Written Answers of 26 April 1999

ATTRONEY-GENERAL

  Departmental Legal Business
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will make a statement on his Department's policy when(a) conducting legal proceedings and (b) seeking legal advice as to the circumstances in which Queen's Counsel should be instructed; and for each of the last three years (i) on how many occasions his Department instructed Queen's Counsel and (ii) what was the total cost of instructing Queen's Counsel. [81771]

  The Solicitor-General
  The Crown Prosecution Service, the Treasury Solicitor's Department, the Serious Fraud Office and the Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers predominantly use junior counsel when it is necessary to instruct counsel to provide legal advice or to conduct legal proceedings

  In civil cases, the two First Treasury Counsel are both junior counsel and they will advise and represent the Government without a Queen's Counsel in many of their important cases. In addition, the Attorney-General maintains four panels of junior counsel whom Departments are expected to use for the majority of the Government's civil litigation. The Attorney-General's approval, or mine, is required before a Queen's Counsel can be instructed to appear for any Department in civil litigation.

  A panel of Senior Treasury Counsel and Junior Treasury Counsel, who are all junior counsel, exists in London to provide advice in more significant criminal case work, and to handle the most serious and complex work at the Central Criminal Court. More generally, the Crown Prosecution Service maintains circuit-based lists of junior counsel to conduct almost all its criminal case work in the Crown Court in England and Wales. Outside London, Queen's Counsel are instructed in all contested murder cases, and occasionally in other very serious or complex case work prosecuted by the Crown Prosecution Service.

  Given the complexity and seriousness of its cases, the Serious Fraud Office usually instructs Queen's Counsel to advise and conduct its prosecutions.

  In determining the level of counsel to use, the Department will consider the individual circumstances of each case. It will take into account, inter alia, the importance and sensitivity of the case, the complexity of
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  the law, the weight and complexity of the evidence, and the degree of experience and expertise required before deciding whether to instruct Queen's Counsel or junior counsel.

  However, records are not maintained in a form which would enable the number of occasions on which the Attorney-General's Department instructed Queen's Counsel in the last three years, and the cost of doing so, to be given without incurring disproportionate cost.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Line of Route
  Mrs. Gordon
  To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee when she expects the Committee's proposals for re-opening the Line of Route during the Summer Adjournment to be made available to the House. [81905]

  Mrs. Roe
  I am pleased to advise the hon. Lady that the First Report from the Administration Committee, "Proposal to re-open the Line of Route during the Summer Adjournment", which details the Committee's findings and recommendations on this matter, was published by the Stationery Office at 3.30 pm today. The Report, HC(1998–99) 394 is available to hon. Members from the Vote Office; in view of her interest in this matter, I have arranged for a copy to be sent to the hon. Lady.

  Early-day Motions
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the President of the Council how many early-day motions have been debated since 1 May 1997. [81386]

  Mrs. Beckett
  The information is set out below:

  EDM number and title

  Date debated

  Session 1997–98

  590 Food (S.I., 1997, No. 2959)

  10 February 1998

  1661 Terms and Conditions of Employment

  (S.I., 1998, No. 1833)

  27 October 1998

  1729 Income Tax (S.I., 1998, No. 1869)

  10 November 1998

  Session 1998–99

  56 Pensioners and Dividend Tax Credits

  18 January 1999

  362 Income Tax (S.I., 1998, No. 3175)

  1 March 1999

SCOTLAND

  Consultations (Postal Costs)
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland 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. [80917]

  Mr. Dewar
  [holding answer 22 April 1999]: Policy on the payment of grants to voluntary organisations will, from 1 July 1999, be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Railtrack
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the cost of the development plan produced by Railtrack to public funds; and if he will make a statement. [81973]

  Dr. Reid
  Railtrack's 1999 Network Management Statement, published on 25 March, announced their plans for investment in the network totalling some £27 billion over the next ten years. That figure includes some £11 billion of investment on enhancements to the network. Not all of that £11 billion is Railtrack money: it includes proposed Government and other third-party funded schemes. Some £6 billion of it is shown as being either new "partnership" schemes or new "contractor" schemes, both of which would appear to involve at least some public sector funding, but no breakdown of funding sources is given.

  Urban Trees
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his Department's policy towards planting and protecting urban trees; and if he will make a statement. [82044]

  Mr. Meale
  My Department encourages local authorities to develop long-term strategies to promote the planting, maintenance, conservation and replacement of all trees in their areas.

  Local authorities have powers to protect selected trees and woodlands under the tree preservation order system. Our proposals for reforming that system were set out in a consultation paper issued last July.

  Professional Statisticians
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) how many staff by grade are employed as professional statisticians in his Department; how many of these staff have been accepted as fast stream by the Civil Service Selection Board; and how many have been granted chartered statistician status by the Royal Statistical Society; [81201]

  (2) how many staff who have worked as professional statisticians in his Department and its predecessors have left on early retirement in each of the past 10 years. [81181]

  Mr. Prescott
  Statistical work is undertaken by a range of specialisms such as Research Officers, Social Survey Officers and Economists. Within this Department there are 6 Senior Civil Servants, 1 Grade 6 Statistician, 37 Grade 7 Statisticians, 13 Assistant Statisticians employed as "professional" Statisticians, all of whom have been recruited via CSSB. In addition our Department employs 4 Statistical Officers.

  The number of "professional statisticians" who have left on early retirement in the last ten years is 6.

  Vessel Registration
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions in each of the last five years, what proportion of vessels travelling coastwise between ports and harbours in the United Kingdom were(a) registered in the United Kingdom, (b) registered in member states of the (i) European Community and (ii) European Economic Area and (c) registered under flags of convenience; and what weight of cargo was so carried. [81429]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Information is not available in the form requested. However, Table 2.15 of Waterborne Freight in the United Kingdom 1996, and a similar table in earlier issues of this annual publication, which are all available in the Library, contains information on the flag shares of vessels engaged in the United Kingdom's coastwise traffic in terms of tonnes lifted and tonne-kilometres moved. The tonnages of coastwise cargo carried by UK registered vessels and by all vessels for years 1993 to 1997 are as follows:

  million tonnes

  Coastwise cargo carried by UK registered vessels

  Total coastwise cargo

  1993

  20.8

  60.2

  1994

  19.5

  61.2

  1995

  18.7

  67.7

  1996

  17.3

  70.9

  1997

  not available

  71.1

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proportion of cargo vessels, not carrying passengers, travelled between members states of(a) the European Economic Area and (b) the European Union in each of the last five years which were not registered in one of the members states; and what (i) formal and (ii) informal agreements exist between those states prohibiting use of their (1) ports and (2) harbours by vessels registered under flags of convenience with inferior safety standards to those set by the member states. [81435]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Data on cargo vessel movements between member states of the European Economic area and the European Union are not held by the Department, and no formal or informal agreements exist between those states that prohibit the use of their ports and harbours by vessels registered under flags of convenience.

  Ships flying flags with poor safety records in the European port state control region (as measured by an above average detention rate) are targeted for inspection by the UK and its European partners. Individual ships can be banned if they fail to comply with release conditions following detention or if they do not carry certification required under the International Safety Management Code.

DEFENCE

  CR Gas
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 8 March 1999,Official Report, column 38, on CR gas, when the prescribed rules of engagement of the use of CR gas by the armed forces were formulated. [80828]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Rules of engagement are considered and approved for specific operations. Their formulation varies according to the particular circumstances of an operation. The precise rules of engagement that govern the use of CR gas are thus approved on each occasion that its use is authorised. Rules of engagement for the use of CR are consistent with the provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention, which explicitly permits the use of toxic chemicals for law enforcement purposes.

  Professional Statisticians
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many staff who have worked as professional statisticians in his Department have left on early retirement in each of the past 10 years. [81189]

  Mr. Spellar
  Early retirement for professional statisticians from the Ministry of Defence in the last 10 years has been as follows:

  1989: 0

  1990: 0

  1991: 0

  1992: 0

  1993: 1

  1994: 1

  1995: 2

  1996: 0

  1997: 0

  1998: 0.

  There have been no early retirements in 1999. The early retirement figures include those professional statisticians who retired early on medical grounds.

  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many staff by grade are employed as professional statisticians in his Department; how many of these staff have been accepted as fast stream by the Civil Service Selection Board; and how many have been granted chartered statistician status by the Royal Statistical Society. [81194]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Ministry of Defence employs a total of 20 professional statisticians in the following grades:

  Senior Civil Service: 4

  Grade 6: 2

  Grade 7: 12

  Assistant Statistician: 2.

  All were accepted as fast streamers by the Civil Service Selection Board.
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  Two of the four in the Senior Civil Service, including the Chief Executive of the Defence Analytical Statistical Agency, have been granted chartered statistician status by the Royal Statistical Society. Four other statisticians are Fellows of the Royal Statistical Society.

  Notes

  1. The definition of professional statisticians used to produce the figures is those staff who were recruited through the fast stream to the Statistician Group. These figures include professional statisticians who may currently be working in administrative posts.

  2. These figures do not include any staff not in post, on career breaks secondment etc.

  3. It is increasingly difficult to define what is a professional statistician. Departments recruit survey experts, research officers, social survey officers and others whose work has an input to Statistical work.

  Defence Estates Organisation
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reasons the Defence Estates Organisation was relaunched on 29 March. [81630]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Strategic Defence Review considered how it might improve the management of the defence estate. The review made a number of important recommendations over the Defence Estate Organisation's role. These were that the Chief Executive be made accountable to Ministers, for working with users to ensure the defence estate is managed efficiently and effectively as a whole to support the delivery of defence capability; that DEO should assume responsibility for all aspects of the disposal of surplus property programme and that the DEO should develop proposals for a new model for construction and procurement.

  This places an increased burden, and a greatly enhanced role, on an organisation created in 1995 and launched as an Agency in April 1997. Following a fundamental review, in which I have been closely involved, major changes are taking place in DE to enable it to take on these new tasks, placing it at the centre of my Department's estate management matters. Most significantly, the Agency will play a key role in carrying forward the Deputy Prime Minister's rethinking construction initiative, in which the MOD will play a major part.

  The programme I have endorsed will bring out major process changes that will focus the Agency on the services that it delivers to customers elsewhere in the MOD, in the process setting the Agency challenging objectives and outputs. This will provide the necessary impetus for initiatives on estate management to be developed and implemented across the MOD, with enhanced value for money from the Department's substantial investment in its estate, as a primary goal. Savings will undoubtedly accrue from this process, but at this early stage it would be imprudent to set a figure upon achievable levels. This will become more apparent as DE leads MOD through this transition period and will be reported to Parliament, year by year, as a series of targets and achievements.

  We attach great importance to sending out a strong message to the MOD, the industry and others across Government, and outside, that the nature of the Agency has changed. To this end it was believed appropriate to

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  mark this evolution by relaunching as Defence Estates, supported by a new Framework Document and Corporate Plan.

  Yugoslavia
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures he is taking to prioritise the targeting of Serbian units engaged in war crimes over other Yugoslav National Army units; and if he will make a statement on the prospects for a policy distinguishing between the two. [81453]

  Mr. George Robertson
  It is for the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia in The Hague to seek indictments against individuals she believes have been responsible for serious violations of international humanitarian law during the Kosovo crisis. NATO's military campaign is explicitly designed to damage and disrupt the capability of the government in Belgrade to carry out repressive operations in Kosovo. Yugoslav decision-makers and commanders have been put on notice that their conduct is being scrutinised, and that information linking them to atrocities committed in Kosovo will be forwarded to the Tribunal.

  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment has been made of the environmental damage done to(a) Serbia, (b) Montenegro and (c) Kosovo as a result of the bombing conducted by NATO forces; and what assessment has been made of the environmental destruction perpetrated by Yugoslav forces. [81580]

  Mr. George Robertson
  Environmental considerations are taken fully into account when targeting decisions are made; and the United Kingdom will comply with its obligations under the First Geneva Protocol, including Article 55, which concerns the protection of the natural environment. It is not currently possible to undertake an assessment of the environmental impact of NATO air strikes or the actions of Yugoslav forces.

  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps have been taken by NATO military planners to ensure no bombs hit the RA Research Nuclear Reactor at Vinca near Belgrade; and what quantities of(a) nuclear fuel and (b) radioactive waste are held at the Vinca site. [81581]

  Mr. George Robertson
  The need to avoid dangerous emissions from plants such as Vinca is taken fully into account in making decisions on targeting; and the UK will comply with its obligations under the First Geneva Protocol 1977.

  Questions about the quantity of fuel and waste at Vinca are a matter for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library copies of(a) his daily press briefing in London, (b) the daily battle damage assessment and (c) the daily NATO briefing in Brussels in respect of the military action against Yugoslavia, (i) for each day since the action began and (ii) for each day until the military conflict ends. [81570]

  Mr. George Robertson
  Copies of my daily press briefing, which includes declassified information on battle damage, will be placed in the Library of the House as 8
  requested. The daily NATO briefing from Brussels is available on the internet at http\\ www.nato.int\kosovo\speeches.htm.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many free-fall bombs have been dropped on Yugoslavia in the last month; and what assessment he has made of the reliability of tail-fin guided direction. [81971]

  Mr. George Robertson
  A total of 242 unguided bombs have been dropped by British aircraft in support of Operation Allied Force up to 22 April. They are assessed to have performed reliably and within design specifications.

  NATO Headquarters
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the locations of the following NATO headquarters(a) Headquarters Allied Forces North Western Europe, (b) Headquarters Allied Forces Air North Western Europe, (c)Headquarters Allied Naval Forces North Western Europe, (d) Headquarters Maritime Air Forces North West, (e) Head quarters Submarine Forces North West, (f) Headquarters Allied Forces Eastern Atlantic Area, (g) Headquarters Maritime Air Forces Eastern Atlantic Area, (h) Headquarters Submarine Forces Eastern Atlantic Area, (i) Headquarters United Kingdom-Netherlands Amphibious Force, (j) Headquarters United Kingdom-Netherlands Landing Force, (k) the NATO Airborne Early Warning Force Headquarters and (l) the NATO E-3A Component. [81926]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  [holding answer 23 April 1999]:

  (a) and (b) High Wycombe, United Kingdom

  (c) to (h) Northwood, United Kingdom

  (i) and (j) Plymouth, United kingdom

  (k) Mons, Belgium

  (l) Geilenkirchen, Germany.

  Gulf War Veterans
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects the external audit of the Gulf Veterans' Medical Assessment Programme to be completed; and if he intends to publish the audit report. [82471]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  My Department has now received the final report of the audit of the Gulf Veterans' Medical Assessment Programme (MAP) undertaken by the King's Fund Health Quality Service. I am pleased to report that the auditors were impressed with the organisation of the Medical Assessment Programme and the enthusiasm and commitment of the staff to the provision of a high-quality service. Nevertheless, the auditors also made a number of specific recommendations for improving the service and, because of the importance which we attach to the MAP, these have been accepted in full and work has already begun to implement them. The process of implementation is expected to be completed by November of this year. A copy of the report will be placed in the Library of the House and it will also be published on the Ministry of Defence Gulf Veterans' Illnesses website.

  Basra (Bombing)
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what assessment he has made of(a) the damage inflicted on the Basra Pumping Station and (b) the effect it has had on the pumping station; [81932]

  (2) what the purpose was of dropping the bombs which fell on date palm trees in Abu Al-Kasib, south of Basra; and what military installation was intended as the target of the bombs. [81933]

  Mr. George Robertson
  UK aircraft have not been involved in any attack on a Basra pumping station. I am not aware of any bombs falling on palm trees in Abu Al-Kasib.

  Iraq
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the military situation in relation to Iraq since 24 March, with particular reference to the allies' capability in the region of Iraq and Iraqi military action. [82030]

  Mr. George Robertson
  We remain fully committed to our policy of containing the threat posed by Iraq. We are continuing to enforce the Iraqi no-fly zones and maintain an appropriate military capability to ensure that Saddam Hussein does not rebuild his WMD capability or otherwise threaten his neighbours. Our naval forces continue to participate in multi-national efforts to enforce sanctions. We will continue to take appropriate defensive measures against Iraqi threats to coalition forces.

  Atomic Weapons Establishment Sites
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in selecting the contractor to manage the Atomic Weapons Establishment sites from April 2000; and what is the timetable for selecting the contractor. [80825]

  Mr. Spellar
  This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Sir Robert Walmsley to Mr. Matthew Taylor, dated 26 April 1999:
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the progress that has been made in selecting the contractor to manage the Atomic Weapons Establishment sites from April 2000, and the timetable for selecting the contractor. This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief of Defence Procurement and Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency.
  As you may be aware, the Atomic Weapons Establishment is a Government Owned, Contractor Operated facility—a "GOCO". The present operator is Hunting-BRAE Ltd. whose 7 year Term Contract started on 1 April 1993. A further competition for the management and operation of the Atomic Weapons Establishment from 1 April 2000 is underway and progressing to schedule.
  Initial interest has now consolidated into three consortia. A bidders' conference was held on 19 October 1998, and a Request for Quotations was issued on 30 November. Responses are due in by 1 June 1999 and we aim to award a contract by the end of November 1999, thereby providing a four month lead-in for the new operating contractor.

  Departmental Contractors
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what requirements he places on(a) contractors and (b) sub-contractors regarding ISO 9002 certificates. [81642]

  Mr. Spellar
  The requirement for Quality Management System certification is dependent on the nature of the contractual requirement. Where the requirement is for a product or service of a non-technical nature, and acceptability can be confirmed by a non-technical customer on receipt, no certification is required as a condition of contract. In all other cases, the Department's policy is to award contracts only to suppliers whose Quality Management System aligns with the appropriate ISO 9000 series standard. Prime contractors are responsible for the selection and management of sub-contractors.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many contractors currently employed by his Department do not have ISO 9002 certification. [81643]

  Mr. Spellar
  This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at a disproportionate cost.

  Kosovo
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the units of British armed forces deployed around the former Yugoslavia; and if he will make a statement. [80927]

  Mr. George Robertson
  The following units, or elements thereof, are currently deployed around the former Yugoslavia:

  Royal Navy

  HMS Invincible

  HMS Newcastle

  HMS Iron Duke

  HMS Grafton

  HMS Splendid

  RFA Fort Austin

  RFA Fort Grange

  845 NAS

  Army (in Bosnia/Croatia)

  Headquarters 1 Mechanised Brigade

  Queen's Royal Lancers

  1st Battalion Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment

  Light Dragoons

  Gurkha Coy 2 Para

  3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery

  21st Regiment Royal Engineers

  215 Signal Squadron

  669 Squadron Army Air Corps

  10th Transport Regiment Royal Logistic Corps

  4th Field Ambulance

  5th Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

  Royal Military Police

  34 Field Hospital

  21 Sig. Regt.

  30 Sig. Regt.

  11

  Army (in Macedonia/Greece)

  Headquarters Allied Rapid Reaction Force

  1st Signals Brigade

  16th Signals Regiment

  2 Signals Regiment

  7 Signals Regiment

  3rd Armoured Division Signals Regiment

  30 Signals Regiment

  14th Topographical Squadron Royal Engineers

  659 Squadron Army Air Corps

  Headquarters 4th Armoured Brigade

  21st Regiment Royal Engineers

  2nd Armoured Field Ambulance

  King's Own Royal Border Regiment

  King's Royal Hussars

  4th Regiment Royal Artillery

  Headquarters (UK) Combat Service Support Group

  17 Port and Maritime Regiment

  29th Regiment Royal Logistics Corps

  28th Regiment Royal Engineers

  27th Regiment Royal Logistics Corps

  Royal Military Police

  Irish Guards

  Royal Air Force

  12 Harrier GR7s from No. 1 Squadron

  5 Chinook Helicopters from No. 7 Squadron

  3 E3s from No. 8 Squadron

  2 Puma Helicopters from No. 33 Squadron

  1 Nimrod R from No. 51 Squadron

  3 Tristars from No. 216 Squadron

  In addition, although not deployed to the region, 8 Tornado GR1 s and 3 VC1Os are participating in NATO's air campaign, operating from their home bases of RAF Bruggen and RAF Brize Norton respectively.

PRIME MINISTER

  Foreign Media (Articles)
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Prime Minister (1) if he will list the sources which enabled him to identify articles he had written for publication by the foreign media; and if he will make a statement on the means by which the use of these sources could be expanded; [81235]

  (2) what is his estimate of the cost of keeping a record of articles written in his capacity as Prime Minister for publication by the foreign media; [81233]

  (3) if he will estimate the man hours required by (a) his office and (b) the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (i) to write articles for placement in the foreign media and (ii) to place those articles; and if he will estimate the time required for future recording of those articles for reference purposes; [81228]

  (4) if he will list those points in his office at which records of where authorship and distribution of articles produced by him for publication by the foreign media could be maintained. [81234]

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer to the right hon. Member for Penrith and The Border (Mr. Maclean) of 8 March 1999,Official Report, column 14, for what reason it would not be practicable to make systematic arrangements to place in the Library copies of articles which he writes for publication in overseas journals and newspapers. [80181]
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  The Prime Minister
  I refer the right hon. Member and the hon. Member to the answers I gave on 3 February 1999,Official Report, columns 642-43; 26 February 1999, Official Report, column 474; 8 March 1999, Official Report, column 14; 22 March 1999, Official Report, column 8; and 31 March 1999, Official Report, column 718. It would involve disproportionate cost to identify, translate where necessary and record every such article that is published in the foreign media.

  EU Joint Statements
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Prime Minister if the will make a statement on progress made at EU level on(a) the Joint British-German statement on EU taxation, (b) the Joint British-Swedish statement on social inclusion and opportunity in Europe and (c) the Joint Anglo-Spanish statement on employment; and for what reasons each country was selected as the partner for a joint statement in this field. [80046]

  The Prime Minister
  The Government seek actively to build alliances with other Member States on a range of issues under discussion in the EU. The European Defence initiative with France, and our joint statements with Germany on tax, Sweden on social inclusion and opportunity, and Spain on employment and economic reform are recent examples. This approach both deepens our bilateral relations with EU partners, and influences the wider EU debate.

  EU Funding
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list those areas for which EU funding has been reduced as a consequence of the Berlin Summit. [81042]

  The Prime Minister
  Berlin set ceilings for spending commitments on each main policy category for the period 2000–06. The ceiling for the existing EU for 2006 is nearly 7 per cent. lower in real terms than the EC Budget for 1999. For comparison, in 1992, an increase in spending of over 30 per cent. was agreed for the period to 1999.

  Berlin Summit
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 31 March 1999,Official Report, columns 716-17, if he will indicate those sections of his oral statement of 29 March 1999, Official Report, columns 732-47, which answered the questions tabled by (a) the right hon. Member for Penrith and the Border, (b) the hon. Member for Gordon (Mr. Bruce), and (c) the hon. Member for Christchurch (Mr. Chope), with regard to the EU budget negotiations at Berlin. [81385]

  The Prime Minister
  In my Statement to the House on 29 March 1999,Official Report, columns 732-33, I said:
  "On the abatement, I am delighted to report that the presidency conclusions say in terms that the UK abatement will remain. In line with the 1988 and 1992 European Council conclusions, the UK accepted that we should not make a windfall gain out of changes to the method of EU financing … The result is that there will be no reduction in the United Kingdom's rebate."
  13
  In response to subsequent questions on the Statement, at column 746, I said:
  "In respect of contributions, yes, as a result of our settlement, for the first time, although we will remain the second-largest net contributors, we will be closer to France and Italy than we have been at any time in the European Community."

  And, at column 747:
  "The 220 million figure is the windfall gain that we would have made if issues that are presently unabated were subject to abatement. In reaching agreement, we did precisely what was acceded to in 1988 and 1992. However, the difference with this Government is that we have not only kept the rebate intact so that there will be no reduction but managed to agree that there should be no increase in the own resources ceiling. That was something that the previous Conservative Government signally failed to do" [Official Report, 29 March 1999, Vol. 328, c. 732-33].

  As is always the case following EU budgetary reform, the final effects on the UK's net contribution of the complex changes to the Common Agricultural Policy, the Structural Funds and the financial framework will of course depend on the completion of discussions with the European Parliament, and on the final decisions to be taken by the Commission about the details allocation of the Funds.

  KPMG
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the contracts offered by the Government to KPMG since 1 May 1997. [81452]

  The Prime Minister
  Contracts for Government work are awarded within a policy and legal framework which requires the process to be fair and objective and deliver value for money. However, responsibility for any contract rests with the individual Department concerned. Information for the Government as a whole is therefore not held centrally. However, 14 Government Departments have made information available about KPMG contracts to the hon. Member for Bury St. Edmunds (Mr. Ruffley), and the hon. Member for North Essex (Mr. Jenkin) in previous written answers.

  Kosovo
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Prime Minister what is his estimate of the total number of deaths of(a) Albanians due to war crimes and (b) combatants since NATO bombing began. [81654]

  The Prime Minister
  It is not possible to put a precise figure on the number of deaths sustained by the Kosovar Albanians as a result of President Milosevic's campaign of brutality, both before and after the NATO air campaign began. However, it is clear from eye witness accounts that these are likely to be considerable and a stain on humanity. We are of course providing relevant information on the brutality of Milosevic's forces to the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia.

  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Prime Minister what requests the Government have received for the systematic identification of specific Yugoslav units perpetrating war crimes. [81656]
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  The Prime Minister
  The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia has asked the Government for any material they may have concerning, among other things, the role of individuals in atrocities committed in Kosovo, and concerning police or military units in areas where atrocities are being committed. The Government will hand over as much information as they can that will be relevant to the Tribunal's investigations.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister what discussions on Kosovo he has had with(a) the Prime Minister of, and (b) other political figures in Greece. [82222]

  The Prime Minister
  Kosovo was discussed at the European Heads of Government meeting on 14 April. As a member of NATO, Greece is fully involved in consultation on all matters relating to the military action taken by the North Atlantic Council.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  British Tourist Authority (Overseas Offices)
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many awards have been won by the British Tourist Authority's overseas offices in the last 12 months; and if he will provide details in each case. [77998]

  Janet Anderson
  [holding answer 22 March 1999]:
  The British Tourist Authority inform me that their overseas offices have won the following awards in the last 12 months:

  USA
  Convention Bureau Gold Service Award for "professionalism, dedication and service to the Meetings Industry"
  Incentive Platinum Partners Award, for its incentive travel programme
  Travel Holiday Insider Award and HSMAI, Golden Bell Public Relations Competition Bronze Award for its "Best Kept Travel Secrets of the Year" articles
  Pewter Award Certificate in the National Gold Ink Competition for its "Jewels of Britain" brochure
  Crystal Communicators Award for its "BTA/On Travel-Jewels" radio show

  Australia
  Australian Capital Territory Best Tourist Office
  Western Australia Best Tourist Office
  Communicator of the Year (Donna Wales)
  Tasmania Best Tourism Office
  Victoria Best Tourism Office
  New South Wales Best Tourism Office
  South Australia Best National or State Tourism Office

  New Zealand
  "Tabs on Travel" Best National Tourist Office

  South Africa
  Travel Trade Gazette Best Foreign Tourist Office
  Association of South African Travel Agents (ASATA) Diners Club Award for the Best Tourist Office

  Spain
  AGENTRAVEL Best National Tourist Office

  Netherlands
  Best National Tourist Office
  Silver Echo and Gold Mail Box Award from the Dutch Marketing
  Association (DMA) for its Dutch Direct Marketing Campaign
  15
  Sweden
  Best National Tourist Office
  Second Prize for "Best Tourist Brochure in Sweden" from the
  Swedish Travel Writers Association

  Europe
  Travel Trade Gazette Europa Silver Award (second place) Best
  National Tourist Office in Europe
  and in addition to the above:

  Britain
  Voted Europe's Leading Tourist and Convention Bureau at the
  fifth Annual World Travel Awards
  Enter award for Best National Tourist Board website
  Best Use of Broadcast Campaign Commendation for its Rock and
  Pop Video News Release at the PR Week Awards

  Ministerial Meetings
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to his answer of 22 March 1999,Official Report, columns 19-21, 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. [80822]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  Under the US political system, there are no exact counterparts for DCMS Ministers. However, between the period 1 January to 1 June 1998 neither myself nor any of my Ministers met the equivalents of their counterparts in the US administration.

  Digital Television (East Lancashire)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he expects all parts of east Lancashire to be able to receive digital terrestrial television. [81912]

  Janet Anderson
  Responsibility for the delivery of digital terrestrial television (DTT) services in the UK rests with the BBC and ITC. Under plans for the launch phase, which comprises 81 transmitter sites, the Commission predicts that DTT services will be available to 250,000 people from the Pendle Forest transmitter, which covers a large proportion of east Lancashire. In addition, the Winter Hill main transmitter, of which Pendle Forest is a relay, also provides a service into parts of the region.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Kosovo
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what financial assistance the United Kingdom Government have provided to(a) Albania, (b) Macedonia and (c) Montenegro since 24 March. [82062]

  Clare Short
  Since 24 March, the British Government has allocated £20 million for the provision of humanitarian assistance for the refugees from Kosovo. This funding has been used to support the work of the United Nations, the Red Cross, and Non-Governmental Organisations. A detailed country-by-country breakdown of expenditure is not currently available—many of the programmes supported cover more than one country. We 16
  are currently considering, in concert with the International Financial Institutions and other key partners, the provision of broader macro-economic assistance to countries hosting the refugees. The EU has committed £100 million to Macedonia and Albania. The UK share of the EU commitment is approximately £15 million.

  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the (i) need and (ii) estimated costs of providing water, electricity and sanitation to the refugee camps in(a) Albania and (b) Macedonia; and if she will make a statement. [82160]

  Clare Short
  We are not, of course, responsible for running the camps in Macedonia and Albania, but we obviously recognise the vital importance of providing adequate water, sanitation, electricity and other services to the refugee camps. Our military and civilian personnel have been actively involved in planning and establishing, and ensured adequate provision. Detailed information about the costs of providing these utilities is not currently available.

  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how support for refugees in Macedonia and Albania is being co-ordinated amongst EU member states. [82157]

  Clare Short
  There have been meetings in Brussels, Geneva, and London, over the last three weeks, to co-ordinate international action to provide humanitarian assistance for the refugees. In particular, an extraordinary meeting of the EU Humanitarian Aid Committee was called to discuss Kosovo on 9 April.

  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to provide basic education for child refugees in Albania and Macedonia. [82158]

  Clare Short
  We are not, of course, running the refugee camps in Macedonia or Albania, but our programme of assistance for the refugees includes funding for education projects. We have, for example, contributed £300,000 to the Save the Children Fund appeal, which includes plans for non-formal educational activities in Macedonia and Albania.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the countries which have received refugees as a result of the Kosovo crisis. [82064]

  Clare Short
  According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the following countries or states have received refugees from Kosovo in recent weeks: Albania, Macedonia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Turkey, France, Poland, Israel, Norway, Belgium, Croatia, Germany, Iceland, Switzerland and Austria. The UK has agreed to UNHCR's request to grant temporary protection to Kosovar refugees—the first group are expected to arrive in the UK on 25 April.

  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement about the ways in which the £20 million of financial help from her Department for Kosovar refugees is being spent. [82161]
  17
  Clare short
  The UK has made a major contribution to trying to increase the effectiveness of the UN-lead on humanitarian effort. We are funding airlifts and the necessary logistical support to overcome the constraints on delivering international assistance to those in need. So far, we have funded 32 flights, a truck convoy in Albania, personnel, and aircraft handling equipment for Tirana and Skopje airports. Our offices in Tirana and Skopje are working with NATO and UNHCR to establish refugee centres in Albania and Macedonia. We are strengthening agency capacity through the provision of key personnel, and making cash grants to international agencies and NGOs.

  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment her Department has made of the medical needs of the refugees in Macedonia and Albania; and what provisions her Department has made to meet these needs. [82159]

  Clare Short
  We are in close touch with the World Health Organisation (WHO), who are taking the lead responsibility for the medical needs of the refugees. At present, the health status of refugees in both Macedonia and Albania is judged to be reasonably good, with no major epidemics, though recent arrivals have been in poorer condition as a result of spending several days on the road.

  We have placed health experts in our offices in Tirana and Skopje. We are also providing a public health expert for WHO in Tirana. We have funded the purchase and transportation of 14 WHO emergency health kits to Macedonia, and seven kits for Albania—these will cover the needs of 210,000 people for 3 months.

  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has prepared to maintain support for refugees in Macedonia and Albania over the next few months. [82156]

  Clare Short
  Our overriding aim is to enable the refugees to return to their homes as soon as possible. We recognise, however, that the refugees will require continuing support for some time to come, and are planning accordingly. We have established field offices in Tirana and Skopje, with experts in areas such as health and camp planning, to identify and respond to needs, both immediate and long term. We are strengthening the capacity of the humanitarian agencies themselves through secondment of expert personnel; and a DFID liaison officer is working with General Reith, the Commander of the British forces in Albania, to maximise the effectiveness of the humanitarian assistance they can provide. We have also begun, with the US, Germany, France and Italy, the planning for refugee returns to Kosovo.

  Arms Exports
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many arms export licence applications her Department(a) has examined and (b) advised against granting since September 1997; and how many arms export licence applications have been granted by the Department for Trade and Industry since September 1997 against the advice of her Department. [71055]
  18
  Clare Short
  [holding answer 16 February 1999]:
  Licences to export arms and other goods controlled for strategic reasons are issued by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. All relevant licence applications are circulated by DTI to other Departments with an interest. These include the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Ministry of Defence and, since August 1997, the Department for International Development. Since August 1997, DFID has been consulted on 2,609 individual licence applications circulated to DFID by DTI. I am advised that views expressed by my Department fall under the description of "internal discussion and advice", the disclosure of which would, in this case, harm the frankness and candour of internal discussion. The information is therefore being withheld on the basis of Exemption 2 of Part II of Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Consultations (Postal Costs)
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security 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. [80919]

  Mr. Timms
  We have received numerous responses to our consultation documents and we are grateful to the many organisations and individuals who have taken the time to let us have their views. We have no plans to pay postal costs incurred by organisations who responded.

  PRIME Contract
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the Accommodation and Office Services project authorised the PRIME contract in 1997; how many bidders were allowed, after the time limit had expired, to modify their bids; if the successful bidder's modified bid was significantly different from his original bid; and what assessment was made of the prospects for the successful bidder's first bid. [81602]

  Angela Eagle
  Accommodation and Office Services (AOS) consists of post opening and post dispatch, messenger services, stationery, typing, secretarial, reprographics, fleet administration, switchboard, and shuttle bus services.

  These services, previously supplied to the Benefits Agency under 48 separate contracts and service level agreements, were tendered in eight large geographical lots. Invitations to tender for AOS were issued on 20 February 1998 to five bidders.

  The deadline for bids was 20 March 1998 and five bids were received within this deadline. No bids were received or accepted outside this deadline. The bids were valid for a period of 90 days from date of receipt.

  Owing to the complexity and range of the services, the evaluation of bids was not completed until after the 90-day period. This meant that bidders were able to reconsider their bids for specific, identified reasons. One bidder exercised their right to do so. Whilst all other bidders had the same opportunity, none did so.

  19
  There were two successful bidders for the services. Three lots were awarded to one bidder and two lots to the other; the remaining three lots were retained in-house on grounds of best value for money. Neither of the two successful bidders modified their bids.

  It would not be proper to comment on the hypothetical status of a bid at any stage of the evaluation process other than the final decision.

  Contracts
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps he takes to ensure that contracts for work formerly carried out in the public sector are awarded fairly. [81603]

  Angela Eagle
  All Departmental Procurement is conducted under Government Procurement Policy guidelines and in accordance with the EC Public Procurement Directives (the Directives). The Directives were developed to ensure that: all potential tenderers get the opportunity to bid; there are clear and common evaluation criteria (the criteria); and the criteria are applied to all suppliers with impartiality.

  Where the Directives apply, all contracts are advertised in the Official Journal of the European Community and the business is competitively tendered. Where the Directives do not apply, the rules of competitive tendering are nevertheless followed as this is recognised as best practice.

  The criterion adopted for evaluation of tenders for Government business is "the most economically advantageous". This is decided upon using value for money criteria, incorporating quality, delivery and price criteria. Recommendations by evaluation panels for award of contract are subject to scrutiny, validation and audit by independent tender boards.

  Benefit Integrity Project
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what additional financial resources his Department has provided to the Independent Tribunal Service to handle the appeals resulting from the Benefit Integrity Project. [82020]

  postal

  Per cent. of Postal appeals

  Visit

  Per cent. of visit appeals

  Total

  Per cent. of total appeals

  Total appeal decisions

  1,223

  —

  331

  —

  1,554

  —

  Increased from original award

  58

  4·74

  0

  0

  58

  3·73

  Original award extended

  288

  23·54

  99

  29·90

  387

  24·90

  Increased from BIP decision

  637

  52·08

  193

  58·30

  830

  53·41

  BIP award extended

  22

  1·79

  10

  3·02

  32

  2·05

  Increased from 2nd tier review decision

  627

  51·26

  185

  55·89

  812

  52·25

  2nd tier review award extended

  37

  3·02

  18

  5·43

  55

  3·53

  Notes:

  1. The figures are up to and including 28 February 1999.

  2. The "total" figures include unchanged and decreased awards, so are not the sum of the figures listed below them.

  3. Figures provided by the Benefits Agency.

  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what has been the average clearance time for appeals arising from the Benefit Integrity Project since its commencement; [82021]
  20
  Angela Eagle
  The Department has not provided any additional financial resources to the Independent Tribunal Service (ITS) specifically to handle appeals resulting from the Benefit Integrity Project. However, additional funding, both this year and in previous years, has been provided in-year on the basis of workload and performance trends, and to a level of maximum productivity in terms of ITS' s ability to clear appeals.

  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the expected date by which all appeals arising from the Benefit Integrity Project will have been heard. [82024]

  Angela Eagle
  It is not possible for the Independent Tribunal Service (ITS) to give an expected date by which all appeals arising from the Benefit Integrity Project will have been heard, as these appeals are still being received by ITS. ITS is, however, committed to reducing the time which all appellants must wait for their appeals to be heard.

  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security since the commencement of the Benefit Integrity Project,(a) how many people have requested an expedited appeal hearing on the grounds of hardship, (b) how many of these requests have been accepted by the Independent Tribunal Service and (c) what steps have been taken to inform people that they may request an expedited appeal hearing. [82023]

  Angela Eagle
  The information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  The Independent Tribunal Service does not routinely advise people that they may request an expedited appeal hearing but will consider any written requests received.

  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proportion of appeals decisions made under the Benefit Integrity Project based on(a) postal questionnaires and (b) home visits, have led to benefit being increased or extended for a longer period. [82067]

  Angela Eagle
  The information is not available in the format requested as the Independent Tribunal Service does not separately identify Benefit Integrity Project (BIP) appeals cases. Such information as is available is in the table.

  (2) what progress his Department has made in reducing the average clearance time for appeals arising from the Benefit Integrity Project through speeding up the preparation of appeals. [82022]
  21
  Angela Eagle
  The action taken to reduce average clearance time for appeals arising from the Benefit Integrity Project (BIP) falls into two areas: the preparation of appeals submissions by the Benefits Agency and the processing of the appeal by the Independent Tribunal Service (ITS).

  The Independent Tribunal Service (ITS) does not separately measure clearance times for appeals arising from the Benefit Integrity Project and so the information cannot be provided in the format requested.

  Benefits Agency statistics indicate that the average clearance time for appeals arising from the Benefit Integrity Project since its commencement is 163.5 days, from receipt of the appeal in the Agency to determination of the appeal by the ITS.

  The Independent Tribunal Service (ITS) has raised awareness of BIP appeals among its staff and tribunal members and procedures are in place to expedite these appeals where necessary. ITS is committed to reducing waiting times for all appellants and has a clear strategy for this. An increase in average clearance times will be seen, however, as older cases are resolved although within this, individual appellants will be receiving an improved service. During the second half of 1999, we will introduce changes to the appeals process which are designed to streamline the process and provide a more efficient and speedier service.

  War Widows Pensions
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the amount paid annually in war widows pensions(a) on average to each war widow and (b) in total to all recipients living in Scotland. [81276]

  Mr. Bayley
  Questions on operational matters concerning the War Pensions Agency are for the Chief Executive, Mr. Gordon Hextall. I have asked him to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Peter Hulme to Mrs. Maria Fyfe dated 23 April 1999:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked Gordon Hextall to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the average amount paid annually in War Widows Pensions to each War Widow and the total amount paid to all recipients living in Scotland. Gordon Hextall is overseas at the moment and has therefore asked me to reply on his behalf.
  I have use the most up to date figures available. Regarding the average annual payment made to a War Widow in the UK, the latest figures relate to August 1998, when the average amount paid was £8,261.14. Regarding the number of War Widows living in Scotland, the latest figures relate to March 1998 when there were an estimated 4,564 War Widows resident in Scotland. Therefore, the estimated amount paid to all recipients of War Widows Pension in Scotland is £37,703,842.
  I hope this is helpful and if you need any further information, I will be happy to assist.

HEALTH

  Passported Benefits
  Ms Buck
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what would be the cost of designating recipients of tax credits 22
  and their families as people entitled to passported benefits under the National Health Service (Travelling Expenses and Remission of Charges) Regulations 1988. [69748]

  Mr. Denham
  The additional costs (compared with the current passporting of Family Credit and Disability Working Allowance) are (for England) estimated to be £48 million in 1999–2000, £113 million in 2000–01 and £125 million in 2001–02 in total in respect of National Health Service prescriptions, NHS dental treatment, NHS sight tests and optical vouchers. Costs in respect of wigs and fabric supports and patients' travel hospital expenses would also be incurred by NHS trusts.

  Lamotrigine
  Mr. Lock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 30 March 1999,Official Report, columns 656-57, on Lamotrigine, if he will list for each of the 35 inquiries referred to (a) the incident or event which gave rise to the inquiry, (b) the name and address of the person who generated the inquiry, (c) details of the nature of the inquiry and (d) the steps which (i) his Department and (ii) the Medicines Control Agency have taken in response to the inquiry. [80231]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 13 April 1999]: Details of the 35 inquiries received by the Medicines Control Agency relating to lamotrigine from health professionals and members of the public since the marketing authorisation was granted are shown in the table. In many cases, the incident or event which gave rise to the inquiry is not known. Under the Data Protection Act the names and addresses of the inquirers have been withheld and cannot be provided without the written permission of the individuals concerned. In most cases, the nature of the inquiries was to seek information on adverse drug reactions to lamotrigine, which is routinely provided on request to health professionals and members of the public by the Medicines Control Agency.

  Inquiries relating to lamotrigine received by the Medicines Control Agency up to April 1999

  Reason for inquiry

  Inquirer

  Nature of inquiry (information requested)

  Response

  Not known

  Doctor

  Information on reduced white blood cell count with carbamazepine and lamotrigine

  Drug Analysis Prints1 (DAPs) provided

  A patient with hair loss

  Doctor

  Information on hair loss with lamotrigine

  DAP and details of reports of hair loss provided

  An ADR reporting study

  Doctor

  Information on ADR reports in the Grampian Region for citalopram, gabapentin, lamotrigine, moclobemide, nefazodone, tramadol, venlafazine, topiramate and fentanyl patches

  Details of reports provided

  23

  Inquiries relating to lamotrigine received by the Medicines Control Agency up to April 1999

  Reason for inquiry

  Inquirer

  Nature of inquiry (information requested)

  Response

  A Pathologist had carried out an autopsy on patient who had taken lamotrigine

  Doctor

  Information on deaths reported in association with lamotrigine

  DAP and details of fatal reports provided

  Not Known

  Doctor

  Information on ADRs with lamotrigine (Particularly aggression)

  DAP provided

  Not Known

  Pharmacist

  Information ADRs to lamotrigine (Particularly liver reactions)

  DAP provided

  The doctor was reporting a patient with dizziness and vomiting on lamotrigine

  Doctor

  Information on ADRs to lamotrigine

  DAP provided

  The inquirer was editing a textbook

  Doctor

  Information related to psychiatric ADRs with gabapentin, lamotrigine, vigabatrin, topiramate, clobazam and felbamate

  DAP provided

  Not Known

  Doctor

  Information on ADRs with lamotrigine

  DAP provided

  Not Known

  Doctor

  Information on ADRs with lamotrigine

  DAP Provided

  The inquirer was carrying our research on ADRs with antiepileptics

  Doctor

  Information on ADRs with lamotrigine, vigabatrin, gabapentin

  DAPs provided

  The inquirer needed information for a court report

  Doctor

  Information on cases of aggression, agitation, confusion, personality change and restlessness

  Information on reports provided

  Not Known

  Pharmacist

  Information on ADRs with lamotrigine

  DAP provided

  Not Known

  Doctor

  Information on yellow macular pigment with carbamazepine and lamotrigine

  DAPs provided

  Not known

  Doctor

  Information on uveitis with lamotrigine and sodium valproate

  DAPs provided

  Not known

  Pharmacist

  Information on lamotrigine and carbamazepine and ecchymoses and capillary fragility

  DAPs provided

  Not Known

  Doctor

  Information on ADRs with lamotrigine

  DAP provided

  24

  Inquiries relating to lamotrigine received by the Medicines Control Agency up to April 1999

  Reason for inquiry

  Inquirer

  Nature of inquiry (information requested)

  Response

  Not known

  Pharmacist

  Information on lamotrigine and hormone replacement therapy when used together

  DAPs provided

  Concern over press coverage of lamotrigine and skin reactions

  Doctor

  Further information requested

  Information provided over telephone

  Not known

  Pharmacist

  Information on pruritus and rashes with lamotrigine

  DAP provided

  Not known

  Pharmacist

  Information on gastrointestinal blockage vigabatrin, carbamazepine and lamotrigine

  DAPs provided

  Two patients on sodium valproate developed thrombocytopenia when lamotrigine was added

  Pharmacist

  Information on any other reports involving sodium valproate and lamotrigine

  Details of relevant reports provided

  Not known

  Pharmacist

  Information on visual hallucinations with lamotrigine

  DAP and details of reports provided

  Not known

  Doctor

  Information on hypogammaglobinaemia with lamotrigine and vigabatrin

  DAPs provided

  Not known

  Pharmacist

  Information on urinary incontinence with lamotrigine

  DAPs provided

  Not known

  Pharmacist

  Information on ADRs with lamotrigine

  DAP provided

  Not known

  Doctor

  Information on ADRs with gabapentin, vigabatrin and lamotrigine

  DAPs provided

  Not known

  Pharmacist

  Information on raised liver enzymes with lamotrigine

  DAP provided

  Not known

  Pharmacist

  Information on ADRs with lamotrigine and haloperidol

  DAPs provided

  Not known

  Pharmacist

  Information on ADRs indomethacin and diclofenac

  DAPs provided

  Not known

  Doctor

  Information on psychiatric ADRs with lamotrigine

  DAP provided

  Issue of skin reactions

  Regulatory authority

  Information on serious skin reactions with amotrigine

  Details of reports provided

  25

  Inquiries relating to lamotrigine received by the Medicines Control Agency up to April 1999

  Reason for inquiry

  Inquirer

  Nature of inquiry (information requested)

  Response

  Not known

  Member of the public

  Information on ADRs with lamotrigine

  DAP provided

  Confusion over the brand names Lamicta and Lamasil

  GP Practice Manager

  Inquiry as to whether there was a list of drugs with similar names which could cause confusion

  No such list was known

  Parliamentary question

  Martin Redmond MP

  What research his Department has carried out into a comparison of lamotrigine and valproate monotherapy in patients with primary generalised seizures; with what findings

  Hansard reference 263 c922-3W

  1A Drug Analysis Print (DAP) gives a complete list of all suspected adverse reactions reported through the Yellow Card Scheme to the Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM)/Medicines Control Agency (MCA) in association with the named drug substance.

  NHS Pay
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the cost to the Gloucestershire Health Authority of the pay award to all NHS employees for 1999–2000. [80401]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 13 April 1999]: Gloucestershire Health Authority, working closely with local National Health Service trusts, estimate that £6.6 million will be required to meet the costs of the pay award for NHS employees for 1999–2000. Pay awards for certain staff groups have yet to be announced.

  Biggleswade and Steppingley Hospitals
  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of the patient base at Biggleswade and Steppingley hospitals is comprised of people originating outside Mid-Bedfordshire. [80476]

  Mr. Denham
  The information requested is not normally available centrally; however, I am informed by the health authority that at Biggleswade Hospital, of the 20 admissions over the past two months 10 have been for patients outside the Mid-Bedfordshire area. At Steppingley Hospital, 8 out of the 27 patients admitted within the last two months were from out of the Mid-Bedfordshire area.

  Speech Therapists
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what has been the salary increase for speech therapists in the NHS in each of the last five years(a) in real terms and (b) as a percentage. [81065]
  26
  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 16 April 1999]: The information requested is in the table.

  Speech and language therapists' pay settlements 1994–98

  Year

  Total increase per cent.

  1994–95

  2·4

  Paid in full from 1 April: 0.1 per cent. in real terms.

  1995–96

  3·0

  Paid as 1 per cent. national from 1 April 1995. Further 2 per cent. paid as local settlement: 0.4 per cent. in real terms.

  1996–97

  2·8

  Paid as 2 per cent. national from 1 April 1996 and further 0.8 per cent. as average local pay settlement:—0.1 per cent. in real terms.

  1997–98

  3·3

  Paid as 2 per cent. from 1 April 1997 and further 1.3 per cent. from 1 December: 0.8 per cent. in real terms.

  1998–99

  3·8

  Paid as 2 per cent. from 1 April 1998 and further 1.8 per cent. from I December: 0.8 per cent. in real terms.

  Source:

  Pay Increase:—Advance Letters (increase to basic salary for all grades). RPI(X): Office for National Statistics (rate, excluding mortgage rates, in April each year, starting in April 1994 and ending in April 1998).

  Mental Health
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the provision of mental health treatment for members of the(a) black and (b) ethnic minority communities; and if he will make a statement. [81409]

  Mr. Hutton
  Our assessment is that, in common with other client groups suffering from mental health problems, the concerns and needs of people from black and ethnic minority communities have not been met under the system of care we inherited. That is why we have taken a fresh look at the provision of mental health services and produced a new strategy document entitled Modernising Mental Health Services: safe, sound and supportive, which was distributed to every Health Authority in December 1998, and backed it up with an additional investment of £700 million over three years for better treatment and care. This new strategy makes clear the Government's commitment to ensuring that everyone with mental health problems is treated fairly, on the basis of need, in a manner which preserves their autonomy, and which promotes opportunity for choice, and this includes people from black and ethnic minority communities.

  National Institute for Clinical Excellence
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about the appraisal process for the National Institute for Clinical Excellence following the consultation on the document, "Faster Access to Modern Treatment". [81229]

  Mr. Denham
  Ministers are considering the response to the discussion document "Faster Access to Modern Treatment: how NICE appraisal will work" and further announcements will be made shortly.

  The National Institute for Clinical Excellence will carry out 30 to 50 appraisals each year. My right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Health and for Wales, along

  27
  with the board of NICE, are responsible for deciding which appraisals NICE will commission each year. This year's work programme for NICE has yet to be finalised.

  Liver Disease
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what money his Department has provided for research into the study of liver disease in each of the last three years; what assessment he has made of the need for further research into liver disease; and if he will make a statement. [81631]

  Ms Jowell
  The Government fund health and medical research in a number of ways. The Department funds research and development to support its work on policy development and evaluation in health and social care. The Department also manages the National Health Service research and development levy, which is used to support research and development of relevance to the National Health Service in hospitals, general practice and other health care settings, and to fund the NHS research and development programme. In addition, the Medical Research Council (MRC)—which receives most of its income via grant-in-aid from the office of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry—funds medical research as part of the Government's funding of the science and engineering base.

  Priorities for departmental research and development support for the development of policy are determined through discussion with policy colleagues, the Departmental Research Committee and Ministers. In the NHS R&D programme, priorities take account of widespread consultation with those using, delivering and managing services, within a framework overseen by the Central Research and Development Committee for the NHS. In all cases, priorities for our budgets reflect analysis of the burden of disease, potential benefits, and Government priorities, and take account of the responsibilities and work of other funders.

  The Department's policy research programme spent £285,000 on research into liver disease in 1996–97; £506,000 in 1997–98; and £662,000 in 1998–99.

  A further £500,000 has been made available for a Hepatitis C research initiative, and commissioning will take place towards the end of this year.

  Management of much of the research supported by the NHS R&D Levy is devolved and details of expenditure at project level are not collected routinely by the Department.

  Project details of work directly funded by the Department or supported through the NHS R&D Levy can be found on the National Research Register (NRR). This is available in the Library and most medical libraries on CD Rom, and on the Internet: http://www.doh.gov.uk/nrr.htm. The NRR also contains many details of projects/trials funded by the MRC and other funders.

  The MRC spent approximately £3.1 million on research on liver disease and liver function in 1995–96; and £3 million in both 1996–97 and 1997–98.

  The MRC also funds basic research including the study of molecules and cells, genetics and infections and immunity, which will inform research in this area.

  NHS Treatment (Age Discrimination)
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research he has commissioned into(a) refusal and (b) delay of treatment for patients aged over 50 years in the NHS on grounds of their age; and if he will make a statement. [81658]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Department has not commissioned any formal research into age discrimination in the provision of health services.

  The fundamental principle of the National Health Service is to provide services for everybody on the basis of clinical need. We are putting in place a number of measures which should improve fair access to services, including national service frameworks, the Commission for Health Improvement, local clinical governance, and a new performance assessment framework.

  We are taking a number of steps specifically to improve the health of older people. For example, this year, for the first time, all people over 75 have been targeted for influenza vaccination. We are also in the process of developing the national service framework (NSF) for the care of older people. It is anticipated that emerging findings will be published in the autumn, and that the NSF will be published in April 2000. The NSF will enable us to drive up the quality of and reduce variations in the care older people receive from the NHS and its partners.

  NHS Superannuation
  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the extra costs per annum of implementing the report on NHS superannuation for(a) 2000–01 and (b) 2000–02, indicating when these costs were first known. [81797]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 23 April 1999]: Increases in the employer contribution rate to the National Health Service Pension Scheme are expected to cost £165 million in 2000–2001 and £495 million in 2001–2002. These costs were anticipated and fully taken into account in the Department's comprehensive spending review settlement, in the light of findings emerging from the Government Actuary's actuarial investigation into the NHS Pension Scheme. Publication of the Government Actuary's Report has now been announced and I refer the right hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Heywood and Middleton (Mr. Dobbin), 9 March 1999, Official Report, column 204.

  National Radiological Protection Board
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to receive the report of the panel set up by the National Radiological Protection Board to examine the health effects of mobile phones. [81972]

  Ms Jowell
  The Chairman, members, terms of reference and time-scale for reporting will be announced shortly.

  Health Authority and Trust Financial Plans
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list, for each health authority and NHS trust, the projected budget surplus or deficit planned by that authority or trust for the financial year 1999–2000. [82069]
  29
  Mr. Denham
  The financial plans of health authorities and trusts for financial year 1999–2000 have not yet been finalised.

  Carers
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the sums available to the unitary authorities in Berkshire this year and in each of the next two financial years as part of the £140 million available under the Government's strategy for carers. [82018]

  Mr. Hutton
  A Special Grant Report (No. 44) giving details of the allocation for 1999–2000 was approved by Parliament on 20 April 1999. Copies are available in the Library. The allocations to individual local authorities of the funding of £50 million for 2000–01 and £70 million for 2001–02 will be determined according to a formula, using the most recent data available at the time the grants are calculated. It is therefore not possible to confirm detailed final allocations for future years at this stage. Allocations for subsequent years will also be subject to Parliamentary approval at the relevant time.

  Medicines Control Agency
  Mr. Tredinnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will establish an independent panel to inform the deliberations of the Medicines Control Agency under the procedures set out in the consultation document MLX 249; and if he will make a statement. [82046]

  Ms Jowell
  How the review panel is constituted, and its terms of reference, form an important part of the proposals. We will consider carefully all responses on this and other issues before deciding whether and what legislation should be brought before Parliament.

  Oesophageal Cancer
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will report the current progress of the clinical trials regarding the treatment of oesophageal cancer relating to chemotherapy (0E02). [81750]

  Mr. Battle
  I have been asked to reply.

  The clinical trial on pre-operative chemotherapy for oesophageal cancer conducted by the Medical Research Council closed to new patients in June 1998. The trial recruited 800 patients across a large number of centres.

  The data from the trial are currently being analysed and validated. It is anticipated that the research results will be published next year.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Visas (China)
  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many visa applications from Chinese nationals for one-year study courses were made in each year since 1989; and what were the numbers(a) approved, (b) rejected and (c) subject to appeal in each year. [80784]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The figures requested are not collected by my Department and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Libya (Trade Mission)
  Mr. Austin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he intends to open a trade mission in Libya; and if he will make a statement. [80808]

  Mr. Fatchett
  [holding answer 16 April 1999]: We offer limited trade services to UK companies. But the resumption of more normal relations with Libya, including the expansion of our presence in Tripoli, depends in the first instance on satisfactory co-operation from Libya over the WPC Fletcher case.

  Professional Statisticians
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many staff by grade are employed as professional statisticians in his Department; how many of these staff have been accepted as fast stream by the Civil Service Selection Board; and how many have been granted chartered statistician status by the Royal Statistical Society. [81203]

  Mr. Fatchett
  There is one Home Civil Service Grade 7 statistician in the FCO. The person concerned joined the Civil Service as a fast stream entrant. Although not having chartered statistician status, the statistician is a Fellow of the Royal Statistical Society and has an MSc in Statistics.

  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many staff who have worked as professional statisticians in his Department have left on early retirement in each of the past 10 years. [81183]

  Mr. Fatchett
  One statistician left the FCO in 1997 on early retirement.

  Police Training
  Ms Julie Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the countries(a) from which police officers have visited the UK and (b) have been visited by UK military or police personnel to receive training under the assistance for in-service training scheme since 1 April 1998. [81376]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The countries from which police officers have visited the United Kingdom to receive training under the Assistance to Support Stability with In-Service Training (ASSIST) scheme since 1 April 1998 are: Argentine, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Belize, Bermuda, Chile, Cyprus, Fiji, Ghana, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Lebanon, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, St. Lucia, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Swaziland, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

  The countries whose police officers have been visited by UK military or police personnel to receive training under ASSIST since 1 April 1998 are: Brazil, China, El Salvador, Fiji, Kenya, Philippines, Turkey and Zimbabwe.

  Ms Julie Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the countries from which police officers(a) have visited the United Kingdom and (b) have been visited by United

  31
  Kingdom military or police personnel to receive training under the United Kingdom military training assistance scheme in the financial year 1997–98. [81377]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The countries from which police officers have visited the United Kingdom to receive training under the United Kingdom Military Training Assistance Scheme (UKMTAS) in the financial year 1997–98 are: Anguilla, Antigua, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Bulgaria, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Fiji, Gibraltar, Grenada, Hungary, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Lebanon, Lesotho, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Montserrat, Mozambique, Namibia, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, St. Christopher and Nevis, St. Vincent, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, Vanuatu, Virgin Islands, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

  The countries from which police officers have been visited by United Kingdom police or military personnel to receive training under UKMTAS in financial year 1997–98 are: Bosnia, Czech Republic, Fiji and Mongolia.

  East Timor
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will meet his counterpart in the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia to discuss the situation in East Timor. [81709]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We are in regular contact with the Australian government about East Timor. I will be doing so again following my visit to Indonesia and East Timor this week.

  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement concerning reports of a massacre of Timorese people by armed civilians on 16 and 17 April. [81710]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We are appalled at the recent killings in East Timor. We have called on the Indonesian government to rein in the militias. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister sent a strong message to President Habibie on 19 April. The violence must not be allowed to derail the UN process at this crucial time.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Department has made to the Indonesian Government following the recent killing of people in East Timor by soldiers of the Indonesian Government. [81896]

  Mr. Fatchett
  [holding answer 23 April 1999]: We are appalled at the recent killings in East Timor. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister sent a strong message to President Habibie on 19 April.

  Kosovo
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the(a) nature, (b) length, (c)location, (d) means and (e) time of his communication with Hashim Thaqi of the Kosovo Liberation Army urging restraint. [81653]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  In a letter addressed to Mr. Thaqi, jointly signed by the French Foreign Minister and my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary on the 32
  adjournment of the talks on Kosovo at the Kleber Centre in Paris on 19 March, they emphasised the importance of the Kosovo Albanian side avoiding provocations and respecting the commitment they had made to a peaceful solution. The letter was delivered to the Kosovo Albanian delegation in Paris on 19 March. We believe that Mr. Thaqi has indeed shown commendable restraint, despite the worsening situation in Kosovo.

  French Fishing Vessel (Guernsey)
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the state of relations with the French Government over the Guernsey court case involving the French vessel La Confiance 2; what representations he has received; and what is his policy on the jurisdiction over the waters concerned. [81652]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The Master of La Confiance 2 was arrested on 26 August last year on suspicion of fishing illegally within Guernsey's fishing limits. He was convicted on 7 April by a Guernsey court. Our Ambassador in Paris discussed the case with the French authorities on 19 April. Sir M. Jay made clear that we considered the arrest had been made in accordance with UK and international law.

  Visitor Visas
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list, for each British post abroad which operates a pre-sift system for people applying for visit visas, how many people(a) were advised to withdraw their applications and (b) followed that advice, in (i) 1998 and (ii) 1999 to the latest convenient date.[81688]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  During 1998, a total of 44,031 applicants withdrew their application at the Preliminary Assessment Stage. 52 posts operated a pre-sift system in 1998. They were as follows:

  Post

  Applications withdrawn

  Abuja

  1,862

  Accra

  1,038

  Abu Dhabi

  28

  Addis Ababa

  1,179

  Amman

  1,507

  Amsterdam

  790

  Ankara

  4

  Bahrain

  7

  Baku

  13

  Bangkok

  66

  Banjul

  545

  Beirut

  3

  Belgrade

  532

  Bombay

  4,302

  Calcutta

  20

  Cairo

  1,422

  Casablanca

  421

  Colombo

  80

  Copenhagen

  44

  Damascus

  92

  Dar es Salaam

  9

  Dhaka

  1,158

  Dubai

  3

  Dublin

  177

  Dusseldorf

  312

  Geneva

  29

  33

  Post

  Applications withdrawn

  Hanoi

  12

  Islamabad

  12,350

  Istanbul

  123

  Kiev

  3

  Kingston

  780

  Kinshasa

  41

  Lagos

  2,060

  Los Angeles

  925

  Madras

  1,076

  Madrid

  5

  Manila

  126

  Nairobi

  139

  New Delhi

  5,549

  Oslo

  133

  Peking

  35

  Paris

  1,917

  Quito

  338

  Rome

  236

  Sana'a

  348

  Sarajevo

  8

  Stockholm

  47

  Tashkent

  2

  Tehran

  1,639

  Tunis

  245

  Washington

  111

  Wellington

  140

  The number of applicants who choose not to withdraw their application is not separately recorded.

  Figures for 1999 will not be available until posts complete their 1999 Annual Statistical Return early in the year 2000. These figures are not collected monthly.

  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what factors underlie the decisions on which posts abroad operate a pre-sift system in dealing with applications for visit visas. [81689]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The decision to introduce a "sift" at any post can be taken only with the agreement of Migration and Visa Division. The factors taken into account will include overall numbers of applicants and the time each has to wait. Where a post experiences a large number of inadequately documented applications or visit visa applicants who have no connection with the UK or who are unclear about what they intend to do there, a "sift" may be introduced. The benefits of the "sift" procedure are that it prevents unnecessary work for the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) and saves time, money and the disappointment of a refusal for the applicant. In addition, it shortens the waiting time for the well-prepared and well-supported applicant.

  Any decision not to proceed is the applicant's. If he/she wishes to pursue the application it will be accepted on payment of the appropriate fee.

  Falkland Islands
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Governments of Uruguay and Brazil about their decision to withdraw diversion rights for RAF Tristars flying to the Falkland Islands; and if he will make a statement. [81869]
  34
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  There has been no withdrawal of diversion rights by the Governments of Uruguay or Brazil for RAF Tristars flying to the Falkland Islands.

  Pakistan
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Pakistan concerning reports of infringement of the rights of workers and trade unionists. [81857]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We have noted the concerns expressed by the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions about the position of trade unions in Pakistan. In association with international labour organisations, we will continue to monitor carefully the rights of workers and trade unionists in Pakistan.

  Missile Tests (India and Pakistan)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Governments of India and Pakistan following the missile tests on 11 and 14 April; what progress he has made in persuading both Governments to sign up to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty; and if he will make a statement. [81855]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We have expressed regret that India and Pakistan have chosen to conduct missile tests and continue to believe that restraint in developing nuclear weapons and delivery systems is in both countries' long-term interests. We welcome positive indications by both India and Pakistan that they will sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty in time to allow entry into force by September this year.

  International War Crimes Tribunal
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his policy on the public release of intelligence reports on atrocities committed by foreign Governments; and if information provided to the International War Crimes Tribunal in the Hague will be released to Parliament. [81942]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  It is not the Government's practice to publish intelligence material. Given the exceptional circumstances in Kosovo, the decision was made to release classified information to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, in order to assist the investigation. It would not be appropriate to make this classified information more widely available.

  Iraq
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on political and diplomatic developments in relation to Iraq since 24 March.[82029]

  Mr. Fatchett
  Three panels established by the Security Council issued their reports on 30 March. We have now tabled a draft Security Council resolution, with the Netherlands as co-sponsors, which attempts to translate the work of the panels into action.
  35
  On disarmament, it would establish a new body, the UN Commission on Investigation, Inspection and Monitoring, to continue UNSCOM' s efforts to answer outstanding disarmament questions, primarily through a reinforced monitoring and verification system as recommended by the panel. On the humanitarian side, our resolution draws together a range of measures which should make significant improvements to the humanitarian situation in Iraq, while remaining faithful to the Council's obligation to uphold its resolutions. Finally, the draft picks up the panel's recommendations on dealing with Iraq's continued failure to meet its obligations over Kuwaitis and others missing since 1991. Discussion of our draft continues in New York.

  Gibraltar
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy that opt-in proposals by Her Majesty's Government into parts of the Schengen Agreement will only be made on the basis that Gibraltar will also have the same opportunity.
  [82036]

  Ms Quin
  At this stage, details of which aspects of the Schengen Agreement Gibraltar would wish to participate in are still under discussion with the Government of Gibraltar.

  Chagos Islands
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what reasons the White Paper on Overseas Territories did not propose the granting of full British passports to those Chagossiens who had British citizenship before being resettled. [82035]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  British citizenship did not come into being until 1 January 1983. The Ilois ( who were at that time citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies) left the Territory 30 years ago. We have to deal with the situation now; the vast majority of the Ilois are citizens of other sovereign states, (either Mauritius or the Seychelles), in addition to holding British Dependent Territory citizenship, and have been for a generation. This is in contrast to other British Dependent Territories citizens who are solely British.

  Serbia
  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what advice he has received about the basis in international law for the military action by the United Kingdom and its NATO allies against Serbia. [82068]

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  The action being taken is an exceptional measure to halt an overwhelming humanitarian catastrophe.

  Every means short of force was tried to avert this situation. In these circumstances, and as an exceptional measure on grounds of overwhelming humanitarian necessity, military intervention is legally justifiable under international law.

  China and Tibet
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he discussed with 36
  the Secretary of State of the United States of America United Kingdom support for the USA's draft resolution on China and Tibet at the 55 United Nations Commission on Human Rights. [82182]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We remain in close contact with our main partners, including the United States, in furthering the common objective of achieving concrete improvements in the human rights situation in China. Along with our European Union partners, we voted against a Chinese no-action motion at the UNCHR on 23 April which sought to prevent a vote on the US-tabled resolution.

  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what grounds the United Kingdom decided at the General Affairs Council of the European Union not to co-sponsor a joint resolution with its partners on Chinese suppression of human rights in Tibet for the 55 United Nations Commission on Human Rights. [82181]

  Mr. Stevenson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) for what reasons he did not table or co-sponsor during the recent General Affairs Council of the European Union a resolution on human rights in China for the 55 UN Commission for Human Rights; and if he will make a statement; [82147]

  (2) if he intends to support the draft resolution on China and Tibet tabled by the United States at the 55 UNCHR; [82146]

  Mr. Fatchett
  We believe, as do our European Union partners, that continued dialogue and co-operation with China on human rights is more likely to bring about concrete improvement than repeated UN resolutions, all of which have failed to be adopted in the past. This dialogue-based approach has made limited progress in some areas and we will be pressing China for further concrete steps. The General Affairs Council therefore decided on 22 March not to table or co-sponsor a resolution on China at this year's Commission on Human Rights.

  Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish the(a) date of advertisement, (b) closing date of applications, (c) the names of (i) short-listed and (ii) all other candidates, (d) the interview date of candidates and (e) the date of appointment for the post of the Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police. [81852]

  Mr. Foulkes
  I have been asked to reply.

  The post was advertised in the Police Review on Friday 6 November 1998. The closing date for applications was Friday 4 December 1998. As regards the names of candidates, all applications to the Department for International Development (DFID) are treated in confidence and therefore we should not disclose these details. Of the 17 people who responded to the advertisement, only 4 formally applied for the appointment. Three of these 4 applicants were short-listed for interview. Candidates for this and another police post in the Turks and Caicos Islands were interviewed on Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 January. Robert Turnbull was

  37
  interviewed on Tuesday 19 January. Mr. Turnbull was informed that he had been selected for the position on 3 February 1999, and his contract with DFID commenced on 20 March 1999.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Ministerial Meetings
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many times Ministers in her

  Dates

  Location

  Minister

  US Representatives

  7 June 1998

  Belfast

  Dr. Mowlam

  Mr. W. Daley—US Secretary of State for Commerce

  8 June 1998

  Belfast

  Mr. Ingram

  Mr. W. Daley—US Secretary of State for Commerce

  Ms M. Hanley—Director Public Affairs, US Department of Commerce

  Mr. J. Lyons—Special Adviser to President Clinton and Secretary of State for Economic Initiatives in Ireland

  Mr. E. Mottur—Acting Assistant Secretary for Trade and Development, US Department of Commerce

  Ms L. Naphin—Director Office of Business Liaison, US Department of Commerce

  Ms M. Searing—Acting Assistant Secretary and Director, General Commercial Service, US Department of Commerce

  22 July 1998

  Washington

  Dr. Mowlam

  Mrs. H. Clinton—The First Lady

  Mr. L. Butler—Director, European Directorate, National Security Council

  Ms Theresa Loar—State Department

  Mr. J. Lyons—Special Adviser to President Clinton and Secretary of State for Economic Initiatives in Ireland

  Ms M. Albright—Secretary of State, State Department

  The Hon. T. Pickering—Under Secretary for Political Affairs, State Department

  Mr. L. Butler—Director, European Directorate, National Security Council

  Mr. S. Berger (and Mr. J. Steinberg) Deputy National Security Adviser

  7 August 1998

  Belfast

  Dr. Mowlam

  Mr. J. Lyons—Special Adviser to President Clinton and Secretary of State for Economic Initiatives in Ireland

  2 September 1998

  Belfast

  Mr. McFall

  Ms K. Higgins—Deputy Secretary, US Department of Labor

  7 to 9 October 1998

  Newyork

  Dr. Mowlam

  Ms K. Higgins—Deputy Secretary, US Department of Labor

  Mr. Ingram

  Mr. P. Mulloy—Assistant Secretary for Market Access and Compliance

  15 to 16 October 1998

  Denver

  Mr. Ingram

  Mr. J. Lyons—Special Adviser to President Clinton and Secretary of State for Economic Initiatives in Ireland

  25 to 27 October 1998

  Atlanta

  Mr. McFall

  Mr. S. P. Troy—Director Commercial Service, US Department of Commerce

  28 to 29 October 1998

  San Jose

  Mr. McFall

  Mr. W. Daley—US Secretary of State for Commerce

  4 December 1998

  London

  Dr. Mowlam

  Mr. J. Steinberg—Deputy National Security Adviser

  8 to 9 December 1998

  Washington

  Mr. Murphy

  Mr. J. Lyons—Special Adviser to President Clinton and Secretary of State for Economic Initiatives in Ireland

  Mr. L. Butler—Director, European Directorate, National Security Council

  14 January 1999

  Washington

  Dr. Mowlam

  Mrs. H. Clinton—First Lady

  Ms D Shalala—US Secretary of State for Health

  Mr. S. Berger—Deputy National Security Adviser

  Mr. J. Steinberg—Deputy National Security Adviser

  Mr. L. Butler—Director, European Directorate, National Security Council

  2 March 1999

  Washington

  Mr. Murphy

  Ambassador W. Sherman and Mr. J. O'Brien, Under Secretary for Global

  Affairs and Senior Adviser to Ms Albright

  Mr. J. Steinberg—Deputy National Security Adviser

  16 March 1999

  Washington

  Dr. Mowlam

  President Clinton and Mrs. Hilary Clinton

  Ms M. Albright—Secretary of State, State Department

  Ms D. Shalala—US Secretary of State for Health

  Messrs Berger and Steinberg—Deputy National Security Advisers

  Mr. J. Lyons—Special Adviser to President Clinton and Secretary of State for Economic Initiatives in Ireland

  Hospitals (Long-stay Patients)
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is for each Trust in Northern Ireland the number of beds in each of their hospitals dedicated as long-stay for elderly people; and how many this represents per 100,000 population in(a) each Trust area and (b) the area served by each hospital. [80873]
  38
  Department have held meetings with members and officials in the US Administration since 1 June 1998, indicating the dates and locations of each meeting, the Ministers involved at each meeting and the US Department involved in each meeting. [80868]

  Marjorie Mowlam
  NIO Ministers meet members of the US Administration, up to and including President Clinton, both in the United States and in the United Kingdom on a regular basis to discuss a wide range of issues.

  Since 1 June 1998, my Ministerial colleagues and I have had the following formal meetings:

  Mr. McFall
  Beds are not designated specifically as long stay in Northern Ireland. However, Table 1 shows the number of long-stay patients in the geriatric medicine speciality who were resident in acute hospitals in Northern Ireland on 31 March 1998. Table 2 shows the number of long-stay patients aged 65 or over resident in mental illness and learning disability hospitals in Northern
  39
  Ireland on 17 February 1998. Long-stay patients are classified as those with a length of stay in hospital of at least one year.

  Table 1: Patients in the geriatric medicine speciality resident in acute hospital in Northern Ireland on 31 March 1998.

  Trust/Hospital

  Long Stay (>-365 days)

  Royal Group of Hospitals HSS Trust

  51

  Royal Victoria Hospital

  51

  Belfast City Hospitals HSS Trust

  28

  Belfast City Hospital

  28

  Greenpark HSS Trust

  20

  Musgrave Park Hospital

  11

  Forster Green Hospital

  9

  Ulster Community & Hospitals Trust

  18

  Ards Hospital

  4

  Ulster Hospital

  13

  Bangor Hospital

  1

  Craigavon Area Hospital Group HSS Trust

  113

  Lurgan Hospital

  108

  Craigavon Area Hospital

  5

  Down & Lisburn HSS Trust

  26

  Lagan Valley Hospital

  10

  Downe Hospital

  16

  Newry & Mourne HSS Trust

  38

  Daisy Hill Hospital

  25

  Mourne Hospital

  13

  United Hospitals Group HSS Trust

  197

  Moyle Hospital

  2

  Whiteabbey Hospital

  12

  Antrim Hospital

  13

  Braid Valley Hospital

  170

  Armagh & Dunganon HSS Trust

  126

  South Tyrone Hospital

  59

  Mullinure Hospital

  67

  Altnagelvin Group HSS Trust

  72

  Altnagelvin Hospital

  13

  Waterside Hospital

  50

  Roe Valley Hospital

  9

  Sperrin Lakeland HSS Trust

  37

  Erne Hospital

  15

  Tyrone County Hospital

  3

  Omagh General Hospital

  12

  Derg Valley Hospital

  7

  Northern Ireland

  726

  Source:

  Hospital Inpatients System

  Table 2: Patients aged 65 and over resident in mental illness and learning disability hospitals on 17 February 1998.

  Trust/Hospital

  Long Stay (>=365 days)

  Foyle Community HSS Trust

  41

  Gransha Hospital

  36

  Stradreagh Hospital

  5

  Sperrin Lakeland HSS Trust

  50

  Tyrone & Fermanagh Hospital

  50

  North & West Belfast HSS Trust

  45

  Muckamore Abbey Hospital

  45

  40

  Table 2: Patients aged 65 and over resident in mental illness and learning disability hospitals on 17 February 1998.

  Trust/Hospital

  Long Stay (>=365 days)

  Ulster Community & Hospitals HSS Trust

  0

  Ards PNU

  0

  Down Lisburn HSS Trust

  53

  Downshire Hospital

  53

  Lagan Valley PNU

  0

  Belfast City Hospital HSS Trust

  0

  Windsor House

  0

  Homefirst Community HSS Trust

  70

  Holywell Hospital

  70

  Whiteabbey PNU

  0

  Armagh & Dungannon HSS Trust

  69

  St Lukes Hospital

  63

  Longstone Hospital

  6

  Causeway HSS Trust

  0

  Ross Thompson Hospital

  0

  South & East Belfast HSS Trust

  123

  Knockbracken Hospital

  123

  Mater Infirmorum Hospital HSS Trust

  0

  Mater Infirmorum Hospital

  0

  Craigavon & Bambridge Community HSS Trust

  0

  Craigavon PNU

  0

  Northern Ireland

  451

  Source:

  Mental Illness & Learning Disability Census

  Northern Ireland Housing Executive
  Mr. Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what role she plans for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive following the transfer of responsibility for social housing to the Northern Ireland Assembly; and if she will make a statement. [81212]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Following the transfer of responsibility for social housing to the Northern Ireland Assembly, it will be for the Assembly to decide on future housing policies and legislation, and on the structures and roles required to deliver them.

  Peace and Reconciliation Funding
  Mr. Donaldson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much has been paid in grants from peace and reconciliation funding by district partnerships to(a) victims groups, by district council area and (b) prisoners groups, by district council area.[81256]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  [holding answer 19 April 1999]: The information requested has been placed in the Library of the House.

  HIV
  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on the anonymised programme of HIV surveillance in Northern Ireland, setting out for each survey currently in operation or planned(a) the location, (b) the targeted populations, (c) the clinical reasons for initial collection

  41
  of specimens, (d) the number of specimen collection venues, (e) the annual specimen numbers, (f) the most recent prevalence data, (g) whether the consent of those tested was sought for entry into the survey and (h) whether those tested were informed that they were to be entered into the survey. [81615]

  Mr. McFall

  (a) and (d) The anonymised programme of HIV surveillance in Northern Ireland is carried out exclusively at the Genito-urinary Medicine Clinic, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast.

  (b) The targeted population is all new attendees at the clinic.

  (c) Genito-urinary clinic attendees have a syphilis serology test or presenting with a new sexually transmitted disease for the first time in a calender quarter are eligible for entry into the survey.

  (c) and (f) The data requested are set out in the table.

  (g) and (h) The programme of unlinked anonymous testing for HIV as introduced in the UK in accordance with World Health Organisation guidelines for its global programme on AIDS on the basis that specific informed consent is not required. However, attendees are given an explanatory leaflet which makes it clear that all identification will be removed from the sample and they can elect not to have their sample tested. Posters explaining the position are also displayed in the clinic.

  Sexual orientation

  1995

  1996

  1997

  No

  %+ve

  No

  %+ve

  No

  %+ve

  Homo/Bisexual (Male)

  137

  2·92

  125

  4·80

  144

  4·17

  Heterosexual (Male)

  1,921

  0·05

  1,973

  0·10

  2,108

  0·09

  Heterosexual (Female)

  1,677

  0·00

  1,833

  0·05

  1,707

  0·06

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Genetically Modified Foods
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much has been spent by the Government on researching genetically modified foods in each of the last 10 years; and if he will list the projects undertaken. [81923]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 23 April 1999]: The Government have spent the amounts listed in the table in each of the last 10 years on research to underpin the safety assessment of genetically modified foods.

  Year

  £000

  1989–90

  0

  1990–91

  0

  1991–92

  0

  1992–93

  23

  1993–94

  95

  1994–95

  361

  1995–96

  646

  1996–97

  569

  1997–98

  709

  1998–99

  814

  42
  The project titles are as follows.
  Tagging genetically engineered organisms.
  Development of new methods for safety evaluation of transgenic crops.
  Honey from genetically modified plants: integrity of pollen DNA, and expression of promoters in floral organs.
  Genetically modified organisms in food-evaluation of in vitro and in vivo models for assessing DNA transfer in gut.
  Detection of genetically modified organisms in foods.
  A model system for the quantitative analysis of horizontal spread of DNA from genetically engineered microorganisms GIT.
  Potential for gene transfer between manipulated bacteria and the resident microflora of the human gut.
  A model system for the quantitative analysis of horizontal spread of DNA from genetically engineered microorganisms.
  Regulation and targeting of transgene expression in fruit crops.
  Causes of instability in transgenic plants.
  Safety of recombinant DNA technology: gene location, marker elimination and secondary effect.
  A database of novel foods and food products cleared in countries other than the UK.
  Genes that have been introduced by genetic modification into crop plants intended for food use.
  The effect of agriculturally-relevant environmental factors on the expression and stability of genes affecting wheat lip.
  Survival of DNA in the gut and the potential for genetic transformation of resident bacteria.
  Evaluating the risks associated with using GMOs in human foods. Impact of transformation methods, construct and gene cassette architecture on the stability and expression of transgenes.
  Assessment of the risks of transferring antibiotic resistance—determinants from transgenic plants to micro-organisms.
  Dissemination of GM DNA and antibiotic resistance genes via rumen microorganisms.
  Risk of gene transfer from genetically modified crop plants to gut bacteria.
  Causes and consequences of pathogen induced transgene instability.
  Analytical methods for the detection of genetically modified foods—current and future developments.
  Implications of secondary metabolites produced in response to biotic and abiotic stress by GM potatoes.
  Survey of analytical techniques available and under development for long term monitoring of FS of GMOs and their products.
  Gene expression in anthers and nectaries of transgenic plants.
  The stability of expression and inheritance of transgenes in brassica.
  Development of methods to predict the allergenic potential of genetically modified foods.
  Development an in vitro screening method for allergens in novel foods.
  Adverse reactions to food.

  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment his Department has made of the safety of imported genetically modified ingredients reportedly used in the production of(a) pot noodles and (b) other food products on sale in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [72001]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 22 February 1999]: The safety of all GM food ingredients permitted for use in foods on sale in the UK has been thoroughly assessed by the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes and judged to be as safe as those from their non GM equivalents.

  Novel Foods
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he takes to ensure that novel foods for which patents are granted cannot then be classified as substantially equivalent, and vice versa. [72569]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 22 February 1999]: Substantial equivalence is a concept related to the safety assessment of novel foods and has no link to the patenting of such foods.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he received the first draft of the Novel Foods Directive from the Commission of the European Community; what response he made and what interests he consulted; when signed explanatory memoranda were placed in the Vote Office; and what plans he has to make representations to the Commission of the European Union concerning the terms of the Directive. [72205]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 22 February 1999]: I assume my hon. Friend is referring to the EC Novel Foods and Novel Food Ingredients Regulation 258/97 adopted on 27 January 1997. The proposed regulation was received, negotiated and adopted by the previous Administration and I have no access to the related papers. The regulation is due for review in 2002.

  Milk Purchasers
  Mrs. Browning
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish the 1998–99 figures for milk purchasers notified by the Intervention Board. [81965]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 23 April 1999]: The Intervention Board published provisional milk purchase figures for 1998–99 in its Notice to Traders No. MQ 12/98 dated 9 April 1999. Provisional cumulative butterfat-adjusted purchases totalled 13,951.6 million litres. This figure is subject to verification and subsequent confirmation.

  Mrs. Browning
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received about overstated milk purchasers notified to the Intervention Board for 1998–99. [81966]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 23 April 1999]: The Intervention Board has received a number of representations from producers and their representatives about milk production statistics and is in discussion with the industry through the Milk Quotas Experts Group. The Intervention Board relies on over 100 milk purchasers to supply production figures. As has been explained to the industry, these figures are provisional and subject to confirmation. They are not a proxy for the calculation of the 1998–99 milk levy which will be based on annual returns to be submitted by purchasers.

  Pig Farmers
  Mr. Coaker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress is being made with efforts to support British pig farmers; and if he will make a statement. [82205]
  44
  Mr. Rooker
  The present situation remains serious for pig farmers, with prices still unstable and below the costs of production. Nevertheless, the average all-pigs price has shown a 26 per cent. improvement since its low point in January. European Commission figures indicate that current UK pig prices are 20 per cent. higher than the EU average, and higher than in any member state except Luxembourg. Whether the present gap between UK and EU prices will be sustainable is difficult to judge, but the fact that it exists at all is due, at least in part, to the emphasis on high animal welfare and other standards.

  In recent months, the Government have done an enormous amount of work to assist the British pig industry. This includes lobbying the Commission in Brussels to use the existing mechanisms of export refunds and private storage aid to their best effect, encouraging retailers, caterers and public procurement bodies to take account of quality and welfare factors when making their purchases, writing to all MPs and UK MEPs encouraging them to support the pig industry in its endeavours to meet consumer demands, and continuing to invest considerable sums of public money in pig related R&D.

  Lindane
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to ban the insecticide Lindane following the EU Advisory Committee on Pesticides meeting on 15 April. [81743]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 23 April 1999]: With my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, for Health, for Scotland and for Wales, I am considering the advice of our Advisory Committee on Pesticides regarding the use of the insecticide Lindane. The Committee considered a draft evaluation, prepared by the Austrian authorities, of the data submitted by the notifying companies in the course of the EU review for the Commission.

  Correspondence
  Mr. McLoughlin
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the hon. Member for West Derbyshire can expect a reply to his letter of 12 February, acknowledged on 4 March (ref. 124890), concerning the non-payment of the 1998 sheep farm annual premium scheme and the hill livestock compensatory allowances to Mr. S. Allen of Beech Farm, Taddington, Derbyshire. [81904]

  Mr. Rooker
  [holding answer 23 April 1999]: We recently completed our deliberations on the case referred to by the hon. Member and a reply was sent to him on 22 April 1999 by my noble Friend the Parliamentary Secretary.

  Rabies
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the countries which are outside the European Union and which are not islands which are currently considered to be free from rabies by the World Health Organisation. [81927]

  Mr. Rooker
  The World Health Organisation does not publish a list of countries which are considered to be free from rabies. However, the World Survey of Rabies No. 32 for the year 1996 (the latest available), which is
  45
  published by the World Health Organisation, lists the following countries and territories where no rabies was reported in 1996.

  Africa

  Cape Verde

  Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

  Mauritius

  Reunion

  Seychelles

  America

  Antigua and Barbuda

  Bahamas

  Barbados

  Costa Rica

  Saint Kitts and Nevis

  Uruguay

  Asia

  Bahrain

  Brunei Darussalam

  Cyprus

  Hong Kong

  Japan

  Kuwait

  Malaysia (Sabah)

  Maldives

  Qatar

  Singapore

  Europe

  Albania

  Denmark

  Finland

  Gibraltar

  Greece

  Iceland

  Ireland

  Isle of Man

  Italy

  Jersey (Channel Islands)

  Malta

  Norway (except Svalbards Islands)

  Portugal

  Spain (except Ceuta)

  Sweden

  United Kingdom

  Oceania

  Australia

  Cook Island

  Fiji

  French Polynesia

  Guam

  New Caledonia

  New Zealand

  Papua New Guinea

  Vanuatu.

  Quarantine Kennels
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps his Department takes to ensure that quarantine kennels meet acceptable standards of animal welfare. [81930]

  Mr. Rooker
  There are arrangements for MAFF Veterinary Officers to inspect quarantine premises four times a year. The inspections are carried out to check on compliance with the standards set with regard to the physical and disease security of the premises and also to check on compliance with the Voluntary Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs and Cats in Quarantine Premises in respect of those premises that have agreed to comply with the Code. Premises which do not comply with this Code can be removed from the published list of premises which do comply. The Animal Health (Amendment) Act 1998 gives Ministers powers to set welfare conditions in quarantine kennels on a statutory basis.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many quarantine kennels have indicated that they will be unable or unwilling to comply with the Animal Health (Amendment) Act 1998; and if he will list them. [81931]

  Mr. Rooker
  The Animal Health (Amendment) Act 1998 gives Ministers the power to make secondary legislation setting welfare conditions for animals kept in quarantine premises. The Government will hold a full public consultation involving all parties with an interest in the welfare of animals in quarantine, including quarantine kennels. It is at that stage that the position of individual kennels—who will have to comply with the legislation—will become clearer.

  Hygiene Inspections
  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food which is the competent authority to implement Articles 3 and 4 of Council Directive 64/433/EEC. [81720]

  Mr. Rooker
  In Great Britain, Articles 3 and 4 of Directive 64/433/EEC (as amended) have been implemented by means of the Fresh Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations 1995 (S.I.1995/539, as amended). At present, these Regulations are enforced in England by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and in Scotland and Wales by the appropriate Secretary of State. In practical terms, enforcement of the Regulations in GB is carried out by the Meat Hygiene Service (an Executive Agency of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food).

  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will make a statement on(a) the frequency of veterinary inspections and (b) the exemptions for abattoirs and cutting plants which apply under Article 4(e) of Directive 64/433/EEC with regard to Chapter VIII of Annexe 1; [81719]

  (2) what derogations apply to the exemption of small abattoirs and cutting plants from the requirements of Chapter VIII of Annexe 1 of Directive 64/433/EEC; and if he will make a statement. [81721]

  Mr. Rooker
  Directive 64/433/EEC (as amended) requires all fresh meat intended for sale for human consumption to be produced in licensed premises under
  47
  the supervision of an Official Veterinary Surgeon. The level and frequency of veterinary supervision is set out in Article 9 of the Directive.

  Article 4 of the Directive provides a derogation from certain provisions in the case of certain small (low throughput) abattoirs and cutting plants. However, my Department's lawyers have confirmed that this derogation is in respect only of the structural requirements of the premises concerned and does not extend to the conditions applying to the hygienic operation of the premises or to the level and frequency of veterinary supervision required. Nevertheless, following representations from the industry, we have now asked the European Commission to give a view on the applicability of the specific veterinary supervision requirements to low-throughout premises.

  There are no derogations from the requirements of Chapter VIII of Annexe 1 of Directive 64/433/EEC (as amended) in the case of low-throughout abattoirs. The Directive requires all fresh meat intended for sale for human consumption to undergo post-mortem inspection in accordance with Annexe 1, Chapter VIII.

  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has implemented Annexe 4 Chapter I (paragraph 6c) of Directive 96/43. [81722]

  Mr. Rooker
  Yes. This administrative provision, which provides for a composite invoice to be issued to an individual premises carrying out a number of functions (i.e. slaughtering, cutting or storing), is applied by the Meat Hygiene Service when invoicing plant operators for the costs of hygiene inspections.

  Beef Exports
  Mr. Tredinnick
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of progress towards the lifting of the ban on the export of British beef; and if he will make a statement. [82223]

  Mr. Rooker
  The European Commission inspected our procedures for operating the Date-based Export Scheme from 12 to 16 April. The Commission are now writing a report of their inspection for presentation to the Standing Veterinary Committee (SVC). After the SVC have seen the inspection report, the Commission should set a date from which exports of UK beef produced under the DBES can start.

  Farmers (Administration Costs)
  Mr. Tredinnick
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the costs in real terms of administration for farmers in each of the last four years. [82180]

  Mr. Rooker
  Costs vary, depending upon the number of schemes participated in. The 1996 efficiency scrutiny on simplifying paperwork estimated that a livestock farmer involved with cattle and sheep and participating in a voluntary conservation scheme, possibly therefore with a heavier paperwork requirement than an average farmer, would spend £2,700 of his time dealing with paperwork. Implementation of scrutiny recommendations, where possible, should now be saving the equivalent of £6.5 million of farmers' time each 48
  year. Our aim is to keep the paperwork burden to a minimum, consistent with safeguarding public health, funds and the environment.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Pre-schools
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many four year-olds are currently attending(a) maintained nursery schools, (b) nursery classes in maintained primary schools, (c) reception classes, (d) voluntary sector pre-school provision and (e) private sector pre-school provision. [82017]

  Ms Hodge
  The available information is shown in the following table.

  Number of four-year-olds in early years provision in maintained nursery schools, nursery and infant classes in maintained primary schools and the private, voluntary and independent sectors in England, January 1998:

  January 1998

  Number of four-year-olds in maintained nursery schools

  17,991

  Number of four-year-olds in nursery classes in maintained primary schools

  129,497

  Number of four-year-olds in infant classes1 in maintained primary schools

  350,959

  Number of four-year-olds in private and voluntary providers and independent schools

  82,599

  1Includes reception and other classes (i.e. non nursery classes)

  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) if he will estimate how many pre-schools have closed since May 1997; and if he will set out the basis of the Government's calculation; [82016]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the basis for the difference in figures produced by his Department and by the Pre-School Learning Alliance on the number of pre-schools that have closed since May 1997. [82019]

  Ms Hodge
  The Department's annual survey of day-care facilities in England, using data submitted by local authorities, shows a small fall in the number of registered playgroups at March 1998 compared with a year earlier. Officials have arranged to discuss with the Pre-School Learning Alliance differences between their figures and the latest survey data.

  Education (Expenditure)
  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how much central Government money was spent per capita in 1998 in England on helping schools meet special educational needs. [82211]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Most funding for school education is allocated to local authorities by way of unhypothecated grant. Information on total actual spending by local education authorities and schools in meeting special educational needs is not collected centrally. The 1997 Green Paper "Excellence for all children: meeting special educational needs" estimated
  49
  that some £2.5 billion per year is spent meeting special educational needs, representing on average some £1,600 per child identified as having such needs.

  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how much central Government money was spent per capita in 1998 in England on grants to(a) voluntary aided schools and (b) voluntary controlled schools. [82208]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Capital grants totalling £138,184,240 were allocated to voluntary-aided schools in the financial year 1998–99. This equates to £132 per pupil in this sector.

  Capital grants totalling £18,513,446 were allocated to voluntary-controlled schools in the financial year 1998–99. This equates to £34 per pupil in this sector.

  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how much central Government money was spent per capita in 1998 in England on (i) primary schools, (ii) secondary schools, (iii) further education colleges and (iv) universities. [82210]

  Mr. Mudie
  Unit costs for primary and secondary pupils and for full-time equivalent students in FE colleges and HE institutions are set out in the DfEE Departmental Report, Cm 4202, published on 24 March 1999, a copy of which was placed in the Library.

  The unit costs for primary and secondary pupils in 1997–98 include a provisional central government element of £127 and £35 respectively. Neither the total unit costs nor the central government element include capital spending.

  The unit costs for FE and HE students include both recurrent spending and support for capital expenditure. The HE unit costs exclude central Government spending on grants and loans.

  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how much central Government money was spent per capita in 1998 in England on books and stationery in(a) primary schools and (b) secondary schools. [82209]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  In the 1998 calendar year, primary schools received three grants for reading books, averaging £1,000 per grant. During the same period, secondary schools received two £1,000 grants for reading books. Schools with less than 100 pupils received £10 per capita for each grant allocation. These grants represent

  Numbers of nursery, primary, secondary, pupil referral units and independent schools by percentage of pupils with special educational needs1,3 by local education authority area in England, January 1998

  Schools in England2

  10 per cent. and over

  20 per cent. and over

  30 per cent. and over

  40 per cent. and over

  50 per cent. and over

  60 per cent. and over

  England

  18,148

  8,178

  2,613

  903

  366

  209

  North East

  961

  379

  110

  39

  16

  13

  Hartlepool

  32

  8

  3

  2

  1

  0

  Middlesbrough

  44

  17

  7

  2

  1

  1

  Redcar and Cleveland

  54

  15

  1

  1

  1

  1

  Stockton-on-Tees

  57

  17

  4

  1

  1

  1

  Darlington

  36

  18

  4

  2

  0

  0

  Durham

  242

  105

  25

  4

  2

  2

  Northumberland

  126

  30

  7

  4

  0

  0

  Gateshead

  69

  26

  11

  5

  2

  2

  Newcastle-upon-Tyne

  82

  52

  27

  12

  3

  2

  50
  substantial new funding and are in addition to funding made available to schools through the Local Management of Schools (LMS) arrangements.

  Grant-maintained Schools
  Mr. Collins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he is taking to ensure that pupils at former grant maintained schools secure the same increases in funding per individual as those in other state schools in(a) Cumbria and (b) England.[82183]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  Grant-maintained schools have previously enjoyed preferential funding, whereas the Government are committed to fair funding for all schools, continuing the process of phasing out unfair funding which the previous Government began in 1995–96. For 1999–2000, we have guaranteed that grant-maintained schools will be funded at the same level per pupil in cash terms as they were in 1998–99. Many will be funded at a higher level than that, where LEAs pass on the extra resources we have obtained for education directly to their schools, as my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has urged them to do.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Collins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he will reply to the letter sent to him by Mr. T. A. Schofield, Bursar to Kirkbie Kendal school, Kendal, Cumbria on 16 April. [82185]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The letter from the Bursar of Kirkbie Kendal School has been acknowledged by the Department, which is taking up the points made in the letter with Cumbria Local Education Authority. A full reply will be sent to Mr. Schofield as soon as possible.

  Special Educational Needs
  Mr. Soley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many schools in England and Wales, broken down by local education authority, there are where special educational needs children exceeded(a) 10 per cent., (b) 20 per cent., (c) 30 per cent., (d) 40 per cent., (e) 50 per cent. and (f) 60 per cent. of the total school population in the last year for which figures are available. [81608]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The information requested for England is shown in the table.

  For information for Wales, 1 refer my hon. Friend to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.
  51

  Numbers of nursery, primary, secondary, pupil referral units and independent schools by percentage of pupils with special educational needs1,3 by local education authority area in England, January 1998

  Schools in England2

  10 per cent. and over

  20 per cent. and over

  30 per cent. and over

  40 per cent. and over

  50 per cent. and over

  60 per cent. and over

  North Tyneside

  58

  22

  4

  2

  2

  2

  South Tyneside

  57

  25

  7

  1

  1

  1

  Sunderland

  104

  44

  10

  3

  2

  1

  North West and Merseyside

  2,466

  977

  242

  78

  31

  14

  North West

  2,005

  765

  176

  51

  22

  8

  Cheshire

  359

  125

  29

  8

  3

  0

  Cumbria

  244

  84

  16

  4

  3

  2

  Bolton

  106

  58

  15

  3

  2

  2

  Bury

  60

  17

  2

  0

  0

  0

  Manchester

  134

  51

  15

  5

  1

  0

  Oldham

  69

  20

  3

  0

  0

  0

  Rochdale

  79

  33

  7

  2

  0

  0

  Salford

  91

  42

  16

  3

  1

  0

  Stockport

  102

  45

  14

  5

  2

  1

  Tameside

  67

  21

  2

  0

  0

  0

  Trafford

  58

  20

  3

  1

  1

  0

  Wigan

  106

  40

  6

  0

  0

  0

  Lancashire

  530

  209

  48

  20

  9

  3

  Merseyside

  461

  212

  66

  27

  9

  6

  Knowsley

  64

  26

  8

  4

  2

  1

  Liverpool

  183

  102

  37

  15

  5

  4

  St. Helens

  38

  14

  3

  1

  0

  0

  Sefton

  78

  33

  8

  2

  0

  0

  Wirral

  98

  37

  10

  5

  2

  1

  Yorkshire and Humber

  1,729

  624

  184

  52

  21

  9

  East Riding of Yorkshire

  89

  18

  1

  0

  0

  0

  City of Kingston-upon-Hull

  93

  55

  21

  5

  2

  1

  North East Lincolnshire

  73

  48

  25

  8

  4

  3

  North Lincolnshire

  67

  30

  7

  1

  0

  0

  York

  63

  27

  8

  4

  2

  1

  North Yorkshire

  270

  74

  13

  0

  0

  0

  Barnsley

  38

  7

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Doncaster

  99

  33

  8

  3

  1

  0

  Rotherham

  87

  23

  4

  1

  1

  1

  Sheffield

  149

  73

  30

  11

  4

  0

  Bradford

  197

  71

  22

  5

  3

  1

  Calderdale

  73

  16

  5

  2

  0

  0

  Kirklees

  125

  37

  5

  0

  0

  0

  Leeds

  209

  87

  28

  10

  2

  0

  Wakefield

  97

  25

  6

  2

  2

  2

  East Midlands

  1,661

  659

  208

  53

  16

  11

  Derby

  69

  18

  5

  1

  0

  0

  Derbyshire

  239

  41

  6

  1

  0

  0

  Leicester City

  99

  54

  23

  8

  2

  1

  Rutland

  19

  4

  2

  0

  0

  0

  Leicestershire

  238

  72

  14

  2

  0

  0

  Lincolnshire

  280

  95

  20

  5

  3

  2

  Northamptonshire

  311

  179

  75

  18

  3

  1

  Nottinghamshire

  406

  196

  63

  18

  8

  7

  West Midlands

  1,899

  843

  285

  108

  43

  30

  Hereford and Worcester

  296

  97

  33

  14

  9

  8

  Shropshire

  228

  94

  15

  4

  1

  1

  Stoke

  57

  11

  2

  1

  1

  1

  Staffordshire

  143

  26

  8

  5

  3

  3

  Warwickshire

  234

  153

  58

  21

  6

  3

  Birmingham

  364

  170

  52

  14

  6

  4

  Coventry

  94

  41

  11

  5

  2

  2

  Dudley

  87

  31

  10

  4

  3

  2

  Sandwell

  130

  93

  31

  14

  4

  3

  Solihull

  70

  23

  3

  1

  0

  0

  Walsall

  85

  23

  12

  1

  0

  0

  Wolverhampton

  111

  81

  50

  24

  8

  3

  Eastern

  2,134

  866

  265

  75

  35

  21

  Luton

  64

  28

  6

  2

  0

  0

  Bedfordshire

  148

  48

  6

  0

  0

  0

  Cambridgeshire

  297

  151

  51

  15

  7

  3

  Essex

  554

  170

  36

  10

  3

  2

  Hertfordshire

  458

  238

  86

  18

  6

  3

  52 53

  Numbers of nursery, primary, secondary, pupil referral units and independent schools by percentage of pupils with special educational needs1,3 by local education authority area in England, January 1998

  Schools in England2

  10 per cent. and over

  20 per cent. and over

  30 per cent. and over

  40 per cent. and over

  50 per cent. and over

  60 per cent. and over

  Norfolk

  361

  155

  62

  23

  12

  7

  Suffolk

  252

  76

  18

  7

  7

  6

  Greater London

  2,205

  1,161

  356

  122

  58

  33

  Inner London

  888

  474

  144

  47

  27

  13

  City of London

  1

  1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Camden

  55

  33

  10

  6

  3

  1

  Hackney

  68

  40

  11

  2

  2

  1

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  49

  29

  7

  3

  1

  1

  Haringey

  81

  36

  8

  2

  2

  1

  Islington

  68

  42

  15

  8

  5

  3

  Kensington and Chelsea

  38

  16

  4

  1

  1

  1

  Lambeth

  86

  46

  19

  4

  1

  0

  Lewisham

  84

  57

  19

  4

  3

  0

  Newham

  66

  22

  4

  1

  1

  1

  Southwark

  82

  45

  10

  1

  0

  0

  Tower Hamlets

  88

  40

  8

  4

  1

  1

  Wandsworth

  75

  47

  24

  9

  5

  1

  Westminster

  47

  20

  5

  2

  2

  2

  Outer London

  1,317

  687

  212

  75

  31

  20

  Barking and Dagenham

  45

  13

  2

  0

  0

  0

  Barnet

  116

  81

  30

  14

  3

  2

  Bexley

  69

  37

  14

  10

  6

  3

  Brent

  64

  39

  14

  2

  0

  0

  Bromley

  77

  37

  8

  1

  0

  0

  Croydon

  99

  46

  11

  6

  4

  4

  Ealing

  77

  34

  10

  5

  3

  3

  Enfield

  78

  53

  27

  11

  4

  2

  Greenwich

  83

  56

  23

  5

  0

  0

  Harrow

  59

  23

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Havering

  71

  22

  3

  1

  1

  0

  Hillingdon

  81

  45

  12

  3

  1

  1

  Hounslow

  73

  44

  19

  4

  3

  2

  Kingston-upon-Thames

  43

  14

  5

  2

  2

  0

  Merton

  54

  26

  5

  2

  1

  1

  Redbridge

  55

  12

  1

  1

  1

  1

  Richmond-upon-Thames

  44

  21

  3

  0

  0

  0

  Sutton

  48

  25

  4

  1

  1

  1

  Waltham Forest

  81

  59

  21

  7

  1

  0

  South East

  3,070

  1,757

  709

  304

  122

  66

  Berkshire

  293

  126

  32

  6

  4

  4

  Milton Keynes

  87

  51

  14

  4

  1

  1

  Buckinghamshire

  183

  69

  21

  7

  4

  3

  Brighton and Hove

  73

  48

  22

  4

  2

  0

  East Sussex

  187

  98

  18

  9

  4

  3

  Portsmouth

  58

  46

  21

  12

  7

  2

  Southampton

  87

  68

  44

  25

  6

  1

  Hampshire

  497

  308

  114

  52

  18

  11

  Isle of Wight

  62

  38

  13

  3

  1

  1

  Kent

  685

  526

  287

  144

  52

  21

  Oxfordshire

  264

  112

  32

  13

  8

  8

  Surrey

  319

  135

  52

  18

  11

  8

  West Sussex

  275

  132

  39

  7

  4

  3

  South West

  2,023

  912

  254

  72

  24

  12

  Bath and North East Somerset

  70

  26

  7

  1

  0

  0

  City of Bristol

  155

  97

  40

  12

  4

  2

  North Somerset

  61

  19

  3

  1

  0

  0

  South Gloucesterhire

  95

  34

  3

  0

  0

  0

  Cornwall

  225

  78

  12

  3

  0

  0

  Isles of Scilly

  2

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Devon

  414

  162

  31

  7

  3

  1

  Bournemouth

  36

  21

  6

  3

  1

  0

  Poole

  39

  25

  7

  4

  2

  2

  Dorset

  180

  125

  43

  12

  4

  2

  Gloucestershire

  256

  113

  34

  11

  5

  1

  Somerset

  238

  100

  29

  6

  2

  2

  Swindon

  72

  35

  14

  6

  2

  1

  Wiltshire

  180

  77

  25

  6

  1

  1

  1Number of pupils with special educational needs (SEN) expressed as a percentage of all pupils in each school.

  2Excludes Maintained and Non-Maintained Special Schools.

  3Excludes dually registered pupils.

  New Deal (Young People)
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what proportion of all participants finding subsidised or unsubsidised work through the New Deal for Young People have found employment with(a) public sector employers and (b) private sector employers; and if he will make a statement on the relationship between these figures and Government targets. [79824]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  To the end of January 1999, 14,000 clients had entered Subsidised Employment. The split of the jobs was 12 private sector jobs for each public sector job.

  A comparable split cannot be provided for the 62,300 unsubsidised job starts as categorisation is available only by standard industrial classification, and then only for ES placings.

  We have not set targets for the numbers of young people placed in the public or private sector, but have indicated that we would not expect the proportion moving into public sector jobs to exceed the share of public sector jobs available for the work force as a whole.

  School Inspectors
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what action he has taken to(a) increase the accountability of Ofsted school inspectors and (b) reduce unnecessary apprehension by teachers about inspections since 1 May 1997. [81651]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  We have agreed a number of changes with HM Chief Inspector of Schools since 1 May 1997 to improve the quality, consistency and value for money of the school inspection system. Those changes are contributing to increased accountability of school inspectors and should enable teachers to approach inspections with greater confidence. The changes include a reduction in the notice given for inspections from two terms to 6-10 weeks and short inspections for the most effective schools. The changes were widely welcomed in consultation. I have asked the Chief Inspector, Chris Woodhead, to write to my hon. Friend with further details of the changes and to place a copy of his letter in the Library.

TREASURY

  Company Cars (Mileage)
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many company cars travelled(a) more and (b) less than 18,500 miles in the last year for which figures are available.[81266]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 19 April 1999]: Annual mileage data are collected only for drivers whose company cars are available for private use. According to the latest National Travel Survey, there were an estimated 925,000 company car drivers whose total mileage was at least 18,500 miles per annum. This compares to 675,000 company car drivers whose total annual mileage was less than 18,500 miles per annum.

  Disabled Persons Tax Credit
  Mr. Sutcliffe
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exch equer if he will make a statement about the proposed arrangements for transferring people from disability working allowance to the disabled persons tax credit. [79767]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 19 April 1999]: Recipients of Disability Working Allowance whose awards run out after the introduction of the Disabled Persons Tax Credit will be sent claim packs for the new tax credit in the same way that they would formerly have been sent a claim pack for renewal of their benefit.

  Defence Budget
  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received from the Secretary of State for Defence in respect of an increase in the defence budget. [81659]

  Mr. Milburn
  [holding answer 22 April 1999]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence and I are keeping the additional costs of the Kosovo operation under close scrutiny.

  Drugs Investigations
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what changes there have been to numbers of HM Customs and Excise staff at Heathrow Airport since 1 May 1997 involved in investigations relating to drugs or other illegal items. [80986]

  Dawn Primarolo
  In May 1997, the number of HM Customs and Excise investigators based at Heathrow was 65. Since then, including a number of transfers of staff resulting from the closure of an office in Reading, the number has risen to 99. These staff deal with investigations relating to drugs, other prohibited goods and other customs and VAT frauds.

  Fuel Duty (Northern Ireland)
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on how many litres of (i) petrol and (ii) diesel oil duty was paid in each quarter in each of the last three years and the current year up to 31 March, in respect of such fuels sold in Northern Ireland by(a) retailers and (b) wholesalers. [82196]

  Ms Hewitt
  Figures are shown in the table for total deliveries of petrol and diesel into Northern Ireland. There are no separate figures available for retailers and wholesalers. Figures for the first quarter of 1999 will not be available until towards the end of May.

  Thousand litres of product

  Petrol (motor spirit)

  Diesel (DERV fuel)

  1996

  Q1

  169,927

  112,645

  Q2

  176,020

  110,162

  Q3

  170,604

  104,134

  Q4

  170,875

  115,127

  1997

  Q1

  168,167

  108,153

  Q2

  170,875

  113,590

  Q3

  145,690

  90,305

  Q4

  146,774

  87,468

  57

  Thousand litres of product

  Petrol (motor spirit)

  Diesel (DERV fuel)

  1998

  Q1

  135,806

  91,841

  Q2

  142,035

  71,629

  Q3

  147,586

  76,239

  Q4

  138,650

  83,922

  Source:

  Department of Trade and Industry

  VAT Registration Threshold
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the real terms percentage increase in the VAT registration threshold since 1 May 1997. [81702]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The percentage increase in the VAT registration threshold in real terms since 1 May 1997 is 2 per cent.

  Public Sector Cash Requirement
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the public sector net cash requirement for(a) 1998–99, (b) 1999–2000, (c) 2000– (d) 2001–02, (e) 2002–03 and (f) 2003–04. [81703]

  Mr. Milburn
  Figures published by the Office for National Statistics on 20 April showed a public sector net cash repayment of £7.4 billion in 1998–99. Forecasts of the public sector net cash requirement were published in table B26 of the Financial Statement and Budget Report.

  EU Tobacco Taxes
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list in euros the value of the tax and duty imposed on(a) 100 grammes of rolling tobacco and (b) 200 cigarettes in each EU member state. [81723]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The information is shown in the table.

  It is not possible to provide a single figure for the duty and tax on hand-rolling tobacco because comparable data on the retail selling price, from which the VAT and advalorem excise duty is calculated, are not available.

  100 grammes of rolling tobacco

  200 cigarettes

  Member state

  Specific excise duty(euros)

  Ad valorem excise and VAT as per cent. of retail selling price, all taxes included (%)

  Tax and duty(euros)

  Austria

  0·0

  63·7

  17·1

  Belgium

  0·0

  54·9

  19·4

  Denmark

  5·3

  20·0

  32·7

  Finland

  0·2

  68·0

  28·5

  France

  0·0

  68·1

  22·1

  Germany

  1·5

  31·9

  18·9

  Greece

  0·0

  74·3

  14·0

  Ireland

  11·2

  17·4

  31·2

  Italy

  0·0

  70·7

  14·3

  Luxembourg

  0·0

  42·2

  12·4

  Netherlands

  1·9

  30·1

  17·4

  Portugal

  0·0

  44·5

  13·9

  Spain

  0·0

  51·3

  8·4

  58

  100 grammes of rolling tobacco

  200 cigarettes

  Member state

  Specific excise duty(euros)

  Ad valorem excise and VAT as per cent. of retail selling price, all taxes included (%)

  Tax and duty(euros)

  Sweden

  7·5

  20·0

  30·1

  UK

  12·8

  14·9

  41·0

  Source: European Commission (Directorate General XXI) Excise Duty Tables (December 1998)

  Income Tax
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer in what circumstances families with children and earnings of less than £235 a week will pay net income tax. [81724]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Chancellor announced in his Budget Statement that the minimum income guarantee under the WFTC to every family with children and with full-time earnings would increase to £200 a week. He also said that no such family earning less than £235 a week would pay any net income tax from October 1999.

  Family Incomes
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the weekly family disposable income, after tax, national insurance, child benefit and maintenance payments are taken into account of (i) a lone parent with two children under 11 in receipt of maintenance payments of £40 a week, (ii) a lone parent with two children under 11 not in receipt of maintenance payments, (iii) a single-earner married couple with two children under 11 and (iv) a two earner married couple with two children under 11 earning in each case(a) £150 a week and (b) £250 a week and where the incomes of the two-earner couple are split in the ratio 80:20. [81726]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The available information, which shows weekly disposable (net) income after tax (including Child Benefit and Working Families Tax Credit), National Insurance Contributions and maintenance payments at the specified levels of earnings, is given in the table. The figures are shown for 1999–2000 and take account of all changes announced in the 1998 and 1999 Budgets which come into force in 1999–2000.

  From October 1999 the WFTC will provide help with child care costs. The child care tax credit will be worth 70 per cent. of eligible child care costs, subject to maximum child care costs of £100 a week for families with one child and £150 a week for families with two or more children. To ensure that parents with older and disabled children also benefit, the age limits on children for whom parents can claim help with child care costs will be raised to 14, and for disabled children up to age 16.

  59

  £ per week

  Gross income

  Net income

  Lone Parent with 2 children under 11 in receipt of £40 pw maintenance payments

  150.00

  276.77

  250.00

  306.92

  Lone Parent with 2 children under 11 not in receipt of maintenance payments

  150.00

  236.77

  250.00

  266.92

  Single Earner Married Couple with 2 children under 11

  150.00

  236.77

  250.00

  266.92

  Two Earner Married Couple with 2 children under 11 (income split 80:20)

  150.00

  241.22

  250.00

  274.34

  Notes:

  1. Income tax payments are calculated on the basis that the households receive no tax reliefs other than the standard allowances and have income only from employment. All earners, including wives, are assumed to pay Class 1 national insurance contributions at the contracted-in rate.

  2. Child Benefit is treated as negative income tax.

  3. WFTC calculations assume no child care costs.

  4. Lone parents are assumed to be new claimants after April 1998.

  Charrington Case
  Mr. Stuart Bell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to announce the findings and recommendations of the inquiry under the chairmanship of Sir Gerald Hosker into the Charrington case; and if he will make a statement. [82148]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Sir Gerald Hosker is still working on his Inquiry. I will announce the findings as soon as possible after he has presented his report to the Chairman of the Commissioners of HM Customs and Excise.

  Debt Relief
  Ms Drown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what response his Department has given to the proposal of Jubilee 2000 for a concordat on levels of debt cancellation and how funds released should be spent; and if the Government will discuss this proposal with other creditors to secure agreement for substantial debt cancellation by the end of 1999. [82003]

  Ms Hewitt
  Departmental officials have attended several discussions of Jubilee 2000's proposals, including a round-table seminar organised by Jubilee 2000 and a HIPC Review Consultation Meeting held by the World Bank. We shall certainly take part in any future discussions with other creditors on these proposals.

  Ms Drown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the progress of the Commonwealth debt initiative, set out in his Mauritius speech, indicating which countries have received debt relief and the level of that relief. [82005]

  Ms Hewitt
  Seven countries have qualified for debt relief packages under the World Bank/IMF's Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative and three countries—Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau and Mauritania—would be expected to qualify based on preliminary discussions. Uganda and Bolivia have received assistance at completion point, of $347 million and $448 million respectively. Assistance has been committed for Burkina 60
  Faso ($115 million), Guyana ($253 million), Cote d'Ivoire ($345 million), Mozambique ($1,442 million), and Mali ($128 million), and is predicted for Guinea-Bissau ($300 million), Ethiopia ($636 million) and Mauritania ($271 million).

  Tax and Spending Leaflets
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 21 April 1999,Official Report, column 588, on household leaflets, if he will break down the £1.5 million cost referred to between (a) printing and (b) postage. [82203]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Printing costs would be approximately £0.5 million. Other costs, including distribution and postage would account for the remainder of the cost.

  Red Book
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 21 April 1999,Official Report, column 588, if civil servants reviewed the Red Book to ensure objectivity.[82188]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I refer the hon. Member back to the reply I gave on 21 April.

  Unpaid Taxes
  Mr. Denzil Davies
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what response the Government have made to the European Commission's proposal to extend the provisions of Directive 76/308/EEC to allow the recovery between member states of unpaid taxes on income and capital. [81789]

  Dawn Primarolo
  An Explanatory memorandum on the European Commission's proposal to extend the provisions of Directive 76/308/EEC was laid before Parliament on 24 July 1998. European Council working group meetings, at which the proposal would be discussed, have not yet commenced.

  Public Expenditure (Scotland and Wales)
  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the additional public expenditure items which the Government have announced for(a) Scotland and (b) Wales since January 1998. [80884]

  Mr. Milburn
  Public expenditure allocations were made to Scotland and Wales for 1999–2000 to 2001–02 in the Comprehensive Spending Review and published in "Modern Public Services for Britain: Investing in Reform" (Cm 4011), a copy of which is available in the Library.

  Further increases to the Departmental Expenditure Limits for Scotland and Wales have been made following successful bids to the Invest to Save Budget (ISB) and the Capital Modernisation Fund (CMF). A breakdown of ISB and CMF awards to Departments can be found in tables 1.8 and 1.9 respectively of Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses 1999–2000 (Cm 4201).

  Census Returns
  Mr. John M. Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if that part of section 9.21 of the Open
  61
  Government White Paper of 1993 (Cm 2290) relating to the closure of census returns for England and Wales represents current Government policy. [81791]

  Ms Hewitt
  The legislation covering the closure of census returns represents current Government policy. Census Returns form 1901 and 1911 are closed to the public for 100 years by virtue of Instrument 12 dated 1966 of the Public Records Act 1958. Censuses from 1921 onwards were taken under the terms of the Census Act 1920 as amended by the Census (Confidentiality) Act 1991 which gives protection to personal census information given by the public.

  The Open Government White Paper section 9.21 accurately describes the position with respect to those census returns in the custody of the Public Record Office.

  Taxes (Inquiry Notices)
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many section 9A Taxes Management Act 1970 inquiry notices relating to 1996–97 dated prior to 31 January were sent to taxpayers on or after 31 January; [80251]

  (2) what proportion of section 9A Taxes Management Act 1970 inquiry notices relating to 1996–97 were issued in January. [80252]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Approximately 20 per cent. of all inquiries into 1996/97 self-assessment tax returns were taken up during January 1999. The Inland Revenue do not record the actual dates on which notices are posted to taxpayers and it is therefore not possible to say whether any notices dated before 31 January 1999 were sent on or after that day. However, notices are normally posted on the date which they bear.

  Small Businesses
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the number of businesses with fewer than 17 employees. [81706]

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

  Letter from Tim Holt to Mr. Nick Gibb, dated 26 April 1999:
  As Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent parliamentary question on employment.
  There are 1.75 million VAT and PAYE based businesses in the UK with less than 17 employees, as at April 1999. It is estimated that there are a further 1.8 million smaller businesses without employees and with low turnovers.
  Information is provided from the Inter Departmental Business Register (IDBR), which is administered by the ONS. The register contains details for all businesses in the UK that are traders registered for VAT and/or employers with PAYE schemes.
  The ONS annual employment survey is the main source for the number of employees. For businesses that are not selected for this inquiry, employee estimates are obtained through employer PAYE returns. If the business is registered only for VAT, the business will generally have no employees. Such businesses without employees are included in the above counts. Smaller businesses without employees and not registered for VAT are excluded from these counts.
  62
  More detailed information on businesses registered for VAT is published annually by the ONS in Size Analysis of UK Businesses -(PA1003), most recently for 1998. Broad estimates for all businesses are published by the Department of Trade and Industry, based on the IDBR, in Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Statistics for the UK, latest version for 1997. Both publications are available in the House of Commons Library.

CABINET OFFICE

  Business Regulation (Compliance Costs)
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will publish an annual estimate of the total costs of compliance with statutory regulations to(a) all United Kingdom businesses and (b) United Kingdom businesses with fewer than 100 employees. [81645]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  No. The Government do not, and do not intend to, publish estimates in the form requested. Individual Regulatory Impact Assessments are already placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Costs in isolation are misleading and they should not be aggregated. Regulations bring benefits as well as costs. The Government's approach is designed to ensure that regulations are introduced only where necessary and that they follow the principles of transparency, accountability, targeting, consistency and proportionality.

  The approach also includes a specific assessment of the impact on small businesses. In addition, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry recently announced the introduction of the Small Business service to be a strong voice for small business and to provide practical assistance to cut the burdens of compliance.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Professional Statisticians
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many staff by grade are employed as professional statisticians in his Department; how many of these staff have been accepted as fast stream by the Civil Service Selection Board; and how many have been granted chartered statistician status by the Royal Statistical Society. [81193]

  Mr. Byers
  Statistical work is undertaken by a range of specialisms such as Research Officers, Social Survey Officers and Economists. Within this Department there are1

  3 Senior Civil Servants

  4 Grade 6s

  25 Grade 7s

  13 Assistant Statisticians employed as "professional" Statisticians all of whom have been recruited via CSSB.

  In addition our Department employs:

  7 Statistical Officers

  1 Grade 7 undertaking statistical duties.

  These figures do not include staff on loan, secondment, career break or unpaid special leave.
  63
  Three of our "professional" Statisticians have been granted Chartered Statistician Status by the Royal Statistical Society.

  1 For the purposes of fair comparison DTI's original grading system has been used in this answer.

  EU Structural Funds
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the assisted areas map was submitted to the European Commission; and if he will make a statement. [80589]

  Mr. Wills
  [holding answer 13 April 1999]: Further to the reply I gave the hon. Member and the hon. Member for Torbay (Mr. Sanders) on 16 April 1999, Official Report, column 367, proposals for the assisted areas map have not yet been sent to the Commission. The Government are considering the proposals they will make. They will submit these as soon as it is ready to do so.

  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what were the results of his Department's August 1998 consultation exercise on the criteria to be applied in the designation of Objective 2 areas. [81914]

  Mr. Wills
  As part of the on-going consultation process throughout the Structural Fund negotiations, the Government asked regions and local areas informally, in July 1998, for an indication of their priorities for Objective 2 eligibility. Over fifty local and regional partnership organisations provided information, as well as national bodies and interested Departments.

  Two broad conclusions emerged from the responses to the consultation exercise. First, for areas of real need to be targeted, the provisions covering Objective 2 in the Structural Funds regulation must be sufficiently flexible to encompass a wide variety of circumstances. Secondly, there was a degree of similarity in the broad priorities put forward, including employment and labour market measures, the degree of social cohesion, geographical issues, and measures of poverty.

  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry by what means he plans to achieve a target population in compliance with the four strands within Objective 2. [81918]

  Mr. Wills
  The UK population for Objective 2 is set by the safety net which maintains two-thirds of the existing Objective 2 and 5b coverage. Within the safety net, the Government will seek to target Objective 2 on the basis of need.

  A maximum of 18 per cent. of the European Union's population will be covered by the new Objective 2. The breakdown by strand for Objective 2 of 10 per cent. to industrial areas, 5 per cent. to rural, 2 per cent. to urban and 1 per cent. to fisheries is indicative at EU level, not Member State level.

  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry for what reasons the consultation paper issued by his Department on 30 March, on the criteria to be applied in the designation of Objective 2 areas, asks the same questions as the consultation exercise in August 1998. [81919]
  64
  Mr. Wills
  The informal consultation launched in July 1998 was to gain local and regional views to assist the Government in developing their policy for negotiations for Objective 2 funding.

  The consultation paper issued on the 30 March seeks views from interested parties on the designation of eligible UK areas under Objective 2. These should include comments on the geographical area; the NUTS level; and the criteria that might be used. This consultation is to assist the Government in determining a list of eligible areas for objective 2 funding post—1999.

  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will list the areas submitted to the EU Commission at the end of March for consideration as assisted areas;[81917]

  (2) what differences there will be between the Assisted Areas map and the Objective 2 map in the UK for 1999 to 2004. [81916]

  Mr. Wills
  Proposals for the Assisted Areas map have not yet been sent to the Commission. The Government are considering the proposals they will make. They will submit these as soon as it is ready to do so.

  A consultation paper on the review of the Structural Funds was issued on 30 March, seeking views from interested parties on the designation of eligible UK areas under Objective 2. The final date for comments is 25 May. Ministers will then have to decide on the proposed areas to be submitted to the Commission. Until this time we are not in a position to say what the final Objective 2 Structural Funds map will be, and therefore what differences there will be between the Assisted Areas and Objective 2 maps.

  Export Credits Guarantee Department
  Ms Drown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much debt was owed to the Export Credits Guarantee Department by each individual debtor country on 31 December 1998. [82004]

  Mr. Wilson
  As at 31 December 1998, the amounts, including arrears, owed to ECGD under Bilateral Debt Agreements stemming from Paris Club reschedulings were:

  £ million

  Country

  Nigeria

  3,445·1

  Poland

  896·4

  Russia

  602·7

  Brazil

  523·7

  Jordan

  337·5

  Sudan

  326·2

  Zambia

  238·3

  Egypt

  184·5

  Serbia

  180

  Algeria

  164·6

  Peru

  155·4

  Congo

  138·8

  D·R·C·

  138·6

  Gabon

  130·2

  Tanzania

  117·3

  Angola

  105·6

  Mozambique

  90·1

  Cuba

  76·9

  Croatia

  80

  Cameroon

  69·6

  65

  £ million

  Country

  Mexico

  65·5

  Ecuador

  54·7

  Argentina

  62·6

  Morocco

  55·3

  Guyana

  43·9

  Indonesia

  42·5

  Kenya

  35·3

  Somali

  27·3

  Madagascar

  27·2

  Philippines

  23·8

  C· d'Ivoire

  22·3

  Liberia

  14·6

  Togo

  14·8

  Bulgaria

  13·5

  Ethiopia

  11·7

  Bolivia

  11·5

  Niger

  10·8

  Vietnam

  10·4

  Mauritania

  6·7

  Uganda

  5·6

  Guinea

  5·3

  Macedonia

  4·5

  Bosnia

  5·1

  Mali

  4·1

  Sierra Leone

  3·6

  Trinidad

  3·1

  Yemen

  3·1

  Benin

  2·7

  Jamaica

  2·9

  Ghana

  2·1

  Senegal

  1·5

  Nicaragua

  1

  Bur· Faso

  0·97

  Malawi

  0·69

  C·A· Rep

  0·36

  Costa Rica

  0·12

  Thorne Lighting Plants
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what(a) grants and (b) subsidies are available to the two current Thorne Lighting plants, at Hereford and Spennymore; and if he will make a statement. [81563]

  Mr. Wills
  The main DTI programme for supporting companies is Regional Selective Assistance, under the Industrial Development Act 1982. The plant in Spennymoor is in a Development Area and is eligible to receive such assistance. The Hereford plant is not in an Assisted Area, and is therefore not eligible for support under the Regional Selective Assistance Scheme.

  Motor Vehicle Fuel
  Dr. Ladyman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the quantity of(a) petrol and (b) diesel fuel used in the UK by all motor vehicles in each of the last 10 years. [82437]

  Mr. Battle
  The data are given in the table.

  Total deliveries into consumption in the UK

  Thousand tonnes

  Year

  Motor spirit

  Diesel (DERV) fuel

  1989

  23,924

  10,118

  1990

  24,313

  10,652

  66

  Total deliveries into consumption in the UK

  Thousand tonnes

  Year

  Motor spirit

  Diesel (DERV) fuel

  1991

  24,022

  10,694

  1992

  24,044

  11,132

  1993

  23,766

  11,806

  1994

  22,843

  12,914

  1995

  21,953

  13,457

  1996

  22,409

  14,365

  1997

  22,252

  14,976

  1998

  21,848

  15,129

  Telecommunications Council
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will publish the agenda for the EU Telecommunications Council of 22 April. [79573]

  Mr. Wills
  The agenda read as follows:

  Proposal for a European Parliament and Council Directive on a common framework for electronic signatures: Common Position.
  "Year 2000 Computer Problem": Council Resolution.
  State of the EU Telecommunications Market: Debate.
  Commission Communication on Convergence of Telecommunications, Media and Information Technology Sectors, and the Implications for Regulation—Results of Public Consultation and Proposed Actions: Commission presentation and Council Conclusions.
  Commission Green Paper on Radio Spectrum Policy: Information from Commission on Public Consultation.
  Commission Green Paper on Access to Public Sector Information: Commission presentation.
  Globalisation and the Information Society: Information from the Commission.
  Internet Domain Names: Information from the Commission.

  Renewable Energy
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what factors underlay the setting of a renewable energy target of 10 per cent; [81783]

  (2) what is his estimate of the potential contribution of each renewable energy source to meeting a target of 10 per cent. of total energy supply from renewable sources. [81782]

  Mr. Battle
  The Government published a consultation paper "New and Renewable Energy—Prospects for the 21st Century" on 30 March 1999, which outlines the Government's policy. Key factors underlying that policy include putting the environment at the heart of their decision making. Climate change is recognised as one of the greatest environmental threats facing the world today. Prudent use of natural resources, including renewable energy sources, is one of the Government's objectives. Energy from renewable energy sources is clearly an important element in securing both the diversity and sustainability objectives and has the potential to be supplied on an increasing scale at competitive prices. In line with their Manifesto commitment to "a new and
  67
  strong drive for new and renewable sources of energy", the Government are working towards a target of renewable energy providing 10 per cent. of UK electricity supplies as soon as possible. They hope to achieve this by 2010. It would require of the order of 3-4 GW (Declared Net Capacity) of new plant in addition to that already contracted to achieve that.

  The technologies expected to contribute by 2010 are wastes (municipal, industrial and agricultural), wind (onshore and offshore), hydro, landfill gas and energy crops. The proportions of each will depend upon a number of factors including the extent of technical development and future fuel prices.

  Other technologies such as photovoltaics have the potential to make major contributions to world energy needs in the longer term if their development continues and energy companies announce their intention of moving into this market on a significant scale.

  Multilateral Agreement on Investment
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress has been made towards negotiating an agreement on investment since the ending of negotiations on the Multilateral Agreement on Investment. [81616]

  Mr. Wilson
  The UK, and the EU as a whole, have called for investment to be on the agenda of a future round of negotiations in the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Decisions on the content of that agenda will be taken at the WTO ministerial meeting in Seattle later this year. In the meantime, the UK is participating in the analytical work of the WTO Trade and Investment Working Group and the parallel work in the UNCTAD Expert Meetings on International Investment Agreements.

  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make it his policy to ensure that social, environmental and development issues are given high priority in future discussions on developing an international agreement on investment. [81617]

  Mr. Wilson
  The Government are committed to ensuring that, within any new framework for international investment, full account is taken of social, environmental and development concerns.

  World Trade Organisation
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the European Commission document I.G 1/98 prepared by DG1 for a meeting of the EU Council's Article 113 Committee; and if he will make a statement. [81627]

  Mr. Wilson
  I refer my hon. Friend to the response I gave on 23 February 1999,Official Report, column 201, to my hon. Friend the Member for Bury, North (Mr. Chaytor).

  Inward Investment
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if a concordat has been agreed between his Department, the Scottish Office, Welsh Office and Northern Ireland Office, concerning inward investment. [81925]
  68
  Mr. Wills
  [holding answer 23 April 1999]: The concordat on financial assistance is one of a number of concordats which will be discussed and concluded between United Kingdom Departments and the devolved Administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland once they are established.

  Knitting Machine Mechanics and Technicians
  Mr. Woolas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the impact on the clothing and textile industry of the proposed closure of the National Training Centre for Knitting Machine Mechanics and Technicians. [81739]

  Mr. Battle
  I assume that the National Training Centre referred to by my hon. Friend is the knitting facility at the North Warwickshire college in Hinckley, Leicestershire, which I understand has taken the decision to close its textile faculty based on the lack of support from the industry.

  News of closure is never welcome, particularly when the industry itself is under such pressure. However, there are many other educational institutions in the region who provide a high level of training in this area. DeMontfort, Derby and Nottingham Trent universities all offer various forms of technical training in knitting and a centre of excellence has been set up in North Nottinghamshire by West Notts College and New College Nottingham. The impact on the industry of the Hinckley closure is therefore likely to be negligible.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Randall
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the number of people likely to seek asylum in Britain over the next 12 months. [80955]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  For a number of reasons, including the situation in Kosovo, it is very difficult to estimate the numbers likely to claim asylum in the next year. The figure could be in the range of 52,000 to 62,000, if we take into account all the potential applicants from countries where there may be upheavals.

  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the number of asylum seekers, refused asylum by his Department, who have remained illegally in the United Kingdom over the last five years. [80962]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  At the end of November 1998, the number of failed asylum seekers who had either not appealed against the refusal of asylum or who had exhausted their rights of appeal and who were the subject of port or enforcement action was estimated to be 24,000. This figure does not include applicants whose claims had been refused, but who were not yet subject to enforcement action.
  69
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers entered the United Kingdom for each month since January 1998; and of those how many were(a) granted asylum, (b) granted leave to remain and (c) refused the right to remain. [81981]

  Total asylum applications1 received in the United Kingdom, excluding dependants, and initial decisions on applications2, January 1998—February 1999.

  Principal applicants

  Year

  Total applications

  Total decisions

  Grants of asylum

  Grants of ELR

  Total refusals

  Backlog clearance ELR3

  Backlog clearance Refusals3

  January 1998

  2,860

  3,065

  705

  230

  2,130

  —

  —

  February 1998

  2,650

  3,035

  405

  390

  2,240

  —

  —

  March 1998

  3,200

  3,070

  375

  425

  2,270

  —

  —

  April 1998

  3,135

  2,520

  350

  320

  1,850

  —

  —

  May 1998

  3,110

  2,360

  420

  250

  1,690

  —

  —

  June 1998

  3,575

  2,675

  580

  305

  1,790

  —

  —

  July 1998

  4,215

  2,710

  435

  435

  1,840

  —

  —

  August 1998

  4,420

  2,480

  505

  380

  1,595

  —

  —

  September 1998

  4,455

  2,825

  480

  460

  1,885

  —

  —

  October 1998

  5,010

  3,255

  630

  340

  2,290

  —

  —

  November 1998

  4,620

  2,780

  415

  265

  2,100

  —

  —

  December 1998

  4,770

  800

  50

  110

  645

  —

  —

  January 1999

  4,700

  575

  15

  135

  425

  420

  —

  February 1999

  4,185

  740

  35

  110

  600

  535

  —

  Total

  54,900

  32,885

  5,395

  4,155

  23,340

  955

  —

  1Provisional figures rounded to nearest 5, with "*"=1 or 2

  2Decisions on asylum applications may not relate to the same cases within each period

  3Cases decided under pragmatic measures aimed at reducing the pre '93 act asylum backlog

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what admittance criteria are applied to those seeking asylum in the United Kingdom as result of the Kosovo crisis. [82065]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  We have agreed with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) that any recommendations for evacuation from the region should be co-ordinated through the office of the UNHCR. They will give priority to medical cases, other vulnerable persons, and the support of family unity, and make recommendations to the Home Office for consideration.

  Asylum seekers from Kosovo who arrive in the United Kingdom independently will be admitted pending consideration of their claims in accordance with the 1951 Geneva Convention, in the usual way.

  Police Manpower
  Mrs. Laing
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he last met the President of the Association of Chief Police Officers to discuss police manpower. [80961]

  Kate Hoey
  My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary meets the President of the Association of Chief Police Officers regularly both at the Home Office and at police events when a range of issues are discussed, including police resources.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers in(a) England and (b) Wales he expects to be in post at the end of the current financial year. [80959]
  70
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The available information is given in the table. Decisions on asylum applications may not relate to the same cases within each period.

  Kate Hoey
  The number of police officers in each force is entirely a matter for local determination on the basis of available resources and spending priorities. In 1999–2000, police authority budgets in England and Wales will increase on average by 3.1 per cent. over last year. These increases, along with the 2 per cent. efficiency improvement targets that have been set, should be sufficient to maintain existing levels of service.

  Young Offender Institutions
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on conditions in young offender institutions in England and Wales. [80974]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Conditions in young offender institutions in England and Wales vary greatly between, and even within, some establishments. Some are of a high standard while others are in need of considerable improvement. The Government have demonstrated their commitment to improve conditions by, for example, the provision of an additional £51 million over three years for the under-18 estate and its regimes, and through the inclusion of 12 young offender institutions in the welfare-to-work initiative.

  Volunteers (Criminal Records)
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about the cost to voluntary organisations of obtaining access to criminal records of applicants to work with young people. [80975]

  Mr. Boateng
  We have received representations on this issue from a number of voluntary organisations. We considered very carefully whether there was any way in
  71
  which free checks could be provided for volunteers. Whilst we acknowledge the very valuable contribution volunteers make, we have concluded that it will not be practicable to provide any free checks from the Criminal Records Bureau for volunteers or for any other groups. We realise that this is unwelcome news, but providing free checks would prove an unsustainable burden on the public purse and may increase demand for certificates from the Bureau to an uncontrollable extent. In addition, we do not consider it would be fair to allow volunteers to have free certificates when there are other equally deserving groups such as school leavers, the unemployed and disabled people. The level of fees for certificates from the Bureau will be kept to the minimum necessary to recoup costs.

  Equal Opportunities
  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the effect on equal opportunities and racial equality at work of his proposal to make employers liable for the immigration status of their employees. [80977]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  There have been reports that some employers may be adopting discriminatory practices when seeking to secure a defence under section 8 of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996. The Government share the concern of the Commission for Racial Equality and others at the substance of the reports, whilst recognising that such action may not be directly attributable to section 8.

  Proposals at Clause 13 of the Immigration and Asylum Bill, currently before Parliament, are designed to strengthen the safeguards against possible discriminatory practices. They re-emphasise to employers their statutory duty to avoid racial discrimination in their recruitment practices when seeking to secure the statutory defence.

  Scout Movement
  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the additional costs which will have to be borne by the Scout movement as a result of his proposal to establish and fund a criminal records bureau for England and Wales. [80978]

  Mr. Boateng
  I have not made an estimate of any additional costs which might accrue to the Scout movement as a result of checks which may be carried out with the Criminal Records Bureau. I understand that the Scout Association has estimated that additional costs of £750,000 per year will accrue to them, but I have no knowledge of the basis on which they have reached this estimate.

  Probation Service
  Mr. David Heath
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his plans to reform the Probation Service. [80979]

  Kate Hoey
  Following a public consultation, we have decided to create a new, unified Probation Service for England and Wales, comprising 42 local operational areas that will match the police force area boundaries. The new Service will include the following key elements:The day-to-day running and management of the service in each area will be, as now, in the hands of chief probation officers, but they will be employed and appointed by the Home Office; and
  72
  led by a Director;
  A local Probation Board will supervise the work of the service in each area within the national framework;
  The Chairman of each Board will be appointed and paid by the Home Office, and the appointment of individual members of Boards will be approved by the Home Office;
  Chief Probation Officers will be members of these Boards;
  The Boards will have a more strategic role and a more diverse composition, and will be more representative of the wider criminal justice system and the wider community;
  The Boards will employ, as probation committees do now, the remainder of the probation service staff.
  There will be a light regional touch, which the Prison Service is also planning to reflect in its future management structure, enabling that Service to match groups of police force areas;
  The new Probation Service will be entirely funded by central Government, ending the current arrangements whereby local authorities make a contribution of 20 per cent.;
  The Home Secretary of the day will take full responsibility for the performance of the service and be accountable to Parliament for it; and
  The Home Secretary of the day will take greater powers to direct necessary outcomes and standards of service delivery.

  Some elements of these proposals require primary legislation which will be introduced when Parliamentary time permits. With the Lord Chancellor and the Secretaries of State for Health and for Wales, I have also been considering the future organisation of court welfare services, including work that is currently undertaken by the probation services for the family courts. We expect to announce decisions on the way forward shortly.

  Referendum Campaigns
  Mr. Day
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to implement the recommendations of the Neill committee on the conduct of referendum campaigns. [80980]

  Mr. Straw
  We intend to publish our response to the Committee's report in the form of a draft Bill before the Summer Recess; and we hope to have new arrangements in place by the time of the next general election.

  Community-oriented Sentences
  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures he is taking to encourage the use of community-oriented sentences. [80981]

  Mr. Boateng
  Community sentences have a role to play in preventing crime and tackling offending behaviour. They are a crucial part of the Government's sentencing strategy.

  We are developing a portfolio of supervision programmes evidentially proven to be effective, which can be implemented nationwide, and, jointly with the Prison Service, systems for accrediting programmes and assessing offenders' risks and needs.

  It is important that community penalties are rigorously enforced. We have therefore issued further guidance to probation services and will look to tighten enforcement requirements in Probation Service National Standards, which are currently being reviewed.

  Electoral Registration
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement concerning the reform of electoral registration procedures and practices. [80982]

  Mr. Straw
  Electoral registration procedures, including encouragement of registration, public access to the register, and a proposed new system of rolling registration, are being considered by my Working Party on Electoral Procedures. The Working Party will present its final report later this year.

  Millennium (Liquor Licensing Hours)
  Mr. Illsley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has for amending liquor licensing hours on 31 December 1999; and if he will make a statement.[80983]

  Mr. George Howarth
  A proposed order was laid on 13 April. If approved by Parliament, this will extend normal licensing hours overnight each New Year's Eve until normal opening time on each New Year's Day, beginning with the millennium. There would be no requirement on operators to open at any particular time; it would be for them to judge whether or not to stay open and for how long.

  The legislation would allow licensing authorities to impose appropriate restrictions on opening hours where it is shown that later opening is likely to lead to nuisance or disturbance. Applications for such restrictions could be made by the police, a local authority or an individual resident, or someone acting on their behalf.

  Subject to Parliamentary approval, this change would come into force this summer, so that businesses could complete their planning for the coming New Year.

  Crime and Disorder Strategies
  Mr. Bill O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on progress in establishing local crime and disorder strategies. [80985]

  Mr. Casale
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on progress in establishing local crime and disorder strategies. [80987]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 required the local authority and police in every area to formulate, by 1 April 1999, a strategy for the reduction of crime and disorder over the next three years. Therefore, all local crime and disorder reduction partnerships—over 400 of them in England and Wales—should now have strategies in place and be starting to implement them.

  Police Funding
  Mr. Sutcliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with police authorities on the funding of policing in the poorest neighbourhoods. [80988]

  Mr. Boateng
  In discussions with Ministers on funding issues, police authorities have recognised that the allocation of resources and the deployment of officers within the force area are matters for determination locally 74
  within the overall budget. Police authority budgets are set to increase on average by 3.1 per cent. in 1999/2000. In addition, local authorities can make grants to police authorities for additional policing services in particular neighbourhoods.

  In addition, we recently announced the shortlist of the first eleven targeted policing projects under the crime reduction programme. These projects are worth about £5 million in total out of the £32 million which will be made available for targeted policing over the next three years as part of the programme. Ministers recognise the importance of ensuring that deprived and disadvantaged neighbourhoods are amongst those who benefit from these and other crime reduction initiatives.

  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the relationship between funding of police forces, the number of officers directly serving the public and a force's performance. [80984]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Annual Audit Commission report on Police Performance, published in January, found that there is no direct link between increased spending and improved performance in police forces. The report also showed that success in detecting crime does not depend solely on the numbers of police officers available.

  Partnerships between the police and other agencies, targeted policing, better use of information technology, and the efficient and effective use of available resources all have an important part to play in improving police performance. As part of the drive towards Best Value, we are working with the police service to strengthen the link between increased spending and improved performance.

  Anti-social Behaviour Orders
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what response he has received from local crime and disorder partnerships to the introduction of anti-social behaviour orders. [80956]

  Kate Hoey
  The provisions relating to anti-social behaviour orders came into effect on 1 April 1999. It is therefore too early to know what use local crime and disorder partnerships will make of them. I understand, however, that a number of partnerships are actively considering them as tools in their crime strategies.

  Bail Support
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what funding allocation his Department has made for the development of local bail support provision for 1999–2000 and the following two years. [81636]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The Youth Justice Board for England and Wales, established under section 41 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, is responsible for administering a fund of £85 million over three years from April 1999 for the development by local authorities and other bodies of good practice in the operation of the youth justice system, the provision of youth justice services and other work to prevent offending by children and young people. It is expected that £35 million of the fund will be used to develop bail support and supervision schemes and other remand-related initiatives.

  Coroners
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects the model charter for coroners courts to be made available. [82175]

  Mr. George Howarth
  We expect to be in a position to issue the model charter as a framework guide to coroners and their Councils later in the summer.

  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average age of(a) full-time and (b) part-time coroners. [82177]

  Mr. George Howarth
  According to the survey of the coroner service conducted by the Home Office in 1996, the average age of all coroners was then 58. Such information is not collected or updated routinely.

  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the relevant qualifications held by coroners and their job descriptions. [82176]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Coroners must have a five year general qualification within the meaning of section 71 of the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990, or be a legally qualified practitioner of not less than five years' standing.

  Probation Service resources

  £million1

  1993–94 outturn

  1994–95 outturn

  1995–96 outturn

  1996–97 outturn

  1997–98 outturn

  1998–99 estimated outturn

  1999–2000 plans

  2000–01 plans

  2001–02 plans

  Expenditure2

  381·6

  405·3

  420·2

  435·7

  428·9

  435·1

  453·4

  480·2

  502·7

  (420·8)

  (440·7)

  (443·9)

  (446·6)

  (423·5)

  (430·5)

  (444·8)

  (454·3)

  Central government

  308·1

  328·1

  339·9

  352·4

  346·3

  352·2

  363·1

  384·6

  402·6

  support3

  (339·8)

  (356·8)

  (359·1)

  (361·2)

  (342·8)

  (344·8)

  (356·2)

  (363·8)

  Capital grant and

  19·6

  18·5

  17·2

  17·2

  13·6

  13·6

  (17·1

  13·6

  13·6

  credit approvals4

  (21·6)

  (20·1)

  (18·1)

  (17·6)

  (13·2)

  (16·2)

  (12·6)

  (12·3)

  Capital

  3·1

  4·1

  3

  2·4

  3·4

  2·4

  2·4

  2·4

  2·4

  expenditure—

  (3·4)

  (4·5)

  (3·1)

  (2·5)

  (2·3)

  (2·3)

  (2·2)

  (2·2)

  hostels5

  Current

  26·2

  23·7

  26

  23·9

  24·5

  25·7

  26·5

  30·7

  30·7

  expenditure—

  (28·9)

  (25·8)

  (27·5)

  (24·5

  (25)

  (25·1)

  (28·4)

  (27·7)

  hostels

  1Figures in brackets at 1997–98 prices

  2Local Government expenditure (current and capital only) excludes local authority contribution for probation and bail hostels

  3Current and capital grants and credit approvals to local authorities. Figures from 1995–96 include devolved moneys from supervision and accommodation grants provision

  4Disaggregated from Central Government support from the start of the new capital financing system

  5Net Central Government provision. The Home Office pays 100 per cent. grant on hostel capital expenditure and 80 per cent. grant on running costs. The remaining 20 per cent. of running costs is provided by, and 20 per cent. of capital expenditure recouped from, local authorities which make flat payments for each hostel resident.

  Curfew Responsibility
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average time between a request for a curfew home circumstances report being signed by a prison governor and being received by the Probation Service. [81952]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The signature or authorisation of a prison governor is not necessary before a request for a contribution to the risk assessment from the Probation Service can be made. Such requests, either on form HDC3 or form PD1, are made following the initial sift of cases 76
  Coroners are appointed by the relevant local Councils. Details of the actual qualifications held by coroners, and their job descriptions, are not recorded centrally.

  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has for(a) compulsory and (b) voluntary training programmes for coroners. [82201]

  Mr. George Howarth
  We have no plans to require coroners to undergo training either before or after their appointment. There is an existing programme of training courses organised by the Home Office for coroners. In addition, coroners are encouraged to attend appropriate training events organised by other agencies and professional bodies.

  Probation Services (Funding)
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the total level of funding for each probation service in each of the last three years and the real terms change in funding levels over that period; and what is the planned real terms change in funding for 1999–2000. [81559]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The table shows the total revenue cash limit available to each probation area in this and the last three financial years; the real terms value of the last three years' cash limits at 1999–2000 prices using the latest Treasury deflators, and year on year changes.

  and are usually sent by fax to ensure that the Probation Service receives them as soon as possible. No central records are kept of the time it takes for the forms to reach the home Probation Service.

  Departmental Legal Business
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his Department's policy when(a) conducting legal proceedings and (b) seeking legal advice as to the circumstances in which Queen's Counsel should be instructed; and for each of the last three years (i) on how

  77
  many occasions his Department instructed Queen's Counsel and (ii) what was the total cost of instructing Queen's Counsel. [81756]

  Mr. Straw
  The Home Office predominately uses junior counsel when it is necessary to instruct counsel to provide legal advice or to conduct legal proceedings.

  The two First Treasury Counsel are both junior counsel and they will advise and represent the Government without a Queen's Counsel in many of its important cases. In addition, the Attorney-General maintains four panels of junior Counsel whom Departments are expected to use for the majority of the Government's civil litigation. The Law Officers' approval is required before a Queen's Counsel can be instructed to appear.

  In determining the level of counsel to use, the Department considers the individual circumstances of each case. It takes into account, inter alia, the importance and sensitivity of the case, the complexity of the law, the weight and complexity of the evidence, and the degree of experience and expertise required, before deciding whether to instruct Queen' s Counsel or junior counsel.

  The number of occasions on which the Home Office instructed Queen's Counsel in the last three years, and the cost of doing so, cannot be given without incurring disproportionate cost.

  Cleveland Police
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the amount of money paid by Cleveland Police to each of the three Cleveland police officers relating to the libel case involving allegations of sexual harassment; and if he will make a statement. [81850]

  Mr. Boateng
  On counsel's advice, the case was settled out of court and agreement was reached to pay each of the male officers £15,000.

  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the legal costs of Cleveland Police in the recent libel case relating to allegations of sexual harassment against three Cleveland police officers; and if he will make a statement. [81851]

  Mr. Boateng
  The total legal costs for this case are not yet available.

  Dangerous Dogs
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will introduce measures to prohibit dogs with a history of aggression which have been deposited in an animal welfare centre from being rehoused with members of the public; [81780]

  (2) if he will assess the risks to members of the public from animal rescue charities and organisations finding new homes for dangerous dogs. [81772]

  Mr. George Howarth
  It is not in the interests of animal welfare organisations, or the animal for which they are custodians, to attempt to re-house an unsuitable dog. We would expect such organisations to operate responsibly and carry out a behavioural assessment of the dog and the suitability of the intended home before re-housing.
  78
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with ACPO on the workings of legislation relating to the control of dogs. [81773]

  Mr. Boateng
  There have been no discussions with the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) about the workings of dangerous dogs legislation. ACPO is consulted about the terms of any guidance which may be issued about dangerous dogs, most recently in 1997 and 1998.

  Refugees
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many refugees have been admitted into the United Kingdom since 24 March; and in which local authority areas they have been accommodated. [82063]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  It is not possible to identify the number of genuine refugees who have been admitted to the United Kingdom. Those seeking asylum are granted temporary admission to the country while their application is considered. Only after consideration of their claim can a decision be made to recognise the applicant as a refugee.

  Information on the number of asylum seekers arriving since 24 March is not available. But in the whole of March a total of 5,060 applications were received of which 3,150 were lodged in-country and 1,910 were made at the port of entry. Information on the local authority areas in which they are accommodated is not held centrally.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the United Kingdom has placed a limit on the number of refugees it is prepared to accept as a result of the Kosovo crisis. [82084]

  Mr. Straw
  No.

  Firearms Compensation Scheme
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will announce a date by which all outstanding payments under the compensation for handguns scheme will be completed; [82026]

  (2) how many people who have handed in large or small calibre hand-guns to the police are still waiting to receive final payments under the two firearms compensation schemes; [82025]

  (3) what action he is taking to reduce the time it is taking to process compensation payments for people who have handed in handguns to the police. [82027]

  Mr. Boateng
  Payment offers have been made on all, but around 250 claims, mainly under Option C of the compensation schemes, cannot yet be fully processed. This is principally because the required evidence of value of the surrendered guns and ancillary equipment has not yet been provided. There are around 2,600 outstanding offers of payment, mainly where the claimant has not yet responded, or where the amount of the offer is in dispute. It is not possible to give a firm date for the completion of all payments, as this depends in part on the claimant's response to the payment offer.

  Immigration (Marriages of Convenience)
  Mr. Stringer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his Department's policy on unannounced visits to check if a marriage is one of convenience for immigration purposes. [82013]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The Department's policy is to make unannounced visits in cases where caseworking staff consider, from the evidence available and from prior checks, that there are strong grounds to suspect that the couple are not living together or that the marriage is otherwise not genuine.

  Millennium Compliance
  Mr. Best
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what provisions have been made by his Department in respect of emergency planning for the millennium bug. [80968]

  Mr. Straw
  There are comprehensive and well-developed inter-agency arrangements for dealing with emergencies in the United Kingdom, whatever their cause. Because the millennium bug and large-scale millennium celebrations present additional risks, these

  Number of pupils aged 15 or over leaving school without any A level, AS level, O level, CSE or GCSE qualifications

  Maintained schools in local authority area

  1986–87

  1987–88

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  Clwyd

  455

  565

  445

  355

  335

  450

  380

  310

  335

  315

  Dyfed

  720

  750

  470

  565

  570

  335

  405

  350

  360

  365

  Gwent

  1,105

  1,130

  935

  815

  900

  645

  635

  620

  750

  660

  Gwynedd

  465

  490

  305

  325

  280

  235

  205

  145

  220

  190

  Mid Glamorgan

  2,325

  2,030

  1,770

  1,570

  1,280

  1,100

  915

  950

  1,050

  1,160

  Powys

  135

  145

  80

  105

  45

  75

  65

  70

  85

  130

  South Glamorgan

  1,065

  970

  700

  680

  560

  645

  575

  555

  715

  580

  West Glamorgan

  765

  945

  620

  650

  385

  500

  470

  375

  435

  420

  Wales (including Independent schools)

  7,130

  7,090

  5,345

  5,080

  4,400

  4,030

  3,695

  3,395

  3,975

  3,855

  Sources

  For years up to and including 1990–91: the School Examinations Survey, a 10 per cent. Sample of school lavers from maintained and independent schools.

  For 1991–92 onwards, the RD1 (Intended Destinations of Pupils) Survey of all maintained schools and independent schools. The survey typically recorded the destination and examination achievements of over 98 per cent. of pupils

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

  Education (Expenditure)
  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much central Government money was spent per capita in 1998 in Wales on(a) primary schools, (b) secondary schools, (c) further education colleges and (d) universities. [82200]

  Mr. Hain
  The majority of central Government money for education in schools is provided to local authorities by the unhypothecated revenue support settlement, and in 1997–98 (on the latest information available) the local authority unit costs per pupil are:

  £

  Nursery and primary

  1,902

  Secondary

  2,609

  Nursery, primary and secondary

  2,187

  80
  arrangements have been enhanced. Initiatives include assessments of local authorities' emergency planning arrangements and a series of inter-agency events and seminars, delivered in central London, at the Emergency Planning College and in regional centres.

WALES

  Unqualified School Leavers
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many young adults left school without a basic qualification in each local authority area in Wales in each of the past 10 years. [81335]

  Mr. Hain
  Information on the examination achievements of school leavers is unfortunately available only for years up to and including the 1995–96 academic year. It relates to those pupils aged 15 or over leaving school with no A level, AS level, O level, CSE or GCSE qualifications in each local authority area before local government reorganisation in Wales in 1996. Some of these pupils may have gained other qualifications such as the Certificate of Education. This information, covering the 10 years up to and including 1995–96, is contained in the following table.

  The largest specified grant provided to local authorities by central Government for schools is the Grants for Education Support and Training (GEST) and it is set out along with other specified grants for schools in table 5.01 of the 1999 Departmental Report, copies of which are available in the Library of the House. Information is not yet available centrally on how much of these grants is spent separately in primary or secondary schools.

  Per capita funding for full-time equivalent students in further education institutions in Wales in 1998–99 (the latest outturn year available) was £2,790. The equivalent figure for higher education was £3,406.

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

  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much central Government money was spent per capita in 1998 in Wales on books and stationery in(a) primary schools and (b) secondary schools. [82199]
  81
  Mr. Hain
  Expenditure on educational equipment, furniture and materials, which covers books and stationery, in 1996–97, the latest year for which figures are available, was £61.50 per pupil in nursery and primary schools and £109.20 per pupil in secondary schools.

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

  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much central Government money was spent per capita in 1998 in Wales on grants to(a) voluntary aided schools and (b) voluntary controlled schools. [82197]

  Mr. Hain
  Capital grants to voluntary-aided schools in Wales in 1997–98 equated to £399 per pupil. The revenue costs of voluntary-aided schools and the revenue and capital costs of voluntary-controlled schools are funded by local authorities.

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

  Wind Farms
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when the letter from the hon. Member for Wrexham to him of 5 April about the Mynydd y Cemmaes wind farm extension planning application was brought to his attention; and when he expects to reply. [82037]

  Mr. Michael
  I have replied to the hon. Member and have placed a copy in the Library of the House.

  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he will list the procedures which he follows when he is minded to overturn a planning decision made by one of his inspectors; [82038]

  (2) what procedures he followed in his consideration of the planning inspector's report on the application for an extension to the wind farm at Mynydd y Cemmaes; [82040]
  82
  (3) if he will rescind his decision to allow the application for an extension to the wind farm at Mynydd y Cemmaes and pay all appropriate compensation; [82066]

  (4) what discussions he had with ministerial colleagues prior to his decision to overturn his inspector's decision not to grant planning permission for an extension to the wind farm at Mynydd y Cemmaes. [82041]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  Under the provisions of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 the decision is final. It is not open to Ministers to comment on the merits of the decision or the reasoning behind it. The decision was reached taking account of all relevant considerations, one of which was the Inspector's recommendation.

  The conclusions reached by a planning inspector, following a public inquiry, are put to the Welsh Office as recommendations not reasons. The decision is final whether taken directly by the Secretary of State or under delegated powers.

  I am satisfied that the handling and determination of this application was carried out having proper regard to all relevant requirements including the Town and Country Planning (Inquiries Procedure) Rules 1992. It is not open to the Department to rescind the decision.

  I had no conversations with Ministerial colleagues on this application. The inspector's recommendations were available to me alongside advice from officials.

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

  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the visits to wind farms by his Department's Ministers in the last year, indicating upon whose invitation each visit was made. [82039]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The Under-Secretary of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Bridgend (Mr. Griffiths) toured Bryn Titli and Carno wind farms, Mid Wales, with National Wind Power and Bonus Energy UK on 1 May 1998. I toured Carno Wind farm, Mid Wales, with National Wind Power and Bonus Energy UK on 1 October 1998.

  EEC Entry Negotiations
  EEC Entry Negotiations
  Diego Garcia
  Diego Garcia
  NATO Actions in Former Yugoslavia
  NATO Actions in Former Yugoslavia
  NATO: Remit
  NATO: Remit
  Former Yugoslavia: Refugee Policy
  Former Yugoslavia: Refugee Policy
  NATO Links with Kosovan Groups
  NATO Links with Kosovan Groups
  "Greater Albania" Proposal
  "Greater Albania" Proposal
  Sir John Freeland
  Sir John Freeland
  Al Shifa Pharmaceutical Factory
  Al Shifa Pharmaceutical Factory
  Iraqi Nationals: Bank Assets in UK
  Iraqi Nationals: Bank Assets in UK
  NATO Military Action: Cessation Conditions
  NATO Military Action: Cessation Conditions
  Nuclear Disarmament
  Nuclear Disarmament
  Antarctica: Clean-up Programme
  Antarctica: Clean-up Programme
  UN Human Rights Conventions: Reports
  UN Human Rights Conventions: Reports
  International Criminal Court Statute: Ratification
  International Criminal Court Statute: Ratification
  Women and Sport
  Women and Sport
  Tomorrow's Tourism: Performance Measurement
  Tomorrow's Tourism: Performance Measurement
  Gulf Veterans' Illnesses: Research Proposals
  Gulf Veterans' Illnesses: Research Proposals
  Armoured Infantry
  Armoured Infantry
  Former Yugoslavia: Escalation of Military Activity
  Former Yugoslavia: Escalation of Military Activity
  Criminal Legal Aid
  Criminal Legal Aid
  Environmental Law: Guidance to Procurators Fiscal
  Environmental Law: Guidance to Procurators Fiscal
  Widow's and Widower's Additional Pension Reduction
  Widow's and Widower's Additional Pension Reduction
  Income Support Claims: Speed of Settlement
  Income Support Claims: Speed of Settlement
  Medicines (Advertising) Regulations: Independent Review Panel
  Medicines (Advertising) Regulations: Independent Review Panel
  Medicines (Advertising) Regulations: Consultation
  Medicines (Advertising) Regulations: Consultation
  Medicines Control Agency: Consultation Documents
  Medicines Control Agency: Consultation Documents
  Meat Hygiene Service Official Veterinary Surgeons
  Meat Hygiene Service Official Veterinary Surgeons
  Cattle Clipping
  Cattle Clipping