent consideration to the material provided to enable my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to make a decision as soon as possible.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
  Mr. Hayes
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what guidance he has given to the Ad Hoc Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals on those sections of the Agriculture Committee's Fifth report of Session 1997–98 (HC 753) on Vitamin B6 which deal with the distinction between good and bad science; [80637]

  (2) what guidance he has given to the Ad Hoc Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals on those sections of the Agriculture Committee's Fifth report of Session 1997–98 (HC 753) on Vitamin B6 which deal with the use of inappropriate safety factors when assessing supplement safety. [806221]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 13 April 1999]I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Bolton, South East (Dr. Iddon) on 15 April 1999, Official Report, column 320.

  Government-funded Research
  Ms Drown
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much the Government spent in 1998–99 on research into(a) organic farming and (b) biotechnology.[80791]

  Mr. Rooker
  In 1998–99 the Government spent(a) £1.7 million on research into organic farming and
  (b) £52 million on agricultural biotechnology research. "Biotechnology" is defined by Government as the use of biological organisms, systems and processes to manufacturing and service industries.

  Meat Hygiene Service
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received about the proposed Meat Hygiene Service charges; which organisations have expressed concern about their impact; and if he will make a statement. [81366]

  Mr. Rooker
  I have received a great many representations from within and outside of the meat industry on the proposed level of Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) charges for 1999–2000. The level of MHS charges to apply in 1999–2000 for hygiene/welfare inspection and for the enforcement of Specified Risk Material controls has yet to be decided. Ministers are still carefully considering proposals made by the MHS to ensure that they are fully cost justified. They will then be subject to full consultation with all plant operators. The results of the consultation will be reported back to Ministers who will then take final decisions on the level of rates to apply and their operative date.

  Suckler Cow Quota
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what criteria are used to award suckler cow quota to(a) new entrants to suckler production, (b) existing producers wanting extra quota and (c) dairy farmers seeking to convert to suckler production; and what rules exist regarding minimum and maximum amounts which may be awarded.[81373]
  446
  Mr. Rooker
  Producers who meet strictly defined criteria may apply to the appropriate category of the Suckler Cow Quota national reserve for a quota allocation. Some of the categories cover new entrants and other existing producers wanting extra quota. There is no category which specifically covers dairy fanners seeking to convert to suckler production, although such producers may qualify under a category for first-time claimants. In addition, both new and existing producers are free to buy or lease quota from other producers.

  The maximum amount of quota which may be allocated varies depending on the category applied to, the circumstances of the applicant and the availability of quota in the reserve. There are no rules governing the minimum amounts which may be allocated to a producer, but it is not possible to allocate less than 0.1 of a quota.

  Further information is contained in the documents "Explanatory Guide to Suckler Cow Premium Scheme Quotas" and "Application for Quota from the National Reserve" which have been placed in the Libraries of the House.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Minister for Science
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which companies the Minister for Science has met(a) in his Department and (b) elsewhere since becoming a Minister to discuss genetically modified foods. [70440]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 11 February 1999]In his capacity as Science Minister my noble Friend has met many companies inside and outside the Department. None of these meetings has specifically discussed genetically modified food policy.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if the Minister for Science has left the room on each occasion that genetically modified foods and crops have been discussed at meetings since his appointment; [73127]

  (2) how many meetings the Minister for Science has attended where genetically modified foods and crops were discussed; on what dates; and if he will list those who attended these meetings; [73135]

  (3) if the Minister for Science is permitted to take part in discussions on genetically modified foods and crops; [73128]

  (4) what discussions on genetically modified foods or crops the Minister for Science has been involved in since taking office; [74220]

  (5) if the Minister for Science participates in (a) decisions on genetically modified food policy, (b) discussions on genetically modified food policy, (c) discussions on genetically modified crop policy, (d) discussions on policy relating to genetically modified crops, (e) promotion of or support for British companies involved in genetically modified food or genetically modified crops, (f) decisions on Government biotechnology policy as it relates to agriculture and (g) discussions on Government biotechnology policy as it relates to agriculture. [74236]
  447
  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 25 February 1999]I refer the right hon. Member to the statements made by my noble Friend Lord Sainsbury on 31 July 1998 and 16 February 1999, copies of which I have placed in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will place the itinerary for the Minister for Science's visit to China and Korea in the Library; if he will list the (i) universities, (ii) scientific institutions, (iii) laboratories and (iv) companies which he visited; and what was the cost of the visit. [73021]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 25 February 1999]My Noble Friend Lord Sainsbury visited Korea from 12-16 September 1998 and China from 16–18 September. The cost of his visit was £6,570.

  In Korea, Lord Sainsbury co-chaired the Third UK-Korea Science and Technology Round-table with Minister Kang of the Ministry of Science and Technology. He held discussions with Minister Bae of the Ministry for Information and Communications and also with Kim Tae-dong the Presidential Secretary for Policy and Planning and with Chung Se-yung, Honorary Chairman of Hyundai Motors. In addition, Lord Sainsbury opened a seminar on Technology Transfer and Innovation in UK industry, attended the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the UK Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and the Korean Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, and made visits to the LG Corporate Institute of Technology, the Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology and to Yonsei University.

  In China, Lord Sainsbury held discussions and signed a new Protocol on Scientific and Technological co-operation between the UK and China with Vice Minister Xu Guanhua of the Ministry of Science and Technology. He also signed a DTUMOFTEC Memorandum of Understanding on Cleaner Coal Technology Research and Development with Vice Minister Long Yongtu and attended the signing of a co-operation agreement between the Institute of Electrical Engineers and the Chinese Mechanical Engineers Society. In addition, Lord Sainsbury spoke at a China-UK Technology Foresight Colloqium and at a seminar at Tsinghua University to launch co-operation on micro-satellites between the Surrey and Tsinghua Universities. He opened a Renewable Energy Seminar sponsored by DTI and the State Economic and Trade Commission; and launched the Sino-British Science and Technology Festival in the presence of Vice Minister Xu.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on how many occasions since becoming a Minister, the Minister for Science has in his official capacity met(a) Judith Portrait and (b) Christopher Skie. [74222]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 2 March 1999]None.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many times the Minister for Science has met Mr. Christopher Stone, Director of Floranova, Innotech Investments and Gatsby Plant Science Innovations Ltd., since becoming a Minister. [75708]

  Mr. Byers
  I refer the right hon. Member to the reply I gave on 18 March 1999,Official Report, column 712.
  448
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if any company, foundation or trust with which Lord Sainsbury is, or has formerly been, associated is planning to be involved in the commercial exploiting of genome research. [76076]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 11 March 1999]All Lord Sainsbury's commercial interests were placed in the blind trust established when he was appointed as Minister for Science.

  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what arrangements Lord Sainsbury has made to insulate himself from his former interests in the Gatsby Foundation.[76074]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 11 March 1999]My noble Friend Lord Sainsbury has no financial interest in the Gatsby Charitable Foundation, which is a registered charity. He wrote to the trustees on 31 July asking them not to divulge to him any information about the Foundation's investments while he is in Government. He has chosen to take no part in the Foundation's grant decisions in this period.

  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if Lord Sainsbury participates in discussions in the Cabinet Committee on Biotechnology in respect of the Human Genome Project. [76073]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 11 March 1999]He does.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the Minister for Science discussed biotechnology issues with Mr. Christopher Stone in his capacity as a board member of the Gatsby Trust. [78590]

  Mr. Byers
  No such discussions have taken place.

  BBSRC Grants
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much grant in 1998–99 was given by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council to(a) the John Innes Centre and (b) the Sainsbury Laboratory. [73037]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 25 February 1999]DTI Ministers routinely respond to questions concerning the use of Science Budget money and the conduct of the Research Councils, but this Government, like their predecessors, support the Haldane principle that"day-to-day decisions on the scientific merits of different strategies, programmes and projects should be taken by the Research Councils, without Government involvement"
  (Paragraph 3.23 of the 1993 White Paper, "Realising Our Potential: A Strategy for Science, Engineering and Technology").

  Accordingly, it is the BBSRC itself which decides the allocation of competitive strategic grant (CSG) to each of its eight Institutes, including the John limes Centre. The Institutes are also able to apply for certain categories of BBSRC research grants, in competition with other researchers and subject to the approval of the Council's peer review committees. The Council does not allocate CSG to the Sainsbury Laboratory. The Laboratory is administered by the University of East Anglia and its staff are University employees. They are eligible to apply for research grants in the same way as academics elsewhere.
  449
  The table shows, for each year since 1996–297, the CSG approved by the Council for the John Innes Centre (including expenditure on equipment and minor works), and expenditure on research grants to the John Innes Centre and the Sainsbury Laboratory respectively, as approved by the BBSRC's peer review committees.

  Expenditure (£ millions)

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  John Innes Centre

  (a) CSG

  10.19

  10.25

  10.50

  (b) research grants

  2.41

  2.55

  2.21

  (c) total

  12.60

  12.80

  12.71

  Sainsbury Laboratory (research grants)

  0.28

  0.51

  0.64

  Food and Crop Biotechnology (Genetic Modification)
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how the Government differentiate between genetically modified food and genetically modified crop biotechnology in determining departmental responsibilities. [74221]

  Mr. Byers
  [holding answer 2 March 1999]The responsibility for agriculture and food issues—including those relating to genetically modified crops and foods—rests primarily with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

  Other Government Departments also have a role. For example, the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions has primary responsibility for protection of the environment, and is therefore responsible for ensuring the safety of the release of genetically modified organisms—including genetically modified crops—into the environment. In this respect, DETR/MAFF act jointly on GM crop applications, with DETR taking the lead. Similarly, given the Department of Health's primary responsibility for human health, it acts jointly with MAFF on genetically modified food applications, with MAFF taking the lead.

  The Office of Science and Technology seeks to ensure that there is effective co-ordination between Government Departments, and that the Government are receiving the best scientific advice.

  Human Genetics
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if it is his policy that members of the Human Genetics Advisory Commission should avoid conflicts of interest.[79532]

  Mr. Battle
  It is important that advice is sought from those people best placed to provide it. The members of the Human Genetics Advisory Commission, therefore, have a range of backgrounds, experience, and interests. As with members of any public body, they are required to declare any personal or business interest which may influence their judgment and should follow all the appropriate guidance whenever a conflict arises.
  450
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 18 March 1999,Official Report, column 716, where the declarations of interest of members of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority and the Human Genetics Advisory Commission are available for public inspection. [79506]

  Mr. Battle
  I understand that a list is maintained at the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority at Paxton House, 30 Artillery Lane, London El 7LS (Tel: 0171–377 5077). For the Human Genetics Advisory Commission a list is maintained by the secretariat at the Office of Science and Technology, Albany House, 94–98 Petty France, London SW1H 9ST (Tel: 0171–271 2131). I understand that both bodies intend to publish the list in their forthcoming Annual Reports.

  Wellcome Trust
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to reduce uncertainty among scientists about the rules for submission and resubmission of applications for the Wellcome Trust funds from the Joint Infrastructure Fund. [80162]

  Mr. Battle
  Comprehensive information and details of how to submit applications to the Joint Infrastructure Fund are available from the Wellcome Trust in respect of the biomedical and biological sciences, and the relevant Research Councils in respect of all other areas of science and engineering. Any specific inquiries which universities may have about the Fund should be directed to them.

  The Trust and Research Councils will accept submissions at any time up to a final deadline of 30 April 2000 for new buildings and refurbishment and 10 October 2000 for applications for equipment. Resubmissions are allowed only if expressly invited by the Joint Executive Committee of the Joint Infrastructure Fund, but this would be only under the most exceptional circumstances and is expected to be a very rare occurrence.

  European Scrutiny Committee
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will produce an updated explanatory memorandum for the European Scrutiny Committee in relation to the draft End of Life Vehicles Directive. [80540]

  Dr. Howells
  [holding answer 13 April 1999]As the hon. Member is aware, the Environment Council meeting on 11 March decided to defer a final decision on the Directive until its next meeting on 24–25 June. No new issues have been raised which would merit an updated Explanatory Memorandum or Regulatory Impact Assessment. However, if an official text should emerge in the meantime, this will of course be deposited in Parliament and covered by an Explanatory Memorandum in the normal way.

  Departmental Secondments
  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the individuals
  451
  seconded from his Department to the oil and gas companies or firms contracting for oil and gas companies since 1 May 1997. [80849]

  Individual

  Company to which they are seconded

  DTI directorate from which they are seconded

  Helen Hichens

  Mobile North Sea Ltd.

  Oil and Gas Directorate

  Christopher Pook

  BG plc

  Ministerial Parliamentary Support Team

  Anne Sherriff

  BP Exploration

  Finance and Resource Management

  Ashley Malster

  BG plc

  Reform of Energy Regulation Team

  My Department does not have details of the specific companies with which those in the oil and gas sector have current contracts.

  Mr. Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the individuals seconded

  Individual

  Seconding company

  DTI directorate to which they are seconded

  Dominic McClafferty

  European Gas Turbines (GEC Alstrom)

  Export Promotion Directorate

  Scott Hornafius

  Mobil

  Oil and Gas Directorate

  Philip Haymes

  British Petroleum

  Export Promotion Directorate

  Neil McMillan

  Brown and Root AOC

  Infrastructure and Energy Projects Directorate

  Raw Milk (MMC Report)
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 13 April 1999,Official Report, column 94, when he will publish the MMC report on the supply of raw milk. [81109]

  Dr. Howells
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry will publish the report as soon as is practicable.

  MOX Fuel Shipment
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much extra training the armed United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority police who will accompany the shipment of MOX fuel from Barrow to Japan have been given; when this extra training was undertaken; what the cost was of the extra training; and if he will make a statement. [81080]

  Mr. Battle
  Officers of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority Constabulary have been given comprehensive training, taking full account of their roles and responsibilities when escorting shipments of MOX fuel. The training package, including provision for regular refresher courses, was specially developed by the Constabulary and the Naval Recruiting and Training Agency and delivered under commercial contracts during the past year. Other specialist training has been carried out by the Northumbria Constabulary. Some officers have also completed advanced first aid courses. The costs of the training are a matter for the companies concerned.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many armed United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority Police will accompany each shipment of MOX fuel from Barrow to Japan; what weapons they will be armed with; when the first shipment is expected to leave Barrow; and if other countries will be informed in advance of the movements of these shipments through their jurisdictions. [81079]

  Mr. Battle
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Stroud (Mr. Drew) on 18 January 1999,Official Report, columns 364–65.
  452
  Mr. Battle
  Four secondments from my Department to companies in the oil and gas sector have commenced since 1 May 1997. They are:

  to his Department from the oil and gas industry since 1 May 1997. [80848]

  Mr. Battle
  Four secondments into this Department from the oil and gas industry have commenced since 1 May 1997. They are:

  For obvious security reasons details of physical protection arrangements for ships carrying MOX fuel are confidential. The timing of the first shipment is not yet finalised but the intention is to carry it out this calendar year. It has been our practice to inform coastal states, both on and off route, in advance and on a confidential basis, of the movement of High Level Waste shipments. In the case of MOX fuel shipments, we intend to continue this practice, consistent with our international obligations to protect information about the movement of sensitive nuclear materials.

  Carers (Minimum Wage)
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to introduce a minimum wage for carers. [80766]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  Carers aged 18 or over, who are workers, are already covered by the national minimum wage.

  Consumer Affairs Council
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the outcome of the Consumer Affairs Council held in Brussels on 13 April; and if he will make a statement. [80762]

  Dr. Howells
  The Council unanimously adopted a Resolution welcoming the European Commission Consumer Policy Action Plan for 1999–2001. In an exchange of views on the Action Plan there was welcome for it and the importance it placed on integrating consumer concerns into other Community policies, in accordance with the Amsterdam Treaty.

  During the orientation debate on the proposed Directive on the Distance Marketing of Financial Services, member states agreed on the need for a Directive, but there were differences as to its contents.

  Spain called for action at Community level to restrict or ban the sale and marketing of videos and toys which encourage violent behaviour.
  453
  The Netherlands suggested that the Community should consider the implications for consumers of the millennium bug.

  Science Enterprise Challenge
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the centres of enterprise to be endowed under the science enterprise challenge scheme. [80813]

  Mr. Battle
  The Science Enterprise Challenge competition is still in progress so it is not possible to list the centres at this point. The competition is in two stages.

  University

  £million

  University of Leeds/University of Sheffield/University of York (White Rose Consortium)

  4.5

  University of Manchester/UMIST

  4.5

  University of Bath/University of Bristol

  3.75

  University of Birmingham/University of Warwick

  3

  University of Cambridge/The Babraham Institute

  3

  University of Cardiff/University of Wales College of Medicine

  3

  Imperial College, London

  3

  King's College London/Queen Mary and Westfield College London

  3

  London Business School/King's College London/Queen Mary and Westfield College/University College London

  3

  University of Oxford

  3

  University of Strathclyde/University of Glasgow

  3

  University College London/Institute of Cancer Research/Cancer Research Campaign Technologies Ltd./School of Pharmacy London/Imperial Cancer Research Fund/Royal Veterinary College

  3

  University of Edinburgh/The Moredun Foundation/The Roslin Biotechnology Centre/The UK Astronomy Technology Centre of PPARC/Edinburgh Station of the British Geological Survey

  2.25

  Queen's University Belfast/University of Ulster

  2

  University of Aberystwyth/The Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research (IGER)

  1

  It is inappropriate to publish a list of all the original 45 bids as they were provided in confidence.

  Local Support Centres
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what budget has been allocated to local support centres for(a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99 and (c) 1999–2000. [81062]

  Mr. Wills
  The budgets allocated to the Department's Information Society Initiative Local Support Centres for the requested financial years are:

  Year

  £ million

  1997–981

  2.77

  1998–991

  2.00

  1999–20002

  3.00

  1Actual Spend

  2 Forecast

  Commercial Debt (Late Payment)
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to make representations to the European Community on standardising late payment of commercial debt regulations across the Community. [81057]

  Mr. Wills
  The Government are working closely with their EU partners to tackle late payment at a European level so that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can be sure of their rights wherever they do business in the EU and participate fully in the Single Market. We are actively involved in discussions on the proposed EU 454
  Stage 1 bids were due in on 14 April and the finalists to go onto stage 2 will be announced on 10 May. The winners will be announced this summer.

  University Challenge
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the bids for the £50 million university challenge scheme referred to in paragraph 3.59 of the Red Book. [80814]

  Mr. Battle
  The 15 winners of the £45 million University Challenge competition, run jointly by Government, Wellcome Trust and the Gatsby Foundation, were announced on 10 March 1999. They are:

  directive on combating late payment in commercial transactions which, we believe, should complement our own late payment legislation.

  Working Time Directive
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list those areas for which extension of the Working Time Directive is currently scheduled for discussion at the European Council, for which a qualified majority of member states have already declared their support. [81227]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  Negotiations on the extension of the Working Time Directive to those sectors which are currently excluded are continuing at working group level, and are not due to be discussed at the European Council. The agenda for the next Social Affairs Council meeting, which is due to take place on 25 May, has not yet been agreed.

  Depleted Uranium
  Ms Jenny Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what sites in the United Kingdom are licensed for storing depleted uranium. [81232]

  Mr. Battle
  A licence under the Nuclear Installations Act 1965 is not required for the storage of depleted uranium as it constitutes "excepted matter" under the Nuclear Installations Act 1965 (as amended), s26(1). However, material is stored at a number of nuclear licensed sites. Depleted uranium is used at a number of Ministry of Defence sites and by civil industrial operators who are registered by the Environment Agencies
  455
  (Environment Agency for England and Wales, SEPA for Scotland and the Environment and Heritage Service which is an executive agency for the DoE in Northern Ireland) under the Radioactive Substances Act 1993.

  Ms Jenny Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what safety standards exist for the storage of depleted uranium. [81231]

  Mr. Battle
  The Health and Safety Executive regulates the storage of depleted uranium under the general provisions of the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 and the specific requirements of the Ionising Radiations Regulations 1985 (SI 1985/1333). The Environment Agencies in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have responsibilities in respect of the Radioactive Substances Act 1993.

  Arms Brokers
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what steps he has taken to establish a national register of arms brokers; [81100]

  (2) what estimate his Department has made of the number of arms brokers operating in the United Kingdom. [81099]

  Dr. Howells
  [holding answer 16 April 1999]The Government considered the establishment of a register of arms dealers whilst developing proposals contained in the White Paper on Strategic Export Controls, but felt that it would be better to focus on the need to control specific trafficking and brokering activities. However, this issue was raised in response to the White Paper and, as my hon. Friend the Member for Hornsey and Wood Green (Mrs. Roche) told my hon. Friend the Member for Wolverhampton, South-West (Ms Jones) on 14 December 1998,Official Report, column 364, we are reviewing all the proposals contained in the White Paper in the light of the responses received.

  The Department of Trade and Industry has made no estimate of the number of arms brokers operating in the United Kingdom.

  Strategic Exports
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of current(a) German and (b) US licensing requirements for arms brokers; and if he will introduce similar licensing requirements for arms brokers in his proposed legislation on strategic exports. [81172]

  Dr. Howells
  In their White Paper on Strategic Export Controls, the Government set out their proposals for new controls on trafficking and brokering. All the proposals contained in the White Paper are currently being reviewed in the light of the responses to it. Both in the course of drawing up the proposals and during our review, we have examined, where it is relevant to do so, the legislation and practice in other countries, including the US and Germany.

  Scottish Power
  Mr. Connarty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he will announce his decision on Scottish Power's application to construct and operate an open cycle gas turbine generating station at Holybourne, Hampshire. [81487]
  456
  Mr. Battle
  I have today decided to give a direction under Section 14(3) of the Energy Act 1976 to prevent the building of a 160 MW generating station to be fuelled by natural gas at the Holybourne Oil Terminal, Alton, Hampshire.

  Copies of the Press Notice and decision letter are being placed in the Library of the House.

  Export Controls
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if(a) tear gas and (b) plastic bullets are covered by the export control regime. [81273]

  Dr. Howells
  These goods, and others, are controlled under entries in Part III of Schedule I of the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1994 as amended: tear gas under entry ML7; and plastic bullets under entries ML3 or PL5021.

  However, a variety of devices may contain tear gas. Such devices are controlled under several other entries: for instance, portable anti-riot devices for administering an incapacitating substance under PL5001; grenades under ML4 or PL5030; ammunition under ML3 or PL5021; gas projectors or generators under ML2 or PL5018; under entries ML6, ML9, or ML10, gas projecting equipment for controlled ground vehicles, combatant vessels or aircraft, respectively, which are specially designed or modified for military use; and portable devices designed for self-protection by the administration of an incapacitating substance under entry 1A905 of the Dual-Use and Related Goods (Export Control) Regulation 1996, as amended.

  It should be noted that other goods are also controlled under each of these entries.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Disabled People (Benefits)
  Mr. Singh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps he is taking to improve the living standards of the poorest disabled people. [79740]

  Mr. Darling
  Our proposals for a new Disability Income Guarantee together with measures in the Welfare Reform Bill will provide more help for disabled adults and children who need help most.

  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the steps he has taken to remove obstacles within the benefits system to people with disabilities who wish to train for, seek or undertake employment. [79764]

  Mr. Bayley
  We are removing barriers to work from the benefit system. We introduced a new 12 months linking rule for incapacity benefits last year, which removes the risk of losing money for people on benefits who want to try work.

  We are also piloting, for a year, from 11 April 1999, a package of four measures in 15 areas to help people with disabilities, who want to return to work. The pilots will allow those on incapacity benefits to earn a small amount of money (up to £15) without losing benefit; and to test out a job for a trial period whilst remaining on benefit. The pilots will also allow access to a Jobmatch payment of £50 a week for people moving into part-time work; and a Jobfinder's Grant of £200 for those starting work.

  All-work Test
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on his proposals to reform the all-work test. [79742]

  Mr. Bayley
  There is a provision in the Welfare Reform and Pensions Bill to replace the All-work Test with the Personal Capability Assessment. We intend that, as well as determining entitlement to benefit, the Personal Capability Assessment will provide constructive information about what a person's medical condition or disability would allow them to do and advice on practical measures which might improve their chances of returning to work. This will enable personal advisers to help people identify and overcome the barriers they face and take steps back into employment.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many appeals are pending against refusal of benefit due to a failure to satisfy the all-work test; and if he will make a statement. [79758]

  Mr. Bayley
  As of 31 October 1998, there were 40,198 all-work test appeals pending in Great Britain.

  New, streamlined arrangements for handling disputes and appeals are being introduced later this year under the powers in the Social Security Act 1998. These changes form an early part of the Government's long-term plan to modernise the social security system.

  Note:

  Figures include all cases lodged before 31 October 1998 and still awaiting a decision.

  Source:

  100 per cent. extract from Independent Tribunals Service computer.

  Medical Examiners
  Mr. John Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to modify the role of medical examiners in benefit applications. [79746]

  Mr. Bayley
  We will be making minor changes to the role that examining doctors play in deciding entitlement to disablement benefits during the course of the year as part of our plans to modernise the decision making system. For all benefits where entitlement depends on a medical question, the examining doctor will act in an advisory capacity to the decision maker, providing expert medical advice to enable them to reach a correct decision on benefit entitlement. The aim will be to improve the quality of the decision and the level of information which we give to benefit claimants.

  Fraud
  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to minimise fraud in the administration of housing benefit. [79751]

  Mr. Timms
  "Safeguarding Social Security", published last month, makes it clear that we want a benefit system which is secure from start to finish. This Government are committed to taking tough action against housing benefit fraud. We have already reformed the anti-fraud financial incentive scheme for local authorities to ensure they continue to be rewarded for detecting cases of genuine benefit fraud and cases where they identify that a claimant is no longer resident at an address. An additional £100 million will be made available to local authorities over the 458
  next three years to encourage them to adopt the Verification Framework. Through a series of additional checks, carried out throughout the life of a benefit claim, the Verification Framework will help to secure the administration of housing benefit. The Benefit Fraud Inspectorate is continuing to carry out a rolling programme of visits to local authorities. This will also play a key role in driving up standards of administration and security.

  To secure the payment of housing benefit from the outset of a claim all local authorities have been invited to participate in the Royal Mail "do not redirect" initiative. This initiative prevents benefit claimants from using Royal Mail's postal redirection arrangements to make false claims to benefit from multiple addresses. To further streamline the administration of housing benefit, over £3 million has been made available this year to install computer terminals in local authorities which provide access to the Department's benefit systems. We are now looking to extend this initiative to include exchanging information electronically between local authorities and the Department, providing further scope to prevent fraud and error occurring in the first place.

  Mr. Stringer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what changes to procedures he proposes to safeguard the benefits system against fraud. [79754]

  Mr. Timms
  We are improving procedures and processes across the board to get claims right from the outset and then keep them right to reduce losses from fraud and error. It is vital that we secure the gateway to the benefit system. The initial step of checking a claim requires careful scrutiny of the evidence that must be provided by a claimant before payment is made. We have already tightened the gateway to Income Support and saved £200 million in 1998–99 alone.

  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on his plans to train and support staff to tackle fraud in the benefit system. [79759]

  Mr. Timms
  The Department is committed to training and developing all staff to deliver their jobs more effectively, in line with the principles of Investors in People. This commitment applies equally to our staff who tackle fraud in the benefit systems, and who through their administrative duties help in our prevention of fraud.

  In October 1997 the gateway to Income Support was substantially strengthened by introducing more checks at points of known weakness. Staff were given over 200,000 hours of extra training on the new rules and this was supported by drawing together into a single code more than 450 separate instructions on how to check and process Income Support claims.

  The Benefits Agency (BA) provides extensive training for counter fraud staff ranging from standard interviewing techniques through to specialist training in the law, surveillance and case preparation for the courts. In June 1997 we set up a joint development initiative between the BA and Local Authorities to establish commonality across a range of standards and training issues. In particular the Professionalism In Security (PINS) project is seeking to introduce a new package of accredited training that will lead to the award of a professional qualification in fraud investigation and will be recognised by both central and local government.
  459
  A foundation level training syllabus has now been finalised and contracts have been awarded for training to improve the professionalism of investigators and thereby to raise the status and profile of this group. In addition, over 50 students are already studying for Security Management certificates, diplomas and degrees offered by the University of Leicester.

  Research and development work into an advanced level syllabus, a code of conduct, a code of good practice, a security management framework and centres of excellence is on-going.

  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of the report of the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate into Area Directorate 3 of the Benefits Agency, with particular reference to(a) improving staff compliance with operating procedures and (b) encouraging co-operation between the Agency and local authorities; and if he will make a statement. [81112]

  Mr. Timms
  The fraud strategy paper published on 29 March, "A New Contract for Welfare: Safeguarding Social Security", highlights the weaknesses of the system that we inherited. The paper also sets out our strategy for dealing with those weaknesses, many of which have been highlighted in the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate's report.

  The Benefits Agency is committed to improving standards and, in response to the issues raised in the BFI report, has produced a robust and detailed action plan which was published in the report. It has already taken a number of steps to improve staff compliance to administrative procedures and counter-fraud work. This action plan, together with an annual plan for the Area Directorate 3, will be reviewed regularly and rigorously to check that standards are achieved.

  By working in partnership, councils and the Benefits Agency can fight fraud more effectively, as well as giving better service to the public. That is why we have earmarked funding in each Benefits Agency area to develop stronger links with local councils. Liaison between the BA and the local authorities is governed by Service Level Agreements (SLAs) at local level, based on national models. All SLAs have been revised recently and cover core activities on benefit administration and fraud and give each party a clear statement of how co-operation should work in practice.

  Childhood Poverty
  Ms Keeble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proposals he has to tackle the problem of children growing up in poverty. [79755]

  Angela Eagle
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Poplar and Canning Town (Mr. Fitzpatrick) earlier today,Official Report, column 567.

  Child Care Costs
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to assist parents seeking work with the costs of child care. [79760]

  Angela Eagle
  Parents need access to affordable, good quality child care to help balance work and family life successfully. We have already increased the help available 460
  for child care costs in the in-work benefits and the Government have introduced the Tax Credits Bill, which provides for a much more generous child care tax credit.

  Pensions
  Mr. David Heath
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what measures he has taken to monitor the mechanism by which the relative level of the state pension and associated benefits are calculated for(a) single pensioners and (b) pensioner couples. [79761]

  Mr. Timms
  The rate of Category B retirement pension (the "married woman's pension") has been set at about 60 per cent. of Category A retirement pension since it was introduced. We have no plans to change this.

  Widows (Benefits)
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his estimate of the number of widows who will suffer a reduction in their SERPS entitlement from April. [79762]

  Mr. Timms
  Information in the exact form requested is not available. The table provides forecast information on the average number of widows who could be affected at any one time in each year of the next 10 years. It should be noted that some of these people may have no SERPS entitlement and, therefore, will not be affected by the change.

  Potential number of widows affected (Thousand)

  1999–2000

  15

  2000–01

  50

  2001–02

  90

  2002-03

  130

  2003-04

  175

  2004-05

  225

  2005-06

  275

  2006-07

  330

  2007-08

  390

  2008-09

  450

  2009-10

  115

  Notes:

  1. Numbers are rounded to the nearest 5,000.

  2. The proposed new schemes for widows and widowers under state pension age have not been taken into account, nor have the half rate inheritance changes beginning in April 2000.

  3. Figures are for GB only.

  Source:

  Government Actuary's Department
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what arrangements are being made to ensure that widows who have lost bereavement tax credit receive comparable benefits. [79750]

  Angela Eagle
  No one who already has the Widow's Bereavement Tax allowance will lose it. Anyone who claims the allowance before 5 April 2000 will receive it in the normal way—for the tax year they claim and the following year.

  In the future, widows and widowers who are under pension age will be able to claim the new bereavement benefits, which will include the Bereavement Payment—a tax free lump sum of £2,000 payable to widows and widowers. This is double the amount of the current lump sum, Widow's Payment.

  Welfare Reform
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security in what way the Government have taken into account the views of respondents to the consultation on the Green Paper on Welfare Reform. [79763]

  Mr. Timms
  Responses are assessed as individual policy areas are developed and announcements made.

  Retirement Pensioners
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the latest estimate of the numbers of retirement pensioners; and what estimate has been made of the number in 10 years' time. [79765]

  Mr. Timms
  For 1998–99, the estimated average number of pensioners is 10.7 million. The average for 2008–09 is 12 million.

  Notes:

  1. The estimates are for Great Britain and overseas.

  2. The estimates exclude those receiving only Graduated Retirement Benefit.

  Source:

  1. Pensions Strategy Computer System.

  2. Government Actuary's Department.

  Lone Parents
  Mr. Heppell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to introduce incentives to assist lone parents into employment. [79766]

  Angela Eagle
  The Government have introduced a number of measures to give all lone parents the opportunity to work.

  In the Budget we announced plans to increase the support available to lone parents going into work. From this October, those getting Income Support will continue to receive that benefit for two weeks when they start work and claim Working Families Tax Credit. This will give real help with meeting expenses, including child care costs, in the period up to the first payday. At present, concerns about such expenses can deter lone parents from making the move into work.

  The National Minimum Wage and the Working Families Tax Credit will help ensure that work pays for lone parents. We are also helping lone parents overcome the barriers they face in moving into work through the New Deal for Lone Parents and the National Childcare Strategy.

  Disability Living Allowance
  Mr. Pond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security which categories of disability living allowance recipients are exempt from the review process which replaces the benefit integrity project. [79734]

  Mr. Darling
  At the outset, certain groups of disabled people will not be contacted as part of the new periodic inquiry process. These include anyone whose case has been examined by the Benefit Integrity Project; anyone excluded from the activity of the Benefit Integrity Project; anyone with a fixed period award of DLA due to expire within the next three years, and anyone who is treated as being terminally ill within the Department's definition.
  462
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if he will list for(a) Wales, (b) Scotland, (c) Northern Ireland and (d) each region of England, the number of disabled people who have been awarded disability living allowance since 1 June 1997 (i) on their initial application, (ii) at review and (iii) at appeal; [80938]

  (2) if he will list for (a) Wales, (b) Scotland, (c) Northern Ireland, (d) England and (e) the United Kingdom, the number of people who applied (i) successfully and (ii) unsuccessfully in the last year for disability living allowance. [80940]

  Mr. Bayley
  The administration of Social Security benefits is a matter for Peter Mathison, Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Mark Oaten, dated 16 April 1999 The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions asking if he will list for, (a) Wales, (b) Scotland, (c) Northern Ireland, and (d) each region of England, the number of disabled people who have been awarded disability living allowance since 1 June 1997, (i) on their initial application, (ii) at review and, (iii) at appeal, and if he will list for (a) Wales, (b) Scotland, (c) Northern Ireland, (d) England, and (e) the United Kingdom, the number of people who applied, (i) successfully, and (ii) unsuccessfully, in the last year for disability living allowance.
  The information you have requested is in the attached tables. I hope you find this information helpful.

  Number of disability living allowance awards made on initial application, review, and appeal, in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

  Region

  On initial application

  At review

  At appeal

  England

  North East

  19,900

  3,180

  2,240

  Yorks and Humberside

  29,600

  5,660

  2,640

  East Midlands

  26,460

  3,920

  1,040

  Eastern

  25,580

  3,520

  1,280

  London

  36,900

  5,900

  2,540

  South East

  29,240

  4,740

  1,780

  South West

  24,120

  3,200

  1,300

  West Midlands

  34,180

  4,620

  1,180

  North West

  45,180

  9,860

  4,900

  Wales

  24,720

  4,180

  1,420

  Scotland

  31,740

  7,680

  4,840

  Northern Ireland

  22,395

  7,044

  1,318

  Figures are for the period 1 June 1997 to 28 February 1999

  Figures for England Scotland and Wales are estimates by Analytical Services Division based on a 5 per cent. sample

  Figures for Northern Ireland (NI) based on 100 per cent. data and provided by DHSS (NI)

  The Regions of England are Government Office Regions

  Applications for Disability Living Allowance in 1998

  Successful application

  Unsuccessful application

  England

  148,428

  169,872

  Wales

  13,029

  16,333

  Scotland

  17,345

  26,576

  Northern Ireland

  12,492

  9,359

  United Kingdom

  191,294

  222,140

  Figures for England Scotland and Wales provided by Analytical Services Division based on 100 per cent. data

  Figures for Northern Ireland (NI) based on 100 per cent. data and provided by DHSS (NI)
  463
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list for(a) Wales, (b) Scotland,(c) Northern Ireland, (d) England and (e) the United Kingdom, the number of people whose main disabling condition is deafness (i) who were awarded disability living allowance since 1 June 1997 (1) on their initial application, (2) at review and (3) at appeal, and (ii) who applied (x) successfully and (y) unsuccessfully in the last year for disability living allowance. [80939]

  Mr. Bayley
  The administration of Social Security benefits is a matter for Peter Mathison, Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Mark Oaten, dated 16 April 1999 The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question regarding the number of people whose main disabling condition is deafening (i) who were awarded Disability Living Allowance since 1 June 1997 (1) on their initial application, (2) at review, and (3) at appeal, and (ii) who applied (x) successfully and (y) unsuccessfully in the last year for Disability Living Allowance for (a) Wales, (b) Scotland, (c) Northern Ireland, (d) England, and (e) the United Kingdom.
  The information that is available is included in the attached tables. Unfortunately the information about the number of people, for whom the main disabling condition is deafness, and unsuccessfully claimed Disability Living Allowance in the last year, is unavailable.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  People awarded Disability Living Allowance on initial application, review, and appeal since 1 June 1997—main disabling condition deafness

  Initial Application

  Review

  Appeal

  England

  3,300

  1,540

  1,520

  Wales

  260

  100

  40

  Scotland

  120

  140

  160

  Northern Ireland

  221

  51

  15

  United Kingdom

  3,901

  1,831

  1,735

  Notes:

  Figures relate to the period 1 June 1997 to 28 February 1998

  Figures for England Scotland and Wales are estimates by Analytical

  Services Division based on a 5 per cent. sample

  Figures for Norther Ireland (NI) based on 100 per cent. data and provided by DHSS (NI)

  People awarded Disability Living Allowance in 1998—main disabling condition is deafness

  Area

  England

  1,900

  Wales

  180

  Scotland

  80

  Number and proportion of widows in receipt of occupational pension by Government Office Region/Home Nation (1996–97)

  Number of widows (Thousand)

  Percentage of widows

  Government Office Regions (exc. NI)

  In receipt of occupational pension

  Not in receipt of occupational pension

  Total

  In receipt of occupational pension

  Not in receipt of occupational pension

  Total

  North East

  70

  70

  140

  50

  50

  100

  North West and Merseyside

  150

  200

  340

  42

  58

  100

  Yorkshire and the Humber

  150

  140

  290

  52

  48

  100

  East Midlands

  90

  100

  180

  48

  52

  100

  West Midlands

  120

  130

  260

  47

  53

  100

  Eastern

  110

  130

  240

  47

  53

  100

  464

  People awarded Disability Living Allowance in 1998—main disabling condition is deafness

  Area

  Northern Ireland

  126

  United Kingdom

  2,286

  Notes:

  Figures relate to awards on initial application

  Figures relate to the twelve months ending 30 November 1998

  Figures for England Scotland and Wales are estimates by Analytical

  Services Division based on a 5 per cent. sample

  Figures for Northern Ireland (NI) based on 100 per cent. data and provided by DHSS (NI)

  Environmental Appraisals
  Mr. Truswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what environmental appraisals of policy his Department has(a) completed, (b) started and (c) planned. [79621]

  Angela Eagle
  I refer the hon. Member to the written answer from the Under-Secretary of State for the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, my hon. Friend the Member for Mansfield (Mr. Meale), on 13 April 1999,Official Report, column 66.

  Bereavement Benefits
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 19 March 1999,Official Report, columns 838–39, on bereavement benefits, if he will estimate the ranges of income from occupational pensions being received by the widows in receipt of such pensions. [80599]

  Angela Eagle
  [holding answer 14 April 1999]The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the table.

  Amount of occupational pension received by widows in Great Britain in 1996–97

  Thousand

  Amount of occupational pension received

  Number

  No occupational pension

  1,450

  £0-£10

  180

  £10-£20

  260

  £20-£30

  180

  £30-£40

  140

  £40-£50

  100

  £50 or more

  80

  Total

  2,780

  The information provided in my Written Answer on 19 March 1999, Official Report, at columns 838–39 included information on widowers. The analysis reproduced related only to widows.
  465

  Number and proportion of widows in receipt of occupational pension by Government Office Region/Home Nation (1996–97)

  Number of widows (Thousand)

  Percentage of widows

  Government Office Regions (exc. NI)

  In receipt of occupational pension

  Not in receipt of occupational pension

  Total

  In receipt of occupational pension

  Not in receipt of occupational pension

  Total

  London

  120

  190

  310

  40

  60

  100

  South East

  190

  170

  360

  54

  46

  100

  South West

  120

  120

  230

  50

  50

  100

  Wales

  90

  90

  180

  51

  49

  100

  Scotland

  120

  140

  250

  46

  54

  100

  England

  1,120

  1,230

  2,350

  48

  52

  100

  All widows

  1,330

  1,450

  2,780

  48

  52

  100

  Notes:

  1. The figures above are estimates and are taken from the Households Below Average Income (HBAI) 1996–97 data set which are based on the Family Resources Survey (FRS). The FRS does not include Northern Ireland. 1996–97 is the latest year for which information is available.

  2. All monetary values are given in April 1998 prices.

  3. Estimates are given in thousands and are rounded to the nearest 10.000. Due to rounding components may not sum to totals.

  Occupational Pensions
  Mr. Sawford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps he is taking to increase the take-up of occupational pensions. [79743]

  Mr. Timms
  The latest National Association of Pension Funds Survey shows proportion of eligible employees joining occupational pensions schemes. For final salary schemes the figure has increased from 62 per cent. in 1997 to 86 per cent. in 1998. For Money purchase schemes the comparable figures are 68 per cent. and 75 per cent. In schemes where employers operate automatic entry the figures are over 90 per cent.

  We want to do more to encourage people to join occupational pension schemes. In the Green Paper "A new contract for welfare: Partnership in Pensions", we have sought views on how to do this and on whether we should allow employers to require employees to be members of their occupational pension scheme, subject to the right for employees to opt out.

  We are currently considering the responses we have received and will be formulating proposals to take action to improve take-up.

  Mature Students (Housing Benefits)
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on proposed improvements to the situation of those mature students who have recently forfeited housing benefits. [79851]

  Angela Eagle
  There has been no change in the position of mature students. Most full-time students, including mature students, are not entitled to housing benefit, although certain students in vulnerable groups, such as lone parents, can continue to claim this benefit.

  Mental Illness
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to introduce safeguards in respect of the welfare of people with diagnosed mental illness in his benefits review process. [81357]

  Mr. Bayley
  From the beginning of this month, the Benefit Integrity Project was replaced by a system of periodic inquiry into Disability Living Allowance (DLA)466
  entitlement. This is designed to be fairer to the welfare of vulnerable benefit claimants, including those with mental illness. We have discussed the operational procedures with disability organisations and we are aware that when contacting claimants, we need to take account of their individual circumstances and the effect that this contact may have. We are taking steps to ensure that any periodic inquiry literature issued to claimants, including to those who are diagnosed with a mental illness, is both clear and user-friendly, giving people the opportunity to discuss the best way of obtaining information as to their needs. We have also recognised the need to carry out specialised training on mental health issues for visiting officers and adjudication officers involved in the inquiry process. This training is planned to start in late May.

  Certain types of case are exempt from action from the periodic inquiry from the outset. These include certain categories of mental illness, and the full list can be found in the pursuant answer to the hon. Member for Winchester (Mr. Oaten) on 10 March 1999, Official Report,columns 251–52.

  We will continue to discuss the operation of the new arrangements with disability organisations, and will involve them in a comprehensive review of the new system at the end of the first six months of its operation.

PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

  Macpherson Inquiry
  Mr. Efford
  To ask the President of the Council what assessment she has made of the implications for her Department of the Macpherson Inquiry recommendations; and if she will make a statement. [80538]

  Mrs. Beckett
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to him on 14 April 1999,Official Report, columns 239–40, by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office. The Privy Council Office will participate fully in Government initiatives to improve the representation of ethnic minorities in the Civil Service. The Department has few policy responsibilities which impact directly on racism in society, but it does have responsibility for the appointment of High Sheriffs. There are currently no Sheriffs from the ethnic minorities, and the Privy Council Office wrote last year to the Shrievalty Association

  467
  expressing concern. The Association has agreed to address this point specifically in guidance to their members, since under the relevant legislation it is for serving Sheriffs to provide nominations. My Department will continue regularly to monitor the position and to urge action where necessary.

  Death Penalty (Commonwealth Countries)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the President of the Council, pursuant to her answer of 13 April 1999,Official Report, column 29, if she will list the Commonwealth countries from which appeals and applications for leave to appeal in cases concerning the death penalty have been submitted; and if she will make a statement. [81579]

  Mrs. Beckett
  The information requested is as follows:

  Country

  Number of appeals

  Number of applications for leave

  Trinidad and Tobago

  7

  10

  Jamaica

  3

  4

  Antigua and Barbuda

  1

  —

  Belize

  1

  —

  St. Vincent and the Grenadines

  —

  1

  Bermuda

  1

  —

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Macpherson Inquiry
  Mr. Efford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment she has made of the implications for her Department of the Macpherson inquiry recommendations; and if she will make a statement. [80530]

  Mr. Ingram
  I have been considering the report into the brutal murder of Stephen Lawrence in the particular circumstances of Northern Ireland. The report focuses on the Metropolitan Police but it raises many issues for policing and, indeed, society generally. Many of the Lawrence report's recommendations are pertinent in Northern Ireland, not only in terms of how racial differences are addressed, but also in terms of divisions along religious and other lines.

  The Government attach great importance to issues of racial equality in Northern Ireland and, in the context of policing, I welcome the first meeting of the Consultative Committee on Policing for Ethnic Minorities hosted recently by the Police Authority for Northern Ireland and the RUC. This Committee will do much to ensure the views of ethnic minority groups are fully understood and their policing needs met. It will develop a greater understanding in the police service of the problems faced by ethnic minorities and provide a means by which these communities can work with the police to provide a better service and have their problems addressed.

  The Criminal Justice and Policing section of the Good Friday Agreement recognises that we have a unique opportunity to bring about a society,
  468
  "which will recognise the full and equal legitimacy and worth of identities, senses of allegiance and ethos of all sections of the community in Northern Ireland".

  This is why the Government established the independent Commission on Policing and the Review of Criminal Justice, which will report later this year. The terms of reference of these two bodies cover many areas highlighted by the report into the murder of Stephen Lawrence.

  None the less, there are a number of areas where I will want to see comparable changes to those set out in my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary's action plan for addressing the recommendations of the Lawrence report. On the application of not only race relations legislation, but all Northern Ireland's stringent equality legislation to the police, I want to see as full a coverage as possible. Northern Ireland is already a leader in providing statutory guarantees of equality of treatment and I want to build on this.

  Improving community confidence in policing generally is an essential priority. The Police Authority has set an objective in the recently published Policing Plan requiring the Chief Constable to raise public confidence in the RUC in the year 1999–2000. However, in view of the recommendations contained in the Lawrence report, I will examine with the Authority and the Chief Constable what more might be needed to promote racial, religious, sex and disability equality and what meaningful measures can be adopted to ensure this happens. There should be no doubt of the Government's commitment to tackling all forms of discrimination.

  Turning to the recommendations which affect police complaints and discipline procedures, we are making important changes. On independent investigations, we are pressing ahead with the establishment of a Police Ombudsman. This will provide for completely independent investigation of complaints against the police and will provide a model for other systems. We want this system to be as transparent as possible. We will also be introducing important reforms of the police conduct and performance procedures and will consider the further changes recommended by the Lawrence report in this area.

  While first aid training in the RUC generally meets the standards recommended by the report, we are in touch with the RUC to ensure that any steps necessary to reduce intervals between refresher training are advanced as a matter of urgency. In other aspects of training, the police will build upon the initiatives taken as part of the Community Awareness Programme which already uses outside trainers from a wide variety of organisations. On inspection, similar changes to the role of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary will be made in Northern Ireland in line with those being made by the Home Secretary.

  The Report raises issues about communication between the prosecuting authorities and victims. In Northern Ireland, victims or their families are informed about the progress of their case by the RUC at key stages during the process, and by staff of the Department of the Director of Public Prosecutions in Northern Ireland if any decisions are taken once the case has actually come to court. The experience of those victims and witnesses who are made to feel particularly vulnerable because of the

  469
  nature of the offence they are giving evidence about has been considered by a working group since last May. The group will be making recommendations to me in the summer as to how the criminal justice system might better assist such witnesses.

  The Stephen Lawrence report highlights the need for co-ordinated action across the public sector if reforms are to be truly effective. For this reason the Government will be seeking to work closely with the new Assembly in Northern Ireland on those recommendations dealing with education and equality law. Consultation with bodies outside central Government will also be required. I have already initiated this action. On the application of the recommendations to those relevant parts of Government that will remain within my area of responsibility after devolution, I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 14 April 1999, Official Report, columns 145–46.

  The Government consider the protection of human rights, equality of treatment and respect for different cultures as fundamental aspects of the ethos of the police service in Northern Ireland. A service where, as the Chief Constable has indicated, there is no room for prejudice of any kind and cultural diversity is celebrated. The recommendations of the report on Stephen Lawrence will help us in pursuing this aim.

  Maghaberry Prison
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many officer days have been lost through sickness and what percentage of officers at Maghaberry prison have (i) reported sick and (ii) been absent from work for reasons of illness or stress(a) over the last month and (b) over the same four week period in 1998 and 1997. [80603]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 16 April 1999]The number of days lost to sickness in the period mentioned is as follows:

  Days

  March 1999

  2,128

  March 1998

  1,724

  April 1997

  1,634

  Data for March 1997 are not available.

  The average daily percentage of officers on sick leave against total staff in post during the three periods in question is as follows:

  Percentage

  March 1999

  12.58

  March 1998

  10.90

  March 1997

  9.48

  470
  The average daily percentage of officers on stress related sick leave against total staff in post during the three periods in question is as follows:

  Percentage

  March 1999

  2.59

  March 1998

  3.49

  March 1997

  1.58

  Roads Service
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is her estimate of the savings which will result from the changes introduced into the organisational and regional structures of the Roads Service on the 1 April for the present financial year and the following two years; and to what use such savings will be put. [81159]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  [holding answer 16 April 1999]Responsibility for the subject in question has been delegated to the Roads Service under its chief executive designate, Mr. C Jones. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from C. James to Mr. William Ross, dated April 1999
  The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has asked me to respond to your recently tabled Parliamentary Question about the reorganisation of Roads Service.Like all public bodies, there is continuing pressure on Roads Service to make the best use of resources available to us. Since we were formed as an Agency in 1996, we have been committed to a programme of improving efficiency but have reached a point where further meaningful efficiencies could not be achieved without a reorganisation of our overall business. This reorganisation, which was introduced on 1 April 1999, was designed to provide a structure, comprising separate business units, which will enable us to focus more directly on how we can continue to deliver our services as efficiently as possible.The main purpose of the reorganisation was, therefore, to provide a platform for future efficiencies and was not specifically geared to producing immediate savings. The reorganisation, by creating separate business units, will enable us to assess more effectively how efficient our work processes are compared to external organisations with a view to achieving further efficiency gains in future years.I hope you find this information helpful.

  Mr. Pat Finucane
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on her meeting with Mr. Param Cumaraswamy; and if she has agreed to establish a formal inquiry into the death of Mr. Pat Finucane. [81124]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  I met Mr. Cumaraswamy on Wednesday 14 April. A copy of the statement I issued afterwards is available in the Library.

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