Written Answers of 7 December 1999

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Committee Room Facilities
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee how many of the main committee rooms of the House have induction loop facilities for the hard of hearing; and if these facilities are available on each occasion when a committee room is used. [101615]

  Mrs. Roe
  Fifteen committee rooms in the House of Commons are fitted with induction loops. These facilities are only available when the amplification equipment has been switched on by a trained operator for meetings that are being televised or recorded.

  Lift Refurbishment
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee what was the cost of the recent refurbishment of two lifts in Norman Shaw North. [101457]

  Sir Sydney Chapman
  The estimated cost for the refurbishment of lifts HOP122 and 123 at Norman Shaw North is £275,000.

DEFENCE

  Procurement
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) the original in-service date, (b) the current in-service date, (c) the actual or estimated cost, (d) the years of peak expenditure and (e) the prime contractor for the Endorsed Staff Targets for (1) Future Offensive Air System, (2) Bowman, (3) Barmine Replacement, (4) Area Weapon Effects Simulator, (5) Future Short and Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (SHORADS/ VSHORADS), (6) Combined Arms Tactical Trainer, (7) Terrier, (8) Range Extension for Tactical Trunk Communications, (9) Future Engineer Tank, (10) Lightweight Mobile Artillery Weapon System (LIMAWS), (11) Next Generation Light Anti Tank Weapon (NLAW), (12) Formation Battle Management System, (13) Theatre Wide Area Communications Network (TWACN), (14) Future Carrier-Borne Aircraft, (15) Future Amphibious Support Helicopter, (16) SCOT Capability Upgrade (SCUG), (17) Naval EHF Satellite Terminal (NEST) Communication Programme, (18) Electronic Warfare Database and Rapid Reaction Facility, (19) Sonar 2087 and (20) EW 2000. [98481]
  452W
  Mr. Kilfoyle
  The information requested is as follows:

  The basis for setting and approving in-service dates (ISDs) is currently under review in the context of the Smart Procurement Initiative. It should also be noted that costs quoted are for acquisition only, expressed in constant prices at 1999–2000 levels.

  1. Future Offensive Air System (FOAS)—The original in-service date (ISD) was 2015. The current ISD is 2017. The current cost estimate is about £10 billion, though this should be seen as a broad estimate only. Years of peak expenditure are expected to be 2017–18 and 2018–19. The FOAS project is currently in the Concept phase. Contractors for the Concept phase studies include British Aerospace and Matra BAe Dynamics (UK).

  2. BOWMAN—The original ISD was 1995. The current ISD is 2002, but this is under review. The current cost estimate is around £2.2 billion and the years of peak expenditure are expected to be 2002–03 and 2003–04. The prime contractor is ARCHER Communications Systems Ltd.

  3. BARMINE Replacement—The original and current ISDs are 2010. The current cost estimate is £54 million, with peak expenditure in 2007–08 and 2008–09. The prime contractor is not yet known.

  4. Area Weapons Effect Simulator—The original ISD was 1999. The current ISD is 2003. Current estimated costs are £99 million with peak expenditure in 1999–2000 and 2000–01. The prime contractor is Cubic Defense Systems, USA.

  5. Future Short and Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (now known as Future Ground Based Air Defence—FGBAD)—The original ISD was 2015. The latest estimated ISD is 2020 but this will be considered further in the concept and assessment phases. The current cost estimate is around £4.5 billion. The peaks in expenditure will depend on the decisions made in the concept and assessment phases. The prime contractors for the two International Feasibility Studies—now completed—were Matra BAe Dynamics and Thomson-Thorn Missile Electronics. The planned further Concept work is likely to be placed on the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, who would be supported by the Rapier and High Velocity Missile Design Authorities.

  6. Combined Arms Tactical Trainer—The original ISD was 2000. The current ISD is 2001. The current estimated cost is £247 million with years of peak expenditure in 1997–98 to 2001–02. The prime contractor is Lockheed Martin Information Systems.

  7. TERRIER—The original ISD was 2005. The current ISD is 2009. Information on the current cost estimate is commercially sensitive and is being withheld under exemption 7 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. The two prime contractors for the competitive Project Definition phase are Vickers Defence Systems and Marconi Marine Land and Naval Systems.

  8.Range Extension for Tactical Trunk Communications—We have assumed that this is a reference to the satellite extension to the PTARMIGAN trunk communications system which was brought into

  453W

  service in September 1997 at an actual cost of £24.5 million. The prime contractor was Siemens Plessey and peak years of expenditure were 1995–96.

  9. Future Engineer Tank—The original ISD was 2001. The current ISD is 2006. Information on cost estimates is commercially sensitive and is being withheld under exemption 7 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. The three contractors for the competitive Feasibility studies are Vickers Defence Systems, Alvis Vehicles and Obrum, Poland.

  10. Lightweight Mobile Artillery Weapons System (LIMAWS)—The original and current ISD is 2007 for the howitzer only. The other elements of the system are not yet sufficiently defined. Information on cost estimates is commercially sensitive and is being withheld under exemption 7 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. The prime contractor is Marconi Marine Land and Naval Systems.

  11. Next Generation Light Anti-Tank Weapon (NLAW)—The original and current ISD is 2006. Information on cost estimates is commercially sensitive and is being withheld under exemption 7 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. The two prime contractors for the competitive Project Definition phase are Matra BAe Dynamics (UK) Ltd. and Bofors Carl Gustaf AB (Sweden).

  12. Formation Battle Management System (FBMS)—The original and current ISD is 2002. The project is, however, linked with BOWMAN and revisions to that programme could impact on the ISD of FBMS. The current estimated costs are £74 million with peak expenditure in years 2001–02 to 2004–05. The prime contractor is British Aerospace Defence Systems Ltd.

  13. Theatre Wide Area Communications Network (TWACN)—The TWACN original and current ISD is 2002. The cost estimate is commercially sensitive and is withheld under exemption 7 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. Expenditure is likely to peak in 2001–02 to 2004–05 once a prime contractor has been identified.

  14. Future Carrier Borne Aircraft (FCBA)—The original and current ISD is 2012. Overall FCBA numbers and hence the total cost of the programme, which could be in the region of £5 billion to £7 billion, have yet to be determined. Peak expenditure is likely to occur in 2013–14 and 2014–15. We are participating in the Concept Demonstration Phase (CDP) of the US Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) programme. Lockheed Martin and Boeing are the prime contractors for JSF CDP, with several UK companies as sub-contractors. We are also undertaking feasibility studies covering navalisation of Eurofighter, other potential solutions and various ship/aircraft interface issues. A number of contracts have been placed with UK industry as part of these UK feasibility studies.

  15. Future Amphibious Support Helicopter (FASH)—The provisional ISD is 2008. The current estimate of costs is around £1 billion with peak expenditure estimated to be in years 2009–10 to 2010–11. The prime contractor is not yet known.

  16. SCOT Capability Upgrade (SCUG)—The original ISD was 2004. The current ISD is 2005. The cost estimate is commercially sensitive and is withheld under
  454W
  exemption 7 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. Expenditure is likely to peak in 2005–06 and 2006–07. A prime contractor has yet to be identified.

  17. Naval EHF Satellite Terminal (NEST)—The original ISD was 2004, the current ISD is 2005. The cost estimate is commercially sensitive and is withheld under exemption 7 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. Expenditure is likely to peak in 2004–05 and 2005–06. A prime contractor has yet to be identified.

  18. Electronic Warfare Database and Rapid Reaction Facility—There is at present no formal user requirement for this programme.

  19. Sonar 2087—The original ISD was 2003. The current ISD is 2004. Current estimated cost is around £390 million with peak expenditure expected in years 2003–04 and 2006–07. The prime contractors are Thomson Marconi Sonar Ltd. and Babcock Defence Systems.

  20. EW 2000—The original and current ISD is 2006. Cost estimates are commercially sensitive and withheld under exemption 7 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. Likely peak years of expenditure are 2003–04 to 2005–06. A prime contractor has yet to be identified.

  Human Rights Act 1998
  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps are being taken to ensure that the current terms of service of young people in the armed forces are compatible with the Human Rights Act 1998. [100122]

  Mr. Spellar
  In line with other public authorities, my Department is taking steps to ensure that all personnel policies will be compatible with the main provisions of the Human Rights Act 1998 when they fully come into force on 2 October 2000.

  Smart Procurement Initiative
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress of the Smart Procurement Initiative. [101194]

  Mr. Hoon
  This initiative, which is at the heart of our efforts to reform the way we procure and support defence equipment, is currently being implemented. The programme to roll out Integrated Project Teams (IPTs) with full industry participation is on course; all the teams will be fully operational by April 2000. The design and implementation of new arrangements to ensure effective relationships between IPTs, their new Equipment Capability Customer in MOD Headquarters and the Front Line Commands is also making excellent progress. We remain on track to achieve savings of £2 billion to which we are committed.

  Departmental Research Contracts
  Dr. Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many research contracts have been let by his Department since May 1997; what is the value of each contract; and in each case whether the contract included(a) a departmental veto over publication of the research

  455W
  results, (b) departmental control over the date of publication of the research results and (c) a requirement that the final research results incorporate departmental amendments. [100146]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  [holding answer 6 December 1999]: The Ministry of Defence conducts research on a wide range of matters. Details are not all recorded centrally, but information available indicates that since May 1997 the Ministry of Defence has placed over 740 research contracts at a total value of over £250 million, excluding those let by the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA). DERA has, in addition, placed some £300 million worth of extramural contracts on behalf of the Department. The total number of DERA contracts placed is not readily available. I am withholding the value of individual research contracts under exemption 13 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, as this information is commercially sensitive.

  The Department generally retains control over the publication of research results, and the date of publication, except where ownership of results of work has been vested in contractors. There is no prohibition on publication except where justified under the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. MOD and DERA would not seek to change the results of research.

  Departmental Staff Targets
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will publish the seventh annual edition of the compendium of current staff targets and staff requirements. [101398]

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  [holding answer 6 December 1999]: The MOD is working towards publication, and aims to issue an updated Compendium early in the new year. Since publication of the last Compendium in September 1998, the Department has undergone major organisational change in the implementation of the Strategic Defence Review. We wish to ensure that the Compendium will represent an accurate view to industry of future equipment needs throughout the MOD.

  Iraq
  Dr. Vis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what reports he has received regarding the demolition of Iraqi munitions at the Khamisiyah depot in March 1991 and its possible effect on British troops; and if he will make a statement. [102057]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Government's 1997 'New Beginnings' policy statement set out the way forward for addressing the health concerns of Gulf veterans and included a statement of the MOD's commitment to review specific events in response to Gulf veterans' concerns that they were exposed to chemical weapons during the Gulf Conflict. The work reviewing the incident at Khamisiyah in March 1991 has now been completed and I am today publishing a detailed paper entitled "Review of the events concerning 32 Field Hospital and the Release of Nerve Agent Arising from US Demolition of Iraqi Munitions at the Khamisiyah Depot in March 1991". In conjunction with this I am also publishing a detailed paper to provide the background of how chemical warfare defence was organised in the UK during the Gulf conflict entitled 456W
  "British Chemical Warfare Defence During the Gulf Conflict 1990–91)". Copies have been placed in the Library of the House.

  As a result of our review of the information on the Khamisiyah incident, we do not believe there is evidence that any UK troops were definitely exposed to Iraqi chemical agents on 10 or 11 March 1991. Although some British troops were located within the computer modelled composite plume footprint, such theoretical exposure would have been at a very low level. We judge that if such an exposure took place it would present no risk to health.

  Kosovo
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions the United Kingdom exercised a national veto on proposed actions during NATO operations connected with Kosovo in 1999. [101336]

  Mr. Hoon
  The reply I gave to a similar question from the hon. Member on 30 November 1999,Official Report, column 85W, explained that NATO decisions are taken by consensus and outlined the procedure for consultation by national commanders in support of Alliance decision-making. Releasing details of the applications of these processes in specific operations would be harmful to defence, security and international relations. I am therefore withholding the information requested in accordance with exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on access to Government Information.

  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what articles of international law and international humanitarian law were used as the criteria for the United Kingdom's decisions establishing the legality of the choice of targets during the Kosovo conflict. [101335]

  Mr. Hoon
  The United Kingdom complied with the requirements of international law in its conduct of air operations in the Kosovo conflict, including its obligations under Articles 48 to 58 of the First Protocol additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949.

  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the amounts and types of ordnance used(a) during the Kosovo conflict in 1999 and (b) over Iraq in 1999. [101337]

  Mr. Hoon
  During the period in question, the Royal Air Force used the following munitions in support of operations Allied Force and Bolton:

  Kosovo (Op Allied Force)

  226—Paveway II

  18—Paveway III

  531—RBL 755

  230–100016 Bombs

  6—Alarm

  Iraq (Op Bolton)

  125—Paveway II

  9—Paveway III.

  I am withholding the information requested in respect of the Royal Navy' s use of munitions during operation Allied Force under exemption 1 of the code of Practice on access to Government Information (National Security or Defence).

  Nuclear Weapons
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what controls his Department exercises over the storage of nuclear weapons on private land. [101461]

  Mr. Hoon
  The Ministry of Defence does not store nuclear weapons on private land.

  Uranium-based Munitions
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the environmental effects of the use of uranium-based munitions by NATO forces in Kosovo. [101200]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Government have not commissioned any assessment of the environmental effects of using such munitions in Kosovo but the Joint UN Environment Programme/UN Commission on Human Settlements issued its report "The Kosovo Conflict: Consequences for the Environment" on 5 October 1999. A copy of the report has been placed in the Library of the House. We are aware, however, of the concerns that have been expressed about the use of uranium-based munitions and have commissioned advice from officials within the Department on what further work we might do to improve our knowledge of how depleted uranium in ammunition behaves in the natural environment.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Mobile Phone Reception (Scotland)
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list those areas of the west coast of Scotland not covered for mobile phone reception. [99616]

  Ms Hewitt
  The information requested is not collected.

  The cellular mobile operators have each met requirements to roll out services to an area in which at least 90 per cent. of the UK population lives. Aside from this requirement, the individual operators were free to make a commercial decision about their roll-out plans.

  Vodafone and BT Cellnet are jointly currently constructing a mobile infrastructure within the Highlands and Islands, working alongside the local enterprise council.

  Assisted Area Status
  Mr. Alasdair Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what criteria were used in selecting wards eligible for assisted area status in Dumfries and Galloway; and what values were attached to each of the criteria for each ward. [100849]

  Mr. Caborn
  We used the criteria set out in Annex C of the "Government's Proposals for New Assisted Areas", which were published on 15 July. A copy was sent to every MP.

  The Government have not published ward-based information as it could be disclosive of personal information.

  ECGD
  Mr. Jack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the UK companies which have received support from the ECGD in each of the last five years. [100517]

  Mr. Caborn
  [holding answer 1 December 1999]: The companies are herewith listed.

  The lists do not include the thousands of UK sub-contracts who have benefited from ECGD cover provided either to a UK main contractor or to a bank which makes payment to a number of UK exporters on behalf of overseas buyers. They do however include the UK Branches of overseas companies who have been the beneficiaries of ECGD guarantees.

  List of UK companies receiving ECGD cover in 1994–95

  Air Products plc

  Allmakes Limited

  Alstom UK Limited

  BICC Cables Ltd. & BICC plc

  British Aerospace Defence Systems Ltd.

  British Aerospace Public Limited Co.

  British Steel Exports Ltd.

  Britten-Norman Ltd.

  Bronx Engineering Company Limited

  BWE Ltd.

  Crown Agents Services Limited

  Duntech Irrigation Services Limited

  Edmund Nuttall Ltd.

  Fokker Aircraft BV

  General Electric Company plc

  Granger Telecommunication Systems Limited

  International Aeradio Ltd.

  International Generics Limited

  Kvaerner Construction International Ltd.

  Land Rover Exports Limited

  Marconi Communications International Ltd.

  Mivan Engineering Limited

  Nortel plc

  NWB Aerospace 100 Limited

  Park Air Electronics Limited

  Peter Brotherhood Ltd.

  Philip Harris International Ltd.

  Plasticisers Engineering Ltd.

  Racal Avionics Limited

  Racal Group Services Limited

  Racal Radio Limited

  Raytheon Systems Ltd.

  Rolls-Royce plc

  Royal Ordnance plc

  Terex Equipment Ltd.

  TTSI Limited

  Weir Westgarth Ltd.

  Wellman Furnaces Ltd.

  Westinghouse Signals Ltd.

  York International Limited

  459W
  List of UK companies receiving ECGD cover in 1995–96

  Air Products plc

  Allen Power Engineering Ltd.

  Alstom Controls Limited

  Alstom Power Plants Limited

  Alstom T&D Distribution Switchgear Ltd.

  AMEC plc

  APV Baker Ltd.

  APV UK plc

  Balfour Beatty Limited

  Biwater International Limited

  British Aerospace (Systems & Equipment) Limited

  British Aerospace Defence Systems Ltd.

  Carnaudmetalbox Engineering plc

  Continental FSW Limited

  Crabtree of Gateshead Limited

  Crosrol Ltd.

  Crown Agents Services Limited

  Fletcher Smith Ltd.

  Flexsys Rubber Chemicals Limited

  GEC-Marconi In-flight Systems Overseas Limited

  General Electric Company plc

  Heaton Power Ltd.

  International Combustion Limited

  Invensys plc

  Jetstream Aircraft Inc.

  Kvaerner Construction Group Ltd.

  Lloyds TSB Bank plc

  MC (1999) Ltd.

  Marconi Communications International Holdings Ltd.

  Mirrlees Blackstone Ltd

  Mistui & Co. UK plc

  Nibek Ltd.

  Nortel plc

  PRCS Ltd.

  Procurement Services International Limited

  Racal Avionics Limited

  Reynolds Boughton (Devon) Ltd.

  Rolls-Royce plc

  Royal Ordnance plc

  Sony Broadcast & Communications Ltd.

  VA Tech Peebles Transformers Limited

  Weir Pumps Ltd.

  List of UK companies receiving ECGD cover in 1996–97

  Airsys ATM Limited

  Alpha Airports Group plc

  Alstom UK Ltd.

  AMEC Power Limited

  APV Baker Ltd.

  APV UK plc

  Atlas Converting Equipment plc

  AVO International Ltd.

  Balfour Beatty Construction International Limited

  Balfour Beatty Limited

  Biwater International Limited

  Bovis International Ltd.

  Britech Europe Ltd.

  British Aerospace (Military Aircraft) Limited

  460W

  British Aerospace Defence Systems Ltd.

  British Aerospace Public Limited Co.

  British Aerospace Regional Aircraft SA

  BTR plc

  Cadbury Schweppes plc

  Clarke Chapman Limited

  Clifton & Baird Limited

  Crosrol Ltd.

  Davy McKee (Poole) Ltd.

  Edmund Nuttall Ltd.

  EFCO Ltd.

  Fenner International Ltd.

  Fokker Aircraft BV

  Foster Wheeler (GB) Ltd.

  General Electric Company plc

  General Vacuum Equipment Limited

  Harlow Chemical Company Limited

  Heaton Power Ltd.

  Houchin Aerospace Ltd.

  HSBC Bank plc

  IMI Overseas Investments Ltd.

  International Gas Apparatus Limited

  International Hospitals Group Ltd.

  Invensys plc

  Kvaerner Construction International Ltd.

  Kvaerner Process Technology Ltd.

  Land Rover Exports Limited

  Lloyds TSB Bank plc

  M. W. Kellogg Limited

  Marconi Communications International Holdings Ltd.

  Marubeni Europower Ltd.

  Matra Marconi Space UK Ltd.

  MB Overseas Investments Ltd.

  Merita Bank plc

  Mirrlees Blackstone Ltd.

  Motorola Ltd.

  National Power plc

  NCR Financial Solutions Group Ltd.

  Nokia Telecommunications Ltd.

  PRCS Ltd.

  Procurement Services International Limited

  Relay Engineering Services Ltd.

  Rieter-Scragg Limited

  Rolls-Royce plc

  Samplex Ltd.

  SHS Handling Systems Limited

  Simon Access (UK) Ltd.

  Standard Chartered Bank

  Sungard Business Systems Inc.

  Tate & Lyle Overseas Ltd.

  Thames Water Overseas Ltd.

  Thames Water plc

  T. H. Dixon & Co. Ltd.

  Tecquipment Ltd.

  Thompson Friction Welding Limiyrf

  Trafalgar House Construction (Asia) Ltd.

  VA Tech Peebles Transformers Limited

  Vosper Thornycroft (UK) Limited

  Weir Pumps Ltd.

  461W
  List of UK companies receiving ECGD cover in 1997–98

  AIC (Europe) Limited

  Airsys ATM Limited

  Alcatel Submarine Networks Ltd.

  Allen Power Engineering Ltd.

  Alstom Traction Ltd.

  Alstom UK Ltd.

  AMEC International Construction Ltd.

  AMEC Power Limited

  AMEC Property and Overseas Investment Ltd.

  Amphenol Limited

  APV Baker Ltd.

  APV Ltd.

  Atlantic Power & Gas Engineering Limited

  Aerotest plc

  Babcock King-Wilkinson Limited

  Balfour Beatty Construction International Limited

  Balfour Beatty Projects & Engineering Ltd.

  Balmoral Group Limited

  British Aerospace (Operations) Limited

  British Aerospace Defence Systems Ltd.

  British Aerospace Public Limited Co.

  British Aerospace Regional Aircraft SA

  BUPA Investment Overseas Ltd.

  Chemtech International Limited

  Chiyoda-Foster Wheeler Partnership

  Citibank NA

  Coflexip Stena Offshore Limited

  Continental FSW Limited

  Crabtree of Gateshead Limited

  Crosrol Ltd.

  Denco Ltd.

  Dunlop Oil & Marine Limited

  Ericsson Limited

  Eurotherm Process Automation Limited

  Fairbank Brearley Ltd.

  GE Energy (UK) Ltd.

  General Electric Company plc

  Houchin Aerospace Ltd.

  Kennedy & Donkin Ltd.

  Kvaerner Cleveland Bridge Limited

  Kvaerner Construction International Ltd.

  Kvaerner Metals Davy Ltd.

  Kvaerner Oilfield Products Limited

  Kvaerner Process (UK) Ltd.

  Land Rover Exports Limited

  Mabey & Johnson Ltd.

  Marconi (Projects) Ltd.

  Marconi Avionics Limited

  Marconi Avionics Overseas Limited

  Marconi Radar Projects Limited

  Matra Bae Dynamic (UK) Ltd.

  Matra Marconi Space UK Ltd.

  MC (1999) Ltd.

  Mitsui Babcock Energy Services Limited

  NSG Exports Limited

  Pirelli General plc

  Polygraphica Equipment Limited

  Purac Ltd.

  Racal Radio Limited

  462W

  Rieter-Scragg Limited

  Rockwell-Collins (UK) Limited

  Rolls-Royce (European Investments) Ltd.

  Rolls-Royce Industrial Power (India) Limited

  Rolls-Royce (Overseas Holdings) Ltd.

  Rolls-Royce Industrial and Marine Gas Turbines Ltd.

  Rolls-Royce plc

  Royal Ordnance plc

  Siemens plc

  SNC-Lavalin Europe Limited

  Spencer & Halstead Ltd.

  Standrange Ltd.

  Starfrost (UK) Limited

  Tate & Lyle Overseas Ltd.

  T. Giusti Ltd.

  Taylor Woodrow Construction Limited

  Thames Water International Services Ltd.

  Thames Water plc

  Trafalgar House Construction (Asia) Ltd.

  Tweedy Engineering Limited

  TWI/Skanska JV

  Tetra Pak UK Limited

  VA Tech Reyrolle Limited

  VA Tech Wabag UK Limited

  VAI Industries (UK) Ltd.

  Vosper Thornycroft (UK) Limited

  Webtex Limited

  Weir Westgarth Ltd.

  List of UK companies receiving ECGD cover in 1998–99

  ABB Alstom Power UK Ltd.

  ABN Amro Bank NV

  Adtranz Signal (UK) Ltd.

  AF-QPS Limited

  Allen Steam Turbines

  Alstom Automation International Ltd.

  Alstom UK Ltd.

  AMEC International Construction Ltd.

  ANZ Grindlays Export Finance Ltd.

  Balfour Beatty International Limited

  Balfour Beatty Limited

  Balfour Beatty Projects & Engineering Ltd.

  Balfour Kilpatrick Limited

  Banco Santander Central Hispano

  Baesema Limited

  Bechtel Limited

  Biwater International Limited

  Biwater plc

  Bricesco Limited

  Briggs of Burton

  British Arab Commercial Bank Ltd.

  British Aerospace Public Limited Co.

  BUPA Investments Overseas Ltd.

  Carmichael International Limited

  Chase Manhattan plc

  Coflexip Stena Offshore Limited

  463W

  Credit Lyonnais

  Dennis

  Deutsche Bank

  Dresdner Bank

  Edmund Nuttall Ltd.

  Fenner International Ltd.

  F. G. Wilson (Engineering) Ltd.

  GEC-Marconi Radar and Defence Systems Ltd.

  General Electric Company plc

  Invensys plc

  L. C. Bamford Excavators Ltd.

  Klockner INA Industrial Plants Limited

  Kvaerner Construction International Ltd.

  Kvaerner Metals Davy Limited

  Kvaerner Process plc

  Land Rover Exports Limited

  Marconi (Projects) Ltd.

  Marconi Avionics Overseas Limited

  Marconi Communications International Limited

  Marconi Radar Projects Limited

  Matcon Limited

  Matra Marconi Space UK Ltd.

  MC (1999) Ltd.

  Mirrlees Blackstone Ltd.

  Mitsui Babcock Energy Ltd.

  Motherwell Bridge Projects Ltd.

  Nortel plc

  Paralloy Limited

  Posford Duvivier Consulting Engineers

  Racal Defence Electronics Limited

  Rolls-Royce Power Ventures (Ankara) Ltd.

  Rolls-Royce Power Ventures Ltd.

  Rolls-Royce plc

  SCS Shipping Ltd

  SHS Handling Systems Limited

  Siemens plc

  Sir William Halcrow & Partners Limited

  Speedex Engineering Limited

  Standrange Ltd.

  TBS Engineering Limited

  Trade Credit Finance No. 1 Limited

  Trafalgar House Construction (Asia) Ltd.

  USF Limited

  Vickers Engineering plc

  Vikoma International Ltd.

  Volvo Bus Export (UK) Ltd.

  Vosper Thornycroft (UK) Limited

  William Cook Burton Ltd.

  Wood Group Engineering Ltd.

  Industrial Diseases
  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the number of applicants in the following age bands who have made a claim for payment in respect of vibration white finger and chronic bronchitis and 464W
  emphysema aged (a) 49 and below, (b) 50 to 59, (c) 60 to 69, (d) 70 to 79, (e) 80 to 89 and (f) 90 years and above. [101048]

  Mrs. Liddell
  As at 30 November, the age breakdown of claims made by ex-miners in respect of claims for compensation for VWF and respiratory disease is as follows:

  Aged

  Number

  Respiratory disease claims received

  49 and below

  6,558

  50–59

  12,348

  60–69

  25,311

  70–79

  30,202

  80–89

  11,047

  90 and above

  2,556

  VWF claims received

  49 and below

  15,780

  50–59

  13,364

  60–69

  14,382

  70–79

  8,414

  80–89

  925

  90 and above

  20

  Telecommunications Council
  Mr. Jim Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the outcome of the Telecommunications Council held in Brussels on 30 November; and if he will make a statement. [101168]

  Ms Hewitt
  I represented the UK at the Telecommunications Council on 30 November which adopted a Directive on a Common Framework for Electronic Signatures. I welcomed this as a major step forward towards clarifying the legal framework for electronic commerce.

  In addition the Commission presented a number of recent Communications which were followed by preliminary exchanges of views.

  In presenting the fifth report on implementation of the telecommunications regulatory package the Commission drew attention to progress towards implementation of the existing package of telecoms liberalisation legislation, and concluded that the successes of the existing regulatory framework had led to market growth with increased competition and lower tariffs. The Commission also drew attention to the remaining barriers to a single European market in telecoms, including a comparatively low level of harmonisation of Community licensing and interconnection regimes, incomplete implementation by some member states of Community cost accounting provisions, and the lack of competition in local access markets in all member states. Member states approved this general analysis.

  There was a first debate on the Commission Communication on the review of the regulatory framework for electronic communications. In presenting the Communication the Commission summarised its approach to the review of the regulatory package which would apply to all electronic communications systems and said it would report on the outcome of its public consultation in April before making legislative proposals in May. In the following debate all member states

  465W
  recognised the need for swift action in the face of the pace of technological change, and simplification of the regulatory framework. A number, including the UK, stressed the need for a flexible framework with a minimum of regulation. I emphasised that strengthening competition in the market for communications services is vital to produce an environment in which e-commerce can flourish in Europe, and welcomed the Commission's recognition that regulation should be on a co-regulatory basis with business where possible. The Council adopted Conclusions endorsing the Commission's principles for the new regulatory framework as set out in its Communication.

  The Commission also presented its Communication on the results of its public consultation on its Green Paper on radio spectrum policy. The Commission summarised the outcome of its consultation and the areas in which it indicated future legislative proposals. There was no discussion of the Communication: the Presidency concluded that the Council noted the Commission's intentions which would require further study when specific legislative proposals emerged in 2000.

  There was also a debate on the information society of the future and how to build trust and create effective rules for electronic commerce. The Commission will produce guidelines on the use of self-regulation in this area for discussion at the Information Society meeting in Lisbon in April 2000.

  The Council also noted, without discussion, the Commission Communication on implementation of Directive 97/47/EC on advanced TV standards. The

  Applicant

  Project

  Professor I. G. Priede

  Aberdeen

  Autonomous Marine Environment Research Stations (AutoMERS)

  Professor P. St. J. Russell

  Bath

  Photonic Crystal Fibres: Fabrication, Technology and Applications

  Professor H. R. Saibil

  Birkbeck

  Equipment and Refurbishment for Electron Cryomicroscopy and Protein Crystallography

  Professor M. N. R. Ashfold

  Bristol

  Materials, Physical and Computational Chemistry for the 21st Century

  Professor R. J. Mair

  Cambridge

  Centre for Geotechnical Process and Construction Modelling

  Professor D. M. Glover

  Cambridge

  Cell Biology and Drosophilia Research in the Cambridge University Genetics Department

  Professor Sir John Gurdon

  Cambridge

  Relocation and upgrading of Wellcome CRC Institute

  Professor P. Sissons

  Cambridge

  Biology and Pathogenesis of Virus Infections

  Professor T. W. Robbins

  Cambridge

  Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience

  Professor D. G. Crighton

  Cambridge

  Centre for Mathematical Sciences

  Professor A. J. Moses

  Cardiff

  Production, Evaluation and Applications of Advanced Soft Magnetics Materials and Devices

  Professor A. I. Lamond

  Dundee

  Dundee Centre for High Resolution Imaging in Cell and Molecular Biology

  Professor R. W. Richards

  Durham

  Multi-disciplinary Condensed Matter Chemistry

  Professor T. D. Jickells

  UEA

  Laboratory for Global Marine and Atmospheric Chemistry

  Dr. K. J. Heywood

  UEA

  Sampling Equipment for the UK Marine, Physics and Chemistry Community

  Professor R. D. Kenway

  Edinburgh

  A World-Leading Computing Facility for Simulations of the Strong Interaction

  Professor P. J. Sadler

  Edinburgh

  Edinburgh Protein Interaction Centre (EPIC)

  Professor N. P. Franks

  ICSTM

  General Anaesthesia: From Molecular Actions to Neuronal Pathways

  Professor M. Van Heel

  ICSTM

  An Integrated Multi-Disciplinary Centre for Solving Biopolymer Structures

  Professor P. McGuffin

  KCL (Institute of Psychiatry)

  The Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Research Centre at the Institute of Psychiatry

  Professor M. B. Steer

  Leeds

  Microwave and Millimetre-Wave Design and Instrumentation Facility

  Dr. M. C. Bell

  Leeds

  Leeds Health Air Pollution, Noise, Health and Emissions Research Network (LANTERN)

  Professor P. K. H. Maguire

  Leicester

  The Acquisition of Seismic Recording Systems to study "Rifting Processes: Inception, Transition and Spreading"

  Professor P. P. Allport

  Liverpool

  The Liverpool Semiconductor Detector Centre

  466W
  Commission also provided an oral update on member states' preparation for the Millennium Bug in energy, transport and other fields.

  Post Office White Paper
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will define the phrase, "undue cross-subsidy", in paragraph 28 of the Post Office White Paper. [101289]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  The phrase "undue cross-subsidy" refers to any cross-subsidy from the monopoly to non-monopoly services which is intended or has the effect of being a breach of competition rules. It will be for the Postal Services Commission to regulate this and to make decisions based on the facts of any particular case.

  Joint Infrastructure Fund
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he intends to announce awards from round 2 of the Joint Infrastructure Fund. [101685]

  Mr. Byers
  I have today announced jointly with the Wellcome Trust and the Higher Education Funding Council for England details of the awards from round 2 of the Joint Infrastructure Fund (JIF). Over £320 million has been awarded to 45 successful applicants across 27 universities across the United Kingdom.

  The projects awarded funding cover the broad spectrum of science and engineering. They range from projects costing £750,000 to over £30 million.

  There are a further 3 rounds of the JIF with decision points in March and November 2000 and March 2001.

  Details of the individual awards announced today are as follows:
  467W

  Applicant

  Project

  Professor J. S. Metcalfe

  Manchester

  Manchester Federal School Interdisciplinary Faculty for Management Research

  Professor D. J. Vaughan

  Manchester

  Research Centre in Molecular Environmental Science

  Professor A. J. Lyne

  Manchester

  Lovell Telescope—Forward to the 21st Century

  Professor M. P. Young

  Newcastle

  Visual Neuroecology

  Professor A. Ekert

  Oxford

  Interdisciplinary Centre for Quantum Information Processing

  Dr. A. Cooper

  Oxford

  Ancient Biomolecules Centre

  Professor W. G. Richards

  Oxford

  Chemistry Research Laboratory

  Dr. B. T. Huffman

  Oxford

  Tevraton—Quick Access Resources for Computing T-Quarc

  Professor R. A. North

  Sheffield

  Integrated Research in Molecular Life Sciences: co-ordinating Structural Biology, Developmental Genetics, Molecular Physiology and Molecular Microbiology

  Professor D. J. Read

  Sheffield

  Plant Environmental Interactions: Scaling between Genes and Ecosystems

  Dr. N. J. C. Spooner

  Sheffield

  British Underground Facility for Dark Matter and Neutrino Studies

  Professor M. Bradley

  Southampton

  Combinatorial Centre of Excellence

  Professor M. F. Land

  Sussex

  Refurbishment of Sussex Centre for Neuroscience

  Professor E. A. Hinds

  Sussex

  Centre for the Measurement of Particle Electric Dipole Moments

  Professor P. R. Jonas

  UMIST

  An Instrumented Aircraft Facility for Atmospheric Research within the UK University Community

  Professor L. E. Davis

  UMIST

  Electromagnetics Centre for Microwave and Millimetre-Wave Design and Applications

  Professor J. Collinge

  UCL

  Neurodegenerative diseases—from Molecule to Clinic

  Professor L. K. Borysiewicz

  Wales (College of Medicine)

  Centre for Biomedical Research

  Professor D. Bowles

  York

  Creating a New Research Infrastructure for Biosciences

  Professor S. K. Bhattacharya

  Warwick

  Warwick Design and Innovation Research Centre (Innovative Manufacturing Centre Phase 3)

  Note:

  The JEC approved a total of 45 awards but support for one of these is dependent on a further site visit. Details of this award have therefore not been announced yet.

  Minimum Wage
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on plans for operating the national minimum wage. [101509]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  The Government asked the independent Low Pay Commission to monitor and evaluate the operation of the national minimum wage, with particular reference to its impact on pay, employment and competitiveness in low paying sectors and small firms. I look forward to reading the Commission's findings, which will be included in their report to the Prime Minister and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State later this month, and we will consider carefully the recommendations it makes.

  Entertainment Industry
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the impact of the Employment Relations Act 1999 on the working of the entertainment industry. [101087]

  Mr. Alan Johnson
  No regulatory proposal which has an impact on businesses, charities or voluntary bodies is considered by the Government without a thorough assessment of the risks, costs and benefits, a clear analysis of who will be affected and an explanation of why non-regulatory action would be insufficient. These effects are examined in Regulatory Impact Assessments (RIAs), which are published with legislative proposals.

  The RIA which accompanied the Employment Relations Bill calculated a total recurring annual compliance cost to business of £60 million. No figures were prepared for individual sectors such as the entertainment industry. The Act's impact on an individual
  468W
  sector will depend on the scope of existing provision in that sector, whether this provision exceeds the statutory minimum in the Act, and the extent to which individuals take up their rights. However, views were received on the legislation from both management and unions in the entertainment sector.

  The compliance costs need to be set against the benefits which the Act is expected to bring, contributing to improvements in employment relations across the economy, stimulating a more co-operative approach and thus contributing to enhanced economic performance, and helping people achieve a better balance between work and family life, with wider long term social benefits.

  PLCs (German Takeovers)
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many public limited companies in the UK have been taken over by companies based in Germany in each of the last three years. [101360]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  I have been asked to reply.

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

  Letter from John Kidgell to Mr. Barry Sheerman, dated 7 December 1999:
  The Director of the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has been asked to reply to your question on the number of public limited companies in the UK that have been taken over by companies based in Germany over the last three years. I am replying in Dr Holt's absence.

  469W
  The ONS extracts information about acquisitions and mergers from detailed scanning of specialist journals and the financial press. We therefore tend to identify only the larger and/or more newsworthy acquisitions. The figures below may therefore understate the scale of German acquisitions of UK companies.

  Year

  Number of British Companies taken over

  1997

  5

  1998

  1

  1999 first three quarters only

  4

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  BBC World TV
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations he has received about the removal of current affairs and analysis from BBC World TV programming. [99965]

  Janet Anderson
  We have received three representations from hon. Members and their constituents. I am afraid however it is a longstanding principle that the Government do not intervene in the BBC's programming and editorial issues, which are matters for the BBC Board of Governors.

  ITV Franchises
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what his policy is in respect of the amalgamation of companies holding ITV franchises. [101458]

  Janet Anderson
  Media mergers are subject to general competition law as well as specific ownership provisions under the Broadcasting Acts 1990 and 1996. These are matters for the Independent Television Commission and the Office of Fair Trading.

  Works of Art (Export Licences)
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many press releases were issued by his Department in relation to the deferral of export licences for works of art(a) from May 1997 to June 1998 and (b) from June 1998 to date. [101853]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  Between May 1997 and June 1998, 12 news releases were issued by the Department relating to the deferral of 20 export licences for cultural items.

  From June 1998 to date, 15 news releases were issued relating to the deferral of 24 such export licences.

  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps he has taken to publicise his Department's publication, "Export of Works of Art 1998–99". [101852]

  Mr. Chris Smith
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham, East (Mr. Heppell) on 26 November 1999,Official Report, column 216W, when I said that the Reviewing Committee's Annual Report for 1998–99 was published
  470W
  on that day, and that copies had been laid before Parliament. I also issued a news release on the same day announcing its publication.

  Lottery Terminals
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) who will own the lottery terminals which his Department has decided should become obsolete; and what value has been put on them; [101515]

  (2) what extra costs will be incurred in terms of the provision of new lottery machines as a consequence of the decision that the existing ones should be replaced; and if this cost falls on (a) the sum available for good causes and (b) other budgets; [101517]

  (3) what were the installation costs of the initial batch of lottery terminals; and what (a) direct and (b) indirect costs were met from public funds; [101516]

  (4) who took the decision to scrap existing lottery terminals. [101514]

  Kate Hoey
  The decision to require the successful applicant for the new National Lottery licence to install new terminals was taken by the National Lottery Commission. The Commission is independent of Government.

  The National Lottery terminals are the property of the National Lottery operator, Camelot Group plc, and will remain Camelot's property when the current operating licence expires. My Department does not hold information on the installation costs or the present value of these terminals. The full cost of purchasing and installing the terminals was met by Camelot from its operating costs: no part of the cost of the terminals was met from public funds.

  The National Lottery Commission has a statutory responsibility to ensure that the National Lottery is run with all due propriety, to protect the interests of players, and subject to satisfying those two criteria, to maximise the amount the Lottery raises for good causes. The Commission took the view that a competition is the best way to ensure that the amount raised for good causes is maximised, and therefore insisted on new technology for National Lottery terminals to remove an obstacle to competition. The Commission's decision will have no impact on other budgets.

  Indemnity Undertakings
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many indemnity undertakings were given by departments under section 16 of the National Heritage Act 1980 for the six month period ended 30 September; and what was the value of(a) any contingent liabilities in respect of such undertakings given at any time under that section which remained outstanding as at 30 September, (b) non-statutory Government indemnities in respect of loans handled by the Government Art Collection which remained outstanding as at 30 September and (c) non-statutory undertakings to Her Majesty in respect of loans from the Royal Collection which remained outstanding at 30 September. [102029]
  471W
  Mr. Chris Smith
  The provision for the Government Indemnity Scheme is made by the National Heritage Act 1980. The scheme facilitates public access to loans of works of art and other objects for public display made to museums, galleries and other such institutions by private owners and non national institutions. It does this by indemnifying lenders against loss or damage to their loan. Loans covered by the scheme must be for public benefit. The scheme also covers loans of such objects for study purposes within borrowing institutions where this would contribute materially to the public's understanding or appreciation of the loan. Examples of this are enhancing interpretation or explanation to the public of objects or bringing into the public domain the conclusions of any study.

  In the six month period ended 30 September 1999, the following undertakings to indemnify were given under section 16 by the relevant Departments for objects on loan to national and non-national institutions:

  Number

  Department for Culture, Media and Sport

  592

  Scottish Executive Education Department

  101

  The National Assembly for Wales

  61

  Department of Education for Northern Ireland

  18

  The value of contingent liabilities in respect of undertakings given at any time under section 16 and which remained outstanding is:

  £

  Department for Culture, Media and Sport

  1,625,435,897

  Scottish Executive Education Department

  480,066,111

  The National Assembly for Wales

  66,972,145

  Department for Education for Northern Ireland

  8,523,168

  The value of non-statutory Government indemnities to cover loans handled by the Government Art Collection and which remained outstanding as at 30 September 1999 is:

  Value: £4,475,000.

  The value of non-statutory Undertakings given to Her Majesty in respect of loans from the Royal Collection and which remained outstanding as at 30 September 1999 is:

  Value: £274,848,263.

PRIME MINISTER

  Joint Cabinet Consultative Committee
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Prime Minister (1) how many times the Joint Cabinet Consultative Committee has met in 1999; [101212]

  (2) when he expects the next meeting of the Joint Cabinet Consultative Committee to take place; and what will be on the agenda. [101214]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 5 July 1999,Official Report, column 362W.

ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT AND THE REGIONS

  Departmental Transport
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much his Department has spent on ministerial transport in each of the last two years. [98690]

  Mr. Hill
  Ministers are required, under the Ministerial Code and "Travel by Ministers", to make efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements. For information on spend on the Government Car Service, I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office on 1 December 1999,Official Report, columns 255–56W.

  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much his Department has spent on civil servants' transport in each of the last two years. [99147]

  Mr. Hill
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office on 1 December 1999,Official Report, columns 255–56W. This gave details of providing the Government Car Service, which included the costs for Ministers and Ministerial private office expenditure in DETR. All travel undertaken by civil servants in the Department complied with the requirements of the Civil Service Management Code.

  The amount paid for other civil servants transport was not retained separately from other travel expenditure on the previous Department of Transport Accounting system which was in use until end of March 1999 so that a combined total for the two Departments for previous years could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what motor mileage allowance rates his Department offers to(a) Ministers and (b) civil servants using their own vehicles for official business; and what has been the cost of each in each of the last five years. [99148]

  Mr. Hill
  Ministers, when travelling on official business, may use a private car instead of an official car, and claim mileage allowance in the same circumstances and on the same terms as their civil servants. Use of public transport is encouraged. The Department's aim of minimising journeys by car to reduce the environmental impact of transport activity has been publicised widely. Where public transport is available but a private car is used, a single flat rate of 24 pence per mile is payable. Where it is impracticable to use public transport, payment for the use of a private car is at the rate of 40 pence per mile for the first 4,000 miles regardless of engine size, and 24 pence per mile after that. Claims for payment have to confirm that each journey was arranged in the most cost effective way.

  The amount paid for motor mileage was not retained separately from other travel expenditure on the previous Department of Transport accounting system so that a combined total for the two Departments could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Motorcycles (Child Passengers)
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many children aged under 16 years regularly travelled as motorcycle pillion passengers in each of the last five years for which figures are available. [100012]

  Mr. Hill
  No estimate is available. The number of children identified in the National Travel Survey making journeys as motorcycle pillion passengers over the last five years has been too small to give any estimate for the population as a whole.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many children have been(a) killed and (b) seriously injured whilst riding as a passenger on a motorcycle, in each of the last 10 years. [100010]

  Mr. Hill
  The information requested is shown in the table.

  Child motorcycle pillion casualties by severity: GB 1989–98

  Casualties

  Year

  Fatal

  Serious

  Slight

  All

  1989

  0

  66

  148

  214

  1990

  6

  51

  147

  204

  1991

  1

  34

  108

  143

  1992

  1

  36

  122

  159

  1993

  2

  53

  130

  185

  1994

  2

  54

  138

  194

  1995

  0

  46

  170

  216

  1996

  1

  51

  130

  182

  1997

  3

  48

  137

  188

  1998

  0

  34

  141

  175

  Corporate Assets
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what his estimate is of the value of land and property (i) in Scotland, (ii) in the United Kingdom, (iii) overseas and (iv) in total within the responsibility of(a) the British Railways Board, (b) the British Waterways Board, (c) the Civil Aviation Authority and (d) London Regional Transport (including assets under construction); and what is the value of (1) plant and equipment, (2) vehicles and rolling stock, (3) investments and (4) other moveable assets held by each of these bodies. [99823]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 26 November 1999]: The table which has been placed in the Library sets out the value of land and property (including assets under construction), plant and equipment, vehicles and rolling stock, investments and other assets within the responsibility of the respective bodies set out, as shown in their respective accounts for the year ended 31 March 1999. All figures relate to the group and to the United Kingdom. There were no properties held overseas. Where appropriate, the figure in respect of Scotland has been separately identified. Unless otherwise stated there were no investments held. The net book value should be considered to be current values as at 31 March 1999.

  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the current estimated value of land and property in (i) Scotland, (ii) the United Kingdom, (iii) overseas, and (iv) in total 474W
  within the responsibility of (a) the Audit Commission, (b) the British Board of Agreement, (c) the Commission for the New Towns, (d) the Countryside Commission, (e) English Nature, (f) English Partnerships, (g) the Environment Agency, (h) general lighthouse authorities, (i) Trinity House Lighthouse Service, (j) Northern Lighthouse Board, (k) the Health and Safety Commission and Executive, (l) housing action trusts, (m) the Housing Corporation, (n) the Joint Nature Conservancy Committee, (o) the National Forest Company, (p) the Rural Development Commission, (q) the Traffic Director for London and (r) urban development corporations. [99811]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 26 November 1999]: Although not separately identified between Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom, information on the values of land and property is contained in the tangible fixed assets note of the individually published audited accounts of the bodies concerned. These accounts, which are published either as a White Paper Accounts or in the form of a glossy version, have been laid before Parliament and are available in the Library for inspection. Any additional information could not be provided without delay and without incurring disproportionate cost.

  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate the current value of land and property in (i) Scotland (ii) the United Kingdom (iii) overseas (iv) total within the responsibility of the(a) Coastguard Agency, (b) Driving Standards Agency, (c) Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency, (d) Highways Agency, (e) Marine Safety Agency, (f) Planning Inspectorate Executive Agency, (g) QEII Conference Centre, (h) Vehicle Certification Agency and (i) Vehicle Inspectorate. [99813]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 26 November 1999]: The table which has been placed in the Library sets out the value of land and property within the responsibility of the respective bodies set out, as shown in their respective audited accounts for the year ended 31 March 1999. Marine Safety Agency and the Coastguard Agency formally merged on 1 April 1998. Their figures therefore appear combined. For the avoidance of doubt I should mention that the Driving Standards Agency, the Vehicle Inspectorate and the QEII Conference Centre are trading funds and not executive agencies of DETR. Value information for the Highways Agency is being developed as part of the implementation of resource accounting; this information is currently being audited and is not available. All figures are for the United Kingdom and none for overseas. Where appropriate, the figure in respect of Scotland has been separately identified. The net book value should be considered to be current values as at 31 March 1999.

  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the current estimated value of land and property in (i) Scotland, (ii) the United Kingdom (iii) overseas and (iv) in total within the responsibility of DETR central; and if he will further list the value of moveable assets within DETR central. [99812]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 26 November 1999]: The table which has been placed in the Library sets out the value of land and property within the responsibility of DETR central and the value of other assets as shown in the Department's dry run resource

  475W
  accounts for the year ended 31 March 1999. The first year of published resource accounts will be in respect of 1999–2000. All figures relate to England and Wales. No assets are held by DETR Central in Scotland or overseas. The net book value should be considered to be current values as at 31 March 1999.

  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what his estimate is of the value of land and property (i) in Scotland, (ii) in the United Kingdom, (iii) overseas and (iv) in total held by the Ordnance Survey; and what is the value of moveable assets and other assets held by this body. [99824]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 26 November 1999]: Estimates are as follows:

  £

  (i) Value of land and property held by Ordnance Survey in Scotland

  10

  (ii) Value of land and property held by Ordnance Survey in the United Kingdom

  14,950,000

  (iii) Value of land and property held by Ordnance Survey overseas

  0

  (iv) Value of land and property held in total by the Ordnance Survey

  214,950,000

  (v) Value of moveable assets and other assets held by Ordnance Survey

  10,328,000

  1 All office accommodation in Scotland is rented

  2 Same as (ii)

  A31
  Mr. David Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has to increase traffic flow during the current road works on the A31 in the New Forest particularly during weekends; when he expects the road works to be completed; and if he will make a statement. [100522]

  Average local reference rents, Greater Manchester and Cheshire

  Weekly rent (£)

  Accommodation with four rooms

  Accommodation with five rooms

  1996

  1997

  1998

  1996

  1997

  1998

  Greater Manchester

  71.00

  71.37

  72.20

  19.17

  79.17

  80.81

  Manchester

  74.17

  71.01

  75.55

  83.34

  80.45

  85.63

  Stockport

  87.23

  86.96

  86.83

  93.73

  95.04

  93.25

  Oldham

  58.40

  60.14

  60.59

  60.66

  64.16

  64.96

  Tameside

  75.67

  79.61

  76.00

  78.94

  80.02

  81.48

  Bolton

  63.34

  67.31

  66.64

  68.08

  72.22

  71.90

  Rochdale

  60.10

  63.35

  63.88

  62.27

  69.80

  68.41

  Trafford

  84.71

  86.90

  87.82

  89.32

  92.91

  92.49

  Bury

  59.74

  66.21

  66.23

  63.88

  67.80

  70.73

  Salford

  64.64

  66.39

  67.18

  68.81

  71.58

  72.87

  Wigan

  60.31

  66.03

  65.49

  63.67

  69.57

  70.38

  Cheshire

  83.72

  88.70

  88.73

  89.94

  99.25

  97.09

  Congleton

  177.89

  182.67

  183.76

  176.37

  192.86

  191.51

  Macclesfield

  115.90

  125.92

  121.59

  1122.85

  1139.16

  1127.87

  Crewe and Nantwich

  67.62

  71.28

  71.50

  78.55

  178.04

  81.92

  Vale Royal

  80.44

  190.31

  93.22

  189.53

  1102.81

  1105.92

  Ellesmere Port and Neston

  180.03

  183.72

  80.00

  184.65

  199.18

  185.94

  Warrington

  84.88

  87.41

  93.08

  192.50

  198.67

  1103.81

  Chester

  95.38

  1105.99

  100.03

  195.22

  1115.21

  1109.81

  Halton

  74.32

  77.94

  77.49

  180.57

  183.90

  184.68

  1 Number of cases fewer than 100

  Source:

  Rent Officer returns
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  Mr. Hill
  I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Peter Nutt, to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Peter Nutt to Mr. David Atkinson, dated 7 December 1999:
  The Transport Minister, Keith Hill, has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about roadworks on the A31 in the New Forest.
  It is not possible to relax the traffic restrictions on the A31 between Picket Post and Stoney Cross at this stage of the works. Traffic management has been designed to allow for maximum lane availability during peak periods. Greater traffic restrictions are needed at other times to allow the resurfacing and bridge maintenance works to be done safely.
  During weekdays, two lanes are provided at peak times in the direction of greatest demand. At weekends, two lanes are provided eastbound from 1600 hrs to 2000 hrs. At all other times, a contraflow of one lane in each direction is used.
  The work is due to be completed by 12 December, weather permitting.

  Rents
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the standard reference rent established by the Rent Officer Service for each locality within Greater Manchester and Cheshire for four room and five room accommodation in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement. [100768]

  Mr. Mullin
  The available annual information is given in the table. Reference rents will differ from one year to the next because of differences in the type and condition of property covered each year. These figures are not included in the publication "Rent Officer Statistics" because the number of cases reported for each locality is too small a basis for reliable quarterly estimates.

  Channel Tunnel
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if safety recommendations to be enacted in accordance with section 37 of the Cologne Conclusions will apply to the Channel Tunnel; and if cost compliance will be included by the UK delegates in working group negotiations. [100996]

  Mr. Hill
  The Transport Council has yet to consider any recommendations on tunnel safety. However, paragraph 37 of the Cologne Council conclusions refers to road tunnels. It therefore seems likely that any recommendations would not be directly applicable to rail tunnels such as the Channel Tunnel.

  The independent, binational Channel Tunnel Safety Authority, which oversees all matters relating to safety in the Channel Tunnel, has studied the various investigations into the Mont Blanc Tunnel fire and has identified no immediate or urgent safety implications for the Channel Tunnel. The Safety Authority will study with interest any recommendations the Transport Council may make, once they are published, to see whether they have any implications for the Tunnel.

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the provision of direct rail services between the north west and the rest of Europe via the Channel Tunnel. [101347]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 6 December 1999]: Such services are the subject of an extensive independent review, the results of which the Deputy Prime Minister is currently considering. A statement will be made in due course.

  Road Surfacing
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the value of porous asphalt road surfacing as a means of reducing spray in wet weather. [101136]

  Mr. Hill
  I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Peter Nutt, to write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Richard Thorndike to Mr. Bob Blizzard, dated 7 December 1999:
  You recently asked the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the value of porous asphalt roads surfacing as a means of reducing spray in wet weather. I am replying in the absence of the Chief Executive, Peter Nutt.
  Research undertaken by the Highways Agency has assessed the value of using porous asphalt road surfaces, including the benefit of reduced spray. Work carried out in the 1980's has shown that porous asphalt can reduce spray by as much as 95 per cent. compared to conventional asphalt when new. This reduces to approximately 30 per cent. after about three years due to the clogging of the porous asphalt from road detritus. The reduction in spray and the better visibility it offers drivers in wet weather, could be expected to reduce accidents when using porous asphalt compared with conventional surfacing.
  However, surveys carried out for the Highways Agency indicate that vehicles travel faster on porous asphalt in the wet than on conventional surfacing which increases the risk of accidents. This work is supported by an extensive accident survey report from the Netherlands. Where porous asphalt is widely used. Their survey demonstrates that porous asphalt was no safer than conventional
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  surfacing. This was attributed to motorists driving at higher speeds on porous asphalt than conventional surfacing due to reduced spray and better visibility. The results of limited work undertaken by the Highways Agency are consistent with evidence collected in Holland.
  As part of a strategy to reduce impact of road noise the Highways Agency is carrying out research into alternative types of low noise road surfacing. As a result, new types of surfacing are now being introduced, some of which are often confused with porous asphalt, given their spray suppressing properties. Research on porous asphalt and the new road surfaces is continuing and will include monitoring spray reduction and the benefits offered.
  If it would be helpful, Graham Bowskill, our Head of Civil Engineering, would be pleased to discuss the performance of porous asphalt and other road surfacing with you. His telephone number is 0171 921 4746.

  Petrol Emissions
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what emissions are produced from the use of a gallon of(a) unleaded petrol, (b) super unleaded petrol and (c) lead replacement petrol. [101093]

  Mr. Hill
  There is no fundamental difference in emissions produced by any of these grades of petrol, the primary combustion products being carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapour. Combustion of one gallon will produce approximately 10.7 kg of CO2 and 4.3 kg of water. Small amounts of secondary combustion products can also be created, but the actual amounts will vary from vehicle to vehicle depending on the combustion efficiency of the engine in which the fuel is burned and the efficiency of any exhaust gas after-treatment that may be fitted. These secondary pollutants are mainly comprised of hydrocarbons (HC) arising from unburned or partially burned fuel, oxides of nitrogen (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO) and particulates. Depending on the level of sulphur in the fuel, sulphur compounds can also be produced. Other compounds, resulting from the use of fuel additives such as, for example, potassium that is used in lead replacement petrol, may also be emitted in trace concentrations.

  London Underground
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list(a) the EDP costs, (b) accommodation and telephone costs, (c) London Transport finance and HR services charges and (d) PFI contract costs incurred by London Underground Ltd. in 1997–98. [100934]

  Mr. Hill
  Figures for these items were given in my answer of 25 October 1999,Official Report, column 673W.

  A more detailed breakdown of the costs referred to could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Seeboard Powerlink Consortium
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many miles of high-tension and control cables(a) have been and (b) will be transferred to the Seeboard Powerlink consortium under the Power PFI contract. [100932]

  Mr. Hill
  Under the terms of the Power PFI contract, approximately 1,000 miles each of high-tension and control cables (covering the entire Underground network) transferred to Seeboard Powerlink on 16 August 1998.
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  Seeboard Powerlink is responsible for the maintenance and renewal of these cables for the duration of the contract.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans have been agreed with the Seeboard Powerlink consortium for the retention of generating plant at(a) the Lots Road and (b) the Greenwich power stations. [100933]

  Mr. Hill
  Under the terms of the Power PFI contract, Seeboard Powerlink are working together with London Underground to close Lots Road Power station during 2001. Main power supplies for the Underground will then be obtained from the National Grid.

  For the duration of the contract, Seeboard Powerlink will require Greenwich Power station to provide emergency power in the event of a failure of supplies from the National Grid. Seeboard Powerlink is responsible for maintenance and renewal during this period.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many London Underground sub-station staff were transferred to the Seeboard Powerlink consortium under the terms of the Power PFI contract. [100931]

  Mr. Hill
  Under the terms of the Power PFI contract, 315 London Underground employees transferred to Seeboard Powerlink, including 148 sub-station staff.

  £ million

  CSR1 1999–2000

  Latest2 1999–2000

  CSR1 2000–01

  Latest2 2000–01

  CSR1 2001–02

  Latest2 2001–02

  Housing and other

  3,829

  3,665

  4,581

  4,422

  5,195

  5,032

  Regeneration (including New Deal for Communities)

  1,352

  1,443

  1,533

  1,621

  1,765

  1,849

  Transport

  2,880

  2,935

  3,231

  3,172

  3,673

  3,575

  London Transport, Rail Franchise Payments and CTRL

  1,670

  1,624

  1,238

  1,255

  1,367

  1,431

  Total DETR

  9,729

  9,666

  10,582

  10,470

  12,000

  11,888

  1 As published in Table 8.1 of Cm 4011 (Modern Public Services for Britain—Investing in reform).

  2 Post Summer Supplementary/Revised Estimates position.

  Concessionary Bus Fares
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the national minimum concessionary bus fare for pensioners has been budgeted for introduction before 2001–02. [100890]

  Mr. Hill
  The Transport Bill published on 1 December contains our proposals for the introduction of the standard minimum for local authority concessionary travel schemes for pensioners. The standard minimum concession cannot be implemented until the necessary primary legislation has been enacted, so the earliest practical introduction date will be 2001–02.

  Departmental Reports
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the titles of departmental reports being prepared for publication in the next 12 months, giving in each case the estimated date of publication. [100889]

  Comprehensive Spending Review
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the changes made to Comprehensive Spending Review spending plans for his Department since July 1998. [100891]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The following table sets out the spending plans within my Department's Departmental Expenditure Limit (DEL) as published in July 1998 (Table 8.1 of Cm. 4011) compared to the position following the 1999–2000 Revised and Summer Supplementary Estimates. For subsequent changes I refer the hon. Member to the answer which my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Cleethorpes (Shona McIsaac) on 5 November 1999,Official Report, columns 346–49W, and the Supply Estimates 1999–2000: Winter Supplementary Estimates published on the 18 November.

  The changes between the CSR settlement and the present position for Housing and other and Regeneration, are the result principally of the establishment of the Regional Development Agencies (now included in the Regeneration line), which have taken over the administration of some programmes formerly included with Housing and other. The other changes are the cumulative result of a large number of: small technical (public expenditure classification) changes; transfers to and from other Departmental Expenditure Limits; and some minor transfers between programmes within my Department's DEL.

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  The Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions is preparing DETR Departmental Annual Report 2000, which will be published in spring 2000.

  A41 (Aylesbury)
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact of the completion of the A41 Aston Clinton bypass on traffic(a) volumes and (b) flows on the A41 through Aylesbury. [101117]

  Mr. Hill
  I have asked the acting Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Peter Nutt, to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Mr. Richard Thorndike to Mr. David Lidington, dated 7 December 1999:
  I have been asked by the Transport Minister, Keith Hill, to reply to your recent parliamentary question about the impact of the A41 Aston Clinton Bypass on traffic on the A41 through Aylesbury. I am replying in the absence of the Chief Executive, Peter Nutt.

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  At present over 26,000 vehicles a day use the A41 through Aston Clinton. Our forecasts show that 70% of this traffic would divert onto the bypass. They also show that other local roads would not be adversely affected by the opening of the bypass nor would the A41 through Aylesbury.

  Railway Finances
  Mr. Moore
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on(a) how the debts of British Rail are to be managed and (b) the borrowing powers available to the Strategic Rail Authority. [100885]

  Mr. Hill
  My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister is considering these matters with the Chairman of the Shadow Strategic Rail Authority and the Treasury.

  Drivers (Mobile Phones)
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what powers he has to prevent drivers of motor vehicles from using hand-held mobile phones whilst they are driving. [100901]

  Mr. Hill
  Drivers are charged with dangerous driving (Section 2 of the Road Traffic Act 1988) or driving without due care and attention (Section 3 of that Act) if using a mobile phone causes them to drive in such a manner; or with failing to exercise proper control of a vehicle (Section 104 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986.

  Merseytravel Scheme
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the benefit of the Merseytravel concessionary fares scheme to the(a) elderly and (b) disabled. [101166]

  Mr. Hill
  I have not made any assessment of this scheme. It is for individual local authorities—in this case Merseyside Passenger Transport Authority—to decide whether to operate concessionary fare schemes and what level of benefit to provide.

  Homelessness
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to commission research on the needs of older single homeless people accommodated and rehoused via local authority homeless services. [101186]

  Mr. Mullin
  Data are already collected on older households accepted as homeless by local authorities. Overall, the total number of such households has declined from 6,060 in 1993–94 to 3,700 in 1998–99. During this same period the proportion of these households, compared to other households accepted as homeless, has declined from five per cent. to four per cent.1

  The Department has no plans for additional data collection or research in this area at present.
  1 DETR, Information Bulletin, September 1999, Statistics of Local Authority Activities Under the Homelessness Legislation: England Second Quarter of 1999.

  Greater London Authority
  Sir Michael Spicer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for how long it is planned that the future Mayor of London will occupy the offices currently under conversion for him. [101155]

  Mr. Hill
  The Greater London Authority will remain in Romney House until the new headquarters building at London Bridge is completed. Negotiations on the agreement to lease and occupancy date are well advanced and I expect to make an announcement very shortly.

  Sir Michael Spicer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the budgeted cost is of converting offices for the future Mayor of London. [101154]

  Mr. Hill
  The temporary home of the new Greater London Authority in Romney House was selected from the Department's estate and it is anticipated that the cost of refurbishment will be around £2 million. The offices will be re-used by the Department once the GLA moves to its new headquarters building in London Bridge.

  Mr. Fitzpatrick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what response there has been to the consultation on the paper, "The Shape of Things to Come", concerning the organisational structure for the Greater London Authority. [102116]

  Mr. Hill
  The GLA Transition Team, under Dr. Robert Chilton, has advised me on the responses to the consultation exercise, and I have agreed some minor changes to the organisational structure originally proposed. A response document, entitled "Shaping up for the Mayor and Assembly" has today been published. A copy will be placed in the House Library.

  Waste Recycling
  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list those local authorities which have met his target for recycling domestic waste. [101446]

  Mr. Meacher
  There is no recycling target which each individual local authority is expected to meet. There is a national goal to recycle or compost 25 per cent. of household waste as soon as possible, hopefully by 2005. By 2010 we hope to see 30 per cent. of household waste being recycled or composted, and in the longer term we hope to see a third of all households being dealt with in this way.

  Under our Best Value Initiative performance indicators are being developed for local authority waste services. From these, authorities will be expected to derive targets for their own performance on waste, having regard to any national goals we set in the forthcoming National Waste Strategy. I emphasise, though, that local targets should take account of local assessments of the Best Practicable Environmental Option, and will not therefore necessarily be at the same level as our national goals. I fully expect some authorities to put forward targets that exceed those that we propose, and others to put forward lower targets.
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  From data supplied for the 1997–98 Municipal Waste Survey, it is clear that many authorities are doing excellent work on recycling and composting. From that data, the following authorities have recycling rates of 25 per cent. or over, and some are exceeding 30 per cent.:

  Adur District Council

  Chichester District Council

  Chiltern District Council

  Christchurch Borough Council

  East Dorset District Council

  Eastleigh Borough Council

  Gosport Borough Council

  Havant Borough Council

  New Forest District Council

  North Dorset District Council

  Purbeck District Council

  Reigate and Banstead Borough Council

  South Bucks District Council

  Tandridge District Council

  Weymouth and Portland Borough Council

  Note:
  Recycling rates are calculated as the quantity of household waste collected for recycling, expressed as a percentage of total household waste. These calculations exclude recycling of building rubble, and make no allowance for home composting.
  In non-unitary areas, the figures cover amounts collected within the area by both the Waste Collection Authority and the Waste Disposal Authority. In most cases, figures for total household waste (apart from amounts collected for recycling) are taken from returns from Waste Disposal Authorities.
  I also know that a number of authorities who do not appear on this list have recently put in new schemes which are helping those authorities to be well on the way to achieving recycling rates over 40 per cent.

  Waste Incineration
  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his Department's liability for any health problems caused by the incineration of waste. [100942]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 6 December 1999]: The setting and enforcing of high environmental protection standards for waste incineration is a priority for the Government. Incinerators in England (and Wales) are regulated by the Environment Agency or local authorities under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Whether a particular person or organisation would be liable for any damage caused by incineration would be for the Courts to decide in the circumstances of the particular case.

  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact of the incineration of waste on(a) the Government's national air quality strategy and (b) local authority air quality strategies; and if he will make a statement. [100944]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 6 December 1999]: The recent review of the UK National Air Quality Strategy considered all stationary and mobile sources of air pollution, including waste incineration, in forecasting the future air pollution climate. A revised version of the Strategy is to be published shortly. Incineration plant are
  484W
  already tightly controlled under the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 through which EU waste incineration legislation is also implemented.

  No national assessment has been made of the impact of incineration on local air quality strategies. In carrying out their local air quality management duties, however, local authorities will need to take account of the impact on air quality of any incineration processes in their areas. In drawing up any action plan or strategy to tackle local air pollution, authorities will wish to ensure that any additional reduction contributed by different sources (including any incineration processes) is balanced, proportionate and cost effective in relation to achieving the plan's objectives.

  Mr. Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research the Government have commissioned into the possible risk to human health from the incineration of waste, indicating the publication date of each research document. [100943]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 6 December 1999]: The following recent Government sponsored research has addressed possible risks to human health specifically in relation to waste incineration:
  Risk assessment of dioxin releases from municipal waste incineration processes HMIP/CPR2/41/1/181 Published by HMIP, 1996.
  Cancer incidence near municipal solid waste incinerators in Great Britain, by SAHSU, Elliott P, et al. Published in the British Journal of Cancer 1996 volume 73, pp 702–710. (A follow up study is to be published in the same journal early next year).
  A study of dioxins and furans in soil around four municipal waste incinerators in Hampshire, prepared by AEA Technology for the Environment Agency, 1996.
  Risks from BSE via environmental pathways, prepared by DNV for the Environment Agency, 1997.
  Health Effects of Waste Combustion Products, prepared by the Medical Research Council/Institute for Environment and Health for DTI, 1997.
  The Department of Health's Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants has also published a number of reports which are relevant to possible health effects of waste incineration. These are:
  Non-biological particles and health, Published 1995
  Asthma and outdoor pollution, Published 1995
  Quantification of the effects of air pollution on health in the UK, Published 1998.
  The Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution's Seventeenth Report on Incineration of Waste (Cm 2181, 1993) also considered health effects of waste incineration. The Department of Health/Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions Air Pollution Research Initiative is currently examining the effects on health of some products of combustion, including particles. A report for the Environment Agency on clinical waste disposal risk assessment is to be published shortly.

  Regional Development Agencies
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures he has taken to ensure that the North West Regional Development Agency consults local authorities in non-assisted areas within the region. [101344]
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  Ms Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 6 December 1999]: RDAs are expected to consult regularly with all local authorities in their regions and we will expect them to continue to consult on their activities as these progress.

  Most recently, the North West Development Agency consulted with local authorities and other regional partners in drawing up its regional strategy.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what guidance he has given to regional development agencies on discharging of their statutory obligation to promote sustainable development in their regional economic strategies. [101697]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Guidance on the formulation of the strategies was issued to the Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) on 31 March 1999. This outlined how the RDAs should seek to meet their statutory duty under Section 4 of the RDAs Act 1998, to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development in the UK, where it is relevant to its area to do so.

  The guidance specifies that an appraisal of the contribution the strategy will make to sustainable development should be produced.

  In addition to the guidance on RDAs' strategies, the Government have issued supplementary guidance to advise the RDAs more fully on sustainable development issues.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how the regional economic strategies of the regional development agencies will be monitored to ensure that the regional development agencies conform with statutory guidance(a) to take account of the needs of rural areas and (b) to promote sustainable development. [101698]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  As set out in the guidance to RDAs on the formulation of their strategies, the Government Offices for the Region will provide the focus for an on-going dialogue with Government as each strategy develops and is reviewed. They will also provide a means of ensuring that each strategy enhances and supports national policies and programmes.

  Transport Safety
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will complete his review of transport safety and accident investigation. [101846]

  Mr. Hill
  The review of transport safety arrangements, including accident investigation, is expected to be completed in the New Year.

  Radioactive Waste
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on recent EU legislation allowing member states to recycle low-level radioactive waste into consumer products. [101694]

  Mr. Mullin
  The EURATOM Basic Safety Standards Directive Euratom 96–29 imposes a high degree of radiological protection revising earlier Directives setting 486W
  basic safety standards for the protection of workers and members of the public against the dangers of ionising radiation. Article five of the Directive makes the disposal, recycling or re-use of radioactive substances subject to authorisation by the regulators.

  With most materials containing some radioactivity it is important to set thresholds in regulations below which materials will be treated as outside the framework of control. The Directive therefore permits member states to set levels of radioactivity below which materials can be disposed of, recycled and re-used without needing prior authorisation. This concept is known as clearance, with clearance levels setting a threshold at or below which the levels of radioactivity are small and pose negligible radiological risk, irrespective of the volume and fate of that material. The Government have recently issued a consultation document on implementation of the Directive including the issue of clearance levels. Responses to this are still being considered and Government proposals will be made in due course.

  In the UK, the sale or disposal of radioactively contaminated material is closely regulated by the Environment Agency (in England and Wales), the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (in Scotland), and Department of Environment (NI) in Northern Ireland under the Radioactive Substances Act 1993 to ensure that the levels of radioactivity involved pose insignificant risk to human health or the environment.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received concerning the recycling of low-level radioactive waste into consumer products. [101695]

  Mr. Mullin
  In response to a leaflet run by the Low Level Radiation Campaign (LLRC) about concerns of contaminated materials being reused and recycled into consumer goods, the Department has received 28 letters, 14 of which have been replied to by Ministers and 14 by officials. In addition, in response to a recent consultation exercise on implementation of the revised Basic Safety Standards Directive Euratom 96/29, further representations in support of the LLRC were received.

  My right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment has met with representatives of the LLRC when the matter of recycling low-level radioactive waste in consumer products was discussed.

  Rolling Stock
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to strengthen the regulation of rail companies to ensure that adequate rolling stock is provided on peak-time rail services in order to avert over-crowding. [101346]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 6 December 1999]: Train Operating Companies (TOCs) have a general obligation to avoid excessive overcrowding on all services. London commuter TOCs and TOCs providing some commuter services into Edinburgh are subject to annual counts of Passengers in Excess of Capacity (PIXC) and must not exceed 4.5 per cent. above capacity in either the morning or evening peak and 3 per cent. in the combined morning and evening peaks. My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister issued the Franchising Director with new

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  Instructions and Guidance on 29 September 1999 in which he asked him to deliver improvements in services through re-negotiation of the terms of franchise agreements.

  Blackpool to Manchester Line
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what his policy is on the electrification of the Blackpool to Manchester line. [101345]

  Mr. Hill
  [holding answer 6 December 1999]: Railtrack have told me that they believe there is no business case for electrification of the Blackpool to Manchester line unless external funding is available. They also say that no interest has been shown from any train operating company.

  Brownfield Development
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the brownfield development sites in(a) Colchester borough and (b) Tendring district. [101631]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 6 December 1999]: The information is not available centrally. Provisional estimates, from the National Land Use Database, of the total amount of previously developed land that may be available for redevelopment by Government Office Region were published last May in the Department's Information Bulletin 500.

  Landfill Gases
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what Government-sponsored research there has been into the health effects of burning landfill gases in the last 10 years. [101434]

  Mr. Hill
  Last year the Department commissioned the Small Area Health Statistics Unit at Imperial College to carry out a national study of adverse health effects around landfill sites. The results of this study are anticipated in approximately 18 months time. In September this year my right hon. Friend, the Minister for the Environment, launched a Government-funded research programme which will provide further information about potential harmful effects of substances which may be released from landfill sites.

  Water Resources
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which body is responsible for ensuring that there are sufficient water resources for future large scale development under regional planning guidance. [101433]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 6 December 1999]: The consultation draft of Planning Policy Guidance Note 11—Regional Planning, published earlier this year, makes clear (para. 2.31) that the Regional Planning Bodies, in framing policies in draft Regional Planning Guidance, should consider with the Environment Agency and the water industry the availability of water resources. Regional Planning Guidance should help foster co-operation between local planning authorities, water
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  companies and the Environment Agency to ensure that water supply sources are protected and that rates of development do not exceed the capacities of existing or planned water supply systems to meet projected demand.

  Public Transport Costs
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the costs of public transport in(a) London and (b) other European capitals. [101510]

  Mr. Hill
  The cost to the Government of supporting London Transport is recorded in the Annual Report of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. The Annual Report also gives the cost of supporting train services, though it is not possible to identify separately the cost of supporting train services in London.

  Costs incurred by London Transport in providing bus and underground services are published in their annual report and accounts.

  The Government do not maintain statistics on the finances of public transport systems in other European capitals.

  EU Structural Funds (Merseyside)
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the role of the public sector in providing match funding for the Objective 1 Merseyside Programme for(a) the current programme and (b) the programme for 2000–2006. [101840]

  Ms Beverley Hughes
  Merseyside has run a highly successful Objective 1 programme in the current round, and the Government welcome the new Objective 1 programme which will bring in more than £850 million in European funding. This will bring new opportunities to stimulate economic growth and encourage increased investment and jobs.

  The position on match funding for the Objective 1 Merseyside Programme has not changed—it will continue to be the responsibility of grant applicants. This principle is an important element in ensuring local ownership and commitment, and helping integration of regional priorities and strategies. In this way, European funding is used alongside money already provided at the national and local level to help revitalise the area and achieve a better quality of life for those who live there.

  The Government have provided, and will continue to provide, significant financial support for Merseyside through a wide variety of programmes. These include the Single Regeneration Budget and New Deal for Communities, as well as mainstream programmes such as the Revenue Support Grant for local authorities. Local partnerships can prioritise the use of these resources to fund projects jointly with the Structural Funds, thereby boosting their impact.

  Regional partners can also seek to match their European funds with contributions from the voluntary and private sectors, as well as through loans from organisations such as the European Investment Bank.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Parental Rights
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will equalise the rights and the responsibilities of unmarried parents where both parents' names are given on the child's birth certificate and where there is financial commitment by both parents to the maintenance and welfare of the child. [101338]

  Jane Kennedy
  I refer my hon. Friend to the written answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Coventry, South (Mr. Cunningham) on 6 December 1999,Official Report, column 398W.

  Family Law
  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when the Lord Chancellor will publish the report on the consultation on the document, Contact between Children and Violent Parents. [101507]

  Jane Kennedy
  The consultation paper on the question of parental contact in cases where there is domestic violence was issued by the Children Act Sub-Committee of the Lord Chancellor's Advisory Board on Family Law in June 1999. The Advisory Board is an independent, advisory non-departmental public body. The consultation period was extended to 1 December and the responses are currently being collated for consideration by the Sub-Committee. The Advisory Board will consider in the new year the question of how and when the results of the consultation should be made public.

  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department which organisations responded to the consultation document, Contact between Children and Violent Parents, produced by her Department's Advisory Board on Family Law; and what issues they raised. [101506]

  Jane Kennedy
  The consultation paper on the question of parental contact in cases where there is domestic violence was issued by the Children Act Sub-Committee of the Lord Chancellor's Advisory Board on Family Law in June 1999. The Advisory Board is an independent, advisory non-departmental public body. Over 200 responses have been received and these are currently being collated and summarised for consideration by the Sub-Committee in the New Year. The Sub-Committee will consider the issues raised, the advice to be given and the question of how the results of the consultation should be made public.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Departmental Transport
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much his Department has spent on ministerial transport in 1995–96 and 1996–97. [98715]

  Mr. Bayley
  The information my hon. Friend has requested could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However, information dating from the establishment of the Government Car and Despatch Agency in April 1997 490W
  is available, and I refer her to the answer provided by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office, on 1 December 1999, Official Report, columns 255–56W.

  Special Payments
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what changes he has made to the indicators of delay which have to be satisfied before a special payment can be considered since 1 May 1997; [101095]

  (2) if he will publish in respect of each benefit payable the indicators of delay which must be satisfied before a special payment can be considered due to late payment. [101096]

  Mr. Bayley
  No changes have been made to the indicators of delay which have to be satisfied before a special payment can be considered since 1 May 1997.

  The indicators of delay which must be satisfied in respect of each benefit before a special payment can be considered due to late payment are published in "Financial Redress for Maladministration". This document is available in every Local Office for the general public to read upon request. It is also available in the Library, at main public libraries and as a priced document from The Stationery Office bookshops.

  Work-focused Gateway
  Mr. Alexander
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to extend(a) private and voluntary sector involvement in and (b) call centre facilities to all the single work-focused gateway pilot projects. [100873]

  Angela Eagle
  There are no plans to extend the private sector involvement or call centre facilities to the four 'basic model' pilots. The three pilot variants were chosen to test different methods of delivering the ONE service. We are monitoring the pilots carefully and have planned a full evaluation of the ONE service using qualitative as well as quantitative research.

  Mr. Alexander
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what recent assessment he has made of the performance of the single work-focused gateway pilot project in Clyde Coast and Renfrew; [100874]

  (2) how many people (a) have attended an interview with a personal adviser and (b) been successfully placed in the employment option as part of the single work-focused gateway pilot project in Clyde Coast and Renfrew. [100875]

  Angela Eagle
  The early signs are encouraging; clients are pleased with the ONE service and the active support that it offers. It is helping people to make links with the labour market who might hitherto never have considered that work was even a possibility. It is not, however, meaningful to assess the pilots further at such an early stage or to draw any conclusions from the figures while the pilots are settling down. We are investing considerable resources in a thorough evaluation of the ONE service and when robust and reliable data are available we will make them public.

  Benefit Administrator
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will publish in respect of all benefits payable the length of time which his Department expects to clear claims for that particular benefit. [101094]

  Angela Eagle
  The administration of benefits is a matter for Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Mark Fisher to Mr. Christopher Chope, dated 6 December 1999:
  The Secretary of State has asked Peter Mathison to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about publication of benefit clearance times. As he is unavailable I am replying.
  The Benefits Agency Customer Charter, which was published on 29 November, sets out national standards for a range of activities that customers can expect the Agency's offices to provide. This includes the length of time the Agency expects to take to clear benefit claims made by the Agency's main client groups, i. e. those of working age, pension age, the disabled and children. It also takes account of the need to balance accuracy and speed.
  The information is set out in the attached table.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Charter standards: Time taken for decisions on claims and change of circumstances

  Benefit

  Claims (working days)

  Income Support

  13

  Jobseeker's Allowance

  21

  Incapacity Benefit

  30

  Disability Living Allowance

  53

  Retirement Pension

  60

  Child Benefit

  30

  Income Support
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people living in the London Borough of Wandsworth are in receipt of income support. [101045]

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

  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Tom Cox, dated 6 December 1999:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the number of people living on the London Borough of Wandsworth on Income Support (IS).
  The information is not available in the format requested as the Benefits Agency does not collate information by local authority boundary. However, a figure can be obtained by identifying the postcode of customers living in the area.
  The number of IS claims from within the London Borough of Wandsworth is approximately 18,500. This represents the number of IS claims, not the total number of beneficiaries of those claims. It is rounded to the nearest hundred cases, and is subject to a degree of sampling error. The sample size was 5% of the IS live load, taken from the IS Statistics Quarterly Enquiries, August 1999.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Parental Benefits
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many non-resident parents are exempt from payment of child support maintenance under regulation 492W
  26 of the Child Support (Maintenance Assessment and Special Cases) Regulations 1992 on the grounds that they have the family premium included in the calculation or estimation of their protected income level. [101202]

  Angela Eagle
  There are 44,440 non-resident parents on benefit who are exempt from payment of child support maintenance under regulation 26 because they are receiving the family premium.

  Note:

  29,240 on Income-and 15,200 on income-based Jobseeker's Allowance.

  Source:

  August 1999 scan of Income Support and JSA Computer Systems.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the number of parents with care who will have the level of their maintenance assessments reduced under the proposed changes to the child support scheme and are(a) not in receipt of tax credits, Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance and (b) in receipt of tax credits but have a child support assessment under the current rules of less than £15 per week. [101201]

  Angela Eagle
  We estimate that, of the parents with care whose current maintenance assessment is higher than the liability worked out using the new rates, there are around 140,000 who are not in receipt of tax credits, Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance. On the same basis, there are around 10,000 parents with care who we anticipate will have a lower maintenance calculation under the new scheme who are receiving tax credit and have a child support assessment of less than £15 a week.

  Notes:

  1. New scheme maintenance modelled on August 1998 5 per cent. scan of the Child Support computer system.

  2. Caseloads calibrated to forecast "A" day levels and are rounded to the nearest 10,000.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the cost of disregarding the full amount of child support maintenance payment received in calculating entitlement to housing benefit and council tax benefit. [101203]

  Angela Eagle
  We estimate that the cost of fully disregarding maintenance payments in Housing Benefit (HB) and Council Tax Benefit would be about £30 million a year. This includes an estimate for the cost for cases who would become newly entitled as a result of the full disregard.

  Notes:

  1. Cost for existing claims based on data taken from May 1998 HBMIS dataset, a 1 per cent. survey of HB claims.

  2. Cost for cases who become newly entitled is calculated from data taken from 1996–97 Family Resources Survey uprated to 2000–01 prices, benefits and earnings levels.

  3. Costs and Caseloads are calibrated to forecast caseloads for 2000–01. The cost has been rounded to the nearest £l0 million.

  4. This cost will include a small element of spousal maintenance.

  Council Tax Benefit
  Mr. Dobbin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to make the payment of council tax benefit and housing benefit faster and more efficient. [101367]
  493W
  Angela Eagle
  We are committed to driving forward improvements in the benefit services authorities provide so that they are faster, more accurate and more secure whilst also achieving value for money and taking account of the views and needs of local people. A comprehensive range of best value performance indicators for the delivery of Housing and Council Tax Benefit was included in the recent joint DETR and Audit Commission consultation exercise ("Performance Indicators for 2000/2001"). Indicators will be finalised by the end of 1999 and will cover the key aspects of local authorities' performance in delivering Housing and Council Tax Benefit.

  A number of initiatives are also currently being developed and implemented in partnership with local authorities to improve the efficiency and speed of Housing and Council Tax Benefit delivery.

  Remote Access Terminals are now installed in 346 local authorities. These terminals provide the authorities with direct access to relevant benefit information held by the Benefits Agency and contribute towards reducing the time it takes to process Housing and Council Tax Benefit claims.

  The Department has now completed piloting the Electronic Transfer of Data in 20 sites. This initiative, if implemented nationally, will remove the need for approximately 20 million paper transactions each year between Benefit Agency and local authority offices, while reducing transfer time to two working days.

  Child Benefit
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will instruct the child benefit centre to write to all recipients of child benefit reminding them of their right to claim benefit in cash from their local post office; and if he will make a statement of his policy on encouraging benefit payments to be made by direct transfer to a local bank account. [101327]

  Mr. Rooker
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Northavon (Mr. Webb) on 1 December 1999,Official Report, column 238W.

  We do not intend to take active steps to move customers on to automated credit transfer (ACT) before 2003. Until then, the Department will continue, in the normal way, to provide customers with the information they need on benefit payment options, and customers will continue, as now, to be able to choose between payment by order book at post offices and payment by ACT.

  Pensioners
  Dr. George Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate(a) the numbers of those resident in North-West Norfolk who will or would benefit from and (b) the full-year cost to his Department of delivery to those people of (i) the increase in the basic state pension (1) as announced and (2) if it had been raised this year in line with the rise in earnings, (ii) the minimum income guarantee for pensioners, (iii) the £100 payment for pensioner households and (iv) the free television licence for those over 75 years. [101380]
  494W
  Mr. Rooker
  The information requested is not available at Parliamentary constituency level.

  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport is responsible for introducing the free television licence for the over 75s.

  Benefits (Method of Payment)
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) in preparing for the transfer of benefits business from the Post Office to banks, what agreement has been reached with the banks to manage their branch operations consistent with the special needs of low income customers; [101607]

  (2) when benefits business is transferred from the Post Office to banks who will carry the liability for bank account charges, with particular reference to charges for ATM withdrawals. [101608]

  Mr. Rooker
  We have decided to move to automated credit transfer (ACT) from 2003 as a modern, more secure and efficient method of paying benefits. The Department will be arranging discussions with the banking industry on issues surrounding benefit recipients, charges and other matters in due course.

  Savings Limits
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if the value of suspended or party-paid endowment plans is taken into account in the calculation of savings for the savings limits in means-tested benefits. [101401]

  Mr. Bayley
  The surrender value of any policy of life insurance, including these types of policy, is disregarded in the assessment of entitlement to means-tested benefits (Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit).

  PRIME Contract
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will place a copy of the PRIME contract in the Library. [101841]

  Angela Eagle
  The PRIME contract contains not only technical data but also information of a commercially confidential nature. It is therefore subject to a confidentiality agreement between the Department and the contractor, Trillium. The Department will, however, take the matter forward with Trillium, with a view to obtaining an acceptable solution to the publication or disclosure of the document.

  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if the PRIME contract with Trillium allows his Department to sub-let immediately surplus parts of the estate above the 2 per cent. per year which his Department is allowed to vacate without charge; [101842]

  (2) if the PRIME contract with Trillium allows his Department to sub-let surplus parts of the estate above the 35 per cent. which his Department may vacate without charge. [101843]
  495W
  Angela Eagle
  Now that the Department no longer owns any freehold accommodation, and has transferred the risk of all former leasehold properties to Trillium, we can no longer sub-let to the open market. We believe, however, that we have negotiated sufficient flexibility with this contract to meet our changing business needs.

  On 1 April 1998, at the outset of the PRIME contract just under 30 per cent. of the total estate (some 1,644,089 square metres including surplus space) was designated "flexible". This is accommodation which we are entitled to vacate over the course of the contract without charge.

  Up to 2 per cent. of this flexible space can be released each year with any unused allowance being carried forward until required. In addition to this, a further 10 per cent. of the total estate can be vacated subject to a charge, to cover Trillium's "unavoidable costs".

  Having already given back to Trillium some 10 per cent. of the estate that was surplus to requirements on day one of the contract, we effectively have a package in place that will allow us to vacate half of the entire estate.

  In the first year of the contract, however, only 1 per cent. of our flexible accommodation was returned to Trillium, so that we now have some 3 per cent. available for release this year. The current indication is that we will return around 0.5 per cent. before April, so, with the roll over allowance, we could feasibly give back 4.5 per cent. of space to Trillium in the third year of the contract.

  The Department is, therefore, well within the flexibility allowance. If a situation arose where we were ever in a situation that we had used up all flexibility in the contract, we could still attempt to return space to Trillium by negotiation or offer it to other Government Departments.

  Money Purchase Plans
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what the total value of money purchase plans presented for annualisation or income drawdown plans was in(a) 1990, (b) 1997 and (c) 1998; and what value is estimated for (i) 1999, (ii) 2000 and (iii) 2004. [101844]

  Mr. Rooker
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is as follows.

  The total value of lump sums used to purchase pension annuities or income drawdown plans is given in the following table. The information does not distinguish between money purchase and other pension plans which are presented for annuitisation or income drawdown. The information on annuity purchase is only available from 1991 and the income drawdown information from 1996. No projections for future years are available.

  £ million

  New single premiums for pension annuities

  New single premiums for income drawdown plans

  1991

  2,450

  —

  1997

  4,300

  1,546

  1998

  5,620

  1,749

  Source:

  Association of British Insurers (ABI)

SCOTLAND

  Correspondence
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he plans to reply to the Question of 17 November (ref 98578) from the hon. Member for Hertsmere. [101696]

  Dr. Reid
  I replied to the hon. Member yesterday, 6 December 1999,Official Report, columns 365–66W.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Engagements
  Mr. Hammond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 18 November. [99851]

  Mr. Mandelson
  On the morning of 18 November I met with my Parliamentary Private Secretary; attended a Labour Party staff meeting; and attended Cabinet.

  In the afternoon I recorded a televised message for Voluntary Services Overseas, in connection with the launch of VSO's business partnerships; and I met the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Later, in Northern Ireland I attended a National Arts Collections Fund evening.

  Departmental Transport
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much his Department has spent on ministerial transport in each of the last two years. [98703]

  Mr. Ingram
  Ministers are required—under the terms of the Ministerial Code, and Travel by Ministers—to make efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements. For information on spend on the Government Car Service, I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to her by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office, on 1 December 1999,Official Report, column 255W. Additional amounts of £524,5931 and £557,700 were spent in 1997–98 and 1998–99 respectively for Northern Ireland Ministers.
  1 Excludes information on car hire charges which could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Sectarian Attacks
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the(a) dates, (b) times and (c) location of each reported sectarian attack in Northern Ireland since 1 June, of which the RUC is aware, indicating those incidents following which persons have been charged. [100176]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 1 December 1999]: It is not possible to provide the information requested as crimes are not recorded as sectarian. However I am advised that between 1 June and 23 November 1999 there have been 11 attacks on church property, 17 attacks on school property, 17 attacks on Orange halls and one attack on GAA property.

HEALTH

  Waiting Lists
  Mr. Tony Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress is being made by Northamptonshire Health Authority in meeting the Government's targets to reduce waiting lists within the NHS. [100783]

  Mr. Denham
  Northamptonshire Health Authority is making excellent progress on reducing waiting lists in line with our targets set for the National Health Service.

  Inpatients

  At the end of October 1999, Northamptonshire Health Authority had a total inpatient waiting list of 13,223. Inpatient waiting figures in March 1997 for Northampton HA was 13,835, however these figures were collected on a district resident basis, whereas current figures are based on primary care group area.

  Employment Policies
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to introduce more flexible and family friendly employment policies in the National Health Service. [100618]

  Mr. Denham
  The human resources framework Working Together sets out our determination to improve the quality of working lives for staff in the National Health Service. This year a resource pack called Working Lives was issued to all NHS employers to share good practice. A second resource pack is in preparation which will include lessons learnt from the retail sector on work schedules and rostering systems.

  In September this year Ministers launched a £1 million campaign called "Improving Working Lives in the NHS" as part of our wider agenda on supporting the family. Each region has appointed a high profile champion to lead a multi disciplinary task force to introduce more flexible and family friendly policies in the NHS. The "Improving Working Lives Champion" for Bolton North East is Kath Holbourn, Director of Nursing, Leighton Hospital, Middlewich Road, Crewe and can be contacted on 01270 612 351.

  A kite marking system will be developed to ensure that local organisations that perform well can be recognised. As a first step a draft set of principles outlining the values and characteristics of NHS organisations committed to these policies was published in September for consultation. Copies of the consultation booklet "Improving Working Lives in the NHS" have been placed in the Library.

  Nurses
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to recruit nurses to, and retain nurses in, the National Health Service. [100607]

  Mr. Denham
  The comprehensive spending review allows the employment of up to 15,000 more nurses, midwives and health visitors over the next three years and 6,000 more nurse training places. This year nurses received the biggest real terms pay rise for nurses for 10 years, and for the first time in five years the award was paid nationally, in full and with no staging from 1 April 1999.
  498W
  This year's £5 million nursing recruitment campaign attracted a very encouraging response with over 53,000 inquiries. Since the campaign began, over 2,000 nurses have already returned to employment in the National Health Service in England, with a further 2,000 in the pipeline. 57 per cent. of those who have returned so far have taken up part-time posts, which demonstrates how the NHS is providing more flexible family friendly employment opportunities for nurses who wish to return. The Department is running a campaign called "Improving Working Lives in the NHS" as part of the overarching human resource framework "Working Together". We have also taken steps to address racism and violence and to promote equal opportunities.

  The schools competition run this year also attracted a very encouraging response. The number of applications for nursing and midwifery courses for this academic year rose by 92 per cent. on the total number of applications last year.

  Hospices
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what support has been provided by his Department to individual hospices in each of the last three years; [100137]

  (2) what role he proposes for hospices in health improvement programmes. [100139]

  Mr. Denham
  [holding answer 30 November 1999]: The development of health improvement programmes is led by the health authority in partnership with the whole range of local interests, including those who provide local services and those who use local services either as patients or carers, the organisations that represent them, such as community health councils, voluntary sector organisations, support and community groups. This will, where appropriate, include the involvement of hospices and will provide a further opportunity for them to contribute to the development at a local level of strategies for palliative care provision. The need for high quality palliative care should be considered locally as part of the health improvement programme process.

  Approximately a third of hospice running costs are met through the National Health Service.

  Some £20 million will also be made available to palliative care from the National Lottery new opportunities fund for the cancer detection, treatment and care initiative. The initiative will be launched early in the new year.

  Strokes
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which authorities retain specialist stroke units. [100867]

  Mr. Denham
  The information is not available in the format requested, as authorities use different definitions of specialist stroke units.

  However the report on the National Sentinel Audit of stroke 1998 showed that in relation to organised stroke care 50 per cent. of National Health Service trusts nationally had a specialist stroke team, with 64 per cent. having a consultant with responsibility for stroke.
  499W
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the average cost of caring for a stroke victim in each health authority for the latest available year. [100865]

  Mr. Denham
  The information is not available in the format requested.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what inquiries his Department has undertaken since 1992 to determine the impact of stroke on the population. [100870]

  Mr. Denham
  The Department conducts annual monitoring of stroke mortality rates collected by the Office for National Statistics.

  Every five years disability is monitored as part of the Health Survey of England.

  Dental Anaesthesia (Fees)
  Mr. Hammond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will remove dental anaesthesia from the general dental practitioners' scale of fees. [101191]

  Mr. Hutton
  A review of general anaesthesia and sedation for dental treatment is currently taking place. Decisions about future funding for provision of this service will be made once Ministers have considered the review's findings.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Operation CARE
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what claims for compensation his Department has received from individuals in relation to Operation CARE. [100236]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Victims of sexual and physical abuse as children can claim compensation under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, which is administered by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.

  The Authority advise that they cannot isolate cases that are attributable to Operation CARE.

  Pre-inquest Disclosure
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the compliance by the Metropolitan Police with his Department's circular on pre-inquest disclosure to families of persons who have died in police custody in(a) the Roger Sylvester case and (b) other cases; and if he will make a statement. [100846]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  No general assessment of compliance has yet been made. The circular was issued on 28 April 1999 and it remains our intention to review the implementation of the guidance after it has been in operation for a year.

  My understanding from the information available to me is that the Metropolitan Police are complying with the circular. The Crown Prosecution Service is considering whether criminal proceedings relating to the death of Mr. Sylvester are appropriate. The circular states that
  500W
  disclosure should not take place until either the Crown Prosecution Service has advised against a prosecution of proceedings are complete.

  Driving Offences
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the number of convictions in 1998 of motorists charged with driving while under the influence of(a) alcohol and (b) drugs; and if he will make a statement. [101097]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  It is not possible in the statistics held centrally to distinguish between convictions for driving while under the influence of drugs and convictions for drinking under the influence of alcohol because the charge does not distinguish which of the two is involved.

  Figures of convictions for motoring offences in 1998 have not yet been published, but provisional figures show that some 93,000 convictions for driving after consuming alcohol or taking drugs were recorded in England and Wales, some 7 per cent. lower than the previous year.

  Figures from the Forensic Science Service, however, show that 1,779 blood samples were analysed by them on behalf of the police service in England and Wales during 1998–99, following charges under Section 4 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, approximately 90 per cent. of which were found to contain one or more drugs (although it is known that some police forces may have submitted blood samples for analysis elsewhere).

  Merseyside Police
  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers served in Merseyside Police for each year since 1994 to date; and what is the current number of serving officers. [101038]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Information on police numbers is collected twice a year (March and September). The figures for September 1999 are not yet available. The information requested for each year since 1994 is set out in the table.

  Year (as at 31 March)

  Police officer numbers

  1994

  4,693

  1995

  4,659

  1996

  4,411

  1997

  4,230

  1998

  4,216

  1999

  4,211

  Cyclists (Fines)
  Mr. Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many on-the-spot fines for cycling on the pavement have been issued by each police force since the scheme was introduced. [100902]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The information is not yet available.

  Each police force has been asked to monitor the new fixed penalty provisions which came into force on 1 August 1999, but the figures are not likely to be available until early in the new year.

  Police Efficiency
  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what quantitative assessment he has made of the levels of efficiency of individual police forces, and of the differential impact of his proposed 2 per cent. efficiency savings on their operational capacity; and if he will make a statement. [101114]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The Home Office uses a number of different measures to assess police performance. There is no agreed formula for measuring police efficiency, although work on measuring comparative efficiency is being carried out locally to meet the requirements of Best Value. In addition, the Public Service Productivity Panel is assessing tools for measuring efficiency to assist Police Authorities in meeting their Best Value duties.

  The efficiency targets set by the Government require each force to plan efficiency gains to equal to at least 2 per cent. of non-revenue expenditure for reinvestment in front line policing. Each force will retain any cash savings for use in improving their service to the public. The overall impact will be to make efficiency gains worth £440 million available for police operations between 1999 and 2002. The differential impact for each force will depend on the strength of the efficiency plan.

  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the impact on numbers of(a) total employees, (b) uniformed officers and (c) civilian staff of his planned 2 per cent. efficiency reduction for 2000–01 in respect of the (i) Greater Manchester, (ii) Cheshire, (iii) Merseyside and (iv) Lancashire police; and if he will make a statement. [101116]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  This Government's Comprehensive Spending Review has set the police a 2 per cent. year on year efficiency target from April 1999. This is not a reduction in police funding—the resources released by efficiency gains will be reinvested in frontline policing.

  As in 1999–2000, each police authority has been asked to produce an efficiency plan for the year 2000–01 detailing how this 2 per cent. efficiency target can be reached, and how cashable savings will be reinvested to provide a better public service.

  The impact of efficiency plans on numbers of employees, whether police officers or civilians, is a matter for police authorities and chief officers to determine. We expect efficiency plans to be submitted to the Home Office by April 2000, and until they have been finalised I can make no assessment.

  Mr. Stunell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take into account the efficiency levels of police forces when assessing bids from them for the additional special funding for front-line officers; and if he will make a statement. [101115]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  One of the "gateway" criteria against which bids will be assessed is that forces are on target to meet the 2 per cent. efficiency gains for 1999–2000 as required by the Government Comprehensive Spending Review.

  Drugs
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons aged(a) 10, (b) 11, (c) 12, (d) 13, (e) 14, (f) 15, (g) 16, (h) 17 and (i) 18 years have been (i) cautioned and (ii) convicted for (1) possession of and (2) supply of (y) Class A and (z) Class B illegal drugs in each of the last 10 years. [101369]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The information requested is not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Domestic Disputes (Bolton)
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many custodial sentences were implemented by courts in Bolton for crimes relating to domestic disputes in each of the last 10 years. [101316]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  It is not possible to identify cases relating to domestic disputes from the Home Office Court Proceedings Database since it does not hold information on the circumstances behind individual offences.

  Handguns
  Ms Atherton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many(a) illegal and (b) legally-held handguns have been handed in since the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 came into force; [101156]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the ban on privately-held handguns in reducing the level of gun-related crime in the United Kingdom; [101165]

  (3) how much has been paid in compensation to gun-owners for the surrender of handguns to the police since the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 came into force. [101199]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Just over 162,000 handguns were surrendered to the police under the terms of the Firearms (Amendment) Acts 1997. Records are not held centrally of those illegally or legally held firearms, including any handguns, which might have been handed in to the police for other reasons.

  The ban on handguns was a direct response to the tragic shootings at Dunblane Primary School in March 1996, which were carried out with legally held handguns. It did not purport to solve the more general problem of armed crime, the vast majority of which is carried out using illegally held firearms. Nevertheless, the ban has removed one potential source of handguns for criminal use: in 1997, 305 handguns were stolen or otherwise misappropriated, mostly from private homes.

  As at 30 November, a total of just over £89 million had been paid in compensation to those individuals who surrendered firearms and ancillary equipment under the terms of the 1997 Acts. The final figure is currently forecast to be approximately £90.2 million.

  Ms Atherton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action is being taken to(a) detect and (b) confiscate illegally held handguns. [101157]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The decision of smuggled handguns is the responsibility of Her Majesty's Customs, and the recovery of those in criminal use is the individual responsibility of every Constabulary. Intelligence led
  503W
  operations are used by the police to recover firearms from criminals, and Firearms Inquiry Units operated by the police concentrate on the licensing and administration of legitimate firearms to prevent legally held firearms being diverted into the criminal market. Additionally, the National Crime Squad and metropolitan forces run proactive operations against criminal sources that supply illegal handguns. The Association of Chief Police Officers two sub-committees, Criminal Use of Firearms and the Administration of Firearms and Explosives Licensing are also revising strategies to enhance the detection of illegally held firearms in criminal use.

  In addition to these measures, the Government are pursuing a number of initiatives aimed at supporting police and Customs target and detect illegal activity as and when it occurs. These include:
  The creation of a strategic threat assessment of the firearm situation in England and Wales by the National Criminal Intelligence Service;
  a request by the Home Office for the Firearms Consultative Committee to look into the criminal misuse of firearms; and
  the negotiation by the Home Office, internationally, a draft United Nations Protocol against the illicit manufacture of and trafficking in firearms and, within the European Union, action to review the European Union Firearms Directive with the emphasis on preventing illicit trafficking.

  Once detected, all illegally held handguns are confiscated by police and Customs and, to ensure they never re-enter the market, the weapons are smelted. In 1998, Customs detected less than 200 firearms being smuggled into the United Kingdom, and collectively the police submitted to the Forensic Science Service fewer than 1,000 illegally held firearms recovered used in crime.

  Life Sentences (Murder)
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department since 1983(a) how many people have been given life sentences for murder and (b) of these how many remain in detention; and what are the reasons for the difference between the two figures. [101341]

  Mr. Boateng
  In the 16 years from 1983 to 1998, a total of 3,360 persons were received into Prison Service establishments in England and Wales under sentence for murder. Of these, 2,652 are currently still in custody. The remainder have died or been discharged and these are set out in the table.

  Persons sentenced to life imprisonment for murder discharged from prison 1983–98

  Type of discharge

  Number

  Release on licence

  250

  Successful appeal

  146

  Transfer to psychiatric hospital

  144

  Transfer to a non Prison Service establishment

  50

  Pardon/remission

  3

  Died

  80

  Deported/repatriated

  21

  Transfer to another establishment outside England and Wales

  14

  Total discharges

  708

  Kosovo
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will offer United Nations investigators the use of DNA testing equipment and trained staff to identify the killer of a Serb killed on Flag Day in Kosovo Polje; and if he will make a statement. [101163]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  We are doing all we can to support the peacekeeping process in Kosovo and help the International Crimes Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) investigate crimes against humanity and will continue to do so. It is for the United Nations investigators involved in this particular case to decide whether DNA evidence may be of value to their investigation. In that event, we would be happy to consider how we might be able to help.

  Jury Trial
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the savings from the implementation of his proposals to change the law relating to election for trial by jury. [101371]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Aylesbury (Mr. Lidington) on 24 November 1999,Official Report, column 125W.

  Drug-related Offences
  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many successful prosecutions there have been for drug-related offences in the Peterlee and Seaham police sub-division in each year since 1995. [101424]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Data are collected on drug offences only, not on offences which may have been committed owing to drug taking. Nor can information be provided at police sub-division level. There is readily available information on proceedings in the Easington Petty Sessional Division for possession of class B drugs. (These drugs are essentially cannabis and amphetamines, and probably account for about 80 per cent. of all drug offences.) In 1995, out of the 25 persons proceeded against in the magistrates court, 22 were sentenced by that court; none were committed for trial to the Crown court. The following year, 1996, 35 out of 39 proceeded against were sentenced by the magistrates court; one person was committed for trial. In 1997, the latest year for which published data are available, 15 out of 18 proceeded against were sentenced in the lower court, while two were committed for trial.

  Consultants
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what(a) agreements and (b) contracts with consultants have been agreed since 1 July for future work, giving in each case the name of the consultants and the project concerned. [101456]

  Mr. Straw
  The details are as follows.
  505W

  Agreement

  Project

  Consultant

  Technical Support for Emergency Communications Network Management

  British Telecom

  Fire Service Control and Communications Study

  Mott McDonald

  Support to Immigration and Nationality Enquiry Bureau

  Call Centre Consultancies

  Risk Analysis

  Parity Solutions

  Management Development Support

  David Mathew

  QA Testing Programme of Case Work Information Technology System

  Philip Littleleavon

  Provision of Advisory Services

  PriceWaterhouseCoopers

  Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary report on the Metropolitan Police Services Strategy

  Michael Briggs

  To Provide advice in the Setting up of the Criminal Records Bureau

  Kermon Contract

  Police aviation work

  Capt. M. Kenworthy

  Call handling study

  Simon Beresford

  Cost Benefit analysis of 'cluster' colleges for Training

  Raytheon Systems Ltd.

  Encryption Products—International Standards

  R. Thorogood

  Therapeutic Community Aspect Design Construct Manage and Finance Projects

  Elaine Genders

  Evaluation Panel support for Doncaster/Buckley

  A. de Frisching

  Comparison of Alternatives for New Prisons

  Mouchel Consulting

  Efficiency Review

  Capita Business Services

  Development of Sex Offender Treatment Programme

  Dr. Anna Salter

  Management of Suicidal Prisoners

  London School of Hygiene

  Evaluation of Video Links between Prisoners and Courts

  Plotnikoff & Woolfson

  Review of Prison Service Training

  Mouchel Consulting

  Production of Purchasing Manual

  Capita Business Services

  Review of Inter-prison Transfer Control

  Erskine Management

  National Minorities Convention
  Mr. Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which organisations responded to the consultation on his Department's(a) draft and (b) final report to the Council of Europe on the Convention for National Minorities; and what issues they raised. [101505]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  A very large number of issues were raised and, therefore, I will write to the hon. Member and set out what is a lengthy list.

  Parking Spaces
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the number of parking places at prisons in England and Wales and of the use made of these by prison officers and civilian staff. [101838]

  Mr. Boateng
  No central record is kept of the number of staff car parking places which exist on the prison estate or of the frequency of use. The Prison Service recognises the need to reduce dependency on the private motor vehicle and endeavours to ensure that car parking at new prisons being planned is kept to the minimum level operationally acceptable.

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the extent of parking places at police premises in England and Wales and of the use made of them by police officers and civilian staff. [101839]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  None. The information requested is not collected centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  An Audit Commission report published in March this year recommended that all police forces undertake a strategic review of their estate with a view to identifying efficiency savings through rationalisation and better use
  506W
  of resources. Such reviews are likely to include the availability of parking spaces for operational and staff vehicles.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  New Deal (Heywood and Middleton)
  Mr. Dobbin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many people from ethnic minorities have joined the New Deal in Heywood and Middleton constituency since its launch nationally. [100296]

  Ms Jowell
  By the end of September 1999, 34 young people in Heywood and Middleton constituency who identified their ethnic background as from an ethnic minority group had started on the New Deal. The Government are committed to ensuring that New Deal actively promotes equality of opportunity and outcome for young jobseekers of all ethnic and racial groups, and has published their strategy for engaging ethnic minority jobseekers and businesses in the New Deal.

  Ethnic Minorities
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many London local authorities are receiving Section 11 funding. [101044]

  Jacqui Smith
  In November 1998, the Government announced a new grant, the Ethnic Minority Achievement Grant (EMAG), to replace the education element of the Home Office's Section 11 Grant. EMAG was established to raise standards for those ethnic minority and Traveller pupils particularly at risk of underachieving and to meet the particular needs of pupils for whom English is an Additional Language. All London local authorities received funding through EMAG for 1999–2000. Details of individual allocations, which mirrored Section 11 allocations in 1998–99, are set out in the following table.
  507W

  Ethnic minority achievement grant 1999–2000: Allocations to local authorities in London

  £

  Local education authority

  Grant

  Barking

  662,475

  Barnet

  1,459,113

  Bexley

  179,781

  Brent

  2,370,904

  Bromley

  51,161

  Camden

  2,931,900

  City of London

  108,500

  Croydon

  2,032,254

  Ealing

  2,949,203

  Enfield

  2,293,602

  Greenwich

  1,783,616

  Hackney

  4,299,222

  Hammersmith

  940,880

  Haringey

  3,337,039

  Harrow

  863,751

  Havering

  75,640

  Hillingdon

  629,631

  Hounslow

  1,829,207

  Islington

  2,529,175

  Kensington and Chelsea

  1,177,506

  Kingston upon Thames

  222,389

  Lambeth

  3,436,055

  Lewisham

  2,211,561

  Merton

  803,895

  Newham

  253,058

  Redbridge

  1,965,442

  Richmond upon Thames

  76,785

  Southwark

  1,431,818

  Sutton

  151,345

  Tower Hamlets

  8,125,390

  Waltham Forest

  2,054,111

  Wandsworth

  1,912,879

  Westminster

  2,151,538

  For 2000–01, £162.5 million will be available to local education authorities to improve the attainment of ethnic minority, Traveller and refugee pupils, an increase of 7 per cent. on the amount available for the same purposes in 1999–2000. Provisional allocations for the newly merged Ethnic Minority and Traveller Achievement Grant for 2000–01 were announced in October 1999.

  Fresh Start Schools
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what examination and test results of pupils at Fresh Start schools are(a) collected and (b) published; and if he will make a statement. [101178]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  [holding answer 6 December 1999]: Fresh Start schools are obliged to follow the National Curriculum. The pupils of Fresh Start schools are therefore tested at the end of Key Stages 1, 2 and 3. In addition the pupils will be examined at GCSE/GNVQ and A Level/AGNVQ, where appropriate.

  The results of the Key Stage 2 test will be published in the primary performance tables. The results of the GCSE/GNVQ and A Level/AGNVQ will be published in the secondary and 16–18 performance tables respectively.

  Teachers' Pay
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many applications have been 508W
  received for the post of communications strategist in his Department to market the Government's performance-related pay proposals. [101392]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  [holding answer 6 December 1999]: The Department has received 52 applications for the post of Communications Strategist.

  As a modern profession, teachers have a right to expect the best communications to ensure they have timely and targeted information to help them do their job well. This post will co-ordinate and streamline all teacher communications.

  The post is not about marketing performance-related proposals, but about providing a range of information to teachers.

  Special Educational Needs
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what arrangements he has made to disseminate to local education authorities and schools best practice in the handling of specific learning difficulties(a) in special facilities and (b) alongside other pupils. [101466]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Action Programme, published in response to the Green Paper "Excellence for all children: Meeting special educational needs", promotes the inclusion of children with special educational needs within mainstream schooling wherever possible, while recognising the continuing need for special schools for some children. Section 14 of the Education Act 1996 requires local education authorities to have regard to the need for securing that special educational provision is made to these pupils. This duty gives the local education authority a role to decide the organisation of provision to suit the needs of the individual child. The Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs which came into effect on 1 September 1994 provides guidance to help identify and assess children who have specific learning difficulties. The Code is currently being revised to strengthen and improve the guidance and provide examples of best practice.

  Raising educational standards lies at the very heart of our education policy. This must include children with special educational needs (SEN) whether in mainstream or special schools. To support provision for SEN pupils the Department has taken a number of steps. For example it has provided a grant to the British Dyslexia Association to help them develop the "Achieving Dyslexia Friendly Schools" resource pack which seeks to demonstrate that it is possible to meet the needs of children with mild to moderate dyslexia in a mainstream classroom. Two copies of this pack have been sent to all local education authorities in England. Also the Department has funded and made available the findings of three research projects on inclusion:
  "Effective Practice in Inclusion, and in Special and Mainstream Schools Working Together", Manchester University (Published February 1999)
  "Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties in Mainstream Schools", Birmingham University (Published January 1999)
  "Cost and Outcomes for Pupils with Moderate Learning Difficulties in Special and Mainstream Schools", Newcastle University (Published November 1999).

  509W
  In addition we will be producing examples of good effective links from our Working Group on Special and Mainstream schools in the summer term 2000.

  Education Service Providers
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) if he will publish the bid documents and business plans which have been submitted by those companies invited to tender for the management of local authority education services; [101504]

  (2) what meetings his Department has had with the London Borough of Islington concerning improving the education service (a) by the borough council and (b) by a privatised service; [101508]

  (3) what criteria he will use to monitor the performance and profits of organisations receiving privatised education services. [101470]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  Both the documentation leading up to the inclusion of organisations on our list of function providers for LEA intervention, and the bids submitted in specific cases, are treated as commercial in confidence. Officials have had a large number of meetings with Islington Council, involving elected members, officers, headteachers and school staff, in order to discuss urgent action by Islington officers to improve standards and the planned outsourcing of the service. Officials have also been involved in the evaluation of tenders leading to the recent announcement of a preferred service provider. I have personally met Islington members and officers, spoken to groups of headteachers and visited a number of schools. The proposed contract with the preferred service provider remains under negotiation, but it will include arrangements for regular monitoring against service standards, and link payment to the delivery of targets for pupil performance.

  School Sixth Forms
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many proposals for(a) the introduction and (b) the closure of school sixth forms he has received in (i) May 1997 to April 1998, (ii) May 1998 to April 1999 and (iii) in the period since April 1999 respectively; and how many he has (1) accepted, (2) rejected and (3) deferred. [101465]

  Ms Estelle Morris
  The following table shows the number of proposals decided in each of the periods requested since May 1997. No proposals have been deferred but there is one proposal currently under consideration.

  Number approved

  Number rejected

  Proposals to introduce sixth forms

  May 1997-April 1998

  6

  21

  May 1998-April 1999

  4

  6

  May 1999 to date

  2

  3

  Proposals to remove sixth forms

  May 1997-April 1998

  —

  —

  May 1998-April 1999

  4

  —

  May 1999 to date

  1

  —

CABINET OFFICE

  European Regulation
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what appraisals have been produced for extrapolating UK data to cover the rest of the EU with regard to regulatory impact assessments. [100234]

  Mr. Stringer
  The Government do not keep information in the form requested and could not do so without disproportionate cost.

  It is Government policy that all Departments must complete a proper assessment of the risks, costs and benefits in the UK of a new proposal for legislation at either national or European levels. They must show who is affected, and why a non-regulatory option is not possible.

  We are keen to see the European Commission improve its existing, similar procedure for scrutinising its own regulatory proposals—it is currently undertaking a review. In the absence of general EU guidance, we have advised Departments that they should extrapolate UK data to cover the rest of the EU when analysing European proposals. This advice is contained in our Guide to Better European Regulation, which was published in July.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Commonwealth Heads of Government Conference
  Valerie Davey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the outcome of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Conference. [99963]

  Mr. Hain
  My right hon. Friends the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Durban, South Africa on 12–15 November. The meeting took significant decisions on the future of the Commonwealth, the promotion of democracy and human rights, Pakistan, debt, trade and development.

  South Caucasus
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what policy the European Union has for achieving stability in the countries of the South Caucasus. [99964]

  Mr. Vaz
  The EU aims to enhance stability by promoting regional co-operation in the South Caucasus and by developing the region's relationship with the EU. The main instruments of its policy are the Partnership and Co-operation Agreements (PCAs), and the TACIS regional programmes TRACECA and INOGATE. The PCAs offer the European Community and its member states a platform to address political, economic and assistance related issues in the region. The EU met the three states together at the launch of the PCAs on 22 June and again for the first meeting of the Co-operation Councils on 12 October, and intends to continue with joint meetings.

  Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Indian Government and the Pakistani Government regarding the Comprehensive Test Ban treaty; and if he will make a statement. [99967]

  Mr. Hain
  We frequently discuss non-proliferation issues with India and Pakistan. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary held talks with the Indian National Security Adviser on 27 October. During my recent visit to India, I urged the Indian Government to follow up its public commitment to forge a national consensus on signing the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. Senior officials will hold non-proliferation talks in New Delhi and Islamabad in early December.

  Kosovo
  Mr. John Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with his US counterparts on the use of depleted uranium weapons in the war in Kosovo. [99968]

  Mr. Vaz
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has had no discussions with his US counterpart on the use of depleted uranium weapons in the war in Kosovo.

  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the situation in Kosovo. [99945]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  Six months ago Kosovo was terrorised by repression directed from Belgrade. 850,000 people had been expelled from Kosovo and it was run by the Serb army and paramilitaries. Today, KFOR has replaced the VJ. 810,000 of those refugees have been able to return to their homes, the Serb security forces have been expelled and Kosovo is run by a UN administration.

  Formidable challenges remain in creating a Kosovo that is at peace with itself and with its neighbours. We wholeheartedly condemn the minority of Kosovars who have not seized the opportunity to build a Kosovo free from fear but have perpetuated the cycle of violence. But the position of the great majority of the people of Kosovo is far better now than it was under Milosevic's brutality or than it would have been if NATO had not intervened to end it.

  Russia
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the United Kingdom's bilateral relations with Russia. [99969]

  Mr. Vaz
  Relations with Russia, and her stability and development, remain important for the United Kingdom. The UK has already done much to help Russia with the difficult process of change: there is a strong UK interest in further progress. Our relationship enables us to speak frankly about areas of disagreement, including Chechnya.

  Drugs Trade
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of British policy on combating the international trade in illicit drugs. [99970]
  512W
  Mr. Battle
  FCO co-ordinates the overseas drugs efforts of the relevant Government Departments including HM Customs and Excise and the Home Office. We also work to improve the effectiveness of the various international anti-drugs bodies, including at the UN and EU.

  FCO activity is fully within the Government's 10 year anti-drug strategy under the UK's Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator, Keith Hellawell. Specifically, the FCO co-ordinates supply side overseas activity contributing to meeting the objective of reducing the availability of legal drugs in the UK.

  We spend £6 million per year, on supporting projects worldwide within the framework of the UK drugs strategy to prevent the production and trafficking to the UK of Class A drugs, particularly heroin and cocaine.

  European Commission (Accountability)
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what issues relating to the accountability of the European Commission are on the agenda for the next IGC; and if he will make a statement. [99972]

  Mr. Vaz
  The forthcoming IGC will consider the institutional changes that are needed to prepare for the next enlargement. The Government fully support this. Enlargement is not just about the applicant countries preparing to join the Union, it is also about the current member states preparing to receive them.

  Trade Promotion
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what criteria and performance measures relating to the promotion of United Kingdom trade his Department uses in its annual appraisals of each of the United Kingdom's Ambassadors and High Commissioners. [99973]

  Mr. Hain
  All Ambassadors and High Commissioners now report to the Chief Executive of British Trade International, the unified FCO and DTI operation, on trade promotion and development work. Their performance will be assessed against annual objectives agreed with British Trade International.

  Entry Clearance Visas (Islamabad)
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the current waiting times for interviews for entry clearance visas for(a) spouses and (b) fiancées in Islamabad. [99975]

  Mr. Vaz
  As at 26 November, the waiting time in Islamabad for interview for spouses was 38 weeks and for fiancées 46 weeks.

  EU Enlargement
  Mr. Gareth R. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further action he is taking to promote the enlargement of the EU. [99976]
  513W
  Mr. Vaz
  I refer my hon. Friend to the oral answer given by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary today to my hon. Friend the Member for Barnsley, East and Mexborough (Mr. Ennis).

  Sir Geoffrey Johnson Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and commonwealth Affairs if he will set out the Government's approach to greater EU integration at the next IGC. [99977]

  Mr. Vaz
  The forthcoming IGC will consider the institutional changes that are needed to prepare for the next enlargement. The Government fully support this. Enlargement is not just about the applicant countries preparing to join the Union, it is also about the current member states preparing to receive them.

  EU Legislation
  Mr. Leigh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the European Commission concerning the volume of legislation produced by the European Union. [99978]

  Mr. Vaz
  The Commission agrees with us that what counts is not the amount of legislation, but whether it is necessary, efficient and proportionate. That is why the Government pushed successfully for the Subsidiarity Protocol at the Amsterdam IGC, to ensure that legislation is only directed at those areas which require it.

  Argentina
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made towards normalising relations between Argentina and the Falkland Islands. [99979]

  Mr. Battle
  The visit to Britain last autumn by President Menem of Argentina and the Visit of His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales to Argentina this March have helped to develop a new spirit of reconciliation and co-operation between our two countries. Later this week I shall accompany His Royal Highness The Duke of York to Buenos Aires for the inauguration of the new Argentine President De La Rua.

  An important milestone in improving relations with Argentina was the Joint Statement that my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and the Argentine Foreign Minister signed in July.

  Air links between the Falklands and South America have been restored and safeguarded as a result, and now include a monthly flight to southern Argentina. Co-operation has been stepped up to conserve fish stocks in the South-West Atlantic. And the Falkland Islands Government now allow holders of Argentine passports to visit.

  All these measures have the support of the Islanders' elected Councillors. Their role in this dialogue is instrumental. None of these measures affects our solid commitment to defend the Islanders' right to determine their own future. The sovereignty of the Falklands is not for negotiation.

  Nigeria
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he 514W
  has made of the safety of British oil workers following the upsurge of violence in the oil-producing areas of Nigeria. [99980]

  Mr. Hain
  Our consular staff in Lagos are in close contact with the Community Liaison Officers and contacts within the business and NGO community in the region. There is a warden network in place to pass on advice to the British community.

  Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice has been advising against all holiday and non-essential travel to the Niger Delta region of Nigeria since 12 August 1999. It had been warning of violent incidents in the region for some considerable time longer.

  UN Security Council
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if it is his policy that the EU should have a seat on the UN Security Council [99981]

  Mr. Hain
  Under the UN Charter, an EU seat is not possible as membership of the Security Council is confined to states. The Treaty on European Union already makes provision for how EU member states should act when on the Security Council:"Member states which are also members of the United Nations Security Council will concert and keep the other member states fully informed. Member states which are permanent members of the Security Council will, in the execution of their functions, ensure the defence of the positions and the interests of the Union, without prejudice to their responsibilities under the provisions of the United Nations Charter."

  East Timor
  Mr. Jim Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the UN's initiatives in East Timor and Indonesia. [99982]

  Mr. Battle
  The United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), which will have overall responsibility for administration and security in the territory, continues to deploy. The handover from the International Force for East Timor (INTERFET) to UNTAET's Peace-Keeping operation will take place as soon as possible taking into account conditions on the ground.

  EU Qualified Majority Voting
  Miss Kirkbride
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will raise the extension of qualified majority voting at the next inter-governmental conference. [99962]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  The Cologne European Council in June agreed that the possible extension of qualified majority voting would be on the agenda for the next IGC.

  Our own position on QMV is clear. We are happy to look at extension on a case-by-case basis. Where QMV is in Britain's interests, we will support it. But where key areas of national interest are at stake, such as Treaty change, border controls, defence or taxation, we will insist on retaining unanimity.

  Falkland Islands
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about progress on the implementation of the agreement he signed with Argentina on 14 July regarding the Falkland Islands. [101821]

  Mr. Battle
  A number of the measures set out in the British-Argentine Joint Statement of 14 July have already been implemented. The Falkland Islands Government have admitted Argentine passport-holders to the Falklands since July. All deadlines have been met to restore air links between the Falklands and South America and to introduce measures to combat the common menace of poaching of fish stocks.

  We continue to consolidate progress on the remaining issues. We are working with Argentina on a Memorandum of Understanding on the terms of a study to determine the cost and feasibility of removing the remaining land mines from the Falklands. Both sides continue to work towards a multilateral arrangement to regulate fishing in the high seas of the South-West Atlantic. An Argentine architect has recently visited the Falklands to discuss proposals for construction of a memorial at the Argentine cemetery there. The Argentine Government are committed to review their use of Falklands place names.

  None of these developments affect our commitment to defend the Islanders' right to determine their own future. The sovereignty of the Falkland Islands is not for negotiation.

  Saudi Arabia
  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what guarantees have been given to the Saudi Government in relation to potential nuclear threats to that country. [101459]

  Mr. Hain
  None.

  Belize
  Mr. Peter Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what official engagements ministers fulfilled in Belize between 1990 and 1999. [101739]

  Mr. Battle
  I can answer only for the period since May 1997.

  Since May 1997, the only FCO Minister to have visited Belize is the then Minister of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Manchester, Central (Mr. Lloyd), who visited Belize in February 1998. His programme included official calls on the then Prime Minister, Mr. Manuel Esquivel, the then Foreign Minister, Mr. Dean Barrow, and the then Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Said Musa. My hon. Friend also called on the Department of Corrections, the Youth Enhancement Academy and Hattieville Prison.

  South America
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what inquiries have been made by the British Embassy in Anuncion into the safety and security of documents relating to Operation Condor being held by authorities in Paraguay. [101620]
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  Mr. Battle
  Documents relating to Operation Condor are among the records held by the Centre of Documentation and Archives for the Defence of Human Rights. They are stored on the premises of the Supreme Court of Paraguay. Our Ambassador has spoken to people concerned with their safekeeping, and is not aware of any current threat to the safety and security of the documents.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance his Department is giving to drug eradication projects in(a) Colombia, (b) Ecuador, (c) Bolivia and (d) Peru. [101512]

  Mr. Battle
  The FCO is not providing assistance to drug eradication projects in Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia or Peru. The main focus of FCO counter-drugs assistance in these countries is on interdiction/law enforcement training. We are currently supporting two UN International Drugs Programmes (UNDCP) projects in alternative development for Bolivia and Peru through DFID.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what support and assistance his Department is providing to civic and human rights groups in(a) Colombia, (b) Ecuador, (c) Bolivia and (d) Peru. [101511]

  Mr. Battle
  The information is as follows:

  (a) Columbia: Our Embassy in Bogota maintains close contacts with a range of civic and human rights groups in Colombia. Through the FCO's Conflict Prevention Fund and the Embassy's Small Grants Scheme, we have contributed funds to a number of groups, such as The Citizen's Mandate for Peace, Life and Liberty Project Fund, which encourages debate within civil society. We have also contributed funds towards human rights organisations monitoring the human rights situation in the department of Antioquia (amongst the most violent departments in Colombia). We also provide human rights training to the Colombian Police Force.

  (b) Ecuador: We work closely with a number of independent human rights groups including the Human Rights Permanent Assembly (APDH) and the Latin American Human Rights Association (ALDHU). More than £41,000 has been disbursed from the Human Rights Project Fund this financial year to promote rights awareness in Ecuador. This includes funding for a project being administered by APDH to encourage young people to learn about their human, social, economic and cultural rights and how to promote them. In addition, the British Embassy in Quito are supporting a number of other projects aimed at helping street children, indigenous groups and disadvantaged women.

  (c) Bolivia: £42,500 has been provided this financial year from the Human Rights Project Fund to support the office of the Human Rights Ombudsman. The Ombudsman, Mrs. Ana Maria Romero, paid a successful Foreign and Commonwealth Office Sponsored Visit to the UK in November 1999. The main purpose of her visit was to see how the British Government promote human rights. Our Embassy in La Paz have close contacts with a number of human rights groups in Bolivia including Red Andina, CEDOIN, the Permanent Assembly for Human Rights and AMANACER, a charity which helps street children.

  (d) Peru: We maintain close and regular contact with a number of NGOs and independent human rights groups in Peru including the National Co-ordinator for Human Rights, an umbrella organisation which represents more than 50 NGOs working in the human rights field. We also maintain close contact with both the Ombudsman and the Ad Hoc Commission of Human Rights. In November 1999, the Deputy Ombudsman of Peru, Dr. Gino Costa, paid a successful FCO Sponsored Visit to the UK. He attended a human rights seminar in the House

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  of Lords, and was keen to hear about HMG's policies on human rights, particularly in the context of Northern Ireland. We have provided £61,961 this financial year from the Human Rights Project Fund to assist the Ombudsman and Commission with its work and research. In November, the Department for International Development provided more than £20,000 for an electoral assistance project in Peru. More than £93,000 has been disbursed since April 1999 from HRPF to support projects administered by independent human rights groups.

  Southern Sudan
  Mr. Fraser
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Southern Sudan. [99958]

  Mr. Hain
  We continue to be deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in the Sudan. While our immediate priority is to provide humanitarian assistance, the long-term answer is peace.

  We have long supported the Inter-Governmental Authority on development (IGAD) peace process as the negotiating body most likely to bring about a negotiated and sustainable peace settlement. Recently, as an active member of the IGAD Partners Forum (IPF), we extended our commitment, pledging political and financial support to a permanent secretariat with full-time Special Envoy. This should allow for a sustained and accelerated negotiation to take place.

  After an absence of 11 months, we now have full diplomatic representation in Khartoum. We are therefore in a better position to support the cause of peace in the Sudan.

  Iran
  Ms Perham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on human rights in Iran. [99951]

  Mr. Hain
  There have been a number of significant improvements in Iran's human rights record since President Khatami's election in May 1997. We welcome the Iranian government's commitment to develop an Islamic civil society based on respect for the rule of law. The people of Iran now enjoy significantly greater freedom of expression, despite recent closures of a number of reformist publications, many of which have subsequently reopened under different titles, compared to two years ago. February's local council elections, the first in Iran's history, were also particularly welcome, putting local power in the hands of the people and re-affirming the Iranian people's support for the reform process. There have also been some modest improvements in the situation of women, notably with the appointment of Iran's first four women judges and its first woman Vice-President. Over 50 per cent. of the university intake in Ran is now female.

  However, we and our EU partners have a number of outstanding concerns. We in conjunction with our EU partners co-sponsored the United Nations General Assembly resolution on human rights in Iran adopted on 18 November which again underlined continuing international concern about certain Iranian human rights policies. We remain particularly concerned about the discrimination practised against some religious minorities (notably the Baha'is), the continued detention on espionage charges of a number of Iranians, including
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  13 members of the Iranian Jewish community, the violations of the legal rights of prisoners, and the high number of executions. There is continuing discrimination against women in the courts and society generally. We and our EU partners continue to raise these issues with the Iranian authorities in an effort to improve Iran's human rights record.

TREASURY

  Tobacco Smuggling
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to tackle tobacco smuggling. [101320]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Government will continue to adopt a tough and rigorous approach to detecting, deterring and preventing tobacco smuggling and fraud. In his Pre-Budget Report the Chancellor announced a package of new measures to strengthen Customs' ability to tackle tobacco smuggling and fraud including x-ray scanners and compulsory marking of UK duty paid cigarettes and tobacco, and new offences and penalties for those caught handling or selling unmarked tobacco products.

  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to encourage other EU member states to increase tobacco taxation in order to reduce incentives for bootlegging. [101319]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The European Commission is due to review tobacco taxation in the coming year and to report the outcome to ECOFIN.

  The Government will continue to take every opportunity, in ECOFIN and elsewhere, to seek to influence the Commission and other member states to introduce a duty structure which would reduce the incentive for both legal cross-border shopping and smuggling.

  Tax Investigations
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what appeal procedures are available to taxpayers who believe they are unfairly targeted by Inland Revenue inspectors or subjected to investigation without reasonable grounds for suspicion. [101365]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Any person whose tax return is the subject of an inquiry may appeal to the General Commissioners for a direction that the inquiry should cease. The Commissioners must make such a direction unless there are reasonable grounds for the inquiry to continue. This right is explained in a leaflet which is sent to all taxpayers whose returns are the subject of an inquiry.

  The Inland Revenue may begin an inquiry into a person's tax return without needing to suspect that anything may be wrong. Once an inspector has made sufficient inquiries to satisfy himself that a return is correct, he should end the investigation, and internal guidance and training make this clear. The taxpayer's right of appeal is an additional safeguard.

  The Inland Revenue is committed to treating everyone fairly. However, where a person believes that he is being unfairly targeted, there is a well-established

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  formal complaints procedure. Where the complaint cannot be resolved by the local office or the regional office, it is referred to the Adjudicator, Dame Barbara Mills. Alternatively, a complaint to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration ("the Parliamentary Ombudsman") may be made through a Member of Parliament.

  Free School Meals
  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what component of Disability Working Allowance compensates for non-entitlement to free school meals; [101145]

  (2) what is the estimated value of the amount included in (a). Working Families Tax Credit and (b) Disabled Persons Tax Credit as compensation for non-entitlement to free school meals. [101143]

  Dawn Primarolo
  [holding answers 2 December 1999]: Disability Working Allowance was introduced in 1992 and was broadly based on Family Credit. When the Family Credit scheme was introduced in 1988, provision was made to replace the value of entitlement to free school meals by adding £2.55 a week to each child credit. The total child credit has since been uprated annually by the Rossi index.

  Disabled Persons Tax Credit and Working Families Tax Credit which replaced Disability Working Allowance and Family Credit respectively were introduced on 5 October 1999.

  Duty Free Allowances
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to provide information to travellers at UK ports of entry on the duty free allowances. [101628]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Posters explaining the allowances are displayed at ports of entry. Leaflets setting out the allowances are published by HM Customs and Excise and are freely available.

  Working Families Tax Credit
  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what arrangements his Department has made for information on the Working Families Tax Credit to be displayed and available to the public at(a) health centres, (b) dentists' surgeries, (c) GPs' surgeries, (d) post offices, (e) public libraries and (f) other venues. [101630]

  Dawn Primarolo
  In advance of the start of the advertising campaign, WFTC literature was made available free of charge to 21,000 intermediary organisations throughout the UK and Northern Ireland. As a result of this:4,700 health centres and GP surgeries now display WFTC factsheets.
  Dentists, pharmacists and GP surgeries will also shortly be supplied with posters promoting the 'passporting' benefits of WFTC.
  Main Post Offices display posters and factsheets and in September, in-house television featured WFTC information every 15 minutes. All other post offices display factsheets.
  Up to 450 public libraries now display WFTC leaflets and posters.
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  Jobcentres featured large window posters, and had leaflets, posters and postcards available inside. WFTC information was printed on vacancy cards and appointment slips.
  Public inquiry areas in Inland Revenue offices and Benefits Agency offices display WFTC leaflets and posters.

  Dr. George Turner
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people in North West Norfolk he estimates will benefit from the Working Families Tax Credit; and by how much he estimates each family will on average benefit. [101321]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Reliable estimates for the numbers in receipt of Working Families Tax Credit in North West Norfolk are not available. It is estimated that in 2000–01 for the UK as a whole, the first full year of the Working Families Tax Credit, about 1.4 million families will enjoy the more generous help provided by the new scheme. Families in receipt of the Working Families Tax Credit will receive on average £24 a week more than they would on Family Credit.

  Gold and Currency Reserves
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of the United Kingdom's total gold and currency reserves is now held in euros; what is the total holding of euros; what was their cost; and what is their current market value. [101684]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  Table 2 of the Quarterly Report on UK Official Holdings of Foreign Currency and Gold for the period July to September 1999, published on 2 December provides a breakdown of the size and composition of the United Kingdom's reserve holdings.

  EU Competition Law
  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if UK tax provisions are subject to scrutiny under EU competition law. [101606]

  Dawn Primarolo
  No, provided they do not constitute state aids under Article 87 of the Treaty which has been in existence since 1957.

  Advance Corporation Tax (Charities)
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the additional tax per annum paid by bodies in the charitable sector as a result of the abolition of Advance Corporation Tax credits. [101814]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Charities have paid no additional tax as a result of the withdrawal of payable tax credits on dividends.

  Single Currency
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he plans to encourage private sector firms to intensify their preparations for possible future British membership of the euro. [101811]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  It is up to individual businesses to decide how best to make any changeover if the UK decides to join the single currency. The Government's role is to provide the planning framework. That is why we published the outline national changeover plan in February 1999.
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  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what degree of labour market flexibility(a) within the UK and (b) between the UK and other EU countries would be sufficient to deal with the problems posed by asymmetric shocks were Britain to join the single currency. [101819]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  I refer the right hon. Member to "UK Membership of the single currency, an assessment of the five economic tests", published by the Treasury in October 1997, copies of which are available in the Library.

  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what economic indicators will be used in determining whether his five economic tests for EMU membership have been satisfied. [101818]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  "UK Membership of the single currency, an assessment of the five economic tests", published by the Treasury in October 1997 used a wide range of economic indicators in determining whether the economic case for joining the single currency was clear and unambiguous.

  Community Sports Clubs (Taxation)
  Dr. Palmer
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much tax was paid by community sports clubs in the form of(a) inheritance tax, (b) VAT, (c) capital taxes and (d) income tax in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [101722]

  Dawn Primarolo
  There is no liability for inheritance tax or income tax for the types of organisation that run community sports clubs. Statistics on VAT, capital taxes and corporation tax paid by such clubs are not available.

  Dr. Palmer
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give community sports clubs comparable status to charities as regards exemption from taxes. [101723]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Some sports organisations already qualify as charities and so enjoy the same tax benefits as other charities. In addition, many non-charitable sports clubs are exempt from direct tax on the income they earn from their members and from VAT on their playing members' subscriptions.

  The Charity Commission plans to consult next year on the extent to which sport is a charitable purpose in its own right.

  Credit Unions
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to encourage the establishment and development of credit unions. [101727]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  Two reports were published on 16 November which include moves to boost credit unions. The report by the Credit Unions Taskforce, under the chairmanship of Fred Goodwin, investigated ways in which banks and building societies could help credit unions, and the report by the Policy Action Team looked at ways to improve individual access to financial services.

  There will be a new central services organisation for credit unions to help them to deliver a more consistent and flexible service to members. Improved regulation by the Financial Services Authority will ensure that credit union members enjoy similar protection to savers in banks
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  and building societies. A number of deregulatory measures, including increasing the maximum repayment periods for loans, removing the maximum membership limit and allowing credit unions to charge for ancillary services will also be implemented.

  Climate Change Levy
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate his Department has made of the net outflow of revenue from(a) the North West and (b) the North East of England under his revised proposals for a climate change levy. [101703]

  Mr. Timms
  The climate change levy is designed to be revenue neutral for the private sector as a whole, with all the revenues raised being fully recycled back to business through a cut in employers' National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and additional support for energy efficiency measures. The levy package is also expected to be broadly neutral between manufacturing and services.

  It is not possible to say what the exact impact of the levy on specific regions will be. That will depend on a number of factors, including, for example, the future energy consumption of firms in the region, the level of employment in those firms, the number of energy intensive sectors in the region, what use firms in the region make of electricity generated from 'new' renewable sources of energy and in 'good quality' combined heat and power plants, and the extent to which firms in the region take advantage of the proposed introduction of a system of enhanced capital allowances for energy saving investments.

  Benefits (Newcastle Upon Tyne)
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate how many claimants of Family Credit,(a) with and (b) without child care disregards, there were in the City of Newcastle upon Tyne, what the average estimated value was of each credit payment and child care disregard, in 1997; and how many claimants of Working Family Tax Credit, working families tax credit child care payments, Disabled Persons Tax Credit, and DPTC child care payments there are in Newcastle upon Tyne at present, with the average value of payment in each case. [101845]

  Dawn Primarolo
  As at August 1997 there were 4,300 Family Credit cases within the Newcastle upon Tyne Local Authority district, with an average weekly award of Family Credit of £62.84. The number of cases with allowed child care costs is too small to provide a reliable estimate at this level. Reliable estimates for the numbers in receipt of the Working Families' Tax Credit and Disabled Persons' Tax Credit in Newcastle upon Tyne are not yet available.

  Stakeholder Pensions
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what lower age limit is contained in his proposals on the availability of tax incentives for stakeholder pension plans. [101378]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The joint DSS/Inland Revenue consultation paper "Stakeholder Pensions: The Tax Regime—The Government's Proposals" issued on 16 September did not contain a lower age limit for the
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  availability of stakeholder pensions. We will announce our intentions on all aspects of the stakeholder tax regime when we have considered the responses to the consultation.

  Entertainment Industry
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effect of the provisions of the Financial Services and Markets Bill on the ability of theatres and other arts organisations to raise finances. [101088]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  A further consultation document on the regulation of Financial Promotion under the Bill was published in October. It included proposals aimed at removing unnecessary impediments to raising finance.

  The deadline for responses to this consultation exercise is 28 January 2000. The Government would welcome the views of the theatre and other industries.

  IT Contractors
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact of IR35 on contractors working within the information technology industry. [101089]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Our proposals will ensure that everyone who meets the accepted definition of an employee, whether in the IT industry or elsewhere, will pay tax and National Insurance Contributions on a fair basis.

  Public Service Pensions
  Mrs. Lawrence
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to increase public service pensions from April 2000. [102026]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  Legislation governing public service pensions requires public service pensions to be increased annually by the same percentage as State earnings related pensions (additional pensions). My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security announced on 9 November 1999,Official Report, column 907W, that benefits such as additional pensions will be increased by 1.1 per cent., in line with the annual increase in the Retail Prices Index up to September 1999. Public service pensions will therefore be increased by 1.1 per cent. from 10 April 2000, except those which have been in payment for less than a year, which will receive a pro-rata increase.

  Stock Exchange
  Mrs. Lawrence
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what changes in the arrangements for dissemination of price-sensitive information by officially-listed companies are planned following the proposed transfer of the UK Listing Authority from the London Stock Exchange to the Financial Services Authority. [102027]
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  Miss Melanie Johnson
  Listed companies are currently required under the Listing Rules to submit announcements to the Exchange's Company Announcements Office for distribution to the public through the Regulatory News Service. Although the Listing Rules do allow for simultaneous notification of announcements to other news organisations, we consider it would be inappropriate to retain this requirement other than for a transitional period when, subject to Parliament approving the necessary legislation, the FSA becomes the Competent Authority for listing. I have therefore asked the FSA to undertake a review of the arrangements for the dissemination of price sensitive information by listed companies and to come forward with amendments to the current Listing Rules requirements in this area. The FSA will be launching a consultation exercise with interested parties to devise alternative arrangements.

  Tobacco Duty
  Mrs. Lawrence
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will introduce pack marks on tobacco products to indicate that UK duty has been paid. [102028]

  Mr. Timms
  The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced a pack marking scheme for tobacco products in his Pre-Budget Statement. The scheme will become effective from 1 April 2001.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Pigmeat
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to ensure that consumers can determine the country of origin of pigmeat products at the point of sale through correct labelling. [99048]

  Ms Quin
  We are considering all interested parties on guidance aimed at ensuring that country of origin markings on food labels do not mislead consumers about the true origin of the ingredients that have been used. We also intend to promote changes to European and international rules and advice to ensure that consumers are given accurate information about the true origin of the foods they are buying.

  Poultry
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many poultry birds were being reared in intensive breeding units in England and Wales on 1 November. [99526]

  Ms Quin
  The total number of poultry birds reared for meat production in England and Wales, as reported in the Agricultural Census published 1 November, is shown as follows. There is currently no provision to distinguish between the production methods used.

  As at 1 June 1999

  England

  Broilers

  77,545,000

  Turkeys

  9,100,000

  All other poultry

  4,944,000

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  Figures for 1999 for Wales are not yet available. A provisional total for broilers is 6,650,000. The figures for 1998 are as follows:

  As at 1 June 1998

  Wales

  Broilers

  7,087,300

  Turkeys

  622,000

  All other poultry

  1,834,600

  Meat Labelling
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will ensure that pork imports from countries where standards of animal welfare are lower than in the UK carry information to this effect. [99756]

  Ms Quin
  We are consulting all interested parties on guidance aimed at ensuring that country of origin markings on food labels do not mislead consumers about the true origin of the ingredients that have been used. We also intend to promote changes to European and international labelling rules and advice to ensure that consumers are given accurate information about the true origin of the foods they are buying. This will provide the necessary choice for consumers. In the meantime we will continue to encourage retailers, caterers and public procurement authorities to source their supplies of pork and pork products to British standards.

  Badgers (TB)
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to recommence badger culling in those TB study areas where activity has been suspended. [100273]

  Ms Quin
  We announce the general locations of the culling trial areas and have released such information for the five triplets presently enrolled in the trial. But for reasons of staff safety and landowner privacy operational details, including the precise location and timing of operations, are not publicised.

  Farmers Markets
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent advice he has issued to local authorities with regard to the regulation of farmers markets. [100276]

  Ms Quin
  None, but MAFF officials have held discussions with the National Association of British Market Authorities, who represent local authorities with established markets.

  Tallow
  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the total income received to date from the sale of tallow from rendered carcase material under the over-thirty-month scheme; and what estimate he has made of the income in each year for the expected duration of the scheme. [100826]

  Ms Quin
  It is not possible to predict with any certainty income from the sale of the 200,000 tonnes of Over-Thirty-Month Scheme (OTMS) tallow held in store,526W
  as there are costs associated with its removal from store and transport to the point of destruction. Similar costs do not arise in respect of OTMS renderers burning tallow they produce to fuel their processes, thus replacing oil or gas. To date some 83,000 tonnes of OTMS tallow have been sold to renderers generating an income of around £2.7 million. Contracts exist for the sale to renderers of new production OTMS tallow and this is expected to generate an annual income of over £1 million until the end of the scheme.

  Fisheries
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on(a) the timescale in section 32 of the Cologne Council Conclusions for integrating environmental issues and sustainable development into fisheries matters and (b) current discussions on the discard system. [100997]

  Mr. Morley
  The information is as follows:

  (a) Section 32 of the Cologne European Council Conclusions calls upon the European Commission to report back during 2000 on progress in the integration of environmental issues and sustainable development into fisheries policy. The Government fully supports such integration and will be encouraging the European Commission to meet this commitment.

  (b) Discarding remains a significant concern of the Government. A range of research is placed on the extent of discarding. In addition, we are part funding the collaborative international study by Nautilus Consultants, as referred to in the reply given to the hon. Member on 29 October 1999, Official Report, column 1045W. The new EU technical conservation measures that will become operative from 1 January 2000, are designed to reduce discards. We shall be monitoring their impact.

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the countries of the European Union which are allowed to fish in British fishing waters. [101043]

  Mr. Morley
  Vessels from France, the Republic of Ireland, Germany, Netherlands and Belgium have limited rights to fish within UK six to twelve mile territorial waters. The details of the areas and species for which access is granted are set out in Annexe I of EU Council Regulation 3760/92.

  Beef on the Bone
  Mr. David Stewart
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to lift the ban on beef on the bone. [101072]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 2 December 1999]: I refer my hon. Friend to my right hon. Friend the Minister's oral statement to the House on 30 November 1999, Official Report, column 151. Subject to the outcome of the statutory consultation now underway, and Parliamentary approval of the necessary legislative changes, it is the Government's intention to lift the retail ban on beef-on-the bone with effect from Friday 17 December. A copy of the consultation package is available in the Library of the House.

  Forestry Commission
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the Government's policy on the sale of Forestry Commission forest land. [101370]
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  Mr. Morley
  We have stopped large scale sales of forest land by the Forestry Commission. Our policy is that the Commission may only sell agricultural land, land associated with houses and other buildings, unplantable land and relatively small and isolated blocks of forest land which do not make a significant contribution to its objectives and which are surplus to its requirements. The Commission may also sell areas for development where this is in the public interest. Areas of forest land which are important for public access will not be sold unless an access agreement is in place.

  French Turkeys
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what checks are made on the ingredients in the feed given to turkeys in the principal French production units supplying the British market. [101076]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  [holding answer 2 December 1999]: Checks on feed ingredients to ensure compliance with extensive EC controls are a matter for the French authorities.

  Potatoes
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking to ensure the combating of woody nightshade in areas susceptible to brown rot of potatoes where the watercourses are within internal drainage board areas. [101294]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 6 December 1999]: An exercise is under way to eradicate the bacterium which causes potato brown rot (Ralstonia solanacearum) from watercourses in East Anglia where it is known to occur, by eliminating woody nightshade plants which act as a host for the bacterium. This work is being carried out in conjunction with the Environment Agency, the British Potato Council and, in the Middle Level drainage area, the Middle Level Commissioners. Information on the project has been sent to all growers with water abstraction licences in the areas concerned.

  Animal Welfare
  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will ensure that all imported bacon is labelled so as to indicate if it was raised in accord with UK levels of animal welfare. [100101]

  Ms Quin
  [holding answer 29 November 1999]: We are consulting all interested parties on guidance aimed at ensuring that country of origin markings on food labels including those on bacon, do not mislead consumers about the true origin of the ingredients used. We also intend to promote changes to European and international labelling rules and advice to ensure that consumers are given accurate information about the true origin of the foods they are buying. In the meantime, we will continue to encourage retailers, caterers and public procurement authorities to source their supplies of pork and pork products to British standards.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will strengthen the prohibition on the routine tail-docking of piglets in the proposed new Regulations on the Welfare of Farmed Animals to ensure that tail-docking is carried out only after consideration of 528W
  other methods which might prevent tail-biting, and only on the advice of a veterinary surgeon; and if he will make a statement. [101635]

  Mr. Morley
  This is one suggestion that has been made in response to the consultation on the new Welfare of Fanned Animals Regulations. It is under consideration along with the many other comments received.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he plans to take to press the European Commission to submit to the Council the report and proposals on intensive pig farming required by Article 6 of Council Directive 91/630; and if he will make a statement. [101636]

  Mr. Morley
  We lose no opportunity to remind the Commission of their obligation to bring forward various overdue proposals on animal welfare, including that required by Article 6 of Council Directive 91/630.

  Mr. Baker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he has asked the Farm Animal Welfare Council to review the question of leg problems in broilers; and if he will make a statement; [101632]

  (2) if he will commission an independent study to assess the incidence of leg weakness in the UK broiler chicken flock; and if he will make a statement. [101633]

  Mr. Morley
  The Farm Animal Welfare Council continues to monitor leg health in broiler chickens and is evaluating data on leg health provided by the industry. We shall consider the position when further advice from FAWC is received.

  Agenda 2000
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the implementation of "Agenda 2000: A New Direction for Agriculture". [102025]

  Mr. Nick Brown
  I announced today a package of measures which will radically redirect support for agriculture in fulfilment of pledges made in our manifesto and subsequently. My announcement focused on one particular aspect—the Rural Development Regulation.

  Our decision in implementing options under all of the sectors of the Agenda 2000 reforms of the Common Agricultural Policy will have an important impact upon the future direction of the agricultural industry.

  Beef Regime

  Under the beef regime, we have decided to use the National Envelope to top up payments to suckler cow producers in the year 2000; the position for future years will be reviewed, in particular to consider the possibility of introducing area-based payments on permanent pasture used for low-density beef production in England.

  We will retain the 90-head limit on beef special premium claims and introduce a UK-wide national ceiling against which the need for scale-back will be assessed; both these decisions will be reviewed in the course of the year 2000.

  We have also decided to implement the cut in Suckler Cow Premium quota by reducing producers' holdings of quota on a flat-rate basis (probably at around 4 per cent.); producers who have reduced production below their

  529W
  quota level as a result of participation in an EU-funded extensification scheme or who can show that the imposition of the cut would materially jeopardise the success of a development plan in progress on 1 January 2000 may apply for exemption from this quote-cut.

  We will increase from the year 2000 onwards the milk quota limit for dairy producers claiming Suckler Cow Premium, from 120,000 kilograms to 180,000 kilograms.

  We will apply a less restrictive two-tier model for extensification payments additional to payments under the Beef Special Premium and Suckler Cow Premium Schemes; and assess eligibility for extensification payments on cattle numbers on producers' holdings on six dates each year, notified to producers retrospectively; this method of assessment will be reviewed as and when our cattle database becomes fully operational, when it includes movement details for older animals.

  Dairy regime

  In relation to the dairy regime, we will be extending the quota leasing deadline from 31 December to 31 March with effect from the next quota year. At the same time, the deadline for processing permanent transfers of quota via a lease of land—though not for other transfers—is
  530W
  being advanced to 1 March in order to ensure that the Intervention Board meets its deadline on the levy calculation. There was no widespread support for the other discretionary provisions set out in the consultation papers and these changes will not be implemented.

  Cross-compliance

  CAP reforms agreed in Berlin also gave powers for member states to attach specific environmental conditions to agricultural support payments, if they consider this to be appropriate. Our consultation exercise sought views on whether to introduce such conditions. Some relevant considerations in deciding whether to do so are: comprehensibility to farmers; ease of enforcement; environmental benefit; and extent of additional costs or regulatory burden for the generality of farmers.

  We are still considering the responses to the England consultation on this issue. However, if following this consideration we identified possible cross-compliance measures, we would hold a further consultation exercise on any specific proposals before introducing them. Meanwhile, we will be retaining our existing cross-compliance measures which the UK has applied for some years, namely the current overgrazing condition in our livestock subsidy regimes and the management conditions for set-aside land.

  Openness in the Public Sector: Report
  Openness in the Public Sector: Report
  Asylum Applications Backlog
  Asylum Applications Backlog
  Visiting Ministers, Haslar Prison
  Visiting Ministers, Haslar Prison
  Prisons: Visiting Ministers
  Prisons: Visiting Ministers
  Prison Act 1952 and Human Rights Act 1998
  Prison Act 1952 and Human Rights Act 1998
  Female Genital Mutilation: Prosecutions
  Female Genital Mutilation: Prosecutions
  Early Education Places for Three Year-olds
  Early Education Places for Three Year-olds
  Child Labour: ILO Convention
  Child Labour: ILO Convention
  Residential and Nursing Homes: Standards
  Residential and Nursing Homes: Standards
  Primary Care Trusts
  Primary Care Trusts
  Meat Hygiene Service Inspection Charges
  Meat Hygiene Service Inspection Charges
  Gulf War: Review of Nerve Agent Release at Khamisiyah
  Gulf War: Review of Nerve Agent Release at Khamisiyah
  Tourism Forum
  Tourism Forum
  Tourism and Disabled People
  Tourism and Disabled People
  Internet Travel Bookings
  Internet Travel Bookings
  Rail Freight Regulation
  Rail Freight Regulation
  Electricity from Renewables: Minister's Speech
  Electricity from Renewables: Minister's Speech