Written Answers of 27 April 1999

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Cashmere
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to support the cashmere industry. [77648]

  Mr. Battle
  My Department has worked hard to support the UK cashmere knitwear industry. In response to the US threat of punitive duties on imports of cashmere knitwear from the EU, we announced a bond scheme which indemnified exporters of UK-manufactured cashmere against losses arising from the US action. In the event, and after intensive lobbying from the UK Government, the US removed cashmere knitwear from the list of products subject to the US retaliation.

  Minimum Wage
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the implementation of the provisions of the minimum wage legislation. [81940]

  Mr. Ian McCartney
  We estimate that implementation of the national minimum wage has directly benefited almost 2 million workers. Initial feedback indicates that very few employers are deliberately seeking to evade their responsibilities. Recent research commissioned by Reed Personnel Services shows that almost 9 out of 10 companies surveyed support the national minimum wage in principle and were paying their workers the minimum wage rates in advance of its introduction on 1 April.

  The Inland Revenue is enforcing the national minimum wage policy, and will supply this Department with data on all matters relating to compliance on a regular basis. Further information on the impact of the introduction of the minimum wage will be available once official statistics are published in the autumn.

  Standards (Goods and Services)
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what regulations apply to the standards of goods and services sent to the United Kingdom by companies based overseas; and if he will make a statement. [82043]

  Dr. Howells
  [holding answer 26 April 1999]: As far as I am aware, all the regulations for which my Department has responsibility dealing with goods and services supplied in the UK, apply irrespective of whether the company supplying those goods or services are based within the UK or elsewhere overseas.

  ECGD
  Mr. McNulty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement about the future of the Export Credits Guarantee Department's reinsurance facilities. [82624]

  Mr. Wilson
  Following the privatisation of ECGD's Insurance Services Group in 1991, which was responsible for providing credit insurance in respect of raw materials, consumer durables type exports normally sold on up to 6 months credit, ECGD has provided reinsurance support to private sector credit insurers when there has been a lack of private reinsurance for this class of exports. Since then, demand for ECGD reinsurance has declined as private market capacity has increased. ECGD is to conduct a review of its role in the provision of reinsurance. This will be preceded by a public consultation which will commence shortly. The results of the review are expected in the Autumn.

  A copy of ECGD's consultation document has been placed in the Library of the House.

WALES

  National Assembly
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what meetings he has had with the Assembly election campaign leaders of each of the political parties. [79387]

  Mr. Michael
  I am not sure what is meant by "election campaign leaders". I have had no meetings with any individuals in respect of the organisation of the Assembly election campaign for their Party. I have had many contacts with Welsh MPs, including the right hon. Member for Caernarfon (Mr. Wigley) and the hon. Member for Brecon and Radnorshire (Mr. Livsey), as the leaders of their Welsh Parliamentary Parties, and as there are no Welsh Conservative MPs, with the hon. Member for Woodspring (Dr. Fox) as the spokesperson for the Conservative Party on Welsh Affairs. I have also had regular informal contact with Mr. Rod Richards and Mr. Mike German as the respective leaders of the Conservative Party and the Liberal Democrat Party in Wales.

  Inward Investment
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the work he has done to secure(a) Korean and (b) Japanese inward investment into the United Kingdom. [81102]

  Mr. Hain
  [holding answer 16 April 1999]: In addition to taking any opportunity to promote Wales to overseas markets, my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Wales has hosted a reception at Lancaster House for senior Japanese industrialists and has written to potential and existing investors. He has also met the Ambassador of each country.

  I led an inward investment mission to Japan last October. These efforts have been in addition to the day-to-day efforts of the Welsh Development Agency.

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

  Long-standing Illnesses
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many people have been diagnosed as suffering limiting long-standing illness or disability in each of the (i) unitary and (ii) health authority areas in Wales for each of the past 10 years. [81338]

  Numbers with a limiting long-term illness, by authority

  Health authority

  Local authority

  Long-term illness, health problems or handicap limiting daily activities or work that can be done 1991 Census of population

  Long-standing illness, disability or infirmity having troubled or likely to affect a person over a period of time 1997 Welsh household interview survey estimates 1

  North Wales

  91,275

  97,400

  Isle of Anglesey

  9,463

  11,400

  Gwynedd

  15,522

  15,300

  Conwy

  16,140

  15,500

  Denbighshire

  14,179

  14,200

  Flintshire

  18,093

  20,700

  Wrexham

  17,878

  20,300

  Dyfed Powys

  69,395

  70,800

  Powys

  15,510

  14,200

  Ceredigion

  8,320

  7,900

  Pembrokeshire

  15,239

  13,500

  Carmarthenshire

  30,326

  35,200

  Morgannwg

  89,493

  92,500

  Swansea

  37,951

  41,300

  Neath Port Talbot

  28,799

  28,200

  Bridgend

  22,743

  23,000

  Bro Taf

  115,054

  117,000

  The Vale of Glamorgan

  14,793

  17,900

  Cardiff

  38,426

  40,400

  Rhondda Cynon Taff

  49,016

  46,200

  Merthyr Tydfil

  12,819

  12,500

  Gwent

  92,801

  96,500

  Caerphilly

  32,665

  33,700

  Blaenau Gwent

  15,291

  16,100

  Torfaen

  15,535

  16,400

  Monmouthshire

  9,653

  8,000

  Newport

  19,657

  22,300

  Wales

  458,018

  474,100

  1Figures may not add-up exactly due to rounding

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

  Workless Households
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many children were living in workless households in each local authority area in Wales in each of the past 10 years. [81331]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  The only available information, as given in the following table, is based on the 1991 Census of Population and the 1997 Welsh Household Interview Survey, the latter being a sample survey and subject to sampling error. The two sources are not wholly comparable, but can be used as an indication of the relative numbers by authority in each year.
  86
  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  Information on the basis of a diagnosis is not centrally available. The only available information, as given in the table, is based on the 1991 Census of Population and the 1997 Welsh Household Interview Survey, the latter being a sample survey and subject to sampling error. The two sources are not wholly comparable, but can be used as an indication of the relative numbers by authority in each year.

  Children living in workless households, by authority

  Dependent children in households with no adult in employment

  Dependent children in households with no one of working age in work

  1991 census of population

  1997 Welsh Household Interview Survey estimates1

  Isle of Anglesey

  2,884

  2,800

  Gwynedd

  3,937

  5,500

  Conwy

  3,157

  6,100

  Denbighshire

  2,917

  4,100

  Flintshire

  4,193

  6,800

  Wrexham

  4,874

  6,500

  Powys

  2,690

  3,800

  Ceredigion

  1,889

  2,400

  Pembrokeshire

  4,726

  6,700

  Carmarthenshire

  5,862

  8,500

  Swansea

  11,264

  14,400

  87

  Children living in workless households, by authority

  Dependent children in households with no adult in employment

  Dependent children in households with no one of working age in work

  1991 census of population

  1997 Welsh Household Interview Survey estimates 1

  Neath Port Talbot

  6,488

  9,300

  Bridgend

  5,750

  6,900

  The Vale of Glamorgan

  4,446

  5,900

  Cardiff

  15,986

  17,500

  Rhondda, Cynon, Taff

  13,131

  16,600

  Merthyr Tydfil

  4,266

  6,700

  Caerphilly

  9,402

  12,300

  Blaenau Gwent

  4,048

  5,100

  Torfaen

  4,368

  5,500

  Monmouthshire

  1,627

  2,800

  Newport

  7,563

  11,300

  Wales

  125,468

  167,600

  1 Figures do not add up exactly due to rounding

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

  Depression
  Mr. Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many people have been diagnosed as suffering from depression in each (i) health and (ii) unitary authority area in Wales in each of the past 10 years. [81339]

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  In the Welsh Health Survey, a postal survey carried out in 1995, people were asked "Do you have depression now that you have had for 3 months or more?". The following table shows, by health authority and unitary authority, the percentage of the respondents (aged 18 and over) who answered yes. Because of possible response bias in surveys of this nature, the figures given may overstate the actual prevalence of the condition in the population.

  Information for other years is not available centrally.

  Percentage of adult population (aged 18 and over) reporting depression, 1995

  Area of residence

  North Wales health authority

  6.1

  Isle of Anglesey

  5.1

  Gwynedd

  6.1

  Conwy

  6.1

  Denbighshire

  5.2

  Flintshire

  6.1

  Wrexham

  6.9

  Dyfed Powys health authority

  7.6

  Powys

  6.9

  Ceredigion

  7.7

  Pembrokeshire

  7.5

  Carmarthenshire

  7.9

  Morgannwg health authority

  7.3

  Swansea

  6.9

  Neath Port Talbot

  8.8

  Bridgend

  6.7

  Bro Taf health authority

  8.7

  Vale of Glamorgan

  7.4

  Cardiff

  7.3

  Rhondda, Cynon, Taff

  10.7

  Merthyr Tydfil

  10.5

  88

  Percentage of adult population (aged 18 and over) reporting depression, 1995

  Area of residence

  Gwent health authority

  7.2

  Caerphilly

  8.4

  Blaenau Gwent

  10.4

  Torfaen

  7.2

  Monmouthshire

  4.0

  Newport

  6.5

  Wales

  7.4

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

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Genetically Modified Food
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the total number of genetically modified food trial sites; how frequently they have been inspected by the Health and Safety Executive; and if he will list those sites which have not been inspected in the past 12 months. [72677]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 24 February 1999]: Since the current regulations came into force in 1993, genetically modified crops have been grown on approximately 373 individual test sites, some at the same research establishments or farms. In the coming growing season, we have received notifications that genetically modified crops will be grown at 65 different sites.

  There is no set pattern of inspection. In previous years about half of the active test sites have been inspected each year. From April 1999, inspections will increase so that at least one test site from each consent is inspected. In total, we expect about 70 to 80 site inspections to take place and repeat inspections will be carried out where necessary. Also from this year, an annual report on inspection activities is to be produced listing the sites which were inspected. Copies of the report will be placed in the Library as soon as the report is produced.

  Genetically Modified Animals
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many genetically modified animals, by species, have been exported in each year from 1990 to date, and to where. [81262]

  Mr. Meacher
  [holding answer 19 April 1999]: The information requested is not available. There is no requirement to keep or collect such information.

  Anyone intending to use premises for the keeping of genetically modified animals in the United Kingdom must give prior notification to the Health and Safety Executive under the Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations, but there is no requirement to keep records of the export of such animals.
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  The keeping of genetically modified mammals is subject to licencing by the Home Office and the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act. The Home Office collects figures on the discharge of transgenic animals but these figures do not distinguish between export and other methods of discharge such as humane killing.

  Genetically Modified Crops
  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to have gathered enough scientific evidence from farm-scale testing of genetically modified crops to make an assessment of the environmental and wildlife consequences of the commercial growing of such crops. [81639]

  Mr. Meacher
  It is difficult to give a clear statement about when we expect to have gathered enough scientific evidence, but the programme of ecological studies will run for three years in the first instance.

  In the first year, the evaluations of the effects of the management of the GM crops on wildlife will be carried out on a limited number of sites, as explained in my answer given today to my hon. Friend's other question (PQ 81638). The first year's work will establish the methodology for future years, but will also generate information which could give an early indication of whether there could be adverse effects.

  The work in the subsequent years 2000 and 2001 will be carried out on at least 20 sites for each crop. Because this work is carried out on a greater number of sites, the results will have greater statistical significance. The research contractors will be following the crops through the cropping rotations in subsequent years.

  To ensure that this work is scientifically sound, we are in the process of appointing an independent steering committee to oversee the experimental design and methodologies, the statistics, and to advise on the interpretation of the results. I will consider the advice of this committee about at what stage we have gathered enough evidence and whether, and if so, what further studies need to be carried out. The work will be reviewed year by year and we will use this to decide how best to proceed with the managed development of GM crops in the UK.

  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has for farm-scale test sites for genetically modified crops in addition to the three he announced on 15 April in the current year. [81638]

  Mr. Meacher
  This year, three fields of genetically modified (GM) spring oilseed rape and four fields of GM maize will be planted for the farm-scale evaluations and compared with a similar number of fields of equivalent non-GM crops. It is anticipated that three to five fields of GM winter oilseed rape will be planted in August.

  In subsequent years, at least 20 fields of each crop will be planted to enable the evaluations to be carried out at a scale which will generate sufficient information to ensure
  90
  that a rigorous statistical analysis can be carried out to identify whether or not the management of the GM crops results in indirect effects on wildlife compared to non-GM crops.

  Information on the farm-scale evaluations will be published shortly on the DETR Website (www.environment.detr.gov.uk/acre/wildlife/index.htm).

  Joan Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what regulations he has applied to the dispersal of seed from genetically modified crops grown in farm-scale test sites over the next five years. [81640]

  Mr. Meacher
  All the releases of genetically modified (GM) crops will be carried out under the appropriate authorisations in accordance with the Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release) Regulations 1992, as amended. With respect to the control of dispersal of seed, the farmers growing the crops will in addition be applying the guidelines being prepared by the industry body Supply Chain Initiative for Modified Agricultural Crops (SCIMAC). The draft guidelines cover the issue of seed dispersal, and farmers will be advised to take the necessary precautions to prevent seed spillage and dispersal.

  Highways Agency
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what quality control measures are in place to ensure that highway repairs undertaken by the Highways Agency are of adequate durability. [81957]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Highway repairs undertaken by the Highways Agency are usually procured under contract and the terms of the contract include the "Specification for Highway Works" (the latest edition was published by the Stationery Office in May 1998). This is the main document that sets out the performance, materials and workmanship requirements.

  Workmanship on site and contract compliance is supervised by suitably qualified and experienced highway engineers and inspectors commissioned by the Highways Agency.

  The specification includes detail of checkpoints at which suppliers provide the Highway's Agency's agents with evidence of compliance with the specification either by testing of materials and/or by staged inspection of the work. Work is not accepted until it is certified as meeting the requirements of the
  specification.

  Contaminated Land
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) when he plans to bring into force the contaminated land regime in Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990; [81798]

  (2) when he plans to lay guidance issued under the contaminated land regime before each House of Parliament; [81799]
  91
  (3) what plans he has to consult the public on proposed guidance under the contaminated land regime before it is laid before Parliament. [81800]

  Mr. Meale
  [holding answer 26 April 1999)Implementation of the contaminated land regime in Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 is dependent upon statutory guidance to be issued by the Secretary of State, and also on secondary legislation.

  The Act requires the Secretary of State to consult the Environment Agency and others before he issues that guidance. Two rounds of consultation on draft texts have been carried out. We intend to issue a further draft of the guidance, for a final round of consultations, in June, with the aim of laying the final draft before each House of Parliament before the Summer recess. We intend to make the Commencement Order and Regulations necessary to implement the Part IIA regime at the same time.

  This should enable us to bring the regime into force in England on 1 December. Implementation of the regime in Scotland and Wales is the responsibility of their respective Secretaries of State.

  Asbestos
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the current maximum sentence for serious offences relating to asbestos. [81026]

  Mr. Meale
  At present, the higher courts may impose unlimited fines for Health and Safety at work offences, including those related to asbestos, and may imprison people for breaching asbestos licensing requirements. The lower courts may fine up to £20,000 for certain charges, which may be brought in asbestos-related cases, and up to £5,000 for others. However, within the broad statutory limits set by Parliament, sentences in individual cases are a matter for the Courts alone.

  I am concerned that the general level of penalties imposed by the Courts for Health and Safety offences, including those related to asbestos, do not match their seriousness, especially given that lives are being put at risk. The Government are considering what can be done to address this, including consideration of whether the available maximum penalties remain appropriate.

  Motor Insurers Bureau
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what organisations and individuals he has(a) consulted,

  Vacant dwelling stock, by category of ownership, as at 1 April 1998

  Unitary authority

  Registered social landlords

  All other tenures 1

  Total stock

  Bath and North East Somerset

  133

  21

  1,231

  1,385

  Bristol

  679

  368

  4,550

  5,597

  North Somerset

  98

  19

  3,673

  3,790

  South Gloucestershire

  74

  252

  2,429

  2,555

  1 All Other Tenures covers "other public" and "other private" sectors as reported on HIP returns

  2Denotes HIP data not available; Housing Corporation Regulatory and Statistical Return (RSR) information (as at 31 March) used

  Source

  DETR Housing Investment Programme 01 Returns 1998
  92
  (b) received requests for consultation from and (c) received representations from concerning his proposals for changes to the Motor Insurers Bureau arrangements. [82336]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  Representations have been received over the years since the last revision from many applicants, their legal representatives and from solicitors' organisations. Representations have also been received from the European Commission. All of these are taken into consideration in the review of the Agreements. We have recently received and accepted a request from the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers that they be consulted in the review of the Uninsured Drivers Agreement which is nearing completion.

  Trains (Reliability)
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with(a) Great Western Trains and (b) South Wales and West Railway about improving reliability. [81907]

  Ms Glenda Jackson
  The Secretary of State had general discussions with both these Train Operating Companies at the November 1998 and February 1999 Rail Summits. OPRAF monitors the performance of franchise agreements by Train Operating Companies and agrees remedial action with them as necessary to ensure compliance with contractual obligations. The reliability and punctuality of Train Operating Companies is reported in OPRAF's Quarterly Bulletins, copies of which are in the Library of the House.

  Planning Obligations
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he proposes to publish new guidelines on the use of planning obligations. [81908]

  Mr. Raynsford
  It is planned to issue a Consultation Paper on Planning Obligations this year. Current guidelines on the use of Planning Obligations are set out in DOE Circular 1/97.

  Vacant Dwellings (Avon)
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many vacant dwellings there are in each of the unitary authorities in the former county of Avon. [82302]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The latest available data are as follows:

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Subsidiarity
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list those topics to which subsidiarity cannot apply, being wholly within the sole competence of the European Union. [81430]

  Ms Quin
  There are two topics which are solely within the competence of the European Community by virtue of the Community Treaties, and to which subsidiarity is therefore not applicable. These are: (a)the Common Commercial Policy; and (b)the Common Fisheries Policy insofar as it relates to conservation of marine resources.

  The Community may also acquire implied exclusive competence by enacting legislation which restricts the ability of Member States to act in a particular area as long as that legislation is in force. Examples of such areas are parts of the Single Market and the Common Agricultural Policy. However, before enacting this legislation, the Community would, since entry into force of the Maastricht Treaty, have had to take subsidiarity concerns into account.

  Departmental Legal Business
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 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.[81754]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer he received from my hon. and learned Friend the Solicitor-General on 26 April 1999,Official Report, column 1. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office conducts very few proceedings in the UK domestic courts. For proceedings in international tribunals, such as the International Court of Justice or the European Court of Human Rights, nominations of Counsel to represent the United Kingdom are always sought from the Attorney-General, bearing in mind the level of national importance of a particular issue and the legal expertise required.

  Iran
  Mr. Donald Anderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects diplomatic representation with Iran to be raised to the level of ambassador. [82216]

  Mr. Fatchett
  The exchange of ambassadors with Iran was part of the agreement between the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and his Iranian counterpart Dr. Kharrazi in New York last September. We remain committed to this and expect that the exchange will take place in the next few weeks.

  Mr. Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to continue to make representations to the Iranian Government on the position of followers of the Baha'i faith currently living in Iran; and if he will make a statement [82155]
  94
  Mr. Fatchett
  We and our EU partners have regularly raised with the Iranian authorities our concerns over certain aspects of their human rights record, and in particular the plight of the Baha'i community in Iran.

  An EU sponsored resolution at the recent United Nations Commission on Human Rights, including firm language on the plight of the Baha'is, was adopted on 23 April.

  We will continue to raise these matters with the Iranian Government in bilateral and EU contracts.

  Algeria
  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Algerian Government on co-operation with the UN(a) Special Rapporteur on Torture, (b) Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions and (c) Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances; and what undertakings he has received from the Algerian Government in this regard. [81986]

  Mr. Fatchett
  I visited the UN Human Rights Commission in Geneva on 31 March to deliver the UK national speech. In it, I mentioned our disappointment at Algeria's continued refusal to grant access to the Special Rapporteurs on Torture and on Extrajudicial Killings. With our support, the EU also urged the Algerian government to cooperate with the UN Working Group on Enforced Disappearances.

  We have received no undertakings from the Algerian government to cooperate with these UN bodies, even though they are obliged to do so by UN rules.

  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action the Government are proposing to take at this year's UN Commission on Human Rights in respect of human rights abuses in Algeria. [81987]

  Mr. Fatchett
  While delivering the UK national speech to this year's UN Commission on Human Rights on 31 March, I expressed our continued disappointment at Algeria's refusal to allow UN human rights bodies access to the country, even though they are obliged to do so.

  Gibraltar
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the outcome of the discussion held with the Chief Minister of Gibraltar on 20 April. [82028]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 26 April 1999]: My right hon. Friend did not meet the Chief Minister on 20 April. However, I had a useful discussion with him which covered the European Parliament vote; financial services; Schengen; Moroccan workers in Gibraltar; and the UK/Spain Summit.

  European Union Council
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the forthcoming business in the Council of the European Union for May and the major European Union events for the next six months. [82623]
  95
  Ms Quin
  The information is as follows:

  Monthly forecast of business: May 1999

  Date

  >Venue

  >Event

  3–7

  >Strasbourg

  >European Parliament Plenary

  6

  >Brussels

  >EU-ACP Ministerial meeting

  7–9

  >Weimar

  >Environment Ministers (Informal)

  10

  >Brussels

  >ECOFIN

  10–11

  >Berlin

  >Trade Ministers (Informal)

  11

  >Brussels

  >Energy Council

  17–18

  >Brussels

  >General Affairs Council

  17–18

  >Brussels

  >Agriculture Council

  18

  >Brussels

  >EEA Council

  18

  >Brussels

  >Co-operation Council with Russia

  18–19

  >Weimar

  >Culture Ministers (Informal)

  20

  >Brussels

  >Research Council

  21

  >Brussels

  >Development Council

  25

  >Brussels

  >ECOFIN

  25

  >Brussels

  >Labour and Social Affairs Council

  27

  >Brussels

  >Youth Council

  27–28

  >Brussels

  >Justice and Home Affairs Council

  31

  >Brussels

  >General Affairs Council

  30 May-1 June

  >Dresden

  >Agriculture Ministers (Informal)

  No agendas have yet been circulated for the above meetings.

  European Calendar: May-October 1999

  This calendar is primarily concerned with European Union matters, but certain other relevant events are also included. Events and dates quoted are based on the information available on the date of issue.

  Date

  >Venue

  >Event

  May

  3–7

  >Strasbourg

  >European Parliament Plenary

  6

  >Brussels

  >EU-ACP Ministerial meeting

  7–9

  >Weimar

  >Environment Ministers (Informal)

  10

  >Brussels

  >ECOFIN

  10–11

  >Berlin

  >Trade Ministers (Informal)

  11

  >Brussels

  >Energy Council

  17–18

  >Brussels

  >General Affairs Council

  17–18

  >Brussels

  >Agriculture Council

  18

  >Brussels

  >EEA Council

  18

  >Brussels

  >Co-operation Council with Russia

  18–19

  >Weimar

  >Culture Ministers (Informal)

  20

  >Brussels

  >Research Council

  21

  >Brussels

  >Development Council

  25

  >Brussels

  >ECOFIN

  25

  >Brussels

  >Labour and Social Affairs Council

  27

  >Brussels

  >Youth Council

  27–28

  >Brussels

  >Justice and Home Affairs Council

  31

  >Brussels

  >General Affairs Council

  30 May-1 June

  >Dresden

  >Agriculture Ministers (Informal)

  June

  1

  Dresden

  Agriculture Ministers (Informal)

  3–4

  >Cologne

  >European Council

  7

  >Luxembourg

  >Education Council

  8

  >Luxembourg

  >Health Council

  10

  >Luxembourg

  >Fisheries Council

  10–13

  European Parliament Elections

  14

  Luxembourg

  >ECOFIN (possible)

  14–15

  Luxembourg

  Agriculture Council

  17

  Bonn

  EU-Japan Summit

  17–18

  Luxembourg

  Transport Council

  21

  Luxembourg

  Internal Market Council

  21

  Bonn

  EU-USA/Canada Summit

  21–22

  Luxembourg

  General Affairs Council

  22

  Luxembourg

  Labour and Social Affairs Council (possible)

  24–25

  Luxembourg

  Environment Council

  25–29

  Rio de Janeiro

  EU-Latin America/Caribbean Summit

  28

  Luxembourg

  Culture Council

  96

  Date

  Venue

  Event

  July

  2–3

  Oulu

  Industry and Research Ministers (Informal)

  9–10

  Oulu

  Labour/Social Affairs Ministers (Informal)

  12

  Brussels

  ECOFIN

  16

  Brussels

  Budget Council

  18–20

  Savonlinna

  Culture/Audiovisual Ministers (Informal)

  19–20

  Brussels

  General Affairs Council

  19–20

  Brussels

  Agriculture Council

  20–23

  Strasbourg

  European Parliament Plenary

  23–25

  Helsinki

  Environment Ministers (Informal)

  26–28

  Brussels

  EU-ACP Ministerial Meeting

  August

  No Council Business

  September

  4–5

  Saariselka

  Foreign Ministers (Informal)

  10–11

  Turku

  ECOFIN (Informal)

  12–14

  Tampere

  Agriculture Ministers (Informal)

  13–14

  Brussels

  General Affairs Council

  13–17

  Strasbourg

  European Parliament Plenary

  16–17

  Turku

  Justice and Home Affairs Ministers (Informal)

  23

  Brussels

  Telecommunications Council

  24–25

  Tampere

  Education Ministers (Informal)

  27–28

  Kuopio

  Ministers of Housing

  27–28

  Brussels

  Agriculture Council

  October

  4–5

  Brussels

  Justice and Home Affairs Council

  4–5

  Tampere

  Regional Policy Ministers

  6

  Brussels

  Transport Council

  7

  Brussels

  Internal Market

  8

  Brussels

  ECOFIN

  11–2

  Brussels

  General Affairs Council

  11–12

  Brussels

  Environment Council

  15–16

  Tampere

  Special European Council

  18–19

  Brussels

  Agriculture Council

  22

  Brussels

  Labour/Social Affairs Council

  26

  Brussels

  Fisheries Council

  28

  Brussels

  Research Council

  29

  Brussels

  Justice and Home Affairs Council

PRIME MINISTER

  Economic Sovereignty
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will set out his definition of the term "pooling of economic sovereignty". [81737]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer the hon. Member to the oral statement given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 27 October 1997,Official Report, columns 583–88.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Queen's Counsel
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security 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. [81765]
  97
  Mr. Timms
  The Department does use Queen's Counsel in the conduct of its litigation. They are used for important and complex cases. For the rest, the Department uses the panel counsel referred to in the Written Answer to the hon. Member from my hon. and learned Friend the Solicitor-General on 26 April 1999,Official Report, columns 1–2. Approval for off-panel counsel is sought from my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General as necessary. Records are not maintained in a form which would enable the number of occasions in which the Department has instructed Queen's Counsel to be identified in the last three years and the cost of doing so would incur disproportionate cost.

  Pensions
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security by how much it would be possible to increase the basic state pension, taking into account savings on means-tested benefits and increases in income tax revenues, if the £100 winter fuel payment were abolished and all the proceeds spent on the basic state pension. [81975]

  Mr. Timms
  The amount allocated for Winter Fuel Payments for 1999–2000 is £0.8 billion. We estimate that this would provide an increase in the basic State pension for one year only in the order of £2.55 a week for Category A cases and £1.50 a week for category BL cases.

  Notes

  1. The gross costs underlying this estimate have been provided by the Government Actuary's Department.

  2. Income tax offsets were provided by the Inland Revenue.

  3. Means-tested benefit offsets were estimated using the 1996–97 Family Resources Survey and the 1997 Quarterly Statistical Enquiry and are in 1999–2000 prices, earnings and benefit levels.

  4. The estimate provides a broad order of magnitude and is rounded to the nearest£0.05.

  Benefits (Private Sector)
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what further plans he has to involve the private sector in the delivery of benefits. [82291]

  Angela Eagle
  We have no plans to use the private sector to deliver Social Security benefits. However, we will be using the private sector to support the delivery of new systems and to support staff to manage the changes needed to achieve the Government's objectives for Welfare Reform.

  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what percentage of Single Focus Work Gateway pilot projects include private sector involvement. [82293]

  Angela Eagle
  Ministers decided in November 1998 that in 4 of the 12 Single Work-focused Gateway (SWFG) areas, organisations from the private and/or voluntary sector would be invited to lead the delivery of SWFG. We would expect to see all successful organisations finally selected to deliver SWFG working in partnership with local organisations from the voluntary, private and public sector within each locality.

  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the reduction in the number of public sector jobs as a result of the use of the private sector for benefit delivery. [82292]

  Angela Eagle
  None.

  Pensions (Green Paper)
  Mr. McNulty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will publish a list of the individuals and organisations that commented on "A New Contract for Welfare-Partnership in Pensions" (Cm 4179). [82635]

  Mr. Timms
  A total of 581 responses to the Green Paper on pensions were received. I have arranged for a list, in the order of receipt, of those who submitted comments to be placed in the Library of the House.

HEALTH

  Pressure-relieving Equipment
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what changes he has made to his Department's guidance ref. HSG(95)8 regarding the availability of specialist pressure-relieving equipment. [79912]

  Mr. Hutton
  HSG(95)8 "NHS responsibilities for meeting continuing health care needs" covers the arrangements that health authorities need to make for patients who have continuing health care needs which can be met in hospital, nursing homes or their own homes. The guidance confirms that people in nursing homes may require some regular access to specialist medical, nursing or other community health services, including specialist medical or nursing equipment, but does not specifically list pressure-relieving equipment. There have been no changes to the guidance since it was issued in 1995. In the light of the Health Committee report on the interface between health and social services, there will be a review of continuing health care policy.

  Health Professionals (Salaries)
  Mr. Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what has been the average salary increase for all health professionals in the NHS in each of the last five years, expressed as a percentage. [81059]

  Mr. Denham
  The average salary increase for all health professionals in the National Health Service in each of the last five years is set out in the table.

  Percentage

  Year

  1994–95

  3.0

  1995–96

  2.9

  1996–97

  3.4

  1997–98

  3.4

  1998–99

  4.0

  Notes This is a weighted average for directly employed doctors and dentists, nurses, midwives and health visitors, professions allied to medicine and staff covered by the scientific and professional Whitley Council, using the full increase and including local pay where relevant. It omits the value of increments and other changes in earnings.

  Source Pay Advance letters and annual financial returns of NHS trusts and health authorities

  Body Piercing
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many people sought medical help as the
  99
  result of body piercing in each of the past three years for which records are available; and if he will make a statement; [80864]

  (2) what powers a local authority has to revoke the ear piercing registration of a person convicted of a sexual assault; and if he will make a statement; [80863]

  (3) if a person registered for ear piercing is allowed to pierce other parts of the body; and if he will make a statement; [80862]

  (4) what (a) legislation and (b) other regulations apply to those providing (i) ear piercing and (ii) piercing of other parts of the body; and if he will make a statement.[80861]

  Ms Jowell
  Local authorities in London have powers to control ear piercing and cosmetic body piercing businesses by licensing using provisions in the London Local Authorities Act 1991, or by registration and byelaws using provisions in the Greater London Council (General Powers) Act 1981, depending on which legislation they have adopted. The majority of London local authorities have adopted licensing powers.

  Local authorities outside London have powers to register and make byelaws for ear piercing businesses under the provisions of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, but not for cosmetic body piercing businesses.

  Local authorities are empowered to make byelaws or licence conditions for ear piercing businesses related to hygienic and safe practice. Breaches of these byelaws and licence conditions may lead to the cancellation of registration or a licence.

  In addition, under the London Local Authorities Act 1991, local authorities in London may revoke or refuse to grant, renew or transfer a licence, if the individual carrying on the business is not reasonably regarded by the local authority as a fit and proper person to hold a licence. Therefore it is possible that if information about a conviction for a sexual offence came to light, the local authority may decide to revoke or refuse to grant, renew or transfer a licence.

  Following consultation by the Department in 1996 on the regulation of skin piercing, we have decided that primary legislation should be introduced, if parliamentary time allows, to give local authorities outside London powers to regulate cosmetic body piercing businesses. Those authorities are at present able to use general enforcement powers under health and safety at work legislation, should they judge that there is a risk to customers' health and safety. Also, the cosmetic body piercing businesses which are registered for ear piercing under the existing legislation will already be subject to local authority inspection.

  The Department does not have information on the number of people who seek medical help as a result of body piercing and we are not aware of any relevant studies.

  Ministerial Meetings (US)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many times Ministers in his Department met their counterparts in the US Administration between 100
  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. [81078]

  Ms Jowell
  I met the United States Secretary of State for Health, Donna Shalala at the World Health Assembly in Geneva in May 1998.

  Professional Statisticians
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health 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. [81195]

  Ms Jowell
  Within the Department of Health there are 3 Senior Civil Servants, 28 Integrated Payband 4 (Grade 7) statisticians and 12 fast-stream Assistant Statisticians employed as professional statisticians, all of whom have been recruited via the Civil Service Selection Board1. In addition, the Department employs on a permanent basis Statistical Officers who have statistical qualifications.
  1The answer covers the number of permanent statistically qualified staff working in professional statistician posts in the Department. In addition, there is I Senior Civil Servant who was recognised as a professional statistician by the then Central Statistical Office without the involvement of the Civil Service Selection Board.

  Note:
  The answer excludes staff with professional statistical qualifications working in general administrative posts and staff in regional offices of the National Health Service Executive who may be undertaking some statistical work.

  Iophendylate
  Fiona Mactaggart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much iophendylate was purchased by the National Health Service in 1998–99. [81620]

  Mr. Hutton
  No iophendylate (Myodil) was purchased by the National Health Service in 1998–99.

  Medicines Control Agency
  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when and with whom he expects the Medicines Control Agency to consult about revisions to the proposals in its consultation document MLX 249. [81650]

  Ms Jowell
  We are grateful for all the representations received during the consultation period which ended on 31 January. Having fully considered those representations we will decide whether and what legislation should be placed before Parliament. We have no current plans for further public consultation.

  Dentistry
  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what plans he has for the long-term future of dentistry in the NHS; [81875]

  (2) what plans he has to ensure a comprehensive NHS dentistry service is available throughout the country; [81874]
  101
  (3) what is the Government's long-term policy on NHS dentistry. [81873]

  Mr. Denham
  These issues are under consideration as part of the strategy for National Health Service Dentistry that we will publish in due course.

  Jackie Ballard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what target his Department has set for the number of dentists providing NHS services per 1,000 population. [81865]

  Mr. Denham
  Health authorities are responsible for monitoring the provision of National Health Service dental services in the area. The table shows that on 31 December of each year from 1996 to 1998, there was an increase in the number of dentists providing general dental services per 1,000 population.

  General Dental Service: Number of GDS dentists 1 per 1,000 population at 31 December in England

  Year

  Number

  Per 1,000 population

  1996

  16,341

  0.33

  1997

  16,722

  0.34

  1998

  17,266

  0.35

  1 The number of dentists are a head count not whole time equivalents

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many bids have been received from dentists in Northavon since the launch of his Investing in Dentistry initiative; and how many of these have been successful. [81955]

  Mr. Denham
  No Investing in Dentistry funding requests have been received from Northavon.

  St. George's Hospital (Tooting)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what has been the change in(a) waiting lists and (b) waiting time for consultation at St. George's Hospital, Tooting, in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement. [81886]

  Mr. Denham
  At 28 February 1999, 6,464 people were waiting for inpatient treatment at St. George's Healthcare National Health Service Trust, a reduction of 1,668 since 31 March 1998. At 31 December 1998, 2,195 people had been waiting 13 weeks or more for a first outpatient appointment there, an increase of 905 since 31 March 1998.

  Osteoporosis
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he plans to publish clinical guidelines on osteoporosis prevention and treatment. [81884]

  Ms Jowell
  The Royal College of Physicians published "Osteoporosis: clinical guidelines for prevention and treatment" on 12 March 1999. Copies of the guidelines are available direct from the Royal College.

  Ongar War Memorial Hospital
  Mr. Pickles
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the closure of Ongar War Memorial Hospital. [81871]
  102
  Mr. Denham
  No decision has been made about the future of Ongar War Memorial Hospital. The health authority has not yet provided all the information necessary to enable Ministers to take a decision on the long-term future of the hospital.

  We understand that the National Health Service trust may be considering closing the hospital on health and safety grounds. This is a matter which is the responsibility of the trust.

  Treatment Costs
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will estimate the cost to the National Health Service of treating people who have been injured by animals in each of the last three years; [81775]

  (2) if he will introduce measures to enable those in charge of animals which have caused injuries requiring health service treatment to be charged for that treatment. [81774]

  Mr. Denham
  Central information is collected annually on the cost of treatments and procedures for services undertaken by National Health Services trusts. These costs are not differentiated between the cause of the treatment, for example whether the treatment was required as a result of animals, a fall etc., and therefore we are unable to estimate the costs of services in this way. There are no plans to introduce charges to owners for the cost of treating people injured by their animals.

  Food Standards Agency
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many existing staff from his Department will be transferred to the Food Standards Agency. [82271]

  Ms Jowell
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Maidenhead (Mrs. May) on 29 March 1999,Official Report, column 500.

DEFENCE

  Second World War Airmen
  Dr. Tony Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will release the information held by his Department on the number of airmen during the Second World War who were classified as lacking moral fibre; and if he will take steps to remove this classification from service records. [81341]

  Mr. Doug Henderson
  Aircrews in the Second World War included personnel from all three Services, although the Royal Air Force were the only Service to use the classification of "lacking moral fibre". Cases where aircrew had significant psychological problems were dealt with by administrative procedures and fell into two categories; those which were seen as having medical causes, and those where the determination and reliability of the airman in the face of danger were doubted. It was the latter category that were actually classed as "lacking moral fibre".

  The Royal Air Force has no central record of officers/airmen classified as "lacking moral fibre" during World War H and this information could be obtained only

  103
  through a manual check of individual personnel files. Whilst it might be possible to obtain background information on officers categorised as "lacking moral fibre", airmen's personal files will have been destroyed, and only a basic Record of Service retained. It would not therefore be possible to discover any background information on the reasons behind any "lack of moral fibre" annotation recorded on an individual airman's record.

  Service Records are amended only on those rare occasions when there is irrefutable evidence that inaccurate information has been entered. The Ministry of Defence therefore has no plans to review those cases categorised as "lacking moral fibre" during World War II, or to remove this classification from those airmen's individual records which have survived.

  Landmines
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has obtained on the laying of anti-personnel landmines and anti-tank mines by the Yugoslav army in Kosovo. [81994]

  Mr. George Robertson
  There is evidence that both anti-tank mines and anti-personnel mines have been employed by the Yugoslav army in Kosovo since April of last year. While our information is incomplete, we believe that in central and south west Kosovo, where many of the minefields are laid, these are small scale. Along the Albanian and Macedonian borders with Kosovo, there is evidence of more conventional large scale minefields.

  Munitions (Kosovo)
  Mr. Frank Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what munitions are being used by the RAF in the Kosovo campaign that employ a form of sub-munition designed to impede damage repair. [82149]

  Mr. George Robertson
  None.

  War Cabinet
  Mr. Keith Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions since 24 March the Chiefs of Staff have accompanied the Chief of the Defence Staff to meetings of the War Cabinet. [81665]

  Mr. George Robertson
  [holding answer 22 April 1999]: It is established practice under Section 2 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information not to disclose information relating to proceedings of Cabinet and Cabinet Committees. However, as I have made clear publicly on a number of occasions, we are not at war with the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. There is therefore no War Cabinet. The Prime Minister regularly discusses the situation in Kosovo with his Ministerial colleagues.

  Vinca Institute
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what reports he has received of the presence of nuclear material at the Vinca Institute near Belgrade. [82349]
  104
  Mr. George Robertson
  Any nuclear material held at the Vinca Nuclear Research Institute is held under the terms of the Safeguards Agreement between Yugoslavia and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and is monitored by its inspectors.

  Vegetarians
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to cater for those requiring vegetarian food when involved in front-line activities. [81909]

  Mr. Spellar
  Where fresh rations are supplied by military catering staff, a vegetarian choice is available on the daily menu for all meals. In the case of Operational Ration Packs, work has begun to identify the requirement to provide a vegetarian option.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Knitting Machine Operators
  Mr. Woolas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has for the future of the National Training Centre for Knitting Machine Mechanics and Technicians at North Warwickshire and Hinckley College. [81738]

  Mr. Mudie
  Having reviewed their mix of training provision, I understand that the college authorities have decided to close the knitting technician facility. That is a business decision for them to take and is not a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State. I am advised that there are a number of other institutions offering technician training for the knitting industry. This may well have been a factor in the decision to close the centre at North Warwickshire and Hinckley College.

  I can assure my hon. Friend that the prospective National Training Organisation for the Textiles industry—National Textiles Training Organisation—is very active in linking with education institutions to ensure the availability of an appropriate level of training facilities to meet the needs of the industry.

  FE Colleges
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to ensure that colleges of further education are not penalised financially as a result of the transfer of responsibility for funding part-time higher education courses in further education colleges from the Further Education Funding Council to the Higher Education Funding Council. [81872]

  Mr. Mudie
  The funding to transfer from FEFC to HEFCE from 1999–2000 has been calculated based on detailed information from the colleges concerned. These colleges were invited to confirm that the proposed funding transfer is appropriate. HEFCE and FEFC jointly commissioned research, which has shown that HEFCE will fund the transferred provision at, at least, the same level as applies now in FE.

  A-levels (Maths and Science)
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what action he has taken to
  105
  monitor standards in A-level subjects in (a) mathematics, (b) physics, (c) chemistry and (d) other science subjects since May 1997. [81853]

  Mr. Mudie
  The Government are committed to ensuring that standards in all public examinations are rigorously maintained. The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority carries out a rolling programme of reviews to ensure that examination demand and grade standards are maintained in all major subjects. The first such review, published in 1996, confirmed that standards in A-level mathematics and chemistry remained broadly comparable between 1975 and 1995. The second review, published in March this year, confirmed that standards in A-level physics remained broadly comparable between 1976 and 1996. The A-level biology review is due to be published next year. Specific recommendations from the reviews for ensuring that standards continue to be maintained—and where necessary are strengthened—are being incorporated in the revised A-level criteria, which will underpin the new syllabuses to be introduced from September 2000.

  Further Education Funding Council
  Dr. Vis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what the value was of the(a) funds administered by the Further Education Funding Council and (b) overheads of the Further Education Funding Council in the last year for which figures are available. [81881]

  Mr. Mudie
  In 1998–99, the value of the funds administered by the FEFC were £3,112,265,976 and the overheads of the FEFC were £22,610,000.

  Early Years Education
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what progress he has made in establishing an early years learning curriculum. [81989]

  Ms Hodge
  We have asked the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) to review the existing Desirable Outcomes for Children's Learning on Entering Compulsory Education. The QCA published a consultation paper in February and the consultation closes on 30 April.

  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to his answer of 23 March 1999,Official Report, columns 200–01, when he expects to be able to publish the detailed breakdown of the expected expenditure on early years education in 1998–99. [82014]

  Ms Hodge
  [holding answer 26 April 1999]: Expenditure
  plans—including estimated outturn expenditure for 1998–99—were published in the Departmental Report of the department for Education and Employment and Office for Standards in Education (Cm 4202) in March 1999. These included the following estimates of outturn expenditure on early years education and childcare in 1998–99:

  £ million

  National Childcare Strategy

  27

  Funding from the windfall tax for the National Childcare Strategy

  25

  Under fives

  137

  Local authority expenditure on under fives education

  1,692

  Sure Start

  3

  New Deal (Pilot Projects)
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what percentage of New Deal pilot projects include private sector involvement. [82303]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  Private sector organisations lead delivery in 10 (36 per cent.) of the 28 pilots for the New Deal for long term unemployed people aged 25 or over and five (42 per cent.) of the 12 Personal Adviser Service pilot projects and three (12 per cent.) of the 24 Innovative schemes under the New Deal for the Disabled. Private sector organisations may also be involved in New Deal pilots as sub-contractors.

  Disability Discrimination Act 1995
  Mrs. Humble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when the next stage of Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 will come into force; and if he will make a statement. [82542]

  Ms Hodge
  The next stage of Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 will come into force on 1 October. Service providers will then have to take reasonable steps to change practices, policies or procedures which make it impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled people to use a service; provide auxiliary aids or services which would make it easier for, or enable, disabled people to use a service; and overcome physical features which make it impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled people to use a service, by providing the service by a reasonable alternative means.

  I have placed in the Library copies of the report on the public consultation exercise that the Government held jointly with the National Disability Council from 30 July 1998 to 13 November 1998, as well as copies of the Regulatory Impact Assessment. I have also laid supporting regulations and a revised Code of Practice, which describes the current and new duties and gives examples of good practice. It also helps service providers and disabled people to understand the law. Subject to the completion of the relevant Parliamentary procedures, we aim to publish the Code, and other information about the Act, at the end of June. This represents significant progress in our programme to tackle discrimination against disabled people.

  The final phase of the later rights in Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act is scheduled to come into force in 2004. As a matter of good practice, service providers should be considering now what steps to take in respect of removing or altering or providing a means of avoiding physical obstacles which prevent access to their services.

  The duty of reasonable adjustment on trade organisations will also come into force on 1 October. They will then have to take reasonable steps to prevent any arrangements they make placing a disabled member or applicant at a substantial disadvantage compared with people who are not disabled. I have laid a separate Code of Practice for trade organisations, which takes into account the brief guidance on trade organisations currently in the Employment Code of Practice. I have also placed in the Library copies of the associated Regulatory Impact Assessment and Consultation Report. Supporting regulations are not necessary.

  New Deal for Partners of Unemployed People
  Mrs. Humble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the national launch of the New Deal for Partners of Unemployed People. [82543]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The New Deal for Partners of Unemployed People was launched today. It offers partners of people who have been receiving Jobseekers' Allowance for six months or more, the opportunity, on a voluntary basis, to receive guidance and advice on job search and training from specialist Employment Service Personal Advisers.

  The national programme will build on the experience gained by pathfinder districts—Cardiff, Leeds and Tayside—which started on 8 February.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Racial Hatred
  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) reports, (b) investigations and (c) arrests there were of crimes committed in the areas covered by (i) Hammersmith and (ii) Fulham police stations for the offence of incitement to racial hatred for the years (a) 1994, (b) 1995 and (c) 1996. [81684]

  Kate Hoey
  The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis tells me that such information as to the offence of incitement to racial hatred was not identifiable from other collected data before the introduction of the Metropolitan Police crime reporting computer system on 30 July 1996 at Hammersmith Police Station and 27 August 1996 at Fulham Police Station. No cases of incitement to racial hatred were reported or investigated, and no arrests were made, in the period from 30 July 1996 to end December 1996 at Hammersmith and, during the period 27 August 1996 to end December 1996, at Fulham.

  IND Offices, Croydon
  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average time recorded by the IND offices in Croydon for response to inquiries made to them by(a) telephone and (b) in writing for the months of (i) January, (ii) February and (iii) March. [81683]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  In respect of telephone inquiries, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Woking (Mr. Malins) on 29 March 1999,Official Report, column 537. The latest position is that the average time a caller waits in the queue has reduced to two minutes and twenty seconds. In respect of written inquiries for January, February and March, eighty four per cent. of written inquiries are responded to within 20 working days, excluding correspondence related to casework and applications.

  Probation Service
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the outcome of the review of the Probation Service's recruitment needs; and if he will publish the results. [81954]
  108
  Mr. George Howarth
  The work force planning survey of the Probation Service has not yet been completed. The data collected are currently being analysed, and it is hoped that a final report will be ready by August. The findings will be made available to Probation Service managers and probation committees.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the ergonomic assessment of the Crams IT system currently being installed by the Probation Service. [81978]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The ergonomic assessment of Case Record Administration and Management System (CRAMS) has been sent to all Chief Probation Officers; and UNISON and the National Association of Probation Officers (NAPO) have sent copies to their branch officers. Copies have also been placed in the Library.

  Juvenile Offenders
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimates he has had made of the likely change in the number of juveniles sentenced to custody during the next five years. [81979]

  Mr. Boateng
  Projections have been made of the number of young prisoners who it is expected will be either serving a custodial sentence or held on remand in all forms of secure accommodation. The projections are based on two possible scenarios:

  The assumption that the use of custody by the courts increases by 0.6 per cent. per year for males and 1 per cent. for females, which is in line with recent trends; and the assumption that, in addition to 1, there is an increase in average sentence length of 1.5 per cent. per year for males and 2 per cent. for females.

  The tables also allow for seasonal variations in each year.

  Expected populations of prisoners aged under 18

  Remand

  Sentenced

  Assumption 1

  1998–19991

  900

  1,800

  1999–2000

  1,000

  1,700

  2000–2001

  1,000

  1,800

  2001–2002

  800

  2,000

  2002–2002

  700

  2,100

  2003–2004

  700

  2,100

  2004–2005

  700

  2,200

  Assumption 2

  1998–19991

  900

  1,800

  1999–2000

  1,000

  1,900

  2000–2001

  1,100

  2,100

  2001–2002

  900

  2,400

  2002–2003

  800

  2,400

  2003–2004

  800

  2,600

  2004–2005

  800

  2,700

  1Provisional

  Actual outcomes will depend on the decisions of the courts. Other scenarios are possible. For further information on the methodology of the projections see "Projections of Long-Term Trends in the Prison Population to 2006", Home Office Statistical Bulletin 1/99, copies of which are in the Library.
  109
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has for housing juveniles within the Prison Service estate. [81976]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The initial composition of the Prison Service's new, distinct juvenile estate has now been finalised, following consultation with the Youth Justice Board. It will consist of the following establishments: Ashfield; Aylesbury; Brinsford; Castington; Feltham; Hollesley Bay; Huntercombe; Lancaster Farms; Onley; Portland; Stoke Heath; Thorn Cross; Werrington; and Wetherby. These establishments will be either juvenile-only or will contain juvenile units.

  The Prison Service also has a strategy for securing further improvements to the estate over the next three years.

  These changes will mean that all 15 to 17 year old boys will be held in separate, dedicated accommodation (other than in exceptional circumstances) in readiness for the introduction of the Detention and Training Order in April 2000.

  In relation to 15–17 year old girls, I refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Shipley (Mr. Lesley) on 8 March 1999, Official Report, columns 28–29.

  Parole
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average time taken to process parole applications. [81959]

  Mr. George Howarth
  The parole timetable for determinate sentenced prisoners specifies that the review process should be complete, and the result notified to the prisoner, within 24 weeks of the scheduled start date for the review.

  Over the past four quarters, the average time taken is as follows:

  weeks

  Average time taken to process reviews

  April 1998–June 1998

  24.7

  July 1998–September 1998

  24.0

  October 1998–December 1998

  24.0

  January 1999–March 1999

  22.1

  Young Offender Teams
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the(a) salaries, (b) leave entitlements and (c) other conditions of service for (i) police, (ii) health, (iii) education, (iv) probation and (v) social services members of young offender teams. [81958]

  Mr. Boateng
  The salaries, leave entitlements and other conditions of service of members of youth offending teams, from whichever agency they are drawn, are governed by the arrangements applying to each member's employing agency. They will vary between agencies and, in some aspects, between different parts of England and Wales, and they will vary according to the rank or grade 110
  and seniority of individual youth offending team members and, in respect of education and health staff, according to the occupational group nominated by chief education officers and health authorities as team members. It will be for youth offending team managers to manage the teams effectively, ensuring that the diversity of their membership contributes to, and does not impede, good multi-agency working.

  Drug-related Crime
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of(a) the number of drug users who are criminally active and (b) the cost of drug-related crime. [81982]

  Mr. George Howarth
  As I stated in my reply to the hon. Member for Hertsmere (Mr. Clappison) on 29 April 1998,Official Report, column 136, the information requested on criminally active drug users is not available. A report was published last year of research carried out on behalf of the Home Office by the University of Cambridge, which shed light on the links between drugs and crime. Further work is currently being conducted within this programme. The results of this additional research will be published later this year.

  At present there are no estimates of the costs of drug-related crime. However, the Home Office is currently working to develop, within the context of the crime reduction programme, an estimate of the cost of crime.

  Young Offenders Institutions
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to build additional young offenders' institutions within Greater London. [81977]

  Mr. George Howarth
  In 1998, the Prison Service acquired a site adjacent to Belmarsh prison in order to obtain planning permission to build another prison to serve the London area. It is the intention that the new prison should include a young offender institution function. Preliminary discussions have been held with the local planning authority, but a formal planning application has yet to be submitted.

  Home Detention Curfews
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of the prisoners released on home detention curfew on or since 28 January have(a) been returned to custody and (b) committed offences whilst on curfew. [81948]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Between 28 January and 21 April, 3,953 offenders have been made subject to home detention curfew. In the same period, 166 curfewees have had their licences revoked by the Secretary of State and 140 have been returned to custody.

  Home Office Circular 1/1999 requires the police to inform the Prison Service parole unit when a curfewee is charged with an offence. Between 28 January and 21 April, the parole unit has been notified of 40 such cases. As a result, 26 curfewees have had their licences revoked immediately under Section 38A(1) or Section 39 of the Criminal Justice Act 1991. In the remaining

  111
  14 cases, either the police or the probation service have been asked to pursue breach action through the courts under section 38(2) of the Criminal Justice Act 1991.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what difficulties there have been with the equipment used to enforce home detention curfews, with particular reference to multi-storey dwellings, hostels and farms. [81953]

  Mr. George Howarth
  In a small number of cases, it was initially difficult to set curfew ranges for premises in multiple occupation or of unusual shape or size; but the contractors have been able to meet these problems by installing additional monitoring equipment, re-calibrating curfew ranges or restricting the curfewee to certain areas of the property.

  Any address that is not technically suitable for monitoring will be reported to the Parole Unit of the Prison Service, which will consider whether to recall the offender to prison. To date, there have been no such reports.

  Tooting and Wandsworth Police Stations
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases of stop and search have been recorded at(a) Tooting and (b) Wandsworth police stations; and how many of these have led to arrests in each of the last three years. [81889]

  Kate Hoey
  The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis tells me that Wandsworth and Tooting police stations are part of Wandsworth Division and it is not possible to break down the figures below divisional level. He has provided the following information:

  Wandsworth Division

  1996

  1997

  1998

  Stop and Searches

  5,489

  5,784

  4,130

  Arrests Resulting

  522

  551

  386

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many ethnic minority police officers are currently stationed at(a) Tooting and (b) Wandsworth police stations. [81891]

  Kate Hoey
  The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis tells me that, on 23 April 1999, there were four police officers from visible ethnic minorities stationed at Tooting Police Station and seven at Wandsworth Police Station.

  European Elections (Voter Eligibility)
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the eligibility of those overseas voters eligible to vote in the United Kingdom general elections to vote in the forthcoming European Parliament election. [81788]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Under the European Parliamentary Elections Act 1978, as amended, an overseas elector registered to vote at a parliamentary election is entitled to vote at an European Parliamentary election.

  European Elections (Gibraltar)
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the eligibility of holders of Gibraltarian passports to stand as candidates for the European Parliament if they are(a) residents of Gibraltar and (b) resident in the United Kingdom. [81787]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Under the European Parliamentary Elections Act 1978, as amended, the holder of a Gibraltarian passport, as a citizen of the Commonwealth, is eligible in the same way as a United Kingdom citizen to stand as a candidate for election to the European Parliament wherever he or she is resident.

  European Elections (Commonwealth Citizens)
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the eligibility of citizens of Commonwealth countries, other than United Kingdom citizens, who are resident in the United Kingdom and eligible to stand as candidates for the Parliament of the United Kingdom, to stand for election to the European Parliament. [81786]

  Mr. George Howarth
  I can confirm that, under the European Parliamentary Elections Act, 1978, as amended, a Commonwealth citizen is eligible in the same way as a United Kingdom citizen to stand as a candidate for election to the European Parliament wherever he or she is resident.

  Macpherson Report
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to receive the report of the inquiry into the leaking of the Macpherson report. [81862]

  Mr. Straw
  I hope to receive the report shortly.

  Telephone Services
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions the telephone preference scheme and the access overload control scheme have been used in each of the last 20 years; which categories of user were disconnected in each case; and if he will make a statement. [82445]

  Mr. George Howarth
  Since 1987, the preference scheme has been activated by British Telecom, in order to relieve congestion on the network, or to overcome other network problems, on the following occasions:

  August 1987: Hungerford

  October 1987: South East England

  December 1988: Lockerbie

  January 1990: Southern England

  December 1990: Midlands

  February 1993: Welford upon Avon

  June 1993: Chadford.

  On each occasion the public telephone service was restricted to essential users in the emergency services,

  113
  central and local government, public call boxes and certain categories of people at risk, such as on kidney dialysis machines or in residential homes which have difficulties of access. Normal service was restored as soon as possible. Records prior to 1987 are no longer available.

  The access overload control scheme was established in November 1989. The scheme has been activated on the following occasions:

  December 1989: M6 Motorway

  June 1990: Knebworth (invoked in error)

  April 1997: Aintree

  April 1997: Crewe

  April 1997: Gatwick

  April 1997: Leeds.

  Priority was given, in each case, to the emergency services and other essential users. The general public continued to have access to the network, limited at times by the number of essential user calls being made.

  Public Pay Telephones (Prostitutes Cards)
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what consultation he has undertaken on developing new plans to combat the advertising of prostitutes in public pay telephones; and if he will make a statement; [82450]

  (2) what plans he has to introduce new measures to combat the advertising of prostitutes in public pay telephones; and if he will make a statement. [82449]

  Mr. George Howarth
  As my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for the Home Department said, in his reply to the right hon. Member for North-West Cambridgeshire (Sir B. Mawhinney) on 22 April 1999,Official Report, column 669, the Home Office hopes to publish its consultation paper on new measures to tackle the problem of prostitutes' cards in telephone kiosks next month. The consultation paper will look at options for changing the law to enable those who put cards in telephone kiosks to be dealt with more effectively.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Electronic Locks
  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee how much the electronic locks provided under the works vote for the House of Commons areas of the Parliamentary Estate cost; how many have been authorised for fitting; and if he will make a statement. [81992]

  Sir Sydney Chapman
  I understand that Serjeant at Arms wrote to my hon. Friend in December 1998 setting out the information on this subject as it stood at the time. I have asked the Serjeant at Arms to provide my hon. Friend with details of the current position and to place a copy of the letter in the Library.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Tourism
  Mr. Gordon Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what decision he has made about the new national body for tourism in England. [82544]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  On 14 December 1998 we announced in A New Cultural Framework that we would establish a new streamlined, more strategic body to support tourism in England. An Implementation Team was set up in January, supported by an Advisory Group representing the industry. We have now considered its report, which was received on 9 April and of which a copy has been placed today in the Libraries of both Houses. I am now able to announce more fully the details of the framework within which the new arrangements will operate under the leadership of a Chairman, whom I will shortly appoint.

  The new body will be known as the English Tourism Council (ETC). Its prime role will be to provide strategic leadership to drive delivery of the national tourism strategy. It will have a parallel function as a centre of excellence supporting the industry in five key areas: research, in particular work on emerging markets and sectors; quality, including work on the accommodation schemes and also attractions and seaside resorts; overseeing systems for data collection and analysis; championing sustainable tourism, and wider access; and spreading news of innovative ideas and examples of best practice in all these areas of work.

  There will be a significant switch of funding so that most is available for tourism in the regions and I want to see a new system for its distribution. This will enable a greater proportion of the strategy to be delivered at regional level and will secure enhanced benefits for tourism in the regions. The money will continue to be passed via the ETC to the Regional Tourist Boards (RTBs), except in the case of London where the Department will pass it directly to the Mayor of London, while recommending that the London Tourist Board is the most appropriate partner for delivery of the national strategy.

  We are currently considering applications received for the post of Chairman of the ETC, whom we will announce as soon as a decision has been made. At present the Board consists of six other members and we intend to increase that to eight. Decisions on staffing will be for the Chairman and Chief Executive, but are likely to lead to a different structure with higher skilled staff and a new mode of working. The ETC is likely to relocate within Thames Tower, Hammersmith but, in due course or if the funds allocated for its transition allow, the organisation may decide to move to new premises.

  Once the new Chairman and Chief Executive are in place, the ETC will be able to finalise its Strategic Action Plan and the Planning and Bidding Guidance for the Regional Tourist Boards on regional funding. We expect this to be possible by July, at which stage there will be a public launch of the new national body for tourism in England, one that has a far clearer and more focused remit than before and will be better equipped to maximise England's tourism interests. In the meantime, I am

  115
  grateful to the current Chairman, Board members and staff at ETB who continue to provide a high standard of support for this vital industry.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Professional Statisticians
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 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. [81200]

  Mr. Morley
  Statistical work is undertaken by a range of specialisms including Economists. Within this Department there are 2 Senior Civil Servants, 2 Grade 6s, 11 Grade 7s and 6 Assistant Statisticians employed as "professional" Statisticians, all of whom have been recruited via CSSB. In addition our Department employs 2 Statistical Officers.

  Two officers have applied for and been granted chartered statistician status.

  Silk Stream Flood Scheme
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects the environmental assessment of the Silk Stream flood alleviation scheme to be completed; and if he will make a statement. [81748]

  Mr. Morley
  I understand that following consultation on the Scoping Report, the Environment Agency will be undertaking an environmental assessment of the Silk Stream flood alleviation scheme with a view to publishing an Environmental Statement for formal consultation in August 2000.

  Haddock
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the 1999 haddock quota tonnage allocated to the United Kingdom and the total haddock quota tonnage available to the EU within EU and external waters. [81854]

  Mr. Morley
  The information requested is as follows:

  Stock

  EU quota (tonnes)

  UK quota

  EU waters

  Area IIa, North Sea

  69,680

  157,045

  Skagerrak and Kattegat, Area IIIb, c, d

  3,675

  0

  Area Vb, VI, XII, XIV

  19,000

  15,110

  Area VII, VIII, IX, X CECAF 34.1.1

  26,990

  4,590

  External waters

  Faroese zone

  500

  2430

  Norwegian zone (north of 62°N)

  1,700

  1,118

  Norwegian zone (south of 62°N)

  930

  0

  Total

  122,475

  78,293

  1Of which no more than 50,000 tonnes may be fished in the Norwegian zone

  2 EU quota in Faroese waters is for cod and haddock combined and is not split for each species

  Crop Sub-species
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish the arrangements for the licensing of crop sub-species. [82047]

  Mr. Rooker
  There are no licensing arrangements for crop sub species.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Prosecutions (Hammersmith and Fulham)
  Mr. Coleman
  To ask the Attorney-General how many(a) prosecutions and (b) convictions there have been for crimes committed in the areas covered by (i) Hammersmith and (ii) Fulham police stations for the years (a) 1994, (b) 1995 and (c) 1996. [81685]

  Kate Hoey
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis tells me that the Metropolitan police does not collect prosecution or conviction data for individual divisions. They are, however, able to provide data which combine persons charged, summonsed and those receiving adult cautions:

  Number

  Fulham Division

  1994

  998

  1995

  1,233

  1996

  1,049

  Hammersmith Division

  1994

  1,648

  1995

  1,747

  1996

  1,372

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Consultations (Postal Costs)
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will pay the postal costs of voluntary bodies and registered charities requested to respond to Government consultation documents; and if she will make a statement. [80915]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  When voluntary bodies and registered charities are invited to respond to a consultation document, it is not standard practice to automatically meet the postal costs incurred. However, any individual request for reimbursement would be considered on its merit. Where a voluntary organisation receives a grant from the Department towards its central administration costs, it is not unreasonable to expect postal costs in responding to consultation documents to be met from that grant.

  Lee Clegg (Trial Costs)
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the cost to her Department of the original trial of Lee Clegg in 1993. [81125]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 19 April 19991 It would be possible to answer this question only at disproportionate cost.

  Paramilitary Violence
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) if she will list for the week ended Saturday 17 April the number of violent incidents involving paramilitary groups which took place in Northern Ireland, indicating how many involved(a) Loyalist and (b) Republican groups; [81740]

  (2) if she will list for the week ended Saturday 17 April the number of (a) punishment beatings and (b) punishment shootings which took place in Northern Ireland, indicating how many in each category were committed by (i) Loyalist and (ii) Republican groups. [81741]

  Mr. Ingram
  The number of security incidents during the period 11 April-17 April 1999 are as shown:

  Shooting incidents: 1

  Bombing incidents: 2.

  The number of casualties as a result of paramilitary-style attacks during the period are as follows:

  Loyalist

  Republican

  Assaults

  0

  1

  Shootings

  0

  1

  Total

  0

  2

  Notes

  1. Figures may be subject to minor amendment.

  2. The shooting and bombing incidents cannot as yet be firmly attributed to a grouping.

  Advance Factories
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many advance factories have been built in Northern Ireland in each of the last two years and in which constituencies; and if she will make a statement on the policy of Her Majesty's Government regarding the provision of advance factories in Northern Ireland. [82000]

  Number of staff in Departments by Ethnic Groups 1 at 1 April 1998

  Department

  White

  Black

  Asian

  Other ethnic groups

  Total with known ethnic origin

  Advisory, Concilliation and Arbitration Service

  506

  23

  15

  2—

  550

  Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  6,980

  183

  173

  42

  7,378

  Cabinet Office

  1,271

  56

  33

  9

  1,369

  Charity Commission

  483

  36

  31

  2—

  550

  Crown Prosecution Service

  4,522

  193

  195

  22

  4,932

  Culture, Media and Sport

  301

  18

  13

  2—

  330

  Customs and Excise

  20,397

  406

  954

  125

  21,882

  Defence

  64,247

  479

  664

  169

  65,559

  Education and Employment

  18,558

  949

  1,181

  124

  20,812

  Ofsted

  161

  7

  7

  2—

  180

  Environment, Transport and the Regions

  11,316

  281

  404

  172

  12,173

  Export Credit Guarantee Department

  245

  13

  29

  7

  294

  Foreign and Commonwealth Office

  4,187

  87

  76

  28

  4,378

  Friendly Societies, Registry of

  98

  16

  17

  2—

  130

  Government Actuary

  21

  2—

  2—

  0

  20

  Health

  3,734

  326

  210

  59

  4,329

  Health and Safety

  3,414

  75

  78

  25

  3,592

  HM Prison Service

  32,778

  577

  390

  128

  33,873

  Home Office

  8,021

  421

  620

  97

  9,159

  Information, Central Office of

  245

  16

  7

  2—

  270

  Inland Revenue

  51,557

  972

  2,132

  174

  54,835

  International Development

  714

  35

  27

  6

  782

  118
  Mr. Ingram
  The Industrial Development Board (IDB) build one advance factory in 1998–99. This is a high-tech unit of 5,400 sq m and is located at Duncairn Gardens in the North Belfast Constituency. IDB built no advance factories in 1997–98, but did build one specialised call centre of 2,800 sq m on a speculative basis at Springvale Business Park in the West Belfast Constituency.

  Government policy is to reduce to a minimum IDB's stock of advance factories. Recent project experience has shown that IDB-led construction programmes can meet the requirements of the most demanding inward investors' timetables. Furthermore, there is an increased demand for bespoke factories. Flexibility to provide advance units will, none the less, be retained where such action is considered essential in attracting investment to particular disadvantaged areas.

CABINET OFFICE

  Local Government Elections
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what discussions he(a) has had and (b) plans to have with the right hon. Member for Berwick-on-Tweed (Mr. Beith) on the introduction of proportional representation for local government elections. [81974]

  Dr. Jack Cunningham
  I have had no such discussions and have no current plans to have any.

  Civil Servants (Ethnic Make-up)
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what the ethnic make-up was of civil servants in each Department on 1 April. [81934]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  Information about the ethnic origin of civil servants is collected through voluntary, confidential questionnaires. Civil Service personnel statistics are collated and published annually for staff in post at 1 April by the Cabinet Office. The latest information, which is shown in the table, is for 1 April 1998.
  119

  Number of staff in Departments by Ethnic Groups 1 at 1 April 1998

  Department

  White

  Black

  Asian

  Other ethnic groups

  Total with known ethnic origin

  Intervention Board

  774

  22

  40

  5

  841

  Land Registry

  7,500

  68

  295

  21

  2,884

  Legal Secretariat

  6

  2—

  0

  0

  10

  Lord Chancellor's Department

  8,922

  462

  405

  66

  9,855

  National Investment and Loans Office

  22

  2—

  2—

  2—

  30

  National Savings

  4,217

  11

  13

  2—

  4,240

  National Statistics, Office for

  2,798

  76

  72

  20

  2,966

  Northern Ireland Office

  68

  13

  5

  0

  86

  Office of Electricity Regulation

  203

  10

  16

  0

  229

  Office Of Fair Trading

  198

  22

  44

  0

  264

  Office Of Gas Supply

  87

  6

  7

  2—

  100

  Office Of the National Lottery

  21

  2—

  2—

  0

  30

  Office of Rail Regulator

  113

  6

  2—

  0

  120

  Ordnance Survey

  1,511

  2—

  10

  6

  1,570

  Public Record Office

  80

  6

  2—

  2—

  90

  Royal Mint

  361

  2—

  2—

  0

  361

  Scottish Office

  3,118

  2—

  10

  0

  3,128

  Other Scottish Departments

  4,109

  6

  8

  2—

  4,130

  Security and Intelligence Services

  4,701

  6

  6

  2—

  4,720

  Serious Fraud Office

  120

  17

  15

  0

  152

  Social Security

  73,828

  1,671

  3,059

  377

  78,935

  Trade and Industry

  6,544

  455

  367

  58

  7,424

  Treasury

  686

  45

  50

  8

  789

  Treasury Solicitors Department

  256

  28

  15

  2—

  300

  Welsh Office

  2,101

  2—

  9

  2—

  2,120

  Total

  356,140

  8,117

  11,716

  1,782

  377,755

  1Non-industrial staff who responded to departmental surveys on ethnic origin

  2In order to preserve confidentiality number withheld and total for department rounded to nearest 10 as there are less than five staff in this group

  Source

  Cabinet Office, Mandate and departmental returns

  New Deal (Young People)
  Mr. Green
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many trainees on the New Deal for Young People were employed in(a) Her Majesty's Treasury, (b) the Home Office, (c) the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, (d) the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, (e) his Department, (f) the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, (g) the Department of Health, (h) the Department for International Development, (i) the Lord Chancellor's Department, (j) the Department of Social Security, (k) the Department of Trade and Industry, (l) the Scottish Office (m) the Welsh Office, and (n) the Northern Ireland Office, on 31 January. [82351]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  I refer the hon. Member to the written answer I gave him on 2 March 1999,Official Report, column 609. Information on the numbers of those employed under the programme for 18 to 24-year-olds as at 31 January is not held centrally. My Department is currently collating figures which it has obtained from Departments showing the position at 1 April. I will write to the hon. Member with these in due course.

TREASURY

  MIRAS
  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many individuals are currently in receipt of MIRAS. [70677]
  120
  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 15 February 1999]: There are an estimated 10.6 million single people and married couples with mortgages in receipt of mortgage interest relief. About 10.3 million of these mortgages receive the relief through the MIRAS—mortgage interest relief at source—scheme.

  Mr. Maclean
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the cost to the average taxpayer of the restriction of MIRAS to 10 per cent. in the 1997 Budget. [70676]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 15 February 1999]: The average cost to a taxpayer of the restriction of mortgage interest relief to 10 per cent. in the 1997 Budget is estimated to be about £36 in 1998–99.

  Childcare Tax Credit
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the amount of childcare tax credit which will be claimed as a result of the provisions for the new category of childcare for eight to 14 year olds set out in the Tax Credits Bill; and if this estimate has been included in the Red Book just published. [78293]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answer 23 March 1999]: The cost of extending childcare eligible for the childcare tax credit in the Working Families Tax Credit is estimated to be under £5 million in 2000–01, the first full year of the tax credit.

  The estimate was not included in the Budget 99 Red Book as the measure was tabled after the Budget.

  Income Tax (Pensioners)
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will estimate how many people over the age of 65 years will have a marginal rate of income tax of(a) nil, (b) 10 per cent., (c) 20 per cent., (d) 23 per cent. and (e) 40 per cent. in (i) 1998–99 and (ii) 1999–2000; [79359]

  (2) if he will estimate how many pensioners will have a marginal rate of income tax of (a) nil, (b) 10 per cent., (c) 20 per cent., (d) 23 per cent. and (e) 40 per cent. in 1999–2000. [79360]

  Mrs. Roche
  [holding answer 30 March 1999]: Estimates by marginal rates of income tax are shown in the table.

  Thousand

  Marginal rate (percentage)

  Aged 65 and over 1998–99

  Aged 65 and over 1999–2000

  Pensionable ages 1999–2000

  0

  6,150

  6,150

  7,000

  10

  —

  350

  450

  20

  1,950

  700

  750

  23

  1,050

  1,950

  2,350

  40

  150

  150

  150

  Correspondence
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will reply to the letters from Ms Sue Owen which were sent to him on 28 January and 22 March. [80651]

  Dawn Primarolo
  A letter in response to Ms Owen's first letter was sent on 22 March 1999. A reply to the second letter has been sent today.

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Bolton, West (Ms Kelly) on 23 March 1999,Official Report, column 201, if he will estimate the number of (a) claimants of housing benefit who are of working age, (b) claimants of the working families tax credit and (c) current claimants of family credit, and the number and percentage of claimants of current family credit and future working families tax credit who also claim housing benefit. [80567]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The available information is contained in the tables:

  Recipients of Family Credit and Housing Benefit in England, May 1998

  Number

  Recipients of Housing Benefit where claimant is aged under 60 years

  2,223,000

  Recipients of Family Credit

  654,000

  Recipients of Family Credit and Housing Benefit

  212,000

  Percentage of Family Credit recipients with Housing Benefit

  32 Per cent.

  Source

  Housing Benefit Management Information System annual enquiry, May 1998

  Family Credit Statistics quarterly enquiry, May 1998

  Estimates for Working Families Tax Credit and Housing Benefit for England, 1999–2000

  Number

  122

  Estimates for Working Families Tax Credit and Housing Benefit for England, 1999–2000

  Number

  Recipients of Working Families Tax Credit

  1,050,000

  Recipients of Working Families Tax Credit and Housing Benefit

  190,000

  Percentage of Working Families Tax Credit recipients with Housing Benefit

  18 per cent.

  PFI Initiative
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish the Second Review of the Private Finance Initiative by Sir Malcolm Bates. [79782]

  Mr. Milburn
  [holding answer 13 April 1999]: I received Sir Malcolm's Review on 22 March. I will respond in due course

  VAT
  Mr. David Atkinson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received on ending VAT on the Bleep Alarm Service; and if he will make a statement. [81368]

  Dawn Primarolo
  One representation has been received recently about VAT on a personal alarm. Personal and other bleep alarms which enable people with disabilities to alert specified people or control centres that they are in distress are already fully relieved from VAT when bought by disabled people and charities which serve their needs.

  Direct Tax Rates
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list each of the possible direct tax rates for(a) individuals and (b) companies. [81705]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Rates of tax are set to raise revenue, with due regard to the Government's stated objectives of raising productivity, increasing employment opportunity and building a fairer Society.By April 2000 Income Tax rates will have reduced to 10p, 22p and 40p.
  By April 2000 Corporation Tax rates will have reduced to l0p, 20p and 30p.
  Rates of Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and tax on savings income are 20p and 40p.
  Inheritance Tax has a 40 per cent. rate.
  Rates of tax on dividends are 10p and 32½per cent.

  Levels of personal allowances, higher rates of allowances for pensioners, the new Children's Tax credit, CGT taper relief, capital allowances and Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) are just some examples of measures which mean that actual tax paid by taxpayers is much lower, and even negative in some cases.

  Married Couples Allowance
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would have been the value to a basic rate taxpayer of the non-aged married couples allowance and the linked allowance in 1990 to 2000 if the allowance had been indexed every year since its introduction in 1990 and given at the basic rate of tax. [81727]
  123
  Dawn Primarolo
  The information is given in the table:

  Indexed level of 1990–91 non-aged married couple's allowance (£)

  Basic rate of income tax (per cent.)

  Value to a basic rate taxpayer (£)

  1990–91

  1,720

  25

  430.00

  1991–92

  1,910

  25

  477.50

  1992–93

  1,990

  25

  497.50

  1993–94

  2,070

  25

  517.50

  1994–95

  2,110

  25

  527.50

  1995–96

  2,160

  25

  540.00

  1996–97

  2,250

  24

  540.50

  1997–98

  2,300

  23

  529.00

  1998–99

  2.390

  23

  549.70

  1999–2000

  2,470

  23

  568.10

  2000–01

  2,510

  22

  552.20

  Queen's Counsel
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 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. [81785]

  Ms Hewitt
  In determining the level of counsel to use either for legal proceedings or when seeking legal advice, the Treasury will consider the individual circumstances of each case. They will take 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 Treasury has instructed Queen's Counsel on four occasions in the last three years—twice in 1996–1997, once in 1997–1998 and once in 1998–1999. The total costs in the first three cases were £6,100; no fee note has yet been received in the latest case.

  Inland Revenue
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 19 April 1999,Official Report, column 425, on the Inland Revenue, if he will list those circumstances referred to where it might become clear after the taxpayer had appealed against a section 19A notice that section 20 was in fact the more appropriate. [82204]

  Dawn Primarolo
  It is impossible to provide such a list; circumstances depend on cases, and there is an infinite number of actual and hypothetical cases. If the hon. Member has a specific example in mind I would be happy to respond if he would provide me with the relevant details.

  Taxation
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 16 April 1999,Official Report, column 387, on income tax, how much tax an individual
  124
  who pays a marginal rate of tax of 10 per cent. will have to pay as a result of making a covenanted payment to charity under an existing covenant in place prior to 5 April. [82202]

  Dawn Primarolo
  As has always been the case, covenantors will continue to be liable to pay tax at the basic rate on an amount of their income equal to the amount of the covenanted payment before deduction of tax. This applies whether the covenant existed at 5 April or is entered into after that date.

  EU Budget
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much new money has been allocated to EU budget subsection B3 established in the first Supplementary Amending Budget (1999/211/EC-0J L81, 26.3.99); and what is the policy of the Government in respect of that. [82233]

  Ms Hewitt
  14.5 million ecus in payment appropriations were added to subsection B3 of the 1998 EC budget in the supplementary amending budget for 1998. These appropriations cover higher than expected payments in 1998 in respect of existing commitments. The Government agreed with this increase simply in order that the Community should be able to meet its existing obligations.

  Advance Pricing Agreement
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish the results of the advance pricing agreement consultation process. [82405]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Yes. In a Press Release dated 17 December 1998 comments were invited on draft clauses relating to Advance Pricing Agreements by 31 January 1999 and on a draft Statement of Practice by 31 March 1999. That Press Release stated that the Inland Revenue will provide feedback about the comments received, and that copies of comments will be made available on request.

  Taxpayers
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the number of taxpayers who have taken advantage of(a) ESC D15, (b) ESC D16, (c) ESC D22 and (d) ESC D39 in (i) 1992–93, (ii) 1993–94, (iii) 1994–95, (iv) 1995–96, (v) 1996–97, (vi) 1997–98 and (vii) 1998–99. [82406]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The information is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Anti-avoidance Rule
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish the results of the General Anti-avoidance Rule and Mini-GAAR consultation process. [82404]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Chancellor said in a Budget Day Press Release that the General Anti-avoidance Rule (GAAR) for corporate direct tax remains an option for the future if more targeted legislation proves ineffective in dealing with the problem of avoidance, but that the Government would not be proceeding with a GAAR in this Budget or with a mini-GAAR for VAT on
  125
  construction services. The Chancellor has asked Customs to consider a mini-GAAR in the area of the VAT grouping facility.

  The responses to the consultative documents (other than those made confidentially) may be inspected at the head offices of the Inland Revenue or Customs and Excise.

  Tuition Fees
  Mr. Green
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to introduce tax relief for tuition fees paid by mature students. [82328]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Chancellor announced in the Budget that the national framework for Individual Learning Accounts (ILAs) is to be launched in the year 2000. Under this framework, individuals will be able to obtain 20 per cent. discounts, rather than tax relief, on the first £500 a year of eligible learning which they pay for—with 80 per cent. discounts for certain key courses, including computer literacy. Contributions paid by employers into employees' ILAs will qualify for a deduction from taxable profits and will be tax and NICs free in the hands of their employees, provided employers contribute to the ILAs of their lowest paid workers on similar terms.

  ILAs will replace vocational training relief (VTR), which is currently available to individuals paying for their own vocational training. In the Budget, VTR at the higher rate was withdrawn for payments made on or after 6 April 1999, and will be abolished completely some time in 2000–01.

  There are no plans for ILAs to cover full-time courses or Higher Education tuition fees which are already subsidised by the taxpayer.

  Sports Orders
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will revise Table C.1 of the Financial Statement and Budget report, March 1998, to take account of the timing of the implementation of the VAT (Sports, Sports Competitions and Physical Education) (No.2) Order 1998. [82310]

  Dawn Primarolo
  When the new order is laid before Parliament, the revenue effects will be included in the equivalent of Table 1B.1 of the Financial Statement and Budget Report March 1999, providing they are non-zero and non-negligible in the relevant years.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what organisations were consulted by Customs and Excise during the drafting of the VAT (Sport, Sports Competitions and Physical Education) (No. 2) Order 1998. [82318]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Customs have had discussions on the draft Value Added Tax (Sport, Sports Competitions and Physical Education) Order 1999 with the Central Council of Physical Recreation, the English Golf Union, the National Golf Clubs' Advisory Association and the Chartered Institute of Taxation.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he intends to implement the VAT (Sport, Sports Competitions and Physical Education) (No.2) Order 1998. [82317]
  126
  Dawn Primarolo
  H.M. Customs and Excise are considering comments received on the draft Value Added Tax (Sport, Sports Competitions and Physical Education) Order 1999 published on 14 January 1999.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the annual difference in revenue raised between the VAT (Sport, Sports Competitions and Physical Education) Order 1998 and the VAT (Sport, Sports Competitions and Physical Education (No.2) Order 1998; and if he will make a statement. [82319]

  Dawn Primarolo
  An estimate will be made when an announcement is made about The Value Added Tax (Sport, Sports Competitions and Physical Education) Order 1999.

  Fuel Smuggling
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the sums lost to the Revenue as a consequence of the smuggling of (i) petrol and (ii) diesel fuel into Northern Ireland from the Irish Republic in each quarter for each of the last three years and the current year up to 31 March. [82215]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 26 April 1999]: The collection of excise duty is the responsibility of HM Customs and Excise. Customs do not have sufficient reliable information on which to base a published estimate for the revenue lost to the Exchequer through such activity.

  New Policies
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what new policies were announced by the Economic Secretary in her speech on Financial Exclusion at the Dorchester Hotel; what his policy is on appropriate venues for announcing new policies; and if he will make a statement. [82267]

  Ms Hewitt
  No new policies were announced.

  Self-employed Builders
  Mr. Woolas
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to reduce the level of turnover for the 714c Certificate for self-employed builders in the construction industry scheme. [82484]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Government have no plans to reduce the turnover thresholds which determine whether a self-employed builder is eligible for a gross payment certificate under the new construction industry scheme. The thresholds were established after full consultation with the representative bodies from all sectors of the construction industry, who broadly support them.

SCOTLAND

  School Buildings
  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what resources are being made available for school buildings and refurbishment in Scotland in the current financial year. [80995]
  127
  Mrs. Liddell
  Of the £1.3 billion additional expenditure on education in Scotland over the next three years, £629 million is available for schools. Gross capital resources allocated to authorities for 1999–2000 amount to £377.3 million to cover all their non-housing capital programmes. Within these programmes, priority will be given to improving and replacing school buildings, consistent with the outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review. In addition, £26.7 million is available directly under the New Deal for Schools.

  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  One-stop Clinics
  Mr. Ernie Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many one-stop NHS clinics are currently operating in Scotland. [81004]

  Mr. Galbraith
  There are now over 80 one-stop clinics in Scotland offering help for a wide range of worrying conditions.

  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  Nuclear Waste
  Mr. Grieve
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland to which Minister of the Crown an hon. Member should direct a question relating to the disposal of nuclear waste in England, originating from Coulport or Faslane and currently subject to his authorisation, after 1 July. [81005]

  Mr. Dewar
  Disposals of waste from Ministry of Defence premises are subject to letters of agreement between the regulator and the applicant. These will remain matters for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence. More generally, matters relating to the Radioactive Substances Act 1993 will be for the First Minister.

  Haulage Industry
  Mr. Syms
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met representatives of the haulage industry in Scotland to discuss the state of the industry. [81006]

  Mr. Macdonald
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland met representatives of the haulage industry and unions on Thursday 8 April to discuss the state of the industry.

  Sir Robert Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has made to the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the economic consequences for Scotland of the recent rise in taxes affecting the road haulage industry. [81007]

  Mr. Macdonald
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State meets regularly with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer and discusses with him a range of issues which affect Scotland.

  Drug Misuse Education
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the provision of drug misuse education in Scottish schools. [81008]
  128
  Mrs. Liddell
  The Government provide extensive advice and support to schools on drug education within the curriculum; our recently published drugs strategy `Tackling drugs in Scotland: Action in Partnership' will ensure that this reaches every pupil.

  Ferry Fares
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what meetings he has had with representatives of Caledonian MacBrayne to discuss this year's increases in ferry fares. [81009]

  Mr. Macdonald
  I met with the Chairman and Managing Director of Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd. on 20 October 1998 to discuss a number of matters, including the company's proposals on the level of fares increase. In November last year CalMac announced its fares increase for 1999–2000 of, on average, 2.7 per cent. This took effect in April and represents the lowest network-wide increase for 10 years.

  Road Fuel Duty
  Mr. Swinney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the impact of the increase in road fuel duty on the Scottish economy. [81010]

  Mr. Macdonald
  Road fuel duty is a matter for the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

  The changes are part of a package of measures outlined in the Chancellor's recent Budget designed to create a climate of sustainable economic growth and long-term investment in business, both in Scotland and in the UK as a whole.

  We are conscious that road fuel prices can be higher in remote rural areas. I have brought that difference in price to the attention of the Office of Fair Trading, who are currently investigating the matter. Last year the Chancellor provided £13.5 million over three years to provide for a Rural Transport Fund to extend the range of public transport services in rural communities. The fund will now be worth more than £14 million in the three years from 1998–99, to support better public transport in rural areas of Scotland and to help rural petrol stations meet the costs of tank replacement. The Chancellor also announced a reduction by £55 to £100 in Vehicle Excise Duty for smaller cars.

  Licensing Laws
  Mr. Grogan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the impact of the liberalisation of the licensing laws in Scotland in the 1970s on the nation's health, crime levels and quality of life. [81011]

  Mr. McLeish
  Available research suggests that the percentage of the population Consuming alcohol in Scotland has not altered significantly since the introduction of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 1976. However, the Government's White Paper on Public Health, "Towards a Healthier Scotland", published in February identified an upward trend in excessive drinking among adults and young people. The Government's crime strategy document, "A Safer Scotland, Tackling Crime and Its Causes" recognised the need to explore the links between anti-social
  129
  behaviour, crime and alcohol and the adverse health effects of alcohol misuse within the context of a new national strategy on alcohol. This will be developed and implemented by the newly formed Scottish advisory committee on alcohol misuse.

  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  Freight Cargo (Prestwick)
  Ms Osborne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will assess the economic benefit to Ayrshire of freight cargo transported from Glasgow Prestwick Airport. [81014]

  Mr. Macdonald
  The growth in freight cargo traffic at Glasgow Prestwick Airport in recent years has been impressive. The airport now handles more freight tonnage from wide-bodied freighter traffic than any other airport in the UK. The current freight services link Scotland with major points around the globe thus providing Scottish industries with direct, fast air links for import and export.

  Modern Apprenticeship Scheme
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the impact of the proposed expansion of the modern apprenticeship scheme. [81016]

  Mr. Macdonald
  We are well on the way to meeting the target of 15,000 Modern Apprenticeships by 2002 which was set in the Lifelong Learning Paper, "Opportunity Scotland". There are now 10,500 Modern Apprentices training, and 67 industry-designed frameworks in Scotland. Modern Apprenticeships will make an important contribution to raising skills in the work force.

  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  Job Losses
  Mr. Randall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about the rate of job losses in Scotland in the current year. [81017]

  Mr. Macdonald
  The latest official figures on the number of employee jobs in Scotland are available from the Civilian Workforce Jobs Series for the period to December 1998. Seasonally adjusted data show that the number of employee jobs has increased by 38,000 between June 1997 and December 1998.

  From 1 July 1999, economic development will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  Voluntary Organisations
  Mr. Gorrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what measures he has taken to ensure that voluntary organisations receive funding to enable them to continue the provision of services. [81018]

  Mr. Galbraith
  The importance of voluntary organisations in helping to deliver services is already recognised in the high level of funding which is provided by the Government. Scottish Office funding for the sector totals nearly £283 million a year, with £23 million in direct aid and a further £260 million provided through 130
  other funded agencies. These funds support organisations working in the fields of social welfare, health promotion, homelessness, the provision of social housing, rural poverty and urban deprivation.

  From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

  Unemployment Statistics
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the latest unemployment figures for Scotland. [81012]

  Mr. Macdonald
  ILO unemployment (not seasonally adjusted) in Scotland fell by 5,000 over the year to December 1998-February 1999 to 179,000. The rate of ILO unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points to 7.2 per cent.

  Kvaerner Group
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he is taking to protect the jobs of those currently employed in the Kvaerner group in Scotland. [81015]

  Mr. Macdonald
  A Task Force has been established to identify potential purchasers of the shipyard at Govan, the engineering works at Clydebank and any other Scottish business affected by the Kvaerner announcement and to report its findings to the Scottish Office.

  Sir Gavin Laird is chairing the Task Force. Other members are Mr. David Smith, former Commercial Director of the Govan shipyard, Mr. Malcolm Clark, former President of Keystone International in the USA, and Mr. Bill Scott, former Director of Ferguson Shipbuilders Ltd. The work of the Task Force will be given the full support of the Scottish Office and it will be able to call on whatever additional and specialist support it requires. Kvaerner has given a commitment to give the Task Force its wholehearted support.

  Women's Refuges
  Ms Roseanna Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much money he has allocated to the provision of women's refuges over the past three years. [80997]

  Mrs. Liddell
  Local authorities are responsible for the financial support of women's refuges as they are best placed to consider the priorities and care needs of the population within their area. The Government have provided substantial resources to enable authorities to meet their social work and housing responsibilities. In addition, we have provided £200,000 under the Urban Programme (now the Social Inclusion Partnership Fund) in the three years to March 1998 specifically for Council support of women's refuges.

  In the three years to March 1999, the Scottish Office provided grants of over £664,000 to Scottish Women's Aid, the national voluntary organisation to which the majority of local women's aid refuges are affiliated. We

  131
  provided an additional £150,000 earlier this year following the public response to the recent domestic abuse advertising campaign.

  From 1 July 1999, these matters will be for the Scottish Parliament.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Lockerbie
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list his responsibilities in relation to the trial of the Lockerbie suspects in the Netherlands following the transfer of powers to the Scottish Parliament. [81023]

  Mr. Hoon
  I have no responsibilities in relation to the Lockerbie trial. The transfer of powers to the Scottish Parliament will not affect that position.

  Judicial Review (Hearings)
  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on the Government's proposals to enable judicial review hearings to be heard in regional centres outside London. [81024]

  Mr. Hoon
  As of 1 July, judicial review cases involving Welsh devolution issues could be initiated and heard in Wales. On 22 March the Lord Chancellor announced a Review of whether judicial review cases should be heard in regional centres outside London.

  Shrievalty (Reform)
  Mr. David Heath
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to reform the shrievalty. [81025]

  Mr. Hoon
  Sheriffs have a role in the enforcement of High Court judgments. A review of enforcement is currently being undertaken by this Department, which will examine that role in some detail, particularly during the Review's second stage, starting in June 2000 Any proposals affecting the Sheriffs will be subject to public consultation.

  Small Claims Court
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of small claims court procedures. [81027]

  Mr. Hoon
  The Lord Chancellor's Department commissioned research into the small claims procedure from Professor John Baldwin. This was published in December 1997. Professor Baldwin found that at least three quarters of the litigants interviewed, who had been involved in small claims, were content with the way their cases had been handled in court. This included some who had lost their cases as well as those who had won.

  Queen's Counsel (Appointments)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what was the shortest time a barrister has spent in practice before being appointed a QC since 1969. [81031]

  Mr. Hoon
  According to available departmental records, the shortest period that has elapsed, since 1969, between the date to call to the Bar of England and Wales and the award of Queen's Counsel is six years. This applicant, however, had previously spent many years in practice in another jurisdiction.

  Personal Injury Cases
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what action the Government are taking to ensure adequate insurance cover for fees to undertake personal injury cases. [81032]

  Mr. Hoon
  Insurance products have been available for almost four years and at least 55,000 policies have been issued in that period. In the last 18 months more products have emerged, including one by a major insurers in the last month.

  I and my officials continue to hold discussions with the insurance industry to enable them to take decisions about whether to create newer, even better products. I am satisfied that people with good personal injury claims will be able to secure insurance to underpin a conditional fee agreement offered by their lawyer.

  Judiciary (Interests)
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will introduce a register of interests for the judiciary. [81033]

  Mr. Hoon
  The Lord Chancellor has no present plans to introduce a register of interests for the judiciary.

  Court Proceedings
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what steps he is taking to make court proceedings less formal. [81028]

  Mr. Hoon
  The Government are aiming to create an open, fair and accessible justice system. In civil proceedings, the civil justice reforms, introduced yesterday, will provide rules in plain English; extend the simple and informal small claims procedure, and encourage greater use of alternative dispute resolution.

  In criminal proceedings, the Government are considering ways to help change the culture in the youth courts, to make them less adversarial and more understandable for those involved. The Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Bill contains a number of measures directed at enabling vulnerable or intimidated witnesses to give their best evidence. These include the power to order the removal of wigs and gowns where appropriate.

  Legal Aid
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he
  133
  has made of the proportion of the legal aid budget in 1998£99 spent on individual cases of exceptionally high cost. [81030]

  Mr. Hoon
  Assessing the proportion of the legal aid budget spent during any particular financial year on individual cases of exceptionally high costs would not provide any useful analysis, since payments are spread over the lifetime of a case, which may extend to a number of years. Additionally, a civil case may not result in any cost to the Fund if, at the end of the case, all costs and damages are recovered.

  Monmouth County Court
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what proposals he has to close Monmouth County Court; and what representations he has received opposing these proposals. [81856]

  Mr. Hoon
  On 8 March 1999, the Lord Chancellor granted permission to open public consultation, over a two month period, on a proposal to close Monmouth County Court. As at 21 April, 4 representations had been received, 3 of which oppose the proposal to close.

  Judges' Council
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department from what funds the(a) costs of administration and (b) expenses of members the Judges' Council are met; and, for each of its last three years, what was the total cost of the Judges' Council. [82340]

  Mr. Hoon
  The secretariat for the Judges' Council is provided by the Lord Chief Justice's Private Office as a small part of its regular duties. The costs are not identifiable separately. No expenses are payable to members of the Judges' Council.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department (1) if he will make a statement on the process of appointments of members of the Judges' Council; [82338]

  (2) if he will list the members of the Judges' Council, indicating their positions; [82337]

  (3) to whom the Judges' Council is accountable; and if he will make a statement. [82350]

  Mr. Hoon
  The Judges' Council is an independent body without a formal constitution. It has no statutory basis, exercises no executive functions and controls no public expenditure. It meets to discuss issues of concern to the senior judiciary and to represent the views of the senior judiciary to the Lord Chancellor and other individuals and bodies. It is wholly independent of Government and is accountable only to those whose views it represents. Its membership is a matter for the Council itself and those whose views it represents.

  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what(a) instructions and (b) advice has been issued by the Judge's Council concerning membership of pressure groups as a disqualification from sitting as a judge; what pressure groups have been identified by the Judges' Council in such instructions and advice; and if he will make a statement. [R][82339]
  134
  Mr. Hoon
  The Judges' Council does not issue instructions to anyone. I understand that it has recently, on request, given advice to individual part-time judges about declaring their membership of particular professional organisations, in any case where such membership might give rise to a potential conflict of interest. The Council is wholly independent of Government and any advice it may offer to others is not a matter for the Lord Chancellor's Department.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Kosovo
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what has been the value of humanitarian aid provided to Kosovan refugees organised or administered by her Department(a) from October 1998 to 23 March and (b) since 23 March; and what plans she has to increase the scope of humanitarian assistance. [81943]

  Mr. Foulkes
  We committed £3 million for the period June 1998 to March 1999 for programmes of humanitarian assistance to displaced persons and refugees affected by the conflict in Kosovo. No additional allocations were made between October 1998 and 23 March 1999. Since March 23, the Government have committed a further £20 million for assistance to the Kosovo refugees.

  Our field offices in Tirana and Skopje are currently identifying priorities for future assistance. We are also ready to provide help for those in need within Kosovo as soon as secure access can be guaranteed.

  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what estimate her Department has made of the number of refugees who(a) left Kosovo up to 24 March and (b) have left Kosovo since 24 March; and what sources it uses to make such estimates. [81920]

  Mr. Foulkes
  Our primary source for estimates of refugee numbers is the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. It estimates that 69,500 refugees left Kosovo for neighbouring states as a result of internal conflict up to 24 March 1999: and that a further 530,500 have left since 24 March, as at 26 April.

  Zimbabwe (AIDS)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assistance she is giving to the Government of Zimbabwe to help them to combat AIDS. [81858]

  Mr. Foulkes
  Our programme in Zimbabwe includes major projects for the supply and social marketing of male and female condoms, and training health workers in treatment and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. We are also supporting a community-based AIDS awareness programme known as "Stepping Stones". We welcome President Mugabe's recognition of the AIDS issues in his Independence Day speech, and the establishment of a National AIDS Coordinating Council. This will provide a basis for discussions of further support, consistent with our new Country Strategy Paper.

  Departmental Legal Business
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her 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 her Department instructed Queen's Counsel and (ii) what was the total cost of instructing Queen's Counsel. [81768]

  Mr. Foulkes
  The Crown Prosecution Service, the Treasury Solicitor's Department, the Serious Fraud Office and the Legal Secretariat to the Law Office 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, or Solicitor-General's, approval is required before a Queen's Counsel can be instructed to appear for any Government Department in civil litigation.

  A panel of Senior Treasury Counsel and the Junior Treasury Counsel, who are all Junior Counsel, exists in London to provide advice in more significant criminal case work, and to handle 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 casework 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 casework prosecuted by the Crown.

  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, and the complexity of the law, the weight and complexity of the evidence, and the degree or experience and expertise required before deciding whether to instruct Queen's Counsel or Junior Counsel.

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

  Organ Transplants (Living Donors)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she is taking to 136
  prevent the sale of human body parts from living donors; and what assessment she has made of the prevalence of this practice. [81859]

  Mr. Foulkes
  The World Health Organisation regulates the use of human organs for transplantation. The Department has no information on the prevalence of the practice of selling human body parts from living donors.

  Overseas Debt
  Ms Drown
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much debt was owed to her Department by each individual debtor country at 31 December 1998. [82006]

  Mr. Foulkes
  The debts outstanding to the Department for International Development as of 31 December 1998 are as follows:

  £000

  Country

  Principal

  Interest

  Total

  Antigua and Barbuda

  1,687

  —

  1,687

  Belize

  11,928

  —

  11,928

  Brazil

  1,692

  382

  2,074

  Cameroon

  67

  —

  67

  Cayman Islands

  188

  —

  188

  Colombia

  170

  —

  170

  Costa Rica

  766

  93

  859

  Cyprus

  131

  —

  131

  Ecuador

  7,783

  3,935

  11,718

  India

  5,806

  —

  5,806

  Jamaica

  29,133

  10,576

  39,709

  Liberia

  77

  1

  78

  Malaysia

  2,903

  282

  3,185

  Nigeria

  4,907

  24

  4,931

  Paraguary

  1,874

  —

  1,874

  Phillipines

  2,702

  145

  2,847

  Seychelles

  7,886

  824

  8,710

  St. Kitts

  2,303

  —

  2,303

  St. Vincent

  3,421

  —

  3,421

  Swaziland

  1,538

  —

  1,538

  Turkey

  24,016

  4,771

  28,787

  Zimbabwe

  11,334

  557

  11,891

  Total

  122,312

  21,590

  143,902

  Our Department has cancelled the debts of over 30 countries, worth over £1.2 billion since 1978. In September 1997, we launched the Commonwealth Debt Initiative, announcing that we were willing to cancel the remaining aid debt due to the UK from lower income Commonwealth countries to those countries which are committed to the International Development Goals and are following sound economic policies which benefit the poor, and which promote responsive and accountable government, encourage transparency and bear down on corruption.

  Lords of Appeal in Ordinary
  Lords of Appeal in Ordinary
  Currency Movements: Effect of War in Former Yugoslavia
  Currency Movements: Effect of War in Former Yugoslavia
  English Tourism Council
  English Tourism Council
  EU: Forthcoming Business
  EU: Forthcoming Business
  Prisoners: Annual Cost per Adult Male
  Prisoners: Annual Cost per Adult Male
  Life Sentence Prisoners:Release
  Life Sentence Prisoners:Release
  Bridges Project
  Bridges Project
  Human Rights: Public Authorities and Compensation
  Human Rights: Public Authorities and Compensation
  Channel Islands and Isle of Man: External Relations
  Channel Islands and Isle of Man: External Relations
  Channel Islands and Isle of Man and the EU
  Channel Islands and Isle of Man and the EU
  Gibraltar: European Parliament
  Gibraltar: European Parliament
  Abnormal Load Movement
  Abnormal Load Movement
  Cemmaes "B" Windfarm
  Cemmaes "B" Windfarm
  Armed Forces: Medical Posts of Consultant Status
  Armed Forces: Medical Posts of Consultant Status
  Iraq: Airspace
  Iraq: Airspace
  Millennium Volunteers Programme
  Millennium Volunteers Programme
  Vaccine Damage Compensation Scheme
  Vaccine Damage Compensation Scheme
  Housing Benefit: Help with Mortgage Interest
  Housing Benefit: Help with Mortgage Interest
  EU Legislation: End-of-life Electronic Equipment
  EU Legislation: End-of-life Electronic Equipment
  EU Structural Fund Status
  EU Structural Fund Status
  WTO Adjudications
  WTO Adjudications
  WTO: Rejection of Import Bans
  WTO: Rejection of Import Bans
  WTO: Appointment of Technical Experts
  WTO: Appointment of Technical Experts
  WTO Rules: Decisions Taken on the Basis of Science
  WTO Rules: Decisions Taken on the Basis of Science
  Electronic Trading Document: Response Time
  Electronic Trading Document: Response Time
  A.40: Reduction of Speed Limit
  A.40: Reduction of Speed Limit
  Railway Signalling Infrastructure: Hesketh Report
  Railway Signalling Infrastructure: Hesketh Report
  Local Government Bill: Compliance Costs
  Local Government Bill: Compliance Costs